It's the day after Christmas. Let's not leave Jesus behind. In today's Christmas Week Audio Devotional, I'll keep Jesus in the forefront, as our Rescuer.

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 jon@freshfaith247.com

Tomorrow, all eyes will be 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 Eve 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 jon@freshfaith247.com

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 jon@freshfaith247.com