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CONTENT FOR YOUR SOUL

September 24, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Rest and Devices

Rest and Devices

When it comes to getting rest for our souls these days, has God has left us to our own devices? Actually, I think he wants us to put them to rest so we can rest. Our devices . . . today’s biggest enemy to rest.

We’ve heard the statistics. The average person each day spends over 75 minutes on social media, nearly a half hour texting, 25 minutes on email, 15 minutes playing games, and the rest of the time on calls and apps, for a total of over four hours a day. The biggest time waster used to be TV. Now it’s whatever we want it to be on our phone.

We’ve also heard the health warnings. “The more people use their phone,” Dr. Nancy Cheever, researcher at California State Dominguez Hills, told ABC News, “the more anxious they are about using their phone.”

People are anxious with their devices. It seems like we’re anxious without them, too. When we don’t have our phone with us, we’re afraid we’ll miss a text. We don’t want to be excluded from important information. As a result, we have some sort of device detachment syndrome.

So you don’t think I’m immune to this, I admit I have my phone with me all the time. I check it often for a number of reasons. I don’t do Facebook (it makes me anxious) but I have a plethora of other choices. I must make sure the weather forecast hasn’t changed in the past half hour, my favorite team is still playing tomorrow night, and I haven’t missed any breaking news, and a super-duper urgent text hasn’t escaped my attention.

Once I have all that settled, I’m at peace and can rest. Not quite. Ten minutes later, I have to re-check all those sources. No wonder I can’t rest!

I hope you’re squirming right now. You should be. I should be, too, as I confess my device dependence.

On the count of three, let’s both slide our phones across the floor like we’re a criminal surrendering a Magnum to the police. Ready?

1 . . . 2 . . . 3! Slide that phone across the floor. If you’ve got a second one concealed under your pant leg, slide that one, too.

I know this conversation is humorous, but the reality is not. How much time do we fail to rest because, thanks to our phones, we can’t shut down? We can’t relax! It’s tragic. God is sad. He sees us chasing our tails and beckons us to slow down, pause, stop. And rest.

On some phones, you can see a “screen time” report. How horrible. It shows us, like a mirror, how dependent we are on our devices. Imagine if you spent just 10% of that time resting? Resting with God. It’s like tithing your screen time to God.

Well, now that I’ve got you rattled, I’ll conclude today’s reflection and let you decide what your next step is. I can’t tell you what to do to take back some rest time from your device. But God can.

Slide that phone across the floor and spend the next few minutes consulting with the Lord.

(From my upcoming book. Your Life With God: 30 Days of Rest. Coming in October to Amazon.)

September 17, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Four Encouraging Words

Four Encouraging Words

The waiter sets a rich, chocolate milkshake in front of you and your eyes quickly grow bigger. Then he does what you’ve been dreaming about since you ordered this tasty treat a few minutes ago. He places a towering silver metal cup next to your glass, still almost half full with more of the thick shake. You’re ready to dive into this delicious dessert.

That’s the way I feel when I read Galatians 2:20. It’s as rich and full as any Bible verse can be.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (NIV)

Do you see what’s nestled in the middle of this? Four amazing words. “Christ lives in me.” Can it be true? God himself lives in me? This verse is packed with such good stuff that I can lose sight of this wonderful truth.

I’m hit with the opening words, “I have been crucified with Christ.” And a phrase in the closing statement, “I live by faith in the Son of God.” Those are two extraordinary statements and deserve meditations of their own.

But the best stuff, as far as I’m concerned, is sandwiched in the middle. Christ lives in me! Excuse another dessert reference, but it’s the creamy Oreo center. Sure, I love the outer cookies, but I live for the middle.

Jesus sent his Holy Spirit so he could reside in every believer. It’s beautiful. It’s amazing.

Do you realize the implications of God living in you? Above all, it means that the loving Father, Lord of the Universe — Almighty God — has taken up residence in you.

You’ve got power, strength, might. It’s God’s power. And it’s unlimited, because he is an unlimited God. This power was given to you to live for Christ and to bring glory to him.

You’re holy. Good bye sin, hello purity. God sees you as holy, because Christ lives in you. Even in your struggles with sin, God sees Jesus when he looks at you. The Savior’s shed blood on the cross paid the penalty for your sin and gave you God’s holiness. 

