Afleveringen

  • Can you imagine what our relationship with God would be like if we closed our mouths and listened? Not for 60 seconds. Or five minutes. How about 15 minutes of silence before God? That sounds so painful! Actually, the opposite is true. It’s one of the most refreshing practices you can develop. Join me today as we think about listening to God.

    KEY PASSAGE:

    Psalm 130:5-7 (NIV)

    I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,

    and in his word I put my hope.

    I wait for the Lord

    more than watchmen wait for the morning,

    more than watchmen wait for the morning.

    Israel, put your hope in the Lord,

    for with the Lord is unfailing love

    and with him is full redemption.

    RESOURCES:

    Take the Free PERSONAL SELF-ASSESSMENT. It only takes 3 minutes. Download it at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

    Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com. 

    Connect with Jon at [email protected]  

     

  • “And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done” (Genesis 2:2 ESV).

    God must have been exhausted after creating the universe, because he took a whole day off. I know that’s an absurd thought, but we can’t ignore the fact that God did rest. And he did it for a reason.

    More on that in today's audio devotional.

    KEY PASSAGE:

    Psalm 42:1-2, 8 (NIV)

    As the deer pants for streams of water,

    so my soul pants for you, my God.

    My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

    When can I go and meet with God?

    By day the Lord directs his love,

    at night his song is with me—

    a prayer to the God of my life.

    RESOURCES:

    Take the Free PERSONAL SELF-ASSESSMENT. It only takes 3 minutes. Download it at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

    Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com. 

    Connect with Jon at [email protected]  

     

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  • How can joy be restored in our lives when we are going through a time of heart-wrenching loss?

    When we lose someone close to us, indescribable emotions take over. Whether a loved one’s death comes slowly or suddenly, the finality of it all has a profound effect on us.

    There’s no formula for restoring joy in our lives in a season of loss. This isn’t a math equation.  The ebb and flow of life isn’t predictable. Join me today as we seek God in our audio devotional.

    KEY PASSAGE:

    Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV

    Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

    RESOURCES:

    Take the Free PERSONAL SELF-ASSESSMENT. It only takes 3 minutes. Download it at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

    Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com. 

    Connect with Jon at [email protected]  

  • They say that laughter has a healing effect on the body. In fact, the Bible tells us, “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” (Proverbs 17:22 NIV) Laughter may even release some happy hormones.

    In any case, laughter is indeed good for the soul. Today, we're going to laugh together--I hope-- in our audio devotional.

    KEY PASSAGE:

    Philippians 4:4-8 NIV

    Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

    Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

    RESOURCES:

    Take the Free PERSONAL SELF-ASSESSMENT. It only takes 3 minutes. Download it at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

    Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com. 

    Connect with Jon at [email protected]  

  • Isolation is one of the most painful conditions a person can be in. I heard a speaker tell the stories of the persecuted believers in one particular country. He reported that the imprisoned believers were beaten, ridiculed and tortured for their faith. However, it was not this treatment that caused them the most pain.

    It was being kept in solitary confinement, apart from any other believers. That’s what really crushed their spirits. 

    Isn’t it ironic that for many Christians in the free world, they choose isolation? Today, we'll see how much we need each other if we want to thrive in our walk with God.

    KEY PASSAGE:

    Hebrews 10:23-25 NIV

    Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

    RESOURCES:

    Take the Free PERSONAL SELF-ASSESSMENT. It only takes 3 minutes. Download it at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

    Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com. 

    Connect with Jon at [email protected]  

  • We call it pride. God calls it sin. We all struggle with it. We see it in others yet we’re blind to it in ourselves. 

    Jesus demonstrated the opposite quality, right up to his final breath on earth. Hanging on a cross, he pronounced about humanity (for whom he was dying), “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34 ESV)

    We often misinterpret Jesus’ intention. These words weren’t only for those who were torturing and ridiculing him. They were for you and me.

    Let's look at this more deeply in today's audio devotional.

    KEY PASSAGE:

    Ephesians 2:1-10 (NIV)

    As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh, and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

    RESOURCES:

    Take the Free PERSONAL SELF-ASSESSMENT. It only takes 3 minutes. Download it at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

    Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com. 

    Connect with Jon at [email protected]  

  • I’m sure you’ve called out someone’s salvation at one time or another. “Jim can’t possibly be a Christian.” “I know Barb’s not a Christian. Look at the way she lives.”

    I understand. I do a bit of salvation analysis at times. And I shouldn’t. I think we will be surprised, when we get to heaven, who is there — and who is not.

    What if we spent more of our time sharing the Gospel instead of judging whether someone is a believer or not? Jesus was great at this. The New Testament has several examples. The woman at the well (John 4), Zacchaeus (Luke 19) and Matthew, who walked out on his profession to follow Jesus (Matthew 2).

