Avsnitt
-
Do you want to be a better prayer warrior for your family members in 2025? When you pray for your loved ones, you’re having a more powerful impact on their lives than perhaps any other person. You probably know them better than anyone else and can pray in detailed ways that others can’t. While their friends pray for the obvious things, you can go to a deeper level with God.
Today's audio devotional will kick start your new year. I'll share some practical ways you can faithfully pray for the people closest to you.
KEY PASSAGE:
Colossians 1:9-11 NIV
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.
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]
-
Soon after we moved to North Carolina, Hurricane Florence swept through. It was a rude awakening for us. We had lived through earthquakes in California many years earlier, but hurricanes were new to us. Like any newbies, we ran. We played it safe and evacuated to our kids’ home in Tampa.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Super Typhoon Mangkhut was making its way across Southeast Asia with whopping 180 mph winds, compared to Florence at 130 mph. It narrowly missed Guam, but caused major damage and death in the Philippines, Hong Kong and China.
We contrast these two devastating events in today's audio devotional and learn how we tend to be shortsighted spiritually.
KEY PASSAGE:
Revelation 7:9-12 (NIV)
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:
“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”
All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying:
“Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!”
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]
-
Saknas det avsnitt?
-
In one of the most publicized rescue attempts in recent years, two dozen soccer players were trapped in a cave in Thailand, with waters rising and oxygen diminishing. It was a story that captured the world as we saw daily reports of the daring rescue efforts.
Emergency services were deployed. Thai Navy Seals were called in. The underwater journey was so treacherous that experts calculated it would take 12 hours round trip to get any of the boys out.
Parents waited in agony to be reunited with their children, separated by an impassable barrier of rocks and water. They were helpless. The world was watching. Join me for the full story and then for a look at the greatest rescue in history.
KEY PASSAGE:
Colossians 1:13-14 (NIV)
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
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]
-
Today, all eyes are on baby Jesus, the Father's gift to all mankind. However, as we know, he was much more than a baby.
In our audio Christmas Devotional, we'll consider his identity as "Lord." For me, when I do that, I settle into a spirit of stability and rest. The word “Lord” gives me perspective. Jesus is in control. Everyone and everything report to him. I feel stronger after addressing Jesus as Lord. It’s like hitting “reset” in my mind and spirit. While we don't want to lose sight of his coming to this earth as a baby, let's remember that it is a snapshot.
KEY PASSAGE:
Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV)
Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place, and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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]
-
It's Christmas week and we seem to have less time to focus on Jesus. Or even spend time with him in prayer. How can that be?
It's not only at Christmas when we squeeze Jesus out of the picture. This week, we're focusing on Jesus in our audio devotionals. Today, the frustration to get some "Jesus time" with kids dominating every minute.
Instead of racing through a five-minute “hello-good bye” with Jesus, how can you make more time for him so you enjoy the relationship?
Jesus understands you’re overwhelmed with raising your kids. Don’t feel guilty when your time with the Lord is inconsistent.
Today, I'll offer solutions so the coming year can be different.
KEY PASSAGE:
Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV)
He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
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]
-
Jesus warns us about building our lives on the sand.
“And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it” (Matthew 7:26-27 ESV).
I picture a sandy foundation made up of things that dissolve or have no substance. Ouch. I don’t want that. What are those things I have to watch out for? Today, we consider three of them in our audio devotional.
KEY PASSAGE:
Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV)
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
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]
-
Several years ago (even though it seems like yesterday), my wife and I were at a crossroads that defined our faith. She was diagnosed with cancer. The word itself can send chills up and down your spine. It stops you in your tracks. It puts life on hold. Fear tried to show up, as it often does when cancer strikes. If you’ve been there, you know what I mean. Join me on today's audio devotional to hear the rest of our story.
KEY PASSAGE:
Hebrews 13:5-6 (NIV)
God has said,
“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.”
So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?”
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]
-
Some people have compared faith to a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it gets.
If you read Hebrews 11, you’ll be inspired by the great men and women of great faith. It’s the Hall of Faith, as some have called it. We learn that they didn’t acquire their strong faith instantly, but that their faith muscles were developed over time. God put them through a training program. Today, we'll look at three things God used to build our faith muscle, just as God did for his people in Hebrews 11.
KEY PASSAGE:
Hebrews 11:8-12 (NIV)
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
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]
-
Jesus was the most courageous man I know. He wasn’t forced to go to the cross. He went willingly. He was God and could have vanished from sight. But he was on a mission to save the world.
Jesus went to the cross to forgive. He extended forgiveness to you, me and all of mankind. We didn’t deserve this priceless treasure.
Are you struggling with the courage to forgive someone? Today's audio devotional can help you overcome.