You’re alive. I know you thought you were always alive, but not the way you are when God lives in you. In John 3, Jesus explained to a curious religious leader named Nicodemus about what it means to be “born again.” Nic was totally confused about this concept until Jesus explained the spiritual birth he needed. Once you entered into a relationship with Christ, God began to live in you. He imparted his life to you – a spiritual life you never knew. You’ve become complete in Christ, physically and spiritually.

You have hope. Never, ever is your future hopeless. With God living in you, you are united for eternity and destined for heaven. He will never leave you. He will never forsake you. From now through forever, you will be one with God. In the toughest of times here on earth, know that they are only temporary in light of eternity. Because God lives in you, you have a sure hope that you will spend eternity with him.

There are so many more implications of God living in you, but these four should encourage you and cause you to marvel. You’ve done nothing to gain these things and you can’t do anything to lose them. They are yours because God lives in you through his Holy Spirit.

“This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.” (I John 4:13 NIV)

Thank God that he lives in you. Be encouraged by this wonderful truth. Reflect him to others. And go have a milkshake to cap off your day.

(From my new devotional, Your Life With God: 30 Days of Encouragement, available in Kindle and paperback on Amazon)

August 29, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on The Ultimate Encouragement

The Ultimate Encouragement

We can be encouraged by others. We can be encouraged by God’s blessings. And we can be encouraged when circumstances turn our way. All these things lift our spirits.

But I’ve discovered that there’s one form of encouragement that soars way above all the rest. It’s the encouragement of praising God. Try it when you need a shot in the arm in a season of worry, doubt, staleness or pain. When you’re paralyzed with negative emotions, praising God can wipe them out.

Praise turns sorrow into joy, doubt into faith, worry into peace and dryness into life. When we turn our attention to God and give him praise for who he is, our spirit is flooded with the fulness of his Holy Spirit. He changes us. Our eyes go from inward to upward. Our emotions follow as we cast aside the things that have brought us down and place God front and center.

Praising God is easier than you think. It’s not made up of formal, stiff words. Your loving Father wants to hear your personal, heartfelt praise. In your own style. Whether you shout out or speak to God in the quietness of your heart, the simple words “Praise God!” are transformational.

“Praise God for your faithfulness!”

“Praise God for your holiness!”

“Praise God for your power!”

“Praise God for your love!”

“Praise God for your comfort!”

“Lord, you are holy, worthy, infinite, caring, tender, almighty, sovereign, all-knowing, in control, full of goodness!”

When you begin praising God for who he is, watch out! From deep within, your heart will change. The Lord will lift you out of the valley.

There are times, though, when you may not have the strength to lift up praise to God. Life has you so pounded down that you can’t muster the words. It’s OK. That’s when God speaks for you and with you. Go to the Psalms and read words of praise. Like this one…

“Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, you his servants; praise the name of the Lord. Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised. The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?” (Psalm 113:1-6 NIV)

It’s a great starting place. You can find so many more rich passages on praise with a simple Google search or in your Bible’s concordance.

Lift up your words of praise to God and experience his life-giving encouragement.  

(From my new devotional, Your Life With God: 30 Days of Encouragement. Available from Amazon in Kindle and paperback editions.)


August 22, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on The Encouragement of God’s Love

The Encouragement of God’s Love

This is amazing! He created everything out of nothing. He threw the universe into existence. He caused the sun to rise and set and has done it every day since he set the earth into motion. He created man and every living thing.

And he loves you.

The God of the universe, the Lord and creator of all, loves you. If that isn’t downright shocking, I don’t know what is.

Sometimes I pinch myself to realize this truth. I can wander through my day without ever thinking about his everlasting, sacrificial, deep, unchanging love for me. When I do stop and ponder it, my heart announces, “This is fabulous!”

He loves us so much that, when you and I accepted his gift of salvation, he adopted us into his family. Really? Why you? Why me? Certainly not because we deserved to be adopted, but because he chose us. He chose to shower his love on us as a Father.

Years ago, there I was, ignoring God and living for myself. Out of the blue, he decided to adopt me. He did the same for you.

Be encouraged by these loving benefits as God’s adopted child:

Eternal life. You get to live with him forever. This adoption is permanent.

Acceptance. You don’t have to earn his love, just like your kids don’t have to earn yours.

Forgiveness. Good-bye guilt. Hello peace of mind. When you accepted God’s gift of his Son and confessed your sins, you were forgiven. Forever.

Family. You’re part of the biggest family ever. Every other person who has been adopted by God is your brother and sister. You share some pretty high privileges.

Wise, loving direction. God offers his wisdom to you whenever you need it.

Known. Every hair on your head is numbered by God. He sees you as an individual and knows your every desire and thought.

