retreat

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.

October 12, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Jesus and Rest

Jesus and Rest

Jesus was fully God and fully man. And he chose to rest often. Reading through the Gospels, we see that rest was a habit of Jesus. He commonly practiced rest and prayer together, in all hours of the day or night. Let’s take a look.

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35 NIV)

“But the news about Jesus spread all the more, and great crowds came to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. Yet He frequently withdrew to the wilderness to pray.” (Luke 5:15-16 NIV)

“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.” (Luke 6:12 NIV)

In his time of deepest sorrow, learning that John the Baptist had been beheaded, Jesus got away from the crowds. “When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place.” (Matthew 14:13 NIV)

I don’t get the picture that Jesus ever hurried, even though he was in great demand. He showed up “late” for Lazarus, who died before Jesus came (John 11). The ruler’s daughter has also passed away prior to Jesus’ arrival (Mark 5). Jesus chastised Martha for scurrying around to serve him while, at the same time, applauded Mary for sitting and listening to him (Luke 10).

Jesus’ temperament wasn’t dictated by the sundial. Not only did he habitually take time to get away and pray, it became his way of living. That’s remarkable when you consider the constant pressure he lived with. I’m sure that before he started his public ministry, he had already lived rest for a couple decades. It was natural for him.

Jesus had good reason to skip rest. He was the Savior of the world. Yet, he did rest. He was intentional about it.

If Jesus rested, it should give you the assurance that you can rest, too. Remember, you aren’t the savior of the world. No matter how great the demand is on your life, it doesn’t come close to the demand Jesus lived with. And he rested.

Find your places of escape so you can rest. Have a spot to go at home and when you’re at work. If you have kids running around, your resting place may be in your car. You might need help from your spouse or a friend to watch the kids while you steal away. Jesus had to go to great lengths to be alone.

If we practice rest by getting away like Jesus did, we’ll develop a spirit of rest that stays with us day in and day out.

Where will you retreat to rest today?

(From my upcoming new devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Rest).

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