![Facing the #1 Thing That Keeps You from Resting [Wednesday, #170]](https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts112/v4/82/9a/de/829adeaf-5424-0e7c-74ab-4e9259a2f071/mza_2696786199013478553.jpeg/250x250bb.jpg)
Episodit
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Just showing up can make a personâs day. This doesnât work for everyone, but it works for many.
People need people. Whether they have a serious disease or theyâre lonely and discouraged, stopping by can change your friendâs 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: âTherefore encourage one another and build one another upâ (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV).
Let's explore this today.
KEY PASSAGE:
Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV)
âYou are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
âYou are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
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]
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Join me for the Apostle Paulâs harrowing near-death experience on the seas as told in Acts 27 and 28. Paul begins by saying to the soldiers, ââMen, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.ââ (Acts 27:10 NIV)
A few verses later we learn, âBefore very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along.â (Acts 27:14-15 NIV)
It only got worse, as Luke describes in vivid detail.
You might be living through a storm right now. Today's audio devotional will give you the assurance that God is in control. Paul knew it from experience, and so can you.
KEY PASSAGE:
Romans 8:28-30 (NIV)
"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. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified."
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]
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Puuttuva jakso?
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How can you have the courage of the apostles? Not only to represent Jesus, but to simply keep going when life has a strangle-hold on you? When discouragement hits? When resistance and hardship press in from all sides?
Every believer has seasons of strength and weakness, joy and heartache, ease and difficulty. None of us lives each day on the pinnacle of spiritual bliss. Today, we'll learn from Paul, a man who needed incredible courage to keep going. And he shares his secret.
KEY PASSAGE:
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Cor 4:16-18)
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]
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Have you ever prayed for something for several years without seeing results? You faithfully trust God with the person you hope comes to Christ. Or the child that has strayed away from God. Endless financial hardship. Healing. Injustice. Job issues.
Unanswered prayer can wear us out. Thatâs why prayer takes courage. Courage produces persistence. Let's dig into that together today.
KEY PASSAGE:
âSuppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, âFriend, lend me three loaves of bread; a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.â
âAnd suppose the one inside answers, âDonât bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I canât get up and give you anything.â I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.
âSo I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be openedâ (Luke 11:5-10 NIV).
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]
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Samson was once a strong, powerful man, but he was reduced to a helpless weakling when his enemies cut his hair, blinded him and threw him into prison. However, he showed remarkable courage on the day he sacrificed his life for his nation. Although he was blind, he had clear vision. Let's explore that today as we start the week with our new theme: Courage.
KEY PASSAGE:
âBe strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you goâ (Joshua 1:7-9 NIV).
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]
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Is your heart heavy, not believing that God could forgive a certain sin in your life? It might be something from long ago that keeps chewing on your soul. Or it might be something you did just yesterday thatâs crushing you. Or a sin you repeat over and over, with no hope of escape. Whatever it is, even though you read the promise of forgiveness from 1 John 1:9, your heart doesnât believe that promise.
Let's make God's forgiveness real in your life today.
KEY PASSAGE:
1 John 1:8-10
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
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]
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What occupies your heart and mind that has pushed Jesus out? Are you facing a trial? Is a bad relationship gnawing at you? Are you, like me, looking ahead to a season of intense responsibility?
I Peter 5:7 rings in my mind: âCast all your anxieties on him, for he cares for you.â
That's what we're going to do together in today's audio devotional.
KEY PASSAGE:
Matthew 6:25-27
âTherefore 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?
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]
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We need vision. You and I must have something that inspires us. An inspiring purpose that gets our head and eyes off the plow so we peer into the future.
The farmer who plows sees the towering corn stalks, even though reality is six months away. Heâs got huge motivation to get the plowing done â in his air-conditioned John Deere cab. He sees the end, the reward for his present labor. This vision fuels his plowing. Going row by row isnât an end in itself.
KEY PASSAGE:
Ephesians 2:4-10 (ESV)
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christâby grace you have been savedâ and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
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]
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Pure generosity expects nothing in return. If we can develop that kind of heart, we are more in line with the heart of God. Let's be challenged today in our time together.
KEY PASSAGE:
Exodus 36:2-7
Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work. They received from Moses all the offerings the Israelites had brought to carry out the work of constructing the sanctuary. And the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. So all the skilled workers who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left what they were doing and said to Moses, âThe people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.â
Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: âNo man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.â And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work (NIV).
