RETREATING WITH GOD

We need vision. You and I must have something that inspires us. An inspiring purpose that gets our head and eyes off the plow so we peer into the future.

The farmer who plows sees the towering corn stalks, even though reality is six months away. He’s got huge motivation to get the plowing done – in his air-conditioned John Deere cab. He sees the end, the reward for his present labor. This vision fuels his plowing. Going row by row isn’t an end in itself.

KEY PASSAGE:

Ephesians 2:4-10 (ESV)

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

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 [email protected]  

In our giving to God, we sometimes expect God to honor our generosity by giving back to us. Our eyes are drawn to Luke 6:38 as justification. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (NIV).

Pure generosity expects nothing in return. If we can develop that kind of heart, we are more in line with the heart of God. Let's be challenged today in our time together.

KEY PASSAGE:

Exodus 36:2-7

Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work. They received from Moses all the offerings the Israelites had brought to carry out the work of constructing the sanctuary. And the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. So all the skilled workers who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left what they were doing and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.”

Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: “No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work (NIV).

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 [email protected]  

Ideally, every gift we make to God should be a conscious act. These days, with automatic recurring giving to our church, missionaries, and ministries, we’ve put our giving on autopilot and never get a chance to land the plane. We miss one of the most exciting parts about flying.

I’m not suggesting we go back to the old way of writing checks or putting cash in the offering plate. (However, if you do, hats off to you!)

The point is that we want to make our giving a joyful experience. We want to feel something! Giving to God should never be boring. But many of us have made it that way. We need to practice creative generosity as part of our worship and our relationship with God. Let's think outside the box in today's audio devotional.

KEY PASSAGE:

Philippians 4:15-20

Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen (NIV).

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 [email protected]  

We need more crazy generosity when it comes to giving to God. No holding back. Giving when it seems impossible. He says, Give,” and you say, “Sure!” Let's start the week with this energizing devotional. Get ready for a wild ride.

KEY PASSAGE:

2 Corinthians 9:7-9

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:

“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” (NIV)

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 [email protected]  

Are you attracting people to Jesus or repelling them away from the Savior? The simple act of patience speaks loudly. It says, “I care about you. You’re important. I respect you.” In our selfish world, it stands out. You’re reflecting Jesus to them, which draws them to our Lord. Today, we'll see how Jesus modeled patience in an urgent situation.

KEY PASSAGE:

Luke 8:42-55

As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.

“Who touched me?” Jesus asked.

Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.”

Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”

When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.”

They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. (NIV)

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 [email protected]  

When we're crushed by people, activities, deadlines and an unrelenting schedule, then patience is fleeting. We snap at people and lose our cool. It's time to be alone. With Jesus. Today, we'll look at ways to make it a rich experience.

We'll follow Jesus’ example. He exited the demands of his world and walk into the presence of the Father. 

KEY PASSAGE:

Psalm 46:10-11

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”

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 [email protected]  

Did you know that God wants to use you to be an influencer for his Kingdom in this kingdom? You were knighted “Ambassador of Christ” when you came to know your Savior. What an incredible privilege. Your standing is higher than any ambassador for any nation living in any foreign country.

Knowing this marvelous truth is one thing. Living it out is another. Today, we'll uncover how you can be a consistent ambassador for Christ.

KEY PASSAGE:

Proverbs 15:1-4

A gentle answer turns away wrath,

but a harsh word stirs up anger.

The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,

but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,

keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

The soothing tongue is a tree of life,

but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. (NIV)

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 [email protected]  

Finding peace in Jesus Christ is one thing. Maintaining that peace is another. We can go to bed completely relaxed and wake up in turmoil thinking about the day ahead. Where did the peace escape to? The peace we’re seeking is a peace that endures circumstances, fears and emotional distress. It’s also something consistent, not a peace that comes and goes. It’s the peace of God that transcends all understanding. Let's spend time in that truth in today's audio devotional.

KEY PASSAGE:

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

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 [email protected]  

Imagine being one of the disciples, gathered around Jesus as he spoke those amazing words in an isolated place with just them in his presence. They didn’t know what was ahead, but Jesus did. He knew that they would face persecution when he left, even to the point of death. Hardship, conflict and war for their faith would escalate, taking their lives in the end.

Not until he sent the Holy Spirit to his disciples in Acts 2 could they truly experience a peace deep within their souls. We experience it today! In today's audio devotional, let's consider this unexplainable peace Jesus offers. You might need it right now.

KEY PASSAGE:

John 14:16-17

If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

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 [email protected]  

When we think of soul peace, it’s not always the big things that attack us. The little things mount up and bother us, resulting in discord anxiety.  Alone, they don’t have much effect, but one after another they chip away at our peace. Today, we'll see how we can overcome the enemies of peace and restore God's supernatural peace in our hearts and lives.

KEY VERSE:

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

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 [email protected]