Care. Like a shepherd cares for his sheep, you’re cared for by God, day and night.

Blessings. Your blessings as a family member are too many to list here. But try these for starters:  peace, hope, inheritance and the Holy Spirit inside you.

Faithfulness. One thing you always can count on is God’s faithfulness. Here’s just one example: “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV)

God isn’t a force far away. He is personal. He is a loving Daddy who is near to you. Take a few minutes and reflect on your encouraging privileges as an adopted child of the Heavenly Father.

(From my new devotional, Your Life With God: 30 Days of Encouragement. Available from Amazon in Kindle and paperback editions.)


August 15, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Encouragement and Our Conqueror

Encouragement and Our Conqueror

Several people around me are either facing severe health issues or have died recently. Even when we know the person is a believer in Jesus Christ and has a destination in heaven, there is sorrow. We hate to see loved ones go through pain. We miss them when they pass.

The world’s view of death, which is centered on loss, can dominate our thinking. “Her time was too soon,” or “He was taken from us too early” are common statements. No doubt, we feel that way when we lose a young person, a child, or someone who has been in our lives for a short time. There’s no denying our feelings.

However, we can be encouraged when we consider what Jesus has to say about death for the believer: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” (John 11:23 NIV) That’s a powerful, clear statement. Yes, we die on earth but live eternally in heaven.

And let’s not grow weary of the Bible’s most popular verse, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 ESV)

Jesus is our path to eternal life. To prove his statement claiming to be the resurrection and the life, Jesus rose from the dead. He walked this earth after the resurrection, seen by thousands.

Paul drove home the resurrection truth to remind the early church, just as we need to be reminded. “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.” (1 Corinthians 1:21-22 NIV)

Jesus has conquered death and he is taking us with him!

It’s alright to miss someone who has passed into eternity with Jesus. You were created to love God and other people, so loss is hard. But, if they know Jesus, you’ll be reunited with them on the other side.

But our hearts should grieve for the person who dies without Christ. That’s tragic.

Let’s be faithful prayer warriors for family members and friends who don’t know Jesus. We should be driven to our knees knowing that, right now, eternal life is not theirs.

My friend, if you know Jesus as your personal Savior, do not fear death. Rejoice that he has conquered death and you’ll find your eternal home with him. That’s your destination. Don’t be distracted by temporal satisfactions that convince you that this world is the best thing you have.

Jesus is your conqueror.  

Reflect on that powerful truth and let it be your encouragement today.

(From my new devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Encouragement. Get it on Amazon in Kindle and paperback editions.)

July 23, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Freedom!

Freedom!

When I managed a Christian radio station several years ago, I had the chance to visit a prison where some of the most notorious criminals were incarcerated. The station had become a favorite of many Christian inmates. One wrote, “It’s the talk of the yard!”

I sat through the rousing chapel service and shared my testimony, which was nowhere near as dramatic as theirs. Many of these men faced a future behind bars – for life. However, what struck me was their intense joy in experiencing Christ’s forgiveness. No matter what their crime, they were free in God’s eyes.

Just like these men, God’s forgiveness should ignite in us that same energized joy and gratitude. Christ’s death on the cross has given you the amazing gift of forgiveness for any and every sin you’ve committed. Jesus has freed you from the penalty of sin. Forgiveness is the key that opens the prison door.

Living in the freedom of forgiveness is something that many believers struggle with. We know we’re forgiven, but we don’t feel like it. We’re still carrying around the weight of guilt. It saps our joy. The Christian life isn’t fresh like it should be.

Why is that?

My friend, the full freedom of forgiveness is not just a state of being. It’s a state of living. The loving forgiveness of God should lead us to turn away from sin that plagues us.

When we don’t turn from our sin, we’re missing the point of forgiveness.

Paul said it this way, “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!” (Romans 6:1-2 NIV) In other words, since God has already forgiven me, aren’t I free to live the way I want to, even if I know it’s not right?

Your forgiven state of being exists because of the work Jesus did on the cross. What an awesome, encouraging reality.

Your forgiven state of living is like diving into the deep end of the pool on a hot day. You’re fully immersed in the refreshment of that cool, reviving water.

Living in forgiveness means consistently turning from self to God. There’s a word for that. Repentance. It’s one of the most freeing experiences you can know. That’s what those inmates knew. Instead of walking into the tight grip of sin, run away from it into the loving arms of Jesus.

