Month: April 2019

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).

April 18, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Joy and the Resurrection

Joy and the Resurrection

The resurrection is the most joyful event in history.

Think about the contrast felt by Jesus’ followers. He was crucified on Friday. The hopes that they had for their king to rule were dashed. They were banking on an earthly rule and being rescued from the oppression of Rome. Now their king was dead. Their expectations died with him.

The disciples scattered. Their faith vanished in a day. They didn’t want to be caught as one of Jesus’ followers. Three years of their lives were wasted following a dream. The foolish eleven shamefully faced going back to their jobs.

Then came Easter.

The two Marys were at the tomb and witnessed the supernatural:

“There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.” (Mathew 28:2 NIV)

If that wasn’t astonishing enough, the angel spoke to the women:

“Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” (Matthew 28:5-7 NIV)

The two Marys were the first to experience what all believers have experienced since that day.  Absolute . . . incomprehensible . . . outrageous . . . overflowing . . . JOY!

“So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.” (Matthew 28:8 NIV)

They were filled with joy. Sorrow, depression and hopelessness were chased away by a God-given joy that reigned inside them. 

How long has it been since you’ve taken time to consider the miracle of the resurrection? Not just a passing intellectual acknowledgment, but immersing yourself in the contrasting scenes: the crucifixion and the resurrection. You’ll understand why the two Marys were filled with joy.

That same joy can flood your soul. 

Pull out or click on your Bible. Slowly read through Matthew 27 and 28. View the stark contrast between the dashed hope of the crucifixion and the renewed hope of the resurrection. 

Let God speak to you in this unhurried space. Allow your senses to go to those scenes two thousand years ago. Be wrapped up in the wonderful story of Jesus’ resurrection.

Our joy rests in the truth that we, too, will be resurrected to be with Jesus. Forever. There is no greater blessing we can experience. It transcends any earthly pain we are suffering now.

May your joy be renewed today in such a way that every destructive thought or emotion is chased out of your life . . . just as they were chased out of the followers of Jesus two thousand years ago. Happy Easter!

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

April 12, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Prayer for Your Family

Prayer for Your Family

Oops. I forgot to pray for my wife today. In fact, it’s been several days. And our kids, too. Then there’s our grandkids. I haven’t prayed for them either.

Can you relate to my confession? We forget to pray for our own family members. Don’t beat yourself up over it. You can change that.

When you pray for your family, you’re having a more powerful impact on their lives than perhaps any other person. You probably know them better than anyone else and can pray in detailed ways that others can’t. While their friends pray for the obvious things, you can go to a deeper level with God.

What are some of the deep needs your family members are facing today? If they’re with you in your home, sit down and have a conversation. Find out what they are dealing with. Let them talk freely. You’re not on a mission to get prayer requests. You’re discovering what’s on their heart that can begin to be on your heart in prayer.

Often, we detect prayer needs in casual conversations with family members or simply by observing them. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and how he brings things to your attention.

If you have family members who don’t live with you anymore, give them a call. Catch up with them. Let them know that you’re praying for them. That will encourage them and it could be exactly what they need at the moment.

As you engage in prayer for your family, ask them for updates about those requests from time to time. Of course, if you’re praying for sensitive things you’ve noticed but they haven’t shared, you may not want to ask for an update. Just keep observing and praying.

It helps to write things down so you’re not just praying general prayers. People who came to Jesus for help were very specific about their needs. Be specific in your prayers for your family.

As you pray, your love and care for your family members will grow. You’re investing your time and heart in them. God will bring you closer to them.

One of the ways you can stay consistent is to write their names and requests in a prayer journal, notepad or index card. Or it could be as simple as a list on your phone. Half the battle is remembering. These ways will help.

Your family members have been given to you by God. No matter what quirkiness there may be, or even estrangement, you have the opportunity to bless them through prayer. Watch God change their lives. And yours.

(From my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Incredible Prayer. Available on Amazon.)

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