KEY PASSAGE:
Romans 5:6-10 (NIV)
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his 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]
-
In our spiritual life, doubts can shred our courage in the Lord. Look what happened to that guy known as “Doubting Thomas.” He struggled with his faith. He wouldn’t step out courageously for the crucified Savior until he absolutely knew Jesus rose from the dead.
“Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."
You can’t blame Thomas. Rising from the dead wasn’t normal back then, just as it isn’t now. So a little doubt is allowed, right?
If you're dealing with doubts right now, today's audio devotional is for you.
KEY PASSAGE:
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
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]
-
A boxer calls it getting up off the mat. In basketball, it’s rebounding from a tough loss. In baseball, a struggling hitter climbs out of a slump.
Even for the pros, defeat has a way of sapping their courage. They’re human. And just like them, we cower instead of conquer. We shake instead of shine.
How can we have courage when we feel defeated? Let's look at a Bible great, Elijah. God showed up for him when he needed him most.
KEY PASSAGE:
1 Kings 19:11-12 NIV
A great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
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]
-
Jesus turned over the money-changers’ tables in the temple. He was outraged. Broken. Intensely angry. His very Father’s house was being used illegitimately. A disgrace to God.
Sometimes we need to stand up for what is right. We recognize an injustice and do something about it. We don’t need to turn tables over, but we might need to turn things upside down. In today's audio devotional, I share my passion about something close to my heart--and God's
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]
-
The more I know Jesus, the more I want to know him. I discover that he is the Good Shepherd and I get lost in that aspect of my relationship with him. What is it like to have the Good Shepherd lead me into life, like he says he will in John 10:4 and 10:10? “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. I have come that they may have life.” (NIV)
This life that Jesus gives me is full, abundant, meaningful. I want it. I want more of it. It comes as a byproduct of knowing him. There is nothing more rich than knowing Jesus, the Lord of the Universe, the giver of life, the sacrificial Savior. Need I go on with the superlatives describing this amazing Jesus?
Let's dive in deeper in today's audio devotional.
KEY PASSAGE:
John 10:7-14 NIV
Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep."
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 ever had one of those days where you felt out of step? Things just weren’t quite right. You were a little “off,” reacting instead of taking the initiative on things. Overall, you were “blah.” Today, we're going to look at getting back in step.
KEY PASSAGE:
Luke 6:47-49 (NIV)
As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.
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]
-
Our salvation should have a radical impact on our generosity. If the reality of Christ's generous sacrifice makes an imprint on our heart, we will respond with extreme generosity. Today, we'll meet a man who experienced this transformation.
A timely Thanksgiving weekend theme.
KEY PASSAGE:
2 Corinthians 9:11-13 NIV
You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
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]
-
Happy Thanksgiving to my U.S. listeners. Here's a special Thanksgiving devotional that applies to all of us, no matter where we are or what day it is. May God touch your heart.
-
Everywhere I turn, all sorts of things shout at me, beckoning me to invite them into my life. I didn’t think I needed a second home in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains until a full-color brochure landed in my mailbox yesterday. The price was right. The views were beautiful. They said the climate was perfect. I have to admit that I was starting to take the bait.
You get the same invitations, I’m sure. Cars, homes, vacation deals in exotic places. How are we to handle these temptations? We'll explore it together in today's audio devotional.
KEY PASSAGE:
I John 2:15-17 NIV
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
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 ever said this? “When I’m wealthy, I’m going to give away a lot of money to God.”
Generosity doesn’t have to wait until you’re wealthy. In fact, the Bible speaks out against that. The Apostle Paul wrote that a gift “is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have” (2 Corinthians 8:12 ESV). We're going to camp on that concept today in our devotional time today.
KEY PASSAGE:
2 Corinthians 8:9-12 (NIV)
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.
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's plans are often far different than ours. The disciples planned on Jesus to be king. When he was crucified, those plans were dashed. But God had a better plan.
You might feel your plans are dashed. Have you considered that God may have a better plan? Let discuss that today in our audio devotional.
KEY PASSAGE:
Psalm 46:1-3, 8-10 (ESV)
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.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!”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]
-
How do you treat the ones closest to you? Are you patient with them or do you constantly fire orders their way? We’re called to treat others with respect. Remember, Jesus died for them. They are God’s masterpiece whom he loves dearly.
Jesus shows us how to be patient with those we have every reason to put down. We'll explore this touchy topic in our time together today.
KEY PASSAGE:
Luke 7:44-50 NIV
And turning to the woman, He said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give Me water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not greet Me with a kiss, but she has not stopped kissing My feet since I arrived. You did not anoint My head with oil, but she has anointed My feet with perfume. Therefore I tell you, because her many sins have been forgiven, she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
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]
- Visa fler
![Tips on Praying for Your Loved Ones in 2025 [Wednesday, #164]](https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts112/v4/82/9a/de/829adeaf-5424-0e7c-74ab-4e9259a2f071/mza_2696786199013478553.jpeg/80x80bb.jpg)