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]
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Giving to God should never be boring. But many of us have made it that way. We need to practice creative generosity as part of our worship and our relationship with God. Let's think outside the box in today's audio devotional.
KEY PASSAGE:
Philippians 4:15-20
Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen (NIV).
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]
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We need more crazy generosity when it comes to giving to God. No holding back. Giving when it seems impossible. He says, Give,â and you say, âSure!â Let's start the week with this energizing devotional. Get ready for a wild ride.
KEY PASSAGE:
2 Corinthians 9:7-9
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:
âThey have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.â (NIV)
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]
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Are you attracting people to Jesus or repelling them away from the Savior? The simple act of patience speaks loudly. It says, âI care about you. Youâre important. I respect you.â In our selfish world, it stands out. Youâre reflecting Jesus to them, which draws them to our Lord. Today, we'll see how Jesus modeled patience in an urgent situation.
KEY PASSAGE:
Luke 8:42-55
As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.
âWho touched me?â Jesus asked.
Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, âDaughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.â
While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. âYour daughter is dead,â he said. âDonât bother the teacher anymore.â
Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, âDonât be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.â
When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the childâs father and mother. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. âStop wailing,â Jesus said. âShe is not dead but asleep.â
They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, âMy child, get up!â Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. (NIV)
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]
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When we're crushed by people, activities, deadlines and an unrelenting schedule, then patience is fleeting. We snap at people and lose our cool. It's time to be alone. With Jesus. Today, we'll look at ways to make it a rich experience.
KEY PASSAGE:
Psalm 46:10-11
He says, âBe still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.â
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]
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Did you know that patience is one of the most powerful resources you have in order to influence others? Youâre called to be a patient ambassador for Jesus Christ. Let's explore that today in our devotional.
KEY PASSAGE:
Proverbs 15:1-4
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,
keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
The soothing tongue is a tree of life,
but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. (NIV)
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]
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Finding peace in Jesus Christ is one thing. Maintaining that peace is another. We can go to bed completely relaxed and wake up in turmoil thinking about the day ahead. Where did the peace escape to? The peace weâre seeking is a peace that endures circumstances, fears and emotional distress. Itâs also something consistent, not a peace that comes and goes. Itâs the peace of God that transcends all understanding. Let's spend time in that truth in today's audio devotional.
KEY PASSAGE:
Philippians 4:6-7
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. (NIV)
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]
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Imagine being one of the disciples, gathered around Jesus as he spoke those amazing words in an isolated place with just them in his presence. They didnât know what was ahead, but Jesus did. He knew that they would face persecution when he left, even to the point of death. Hardship, conflict and war for their faith would escalate, taking their lives in the end.
Not until he sent the Holy Spirit to his disciples in Acts 2 could they truly experience a peace deep within their souls. We experience it today! In today's audio devotional, let's consider this unexplainable peace Jesus offers. You might need it right now.
KEY PASSAGE:
John 14:16-17
If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you foreverâ the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
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]
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When we think of soul peace, itâs not always the big things that attack us. The little things mount up and bother us, resulting in discord anxiety. Alone, they donât have much effect, but one after another they chip away at our peace. Today, we'll see how we can overcome the enemies of peace and restore God's supernatural peace in our hearts and lives.
KEY VERSE:
John 14:27
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.
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]
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What makes you happy? Maybe itâs watching your kids succeed, performing well at work, spending time with friends, going out to dinner. Or like me, watching your team notch a win. But is that really joy? Let's explore how surrendering to Christ leads to lasting joy.
KEY PASSAGE:
Hebrews 12:1-3
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. (NIV)
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]
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Today, you'll hear the story of a courageous Christian who is able to surrender to God in the midst of incredible pain. What he has learned will help us in our journey to surrender now-- and when we're in pain. Take a deep breath and ask God to speak to you.
KEY PASSAGE:
Philippians 4:11-13
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (NIV)
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]
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Living a life of surrender to Christ isnât easy. Itâs agonizing at times. Praise be to God that we surrender to a loving Savior and Heavenly Father. That's what we'll center on today as we start a new devotional theme this week.
KEY PASSAGE;
Matthew 16:24-26
Then Jesus said to his disciples, âWhoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?"
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]
- Näytä enemmän
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