Living in the freedom of forgiveness often means taking courageous next steps. These brave actions can finally release you from the chains of guilt that keep you from enjoying a forgiven life. I’m talking about restitution. Is there something you need to do to restore a relationship? It may range from asking forgiveness to repaying a debt or compensating for damages.

Now might be the time to have a heart-to-heart with Jesus. Yes, God’s forgiveness is freedom from the penalty of sin. It takes a load of guilt off your shoulders. But if you want to experience the full freedom of forgiveness in this world, come to Jesus then go to others to keep the slate clean. And your conscience as well.

I can’t think of anything more encouraging than living in total freedom before God and others.

(From my new devotional, Your Life With God: 30 Days of Encouragement. Available on Amazon).

July 13, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Encouragement and Covering

Encouragement and Covering

It was a torrential downpour, but I decided to make a dash from the house to the car. Certainly I couldn’t get too wet in 20 yards. Off I went as fast as I could. In a brisk crosswind, the rain pelted me hard from the left side. What looked like a mere 20 yards seemed like a football field. My clothing was drenched from the rain and my shoes became sopping wet as I splashed through the puddles.

By the time I made it to the car, fumbled for my keys, got the door open and slid in, I was a wet rat. I looked at myself in the mirror, saw my soaked, matted hair and thought, “Nice job you fool.”

An umbrella would have solved the problem but I was sure I’d be fine on my own.

Fast forward to today. I was thinking about all the things on my plate, from projects to people, from deadlines to deliveries. They’ve been mounting up. The drizzle has become a steady rain.

God offers me immediate relief from drizzle, rain or downpours in my life. I discovered that wonderful truth this morning and it changed me.

I took a deep breath and remembered this thing called prayer. Had I really committed all these things to God? Yes, I’d prayed in passing, but I knew I needed God’s covering. Kind of like that umbrella in the downpour. I was working so hard to juggle everything and get it all right that I’d left all those things out of my prayer life.

Just discovering this was an encouragement. I felt safe again and I hadn’t even started praying. I paused and prayed in detail for the rain that was falling around me, confidently trusting God instead of me. And wow! It was like I had struck gold.

God will cover you in all you do when you cover your life in prayer. How cool is it that God will take everything on your plate and deal with it his way? He offers you insight, power, relief, peace, confidence and rest. Yes, he will! He promises.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NIV)

“By prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)

“Casting your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (I Peter 5:7 ESV)

There’s a benefit far greater than personal relief. And it’s this: You’re trusting the Almighty God with these big things on your plate rather than trusting yourself to work it all out.

Can you imagine what will happen when you give it all to God and watch him step in? He’s infinite. You’re finite. He knows everything. You don’t. He’s all-wise. You’re a wise guy. (I couldn’t resist that).

Enjoy God. Walk under his covering as you cover it all in prayer. Experience his encouragement as he bears the burdens for you.

From my new devotional, Your Life With God: 30 Days of Encouragement, releasing in days.

June 26, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Presence

Presence

Never underestimate your presence. I witnessed this truth several times when my wife was sick with cancer.

When the after-effects of the chemo treatments arrived, she spent much of her time quietly resting. Our Lazy Boy chair that became her best friend while our little dog Biscuit kept her company cuddled in her lap.

I remember many times, in the quiet of the afternoon, the doorbell would ring. Someone was bringing a meal or coming to visit. They weren’t sure how my wife was feeling or how long to stay.

Once they walked into the room, Noonie lit up. It was an absolute sudden transition. This quiet, resting woman was a bright, cheerful person. Sometimes she would get out of the chair and begin the hosting role. It was an amazing sight for me.

You see, just showing up can make a person’s day. This doesn’t work for everyone, but it works for many.

People need people. Whether they have a serious disease or they’re lonely and discouraged, stopping by can change your friend’s life. Occasional visitors helped carry my wife through her tough season. We all want to know someone cares.

One of my favorite Bible verses is this: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up.” (I Thessalonians 5:11 ESV) We read it and ask, “How?”

You don’t have to do much. Your presence is the key to it all. Just be there. Show up. Make a call. Send a text. Write an email. Mail a card.

When you walk in the door, you bring Jesus. He lives in you and through you. His Spirit can brighten a heart, comfort the hurting, lift a depressed soul or even turn a life around. God wants to use you.

“You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14 NIV)

Never underestimate your presence.

Who needs your presence today?

(From my upcoming devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Encouragement. Look for it on Amazon).

June 19, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Spontaneous Prayer

Spontaneous Prayer

I got into my car. Instead of listening to the radio or a podcast on my way to work, I chose silence.

