https://youtu.be/srGkk1yBtuI?feature=shared All relationships take work, at least the ones you want to maintain. Here are 7 assumptions to help you make your relationships better. 1. Assume that God is already at work on your relationship 2. Assume that complex problems do not require complex solutions. 3. Assume that there are exceptions and they create hope.… Continue Reading
Today is my sister’s birthday. I am not saying she is old, but she can see it from where she is. 😊 Now that I’ve started the day by making her mad, let’s get to the psalm. It is a psalm of growing old. Verse 9 says, “Do not cast me away when I am… Continue Reading
https://youtu.be/Na6AQntGZuk?feature=shared Are Christians allowed to be assertive? What does it mean to “speak the truth in love”? The issue of being assertive and being Christian always seems to be a difficult task. Christian assertiveness seems like a contradiction in terms. It is not only possible, but probably important for the Christ follower. Here is a… Continue Reading
Hebrews 12:2. “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.“ My friend, Darlene McCarty posted this quote the other day, “A diet changes how you look. A fast changes how you see.” That’s good, isn’t it? Too many of… Continue Reading
I am often caught between trying to be in control, budgeting, planning, goal setting, and being totally surrendered to God with little thought about best practices or next steps. To set goals all on my own is to leave God out of the equation. But to not set goals seems to fail to be a… Continue Reading
https://youtu.be/Vb8pA3OQBvw?feature=shared The discipline of serving changes us like no other. When we realize that our lives are not about us but rather, about Him and them, we begin to experience the “abundant life” that Jesus offered. We serve in three areas. We serve God. We serve people. And we serve the church. In Matthew 25,… Continue Reading
Paul says, “Study to show yourself approved…” (2 Timothy 2:15) Whatever the subject, being intentional about study makes us more proficient, more productive, and more prepared to share our wisdom. Study, specifically study of our faith and the Word of God, improves our walk, informs our talk, and enhances our life in Christ. Here are… Continue Reading
One of the often overlooked disciplines of the spiritual life is the discipline of simplicity. Here are 6 steps to help you choose a more austere, perhaps Christ-centered life in the days ahead. For a daily thought about this and other topics, subscribe at branchesblog.com, or follow on Facebook or Instagram. (Did I say that… Continue Reading
https://youtu.be/Q_bodGHiFmc?feature=shared God gives us disciplines, sacraments, and encounters as opportunities to experience His grace. When we do what He tells us to do we experience what He wants us to experience. We call those things “means of grace.” And interestingly enough, at the same time He very often uses us to be a means… Continue Reading
At the root of most of our “hurts, habits, and hang-ups” is an inability or an unwillingness to forgive. Forgiveness is the cornerstone of healing, recovery, restoration. But it is hard to do. Here are some thoughts that might help move you along the path from unforgiving to forgiveness. Forgiveness is not a license. I… Continue Reading