Word

January 10, 2021 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on We Need Encouragement Now

We Need Encouragement Now

When we glanced at 2020 in our rear view mirror, we were thrilled to speed down the road into the new year. But we were jolted with a sad and terrifying scene at our Capitol.

It made me realize that life isn’t dictated by our calendar. We live in a fallen world, with sickness and sin reminding us of our need for a Savior.

If you know Jesus, he is your hope. I was reminded today when reading Revelation 1 that Jesus is “the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.” (v. 5 NIV) Despite what we see around us, Jesus is Lord over death and he is the King of kings. Period. That’s why we can have hope.

Even more, John proclaims in that same verse, “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.” That, my friend, is the greatest reason for hope in these times.

Our senses are flooded with the world’s perspective. We watch the news, read a blog, absorb social media posts, scan our favorite source for information or listen to a podcast. And you know what? Everyone is telling us how we should think.

Let’s toss those sources aside and go straight to the Word of God. Our way of thinking must line up with it. But we must know his Word first.

A good friend of mine is a walking Bible. He knows so many verses by heart and picks them out of the air whenever he needs them. His mind is shaped by the Word of God. Not by the world. I need to follow his example and ingest the Word more seriously. Memorize what God says. Meditate on it. Speak it to myself and others.

“Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

“He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.” (Ps. 1:1-3 ESV)

How refreshing! Not only should I read the Word, meditate on it and speak it, but I should delight in it. That’s the key. When I delight in it, I’m wrapped up in it. It dictates my thinking. I am satisfied by it.

I need a good stream of clean water right now, don’t you? We find it in God’s Word. Fruit and thriving leaves are the result.

Today, let’s absorb the Word of God and find our way of thinking in it.

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).

October 30, 2018 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Faith and Family

Faith and Family

Why do we have the hardest time sharing our faith with family members? We want them to come to know Jesus, but we don’t know quite what to say. Or when a golden opportunity arises, we say the wrong thing. Sometimes, we even create conflict and arguments.

Can I make a suggestion? It’s not what you say. It’s what you do. Show them Jesus.

This blog centers on our life with God. Our faith walk is a result of our relationship with Christ.

If you have a strong, vibrant, fresh relationship with Christ, you’ll show Jesus to the ones you love most. There’s no way around it. They’ll notice the fruit of the Spirit in your life.

It almost always takes a long time for a loved one to come to Christ. You must be willing to endure years as you show them Jesus. Instead of being frustrated with their way of life, be the light of Christ to them. Consistency over a long period of time is the genuine faith they will recognize.

You might not think you’re having an impact at the time, but hang in there. They’ll notice.

Sure, it’s a lot easier to talk about Jesus than it is to show Jesus consistently. Our family members know us best, so they quickly see the sin in our life. They notice hypocrisy.

It comes down to how we’re nurturing ourselves in our relationship with the Lord. Be careful here, because I’m not talking about doing all the right things to be a good Christian. I’m saying that you must feed your faith if you expect to be the light of Christ to your family.

How are you doing with internalizing the Word of God? How’s it going connecting with the Lord in extended times of prayer? Are you being taught the Word in church and/or small group? Are you being mentored in your faith?

This isn’t a list of to do’s. This is a survival list when it comes to your faith.

If the salvation of your unsaved family members is a desire of your heart, begin with your walk with God. Then you’ll show them Jesus.

And at God’s appointed time, they’ll come to you. It may be in a crisis. It could be when they’re searching. Or it may simply be a random discussion on faith.

Prepare yourself by nurturing your relationship with God.

(From my upcoming devotional, Your Life With God: 30 Days of Faith. Releasing January 1).

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