Bible

April 23, 2020 Jfuglerwriter 1 Comment

How are You Doing?

When someone asks how we’re doing during the continued lockdown, we might say “fine” but really mean frustrated. As Christians, we’re supposed to keep a stiff upper lip and quote all the right verses, like “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

In reality, we might really feel like saying, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?” (Psalm 43:5 NIV)

As the Corona crisis drags on, God continues to get our attention. If we are feeling discouraged, cold, fearful, anxious or uncertain, it’s the right time to run to Jesus. Pain has a way of showing us our helplessness. We can’t fix ourselves. And this is where we’re living right now.

What does God want to change in your life? Are you willing to let him?

God’s Word is filled with treasures for you at this time. Pour over chapters and passages, seeking God in it all. He’s there. It’s his living Word.

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 NIV)

God might want to do some character surgery on you, working in your soul, spirit, thoughts, attitudes and heart. And that takes time. However, when you emerge, you’ll feel brand new. You will have been pressed on by God himself.

When this season comes to a close, I want to be a different person. I want God to have worked permanent change in my heart through his Word. His living Word. I know I have to spend hours in my Bible for that to happen. It’s my choice.

Have you had a mini-retreat with God since the lockdown began? There are a lot of good things you can do with your time, but none better than being with Jesus and in his Word.

Soon, we will emerge on the other side of the Corona crisis. You still have time to invest in your most important relationship before the rushed life resumes. Don’t miss this opportunity.

I’d love to hear what God is showing or teaching you these days? Comment here or email me at jon@yourlifewithgod.com.

Take time to download my new book so you can maximize your time with God. There are five experiences inside that will help draw you closer to Jesus. Download it at www.GetFreshFaith.com. And share the link with your friends.

April 25, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Joy and the Word

Joy and the Word

Life happens and our joy is sucked right out of us. We’re blindsided by getting fired, losing a good friend, receiving a call from our child’s principal’s office, or . . . you fill in the blank. 

You might be in that place right now.

I understand.

I remember one of my most heart-wrenching moments. I heard about the death of a friend. He was only in his 30s and I learned the details on TV. The shock just killed me. I dropped to my knees in anguish before God and sobbed.

“No, no!” I shouted. “No, no!” Still, to this day, I grieve over the sudden loss of this dear friend.

How can our joy be restored when we are suddenly thrown to the depths?

The same way our joy is restored when we are lackluster, lukewarm or indifferent towards God and life.

I believe the Word of God is our anchor. There is something about his Word that feeds us supernaturally. Jesus said it himself, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4 NIV)

Every single word of Scripture is from the mouth of God. We have a treasure trove of nourishment for our soul. This nourishment builds and restores joy. I can’t explain how it happens, but it does.

How about this truth? Jesus rose from the dead. “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”  (Matthew 28:6) Now that really makes me happy. Not the world’s kind of happiness. Joyful! As only God can produce!

There are thousands of truths in the Bible that are foundational for our joy. I just mentioned one.  Centering on that truth alone will drill deep into your soul and produce a consistent joy.

Whatever has robbed your joy, it’s no match for God’s Word. I encourage you to feed on God’s Word today. Dwell on the truths that will build a deep joy in your life. A joy that will help you cope strongly with your current struggles.

Here are some promises you can read, think about and pray through. Feed your soul. Feed joy.

God’s inseparable love: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39 NIV)

The power of God’s Word to change your life: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 NIV)

God relieves your fear: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

(From my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Day of Joy. Available on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback).

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