    Let's explore this further together today.

    KEY PASSAGE:

    2 Corinthians 5: 14-20

    For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

    So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:  The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.

    RESOURCES:

    Take the Free PERSONAL SELF-ASSESSMENT. It only takes 3 minutes. Download it at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

    Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com. 

    Connect with Jon at [email protected]  

  • Two tables down, a man was talking. But no one was with him. I’m not sure who he was talking to, but it may have been God. He had a pocket New Testament on the table as he dozed off in that corner booth. Before I had a chance to engage in conversation with him, the restaurant manager came by and asked him to leave.

    I watched as the man, probably in his late 20s, slowly walked out of the restaurant with his backpack and Bible. He was probably a homeless military vet, as his New Testament had a camouflage cover.

    I have an out-of-the box question. Do you hear the voice of Jesus? If you say “yes,” you might think I’ll ask you to leave the restaurant. However, if you say “no,” then maybe you’ll feel like something is missing in your relationship with God.

    Let's dig into this further in today's audio devotional.

    KEY PASSAGE:

    2 Timothy 3:14-17 (NIV)

    But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

    RESOURCES:

    Take the Free PERSONAL SELF-ASSESSMENT. It only takes 3 minutes. Download it at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

    Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com. 

    Connect with Jon at [email protected]  

  • Have you woken up recently with some heavy things on your mind? That was the case for me. I wasn’t sure what was pressing in on me. I sat down for my time with God and felt the need to rest in his presence quietly.

    So I did.

    I usually study Scripture and pray through some needs for others and myself. This time it was different, however. Join me as I share more in today's audio devotional.

    KEY PASSAGE:

    Psalm 46-4-11

    There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
    God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
    God will help her when morning dawns.
    The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts.
    The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

    Come, behold the works of the Lord,
    how he has brought desolations on the earth.
    He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the chariots with fire.
    “Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!”
    The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

    RESOURCES:

    Take the Free PERSONAL SELF-ASSESSMENT. It only takes 3 minutes. Download it at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

    Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com. 

    Connect with Jon at [email protected]  

  • Do we pray because we have faith, or do we have faith because we pray? That might be too much of a mind-twister if you’re reading this before your morning coffee.

    Imagine being the father in Mark 9 whose son was demon-possessed. Things were so severe that since childhood the demon had harassed the boy, even throwing him often into the fire. This dad lived in complete horror I’m sure, watching his self-destructive son act out for years. Any bit of faith had to be gone.

    Enter Jesus. Let's explore the rest of the story together.

    KEY PASSAGE:

    Psalm 107:28-31 NIV

    Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.
    He made the storm be still,
    and the waves of the sea were hushed.
    Then they were glad that the waters were quiet,
    and he brought them to their desired haven.
    Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
    for his wondrous works to the children of man!

    RESOURCES:

    Take the Free PERSONAL SELF-ASSESSMENT. It only takes 3 minutes. Download it at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

    Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com. 

    Connect with Jon at [email protected]  

  • Knowing God’s will. It’s something every believer hungers for, especially at critical crossroads of life. You might be in that place right now.

    Whether it’s one of the biggies like career, spouse, location or just the little things of life, we want God to reveal the answer to us. Join me today in our audio devotional to diver deeper.

    KEY PASSAGE:

    Proverbs 3:5-8 NIV

    Trust in the Lord with all your heart

    and lean not on your own understanding;

    in all your ways submit to him,

    and he will make your paths straight.

    Do not be wise in your own eyes;

    fear the Lord and shun evil.

    This will bring health to your body

    and nourishment to your bones.

    RESOURCES:

    Take the Free PERSONAL SELF-ASSESSMENT. It only takes 3 minutes. Download it at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

    Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com. 

    Connect with Jon at [email protected]  

  • This is a world of instant results. However, some things are better with time. Take oatmeal, for example. There’s nothing like slow-cooked, creamy oatmeal. I don’t care for the instant variety.  It tastes a little like sand.

    Our faith is like that. We want the satisfaction of an unshakable faith without the ingredient of time. Slow-cooked faith is the kind that becomes strong.

    Look at the great men and women of faith in the Bible. The famous Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11 speaks of Abraham, Noah, Sarah and other well-known Bible heroes. We'll take a closer look today in our audio devotional.

    KEY PASSAGE:

    James 1:2-3 (ESV)

    Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

    RESOURCES:

    Take the Free PERSONAL SELF-ASSESSMENT. It only takes 3 minutes. Download it at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

    Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com. 

    Connect with Jon at [email protected]  

  • God commands us to love the Lord with all our heart, soul and strength. You know what? He has given his heart, soul and strength for us.