It felt good.

Today I was moved to pray while I drove. I’d had a decent prayer time with the Lord earlier, but I felt that something was missing. There was a sense of incompletion. Soon I realized that for the first time this morning, I was really connecting with God.

You might know what I mean. God taps you on your spiritual shoulder and you’re drawn to him to pray. This morning, God brought a lot of people to mind who needed prayer. One by one, I slowly and quietly prayed for them.

He could have moved me in a different direction. I might have spent time releasing burdens to him. Or used the drive to praise him. Or let him examine my heart. That’s happened before.

Today, though, it was prayer for others. And it felt good. I was drawn into their situations and needs. From my heart, I gave them to God. Salvation for some, healing for others. Faith for one person. Clear direction for another. One by one, I lifted their needs to the Lord.

I call this “spontaneous prayer.” We all need it. Our relationship with God can’t be put in a box. When the Lord wants to meet with us, we should respond. It’s an invitation for a rich time of fellowship with him.

Perhaps my prayer time had become too ritualistic. I make it a habit to start the day in prayer and Bible study, but I don’t take that attitude of prayer with me throughout the day. Today was different.

Do you need to break away from your prayer rituals and be more spontaneous?

We are reminded to “pray continually.” (I Thessalonians 5:15 NIV). That’s not a suggestion. It’s a loving command. When we do, we’re connecting with God throughout the day. We’re sensitive to his leading and we come face to face with him more often. We converse with God and dive into our relationship with him.

When I arrived at work, I felt like I had inhaled 100% oxygen. My spirit was refreshed. I was more relaxed. I felt like I had responded to God and had intimately communicated with him. Indeed I had.

Let your prayer life flow into our day. Let the Holy Spirit lead you. Then respond. It doesn’t have to be on a half hour drive to work. It could be on the way to pick up the kids or walking to a meeting. It might be at lunch or in line at the store. God is there, waiting for you to talk with him. This is an important ingredient of incredible prayer. 

(Enjoy a rich, intimate relationship with God. Experience my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Incredible Prayer. Available in Kindle and Paperback formats on Amazon).

June 12, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Faith and Pressure

Faith and Pressure

Jim was an Army officer and was called on to organize a big event for the brass. Generals would be flying in from around the world for the two-day affair. Jim’s reputation was on the line, as well as his chances for promotion. He saw it as a test of his capabilities to lead, and it was a big one.

For months, Jim prepared each element of the event, from travel to the agenda to the ceremonies. He had a tiny team to help him, so it really was his event to make succeed or fail.

Jim was a believer, so this pressure-cooker was also a test of his faith.

When the pressure is on, does your faith kick in? Or is it stifled?

Being overwhelmed can suppress our faith. For instance, when our schedule is unrelenting, it can own us. Our minds race towards the next set of responsibilities and arriving at the next commitment on time.

Christmas season, graduation, special events, a tight schedule or the flurry of family activities apply pressure to our lives. You might be in that zone right now. At times like this, the way we act and respond might not look any different than a non-believer’s response. 

How tragic. Our faith should shine under pressure. As in Jim’s case, we have the opportunity to demonstrate faith in action.

Instead of allowing these things to squeeze us and attack our walk with God, let’s push back with faith.

Your faith is something that grows from the inside out. It’s Christ-centered inner strength. Faith is confidence in God that results in peace from the Holy Spirit. You can’t whip it up under pressure. It develops over time as your relationship with Jesus deepens.

Think of it this way. An eagle forms inside an egg for 35 days. When it has fully developed, this little eaglet pushes out of the egg and into the world. It grows and feeds from the beak of its mother. Then it flies. And soon after, this growing eagle learns to feed itself.

Your eagle-like faith will take more than a few months. But when it matures, it will show itself by how you respond in the overwhelming seasons.

Do you really believe that the situation you’re in is bigger than God? Of course not! Relax and know that God has this. Take a deep breath and get perspective. By faith, give your overwhelming circumstance or burden to God. Trust him to handle whatever is pressuring you.

Experience what Jesus promised, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV)

What an incredible promise for challenging times. Live by faith in the all-powerful, sovereign God. He will give you peace.

Deepen your relationship with Jesus before the pressure arrives. Feed yourself with God’s Word, just like a soaring eagle. Pour your heart out to God in prayer. You’ll be better prepared for the overwhelming times.

(From my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Faith. Available in Kindle and paperback formats on Amazon).


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