RETREATING WITH GOD

One of the biggest bouts with distractions happens when we spend one on one time with God. Maybe this episode will help you with that. Imagine spending a whole day with God—talk about distractions! Our guest will give us some pointers.

Here’s a resource I have found to be real helpful in my time with the Lord. It’s called Face to Face with Kenneth Boa. A friend gave everyone at her husband’s memorial service this book. He really loved it. And I found I loved it, too. Excellent Scripture-centered daily devotional. But it’s different than most.

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Can you help me out? This is Podcast Review month and I need your review. I want to know what you like or don’t like about FRESH FAITH IN REAL LIFE. So, before this month is out, maybe even now, leave a review of this podcast on your podcast app. By the way, I just made that up about Podcast Review Month. But not about reviewing my podcast. Please do.

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Knowing Christ is the secret to life. Life with a capital L. I firmly believe that. Whatever you’re dealing with,

... lean into Jesus and get to know him more deeply. He’s there for you. My mission in life is to help a million believers know the Christ of the cross. That’s why I spend time each week writing my FRESH BREAD for FRESH FAITH devotionals. I send them out three times a week, pointing readers to Jesus as they start the day.

You’ll get them in your inbox early in the morning. Take 60 seconds and read through it as a springboard to start your day centered on Christ. It’s not a replacement for your quiet time. But it is a way to center on Christ and deal with those things that are robbing you of Life. Sign up for FRESH BREAD for FRESH FAITH.

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FEATURED SEGMENT:

One of the richest spiritual experiences I enjoy is taking a day away with God. I’ve heard others say the same thing.

There’s something special that happens when I have unrushed, often unstructured, time with God. I push away my regular activities and responsibilities to be with Jesus. It’s that simple. Yet, profound at the same time.

While I experience tremendous benefits from my day away with God, it’s not really about me. The day with Him is a time of fellowship and communion at a level that can’t happen any other way. My day away with God is really about Him. And I receive so many benefits.

Our guest today is a brother in Christ who got me started in this habit. It has absolutely changed my life.

This is the first guest who has joined me from Starbuck’s, but these days you can do a podcast from anywhere.

OUR GUEST: When our guest and I met, we discovered that he had pastored a church in the town I grew up in, many years after I had left. Steve Harling is a former pastor who has a passion for missions. He has served on international missions boards, such as with SIM. And he served as President of Reach Beyond.

Steve grew up as an MK, or missionary kid. Throughout his career as a pastor, he always led his church in making the Great Commission a priority, especially taking Christ to unreached people groups. But, despite all the doing, he has learned how to cultivate his relationship with Christ. He’s going to help us to that, too. I think you’ll be fascinated.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

FRESH BREAD for FRESH FAITH Devotional-- Sign up.

FRESH FAITH 24/7 Membership

30-Day Praise Challenge by Becky Harling

Listen Well, Lead Better by Steve and Becky Harling

There’s no doubt about it, our world seems dominated by fear. The war in the Ukraine has us on edge, wondering where this is leading. We see the destruction of entire cities and devastation of human lives. And our hearts go out to those people on the other side of the world.

We thought that when this year began, we might put fear behind us. Covid was on a downturn and life seemed to be coming back to normal. But other things crept in to test us:

Should we fear getting the vaccine?

Should we fear not getting the vaccine?

Gas prices have skyrocketed.

Inflation is soaring.

Mortgage rates are going up.

The supply line is messed up. We can’t get things

The world scene is getting more and more tense. Not just the current war, but the crackdown by other major powers on religious freedom, blocking the internet and cybercrime.

The news shows and channels don’t help us. They feed on fear, so they bring the most graphic images and scenarios to our living rooms and devices.

So the timing is right for our theme this month at FRESH FAITH 24/7. And that theme is COURAGE.

Our guest on this week’s show, Sandi Brown, is an example of courage, and how her courage transformed her relationship with God.

I always thought she was courageous. She’s a leader in her community, in her profession and is recognized nationally as someone who makes things happen. She took a small organization and has built it into a thriving, life-changing ministry. She’ll be the first one to tell you it was God who has done this, because she’s humble.

But while Sandi was courageous on the outside, there was something missing in her relationship with God. And she didn’t figure it out until a couple years ago. Then she went on the most courageous journey she has ever been on. You’ll hear all about it in my interview with her. Sandi Brown has been in the same field I’ve been in, for many years—Christian radio. That’s how we’ve gotten to know each other. But we hadn’t really crossed paths for a few years—until this interview.

