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 jon@freshfaith247.com

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 jon@freshfaith247.com

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 jon@freshfaith247.com

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 jon@freshfaith247.com

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 jon@freshfaith247.com

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 jon@freshfaith247.com

What makes you happy? Maybe it’s watching your kids succeed, performing well at work, spending time with friends, going out to dinner. Or like me, watching your team notch a win. But is that really joy?

We seek happiness and that’s ok. But nothing in this world will give lasting happiness. We can chase all sorts of things that give us immediate happiness. This happiness comes and goes.

Let’s go deep today. Let's explore how surrendering to Christ leads to lasting joy.

KEY PASSAGE:

Hebrews 12:1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (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 jon@freshfaith247.com

Today, you'll hear the story of a courageous Christian who is able to surrender to God in the midst of incredible pain. What he has learned will help us in our journey to surrender now-- and when we're in pain. Take a deep breath and ask God to speak to you.

KEY PASSAGE:

Philippians 4:11-13

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (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 jon@freshfaith247.com