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 jon@freshfaith247.com

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 jon@freshfaith247.com

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 jon@freshfaith247.com

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 jon@freshfaith247.com

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 jon@freshfaith247.com

Change is hard. We get comfortable with the familiar and become fearful when change shows up.

We can learn from Peter, who went through a change that rocked him to the core of his being.

The Apostle Paul points out, “I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned” (Galatians 2:11 NIV). Sounds serious. Reflecting on all the changes in my life, I’ve never stood condemned in them. Have you?

Peter struggled with moving from a life based on the Law to a new life based on faith alone. He had mastered Law-based living by practicing it for over 20 years.

Let's learn more in today's audio devotional.

KEY PASSAGE:

Psalm 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 jon@freshfaith247.com

How do you start your day?

Eyes open slowly. You reach for your phone to see if you’ve missed anything. Scroll through your Facebook feed to get your perspective on the day. Once that’s settled, you climb out of bed, shower, get dressed and head into the kitchen to see out your day-starting meal. While you’re eating, there’s another social media check, news and of course, the weather.

Now you’re really ready for the day. Or are you? Let me suggest a different way to start your day. We'll take a look in today's audio devotional.

KEY PASSAGE:

Psalm 63:1-8 NIV

You, God, are my God,

earnestly I seek you;

I thirst for you,

my whole being longs for you,

in a dry and parched land

where there is no water.

I have seen you in the sanctuary

and beheld your power and your glory.

Because your love is better than life,

my lips will glorify you.

I will praise you as long as I live,

and in your name I will lift up my hands.

I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;

with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

On my bed I remember you;

I think of you through the watches of the night.

Because you are my help,

I sing in the shadow of your wings.

I cling to you;

your right hand upholds me.

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 jon@freshfaith247.com

We live on the other side of the resurrection, so the Holy Spirit is ours as soon as we believe in Jesus. In our passage from John 7 today, we learn two distinct purposes of the Holy Spirit.

We have life within us. The Holy Spirit gives us the life of God himself. He lives in us. It’s an incomprehensible fact.

Life flows from us. The Holy Spirit wasn’t given to you for selfishness. He flows from you to the world. You have the hope of all hopes, salvation for the world. Reconciliation with God. Purpose here on earth into eternity.

Let dive in deeper in today's interactive audio devotional.

KEY PASSAGE:

John 7:37-39 (NIV)

On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been 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 jon@freshfaith247.com