Life happens and our joy is sucked right out of us. We’re blindsided by getting fired, losing a good friend, receiving a call from our child’s principal’s office, or . . . you fill in the blank.

You might be in that place right now. I hope today's audio devotional can lift you up.

KEY PASSAGE:

Hebrews 4:12-16 (NIV)

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

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

The resurrection is the most joyful event in history.

Think about the contrast felt by Jesus’ followers. He was crucified on Friday. The hopes that they had for their king to rule were dashed. They were banking on an earthly rule and being rescued from the oppression of Rome. Now their king was dead. Their expectations died with him.

The disciples scattered. Their faith vanished in a day. They didn’t want to be caught as one of Jesus’ followers. Three years of their lives were wasted following a dream. The foolish eleven shamefully faced going back to their jobs.

Then came Easter. Let's enter the scene together in today's audio devotional.

KEY PASSAGE:

Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20 (NIV)

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

5The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Then, we go to The Great Commission

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

The journey in the here and now is full of trials and hardships. We can choose to let the hardships capture our senses. Or we can let our minds flash forward to the eternal victory we will experience – thanks to Jesus. Today, we'll dwell on Scriptural truths that will turn your heart from doubt and discouragement to joy.

KEY PASSAGE:

Revelation 19:1-9 (NIV)

After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting:

“Hallelujah!

Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,

for true and just are his judgments.

He has condemned the great prostitute

who corrupted the earth by her adulteries.

He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”

And again they shouted:

“Hallelujah!

The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.”

The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried:

“Amen, Hallelujah!”

Then a voice came from the throne, saying:

“Praise our God,

all you his servants,

you who fear him,

both great and small!”

Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:

“Hallelujah!

For our Lord God Almighty reigns.

Let us rejoice and be glad

and give him glory!

For the wedding of the Lamb has come,

and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean,

was given her to wear.”

(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)

Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”

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

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