    Picture Jesus on the cross. He’s giving his heart and soul for us. He’s giving all his strength for us. He’s giving himself 100% for us. That’s a picture of what He is continually doing today. I doubt I’ll be asked to love God to the extent that He loved me on the cross . . . and unconditionally loves me today with all his heart, soul and strength. 

    That’s a God I can put my faith in. Let's explore this some more in our audio devotional.

    KEY PASSAGE:

    Romans 8:1-4

    Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

    RESOURCES:

    Take the Free PERSONAL SELF-ASSESSMENT. It only takes 3 minutes. Download it at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

    Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com. 

    Connect with Jon at [email protected]  

  • What’s chipping away at your faith these days? Sure, we can often lean into God when major trials and hardships meet us, but how about when the little things wear us down?

    I often ask myself why I can be a super-spiritual man when it comes to trusting God for the big things, but I’m a wimp in the little things? It comes down to perspective. I can easily lose my eternal perspective when I am riddled by the small stones that chip away at my life. In today's audio devotional, we'll take a look at the solution.

    KEY PASSAGE:

    Matthew 6:25-34 NIV

    “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

    "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

    RESOURCES:

    Take the Free PERSONAL SELF-ASSESSMENT. It only takes 3 minutes. Download it at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

    Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com. 

    Connect with Jon at [email protected]  

  • 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.

    Let's consider this in today's audio devotional.

    KEY PASSAGE:

    Philippians 1:20-25 NIV

    I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith.

    RESOURCES:

    Take the Free PERSONAL SELF-ASSESSMENT. It only takes 3 minutes. Download it at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

    Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com. 

    Connect with Jon at [email protected]  

  • When our heart is broken, there’s only one Person who can comfort our soul. God. Knowing that and experiencing it are two different things. Travelling through Scripture, we find powerful verses on comfort. Read them slowly and let them sink in.

    For example: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3 NIV). We'll reflect on this and others in our time together today.

    KEY PASSAGE:

    Romans 8:26-28 NIV

    In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who i have been called according to his purpose.

    RESOURCES:

    Take the Free PERSONAL SELF-ASSESSMENT. It only takes 3 minutes. Download it at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

    Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com. 

    Connect with Jon at [email protected]  

  • We need to celebrate the next generation and the generation after that. Imparting our presence with godly values rubs off on them. We are the reflection of Jesus to them. Let’s look for ways to love them.

    Our hearts are softened when we read this Bible passage about Jesus and children, “’Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed the.” (Mark 10:14-16 NIV).

    Let's see today how we can be challenged to extend Christ to the next generation.

    KEY PASSAGE:

    Matthew 28:16-20 NIV

    Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

    RESOURCES:

    Take the Free PERSONAL SELF-ASSESSMENT. It only takes 3 minutes. Download it at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

    Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com. 

    Connect with Jon at [email protected]  

     

  • You’ve undoubtedly faced conflict because your Christian values are opposed to culture. It makes you afraid to speak up, doesn’t it? You don’t want to be ridiculed, mocked or seen as intolerant.

    This is the world in which we live. And it’s the world Paul lived in 2,000 years ago. His day was morally destitute, far more than our day. Being a Christian and sharing his faith were dangerous.

    How did Paul handle it? There’s a great passage in Acts that gives us excellent instruction for our day. Join me as we explore together.

    KEY PASSAGE:

     1 Peter 3:15-18 NIV

    But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.

    RESOURCES:

    Download the 21-DAY FRESH FAITH EXPERIENCE at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

    Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com. 

    Connect with Jon at [email protected]  

  • I’ve never heard anyone say they thrive on conflict. Unfortunately, life greets us with this unwanted visitor all the time. It takes a well-conditioned courage muscle to face interpersonal conflict and handle it right.

    To psyche myself up and prepare to deal with a present conflict in my life, I decided to scour the Scriptures for help. Could I find one powerful example to follow? Join me today in my search.

    KEY PASSAGE:

    1 Peter 2:23-25 NIV

    When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

     RESOURCES:

    Download the 21-DAY FRESH FAITH EXPERIENCE at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

    Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com. 

    Connect with Jon at [email protected]  

  • Change is hard. We get comfortable with the familiar and become fearful when change shows up. Lifestyle changes are hard to grapple with. We can learn from Peter, who went through a change that rocked him to the core of his being. Join me in today's audio devotional.

    KEY PASSAGE: 

    Ps 46:1-7 NIV

    God is our refuge and strength,

    an ever-present help in trouble.

    Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way

    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

    though its waters roar and foam

    and the mountains quake with their surging. c

    There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

    the holy place where the Most High dwells.

    God is within her, she will not fall;

    God will help her at break of day.

    Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;

    he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

    The Lord Almighty is with us;

    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

    RESOURCES:

    Download the 21-DAY FRESH FAITH EXPERIENCE at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

    Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com. 

    Connect with Jon at [email protected]