John 15:1-8 holds the secret to living the Christian life. It’s a simple concept that I return to often. These verses are a great reminder of how Jesus intended for us to relate to him.

The passage starts out, “I am the true vine” (John 15:1 ESV). I find these words assuring. Jesus’ statement sets the scene. He shows me the source of life. He’s not just any vine. He’s the true vine.

Today, we'll see what other gems are in this passage.

KEY PASSAGE:

John 15:1-8 (NIV)

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

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 are challenged to compromise our walk with God every day. That’s what spiritual warfare is all about.

It’s not the major compromises that do us in. We can usually resist the urge to steal, kill or hurl insults.

But how about the subtle compromises? We share a prayer request about someone but it’s really gossip; bend the truth but refuse to call it a lie; and justify our anger towards a family member to avoid apologizing.

Jesus dealt with the heart when it came to transgressions. He didn’t let people off the hook. Today, we'll look at what he said.

KEY PASSAGE:

John 14:1-7

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.

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

Rocks are mentioned throughout the Bible, often symbolizing strength, protection and stability. David expressed it this way, “. . . my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield” (2 Samuel 22:3 ESV). He says later in that chapter, “The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be my God, the rock of my salvation” (verse 47).

Jesus is here for you in this world. Are you facing fears, anxiety, uncertainty, instability, the unknown? My friend, your rock is Jesus and he is your shield. He is your stronghold. He is your rescuer. Today's audio devotional is a confidence-builder!

KEY PASSAGES:

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:2 ESV).

“You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation” (Psalm 89:26 ESV.

“Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me!” (Psalm 31:2 ESV).

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

Spontaneous prayer. We all need it. Our relationship with God can’t be put in a box. When the Lord wants to meet with us, we should respond. It’s an invitation for a rich time of fellowship with him.

Do you need to break away from your prayer rituals and be more spontaneous? Today's audio devotional will help you do that.

KEY PASSAGE:

Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

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

Most of us don’t have to go far from our home to see the poor. We’re confronted with poverty at freeway offramps, street corners and sidewalks. Something inside says we should care. At the same time, we’re uncomfortable, so we don’t do anything. Day after day, we face this tension.

The poor are more than those we see locally on the street corners. Sections of entire cities are home to the impoverished.

If we think globally, then our minds picture dirt roads, makeshift homes, undernourished children and villages that have so little.

The Bible commands us to help the poor and needy. Especially the orphans and widows. Today, we'll see how we can be prayer warriors these people, and how it will change our lives.

KEY PASSAGE:

I John 3:16-18 (NIV)

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

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

God tells us to “be holy, because I am holy” (I Peter 1:16 NIV). What a tall order. Sure, we want to be holy, but it seems totally out of reach.

The Bible promises this: “For those he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29 ESV). Do you realize the significance of this promise? You know Jesus as your Savior, right? You will be like Jesus, who was 100% holy. It’s your destiny.

But getting from here to there is the issue. Today, in our audi9o devotional, we will see how prayer plays a key role.

KEY PASSAGE:

Romans 8:28-32 (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.

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all 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 jon@freshfaith247.com

If we know it’s futile, why do we keep worrying? I have a hunch, but I’ll get to that in a minute.

It’s been a problem since the fall of man. It was important enough for Jesus to address it in his day:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes” (Luke 12:22-23 NIV).

I’d say that’s straightforward. Jesus addresses our short sightedness. He sees the big picture, beyond our daily needs. That’s a hint for how to deal with worry.

We'll dig into it more today.

KEY PASSAGE:

Luke 12:22-26, 29-31 (NIV)

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

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

Who was the biggest failure in the New Testament? A person that comes to mind is Peter. This man was an enthusiastic follower of Jesus. He pretty much stated he’d go to the ends of the earth for his Lord.

However, he failed Jesus in his hour of greatest need. As the Savior was going through the suffering leading up to the crucifixion, Peter was asked three times if he was an ally of Jesus. Each time, he denied even knowing him. Peter was a terrible friend that night. He failed Jesus.

How do you feel when you fail Jesus? Depending on how severe the offense, you probably experience a range of emotions.

Today, we'll explore how to climb out of the hole.

KEY PASSAGE:

Galatians 2:20-21 (NIV)

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!

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