She is also the co-author of the book, Healing Out Loud: How to Embrace God's Love When You Don't Like Yourself

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NOTE: Knowing Christ is the secret to life. Life with a capital L. I firmly believe that. Whatever you’re dealing with--

Lean into Jesus and get to know him more deeply.  He’s there for you. My mission in life is to help a million believers know the Christ of the cross. That’s why I spend time each week writing my FRESH BREAD for FRESH FAITH devotionals. I send them out three times a week, pointing readers to Jesus as they start the day.

You’ll get them in your inbox early in the morning. Take 60 seconds and read through it as a springboard to start your day centered on Christ. It’s not a replacement for your quiet time. But it is a way to center on Christ and deal with those things that are robbing you of Life. Sign up for FRESH BREAD for FRESH FAITH .

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

FRESH BREAD for FRESH FAITH

Join FRESH FAITH 24/7. Free trial for 30 days.

Get Sandi's book Healing Out Loud: How to Embrace God's Love When You Don't Like Yourself

TWR Trans World Radio

Suggest guests to Jon

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."  --2 Cor 1:3-4 (NIV)

This week, we’re talking about the delicate issue of when we lose a loved one, and how God fits into our lives.

When my mom died at her young age, it was a tough time during a cold December week in Upstate New York. As usual, it was cloudy. Snow was on the ground and it fell almost every day during our time of mourning.

The stark, gray environment contributed to the mood that filled the air for my family. We were all pained in a big way by the loss of a wonderful woman who had given herself for us. 

I remember how she would squirrel away extra grocery money in one of the drawers. She would send it to me at college to help me out. You can imagine what a $20 bill in the mail meant to a college kid.

Our Guests

Jim and JeanneKay Van Houten are dear friends of ours. My wife and I met them over 20 years ago on a hot, hot day. More on that in the interview. Their son, Jeff, played baseball against our twin sons a few times and that’s how our friendship developed -- even though we lived hundreds of miles away.

Jim is a retired financial planner and Jeanne Kay had a career in education and raising their boys. Their lives were turned upside down nearly two years ago when their son, Jeff, tragically died.

I don’t know if there’s anything more painful than losing a child. I have seen this couple walk through the storm and have witnessed their heartache and pain. But I’ve also seen how their walk with God has flourished.

I wasn’t sure if I should ask them to be on the podcast, and I wasn’t sure if they wanted to. But they said “yes” because they want to help others going through a crisis like this. It was a hard interview, probably the hardest I’ve ever done. When I think of Fresh Faith in Real Life, I think of people like Jim and Jeanne Kay. I’m so grateful they came on the show to share their story and their faith journey with Christ.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Sign up for FRESH BREAD for FRESH FAITH

Join FRESH FAITH 24/7-- Free Trial

Jeff Van Houten article

Corrie ten Boom once said, “Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?”

Ooooh, that might hit home for many of us. We know prayer isn’t just for emergencies, but we can treat it that way. I think we all wish we could have a better prayer life. I know that I do!

On this episode, you’ll meet a guest who will open up the world of prayer to us. I could have talked with him for two hours, but I didn’t. His entire life is different because of a change he made in his prayer life. Brian Russell will pull back the curtain and share how his relationship with Christ has become more intimate, transparent and joyful. I hope we can learn something from him.

Last week, Jamie Moore talked to us about friendship with God. I think this week’s episode is a cousin to that topic. Make sure you listen to episode #18 if you haven’t already.

Billy Graham said something that ties into the Corrie Ten Boom quote: "We are to pray in times of adversity, lest we become faithless and unbelieving. We are to pray in times of prosperity, lest we become boastful and proud. We are to pray in times of danger, lest we become fearful and doubting. We are to pray in times of security, lest we become self-sufficient."

If you have a favorite prayer quote, share it with me and I’ll share it with our audience. My email address is [email protected] 

In our Fresh Bread segment, we’ll see what the Bible has to say about prayer.

NOTE: There’s a great way to kick off your morning prayer session with God, and that’s with my FRESH BREAD FOR FRESH FAITH email devotion. Three times a week, I deliver the sweet aroma of Fresh Bread to your inbox. It’s quick, to the point, and gets you going for your day.

***To get it, just click HERE. This free devo will hit your mailbox early in the morning and will spark your day in prayer and in the Word. It’s a 60-second read that focuses you on the Lord.

About Brian Russell:

Our guest is someone whose relationship with God has been transformed by approaching prayer in a different way. He’s a longtime believer who was missing something in his relationship with Jesus. As he will share, his life came crashing down over a decade ago, and exposed some devastating weaknesses. He knew Christ, but nothing compared to where he is today.

