It's Christmas week and we seem to have less time to focus on Jesus. Or even spend time with him in prayer. How can that be?

It's not only at Christmas when we squeeze Jesus out of the picture. This week, we're focusing on Jesus in our audio devotionals. Today, the frustration to get some "Jesus time" with kids dominating every minute.

Instead of racing through a five-minute “hello-good bye” with Jesus, how can you make more time for him so you enjoy the relationship?

Jesus understands you’re overwhelmed with raising your kids. Don’t feel guilty when your time with the Lord is inconsistent.

Today, I'll offer solutions so the coming year can be different.

KEY PASSAGE:

Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV)

He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

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

Jesus warns us about building our lives on the sand.

“And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it” (Matthew 7:26-27 ESV).

I picture a sandy foundation made up of things that dissolve or have no substance. Ouch. I don’t want that. What are those things I have to watch out for? Today, we consider three of them in our audio devotional.

KEY PASSAGE:

Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV)

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

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

Several years ago (even though it seems like yesterday), my wife and I were at a crossroads that defined our faith. She was diagnosed with cancer. The word itself can send chills up and down your spine. It stops you in your tracks. It puts life on hold. Fear tried to show up, as it often does when cancer strikes. If you’ve been there, you know what I mean. Join me on today's audio devotional to hear the rest of our story.

KEY PASSAGE:

Hebrews 13:5-6 (NIV)

God has said,

“Never will I leave you;

never will I forsake you.”

So we say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.

What can mere mortals do to me?”

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