He’ll talk to us about centering prayer. He practiced it and journaled about this for years and then his journal became a book. We’ll talk about that. Something else about Brian—he’s a professor of biblical studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. And you’d think, someone who is teaching in seminary would have it all together when it comes to prayer. Well—Brian is the first to say that he was really missing something. Let’s go on his life journey together.

Centering Prayer Basics:

1. Schedule a time.

2. Choose a duration.

3. Create an atmosphere.

4. Close your eyes.

5. Set your intention.

6. Sit silently and use a Prayer Word to break your cycles of thought.

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After last week’s episode on friendship with God, I received an email from Robbin. She was responding to my story about my best friend growing up. Hers was Debby, and I thought this was really cool:

“After I came to the Lord, I started sharing with her about Jesus. It finally got to a point where she told me to stop talking to her about Him because she didn't want to hear anymore. I continued to pray for her, and nine years later, when Dan and I were in Montana, I got a call from her. She wanted to find me because she heard my dad had passed away and wanted to send condolences and say how much she loved him. But the main reason she wanted to find me was to say, "You were right!" She had come to the Lord and wanted me to know. HALLELUJAH!!!”

Maybe today’s episode triggered something you’d like to share. Join the conversation, as some of our listeners have. I’m easy to reach. Let me know at [email protected]..

FRESH BREAD FOR FRESH FAITH Devotional, delivered 3X/week to your inbox.

Join FRESH FAITH 24/7 and experience the joy of knowing Jesus with other believers who are pursuing him.

Get Brian Russel's book, Centering Prayer. When you buy it, you'll also be supporting the ministry of FRESH FAITH 24/7.

Find out more about Brian and his ministry Deep Dive Spirituality.

Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations Podcast

Our guest this week has become an evangelist for a cause I think every believer needs to consider: Friendship with God.

In fact, it’s so close to his hear that he wrote a book by that title. I gabbed the book after I heard him speak and I finished it in a week. Then, I said, I need to get this guy on the podcast. My listeners need to hear his message.

In the book, writes about how to experience freedom from paralyzing fear, now to live securely in God’s love, how to walk in peace and be present with those around you, and something we dove into more—how to stay relationally connected to God as you read the Bible. We’re all guilty of reading the Bible as a textbook sometimes. But God is in the Bible.

Jamie Moore loves the theology and ministry of AW Tozer. He has a passion to help others grow in deep friendship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He’s also a pastor with a black belt!  I first heard Jamie preach at his church in Cincinnati. Thank you, Stan and Pam Lincoln, for connecting me with Jamie. We had a great conversation. 

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Sign up to get Jon's FRESH BREAD for FRESH FAITH devo delivered 3x a week to your inbox.

Friendship With God by Jamie Moore. (When you purchase using this link, you help support the ministry of this podcast and FRESH FAITH 24/7)

What's your best friend story? Everyone loves a good story, so let Jon know and he might use it in the podcast.

Join FRESH FAITH 24/7.

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Do you need inspiration in the morning? Something to point you to Christ as you start the day? Then sign up for my FRESH BREAD for FRESH FAITH devotional. It’s a quick, 60-second read that will help look to the Word as soon as you pop up out of bed. Or maybe it’s the warm-up for your quiet time. I deliver it to you 3X a week-- Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. . Sign up through the link above or go to www.freshfaith247.com  and click FRESH BREAD in the menu. It’s a ministry of FRESH FAITH 24/7.

The past two weeks, we had a great conversation with Dave and Jan Dravecky. They shared their difficult cancer journey and how God met them in an amazing way. These two episodes are powerful for someone going through cancer. Also, if you are wondering how you can minister to someone with cancer, listen to part 1 of that interview, two weeks ago. One of our listeners wrote to me after she heard it and said, “I loved Dave's "Be there" section. There are times I just don't know what to say to people, but that's great to hear that you just have to be there and let the person vent or just talk with them about other things that are on their hearts.”

So check out the past two episodes.

By the way, if this podcast is having an impact on your life, please hit the share button and let your friends know about FRESH FAITH IN REAL LIFE. You’ll be doing me a big favor—and your friend, too!

But wait—let’s back up and think about friendship. I’ll ask you a question, and shout out the first thought that comes to mind.

Here’s the question: Who was your best friend growing up?

Why is that? Why did that person come right to mind? For a number of reasons I’m sure. I bet you’re smiling as you replay some of the times you had together. I should have a contest for the best friendship story.

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Remember, if you’d like to receive a slice of Fresh Bread from the Word of God 3 days a week, sign up for my FRESH BREAD for FRESH FAITH devotional.

Dave and Jan Dravecky return for part two of an interview on cancer and our relationship with God. In this episode, they discuss one of the biggest things cancer victims face—and that’s fear. Our guests are no different. They went through some of the darkest times and the Lord met them in an amazing way to help them face their fears.

Dave Dravecky was a successful Major League Baseball pitcher whose story gripped the sports world over three decades ago when he came down with cancer in his throwing arm. Amazingly, he recovered from his first bout and returned to the mound. But then it came back, and he had his left arm amputated.

His career came to an end, but as you heard last week, the Lord transformed Dave and Jan. They have been faithfully leading a powerful ministry called Endurance with Dave and Jan Dravecky, helping people around the world who are experiencing pain and suffering, whether it be from cancer or another illness or disease.

You'll also be nourished with Jon's Fresh Bread segment on the topic of patience, something we all need.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Get Fresh Bread delivered 3X a week-- Jon's short devo. Sign up here. It's a 60-second read.

Join FRESH FAITH 24/7. It's free.

Request the free Endurance Gift Box with resources for a cancer patient

Dave and Jan's book Do Not Lose Heart

Jan's book A Joy I'd Never Known

 Other books and resources from Endurance

Recommend guests for the podcast. Contact Jon

Cancer is devastating. Our guests in this episode know it well. Dave Dravecky was a star major league pitcher. His career was suddenly cut short by cancer at the pinnacle. He and his wife, Jan, went through the valley as they battled the physical, emotional and spiritual pain.

Listen as they share how God met them there and led them on a journey to intimacy with Christ. It was a long road. Dave and Jan share how we can know the deep love of Christ if we are battling a painful and traumatic health crisis.

For more than 30 years, Dave and Jan have been providing hope and encouragement to men, women and children who are battling cancer. Their ministry, Endurance, is changing lives. They have many resources to help.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

21 Day Fresh Faith Experience free devotional

Endurance with Dave and Jan Dravecky

Do Not Lose Heart: Meditations of Encouragement and Comfort

What are your favorite Bible verses about comfort? Submit them to Jon to share with listeners.

Join FRESH FAITH 24/7 for Free.

From a food survey to forgiveness, this episode is full of variety. But the main focus is on a topic most of us struggle with -- fasting. Our guest, Tim Epling, gives us hope. He shares how he has developed this habit in his life and how it has made a big difference in his relationship with Christ. According to Tim, if you want intimacy with Jesus, fasting is a must.

Don't worry, Tim doesn't overwhelm us. He talks about the realities of prayer and fasting in is life. His victories and struggles. He provides practical counsel on how we can get started.

Tim is a pioneer, entrepreneur, family man and a pastor. You'll enjoy his story of how God built prayer into his life through the influence of his parents.

Jon Fugler also shares about the life-giving power of forgiveness.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

21-Day Fresh Faith Experience-- download it now

FRESH FAITH 24/7 Free Membership

Ask your questions or make your comments to Jon. 

If you missed these episodes, check them out:

EP 14: The Power of Your Story

EP 12: When Gets our Attention

EP 9: Goodbye Stress, Hello Renewal

EP 4: Clinging to Jesus in Personal Crisis

God is writing a story in your life, one chapter at a time. 

Our guest on this episode shows us how God can use even the most painful life journeys to influence others for the Savior. Mark Kordic has lived in pain for the past two decades, yet he has learned how to cling to Jesus and gain strength from the Lord every day. He has learned the secret of knowing Christ. Be inspired as Mark opens up and communicates his passion for Jesus and how he deals with his pain.

Hear Jon Fugler's short devotional thoughts on "God and the Impossible," as well as the inspiring testimony of Maralina.

You'll also learn how your story can be used by God, too. 

Most importantly, be encouraged towards an intimate walk with Jesus.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

21 Day Fresh Faith Experience free download

Billy Graham Library

Unreached of the Day Podcast

Share your story with Jon at [email protected] 

Join FRESH FAITH 24/7

It's the Olympics and Super Bowl week all rolled into one. Some of the greatest sports achievements have been made here. Reflect with Jon Fugler on a few of the best.

But when it comes to the Christian life, a great performance mindset can destroy your walk with God. Listen as Jon shares some powerful thoughts in his interview on one of America's leading Christian radio stations.

You'll be challenged to examine your relationship with Jesus and how you can overcome obstacles to a life of joy.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

21-Day Fresh Faith Experience free download

SOS Radio

Scott Herrold Podcast

TWR (Trans World Radio)

Team USA Classic Olympic Hockey win

A Third of Us: What it Takes to Reach the Unreached

Submit questions or comments to Jon