1/1/24 MondayMatters: Beginning Well

1/1/24 MondayMatters: Beginning Well

https://youtu.be/kFJKrQcVnnc?feature=shared   We talk a lot about finishing well but on this first day of the New Year, beginning well is an important topic. How do you make a good start? What things should you put in place to insure a good beginning? Here are 7 things that we should try to do to begin… Continue Reading

10/29/23 MondayMatters: Seek to Serve

10/29/23 MondayMatters: Seek to Serve

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

10/22/23 MondayMatters: The Discipline of Study

10/22/23 MondayMatters: The Discipline of Study

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

10/16/23  MondayMatters: Keep It Simple, Saints

10/16/23 MondayMatters: Keep It Simple, Saints

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

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem” But How?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem” But How?

We begin the discussion of spiritual disciplines in the right place and at just the right time. We are praying for our world and especially the nation of Israel. So, let’s talk about how to pray. https://youtu.be/bMDHyIAagzs?feature=shared Pray conversationally. Pray Biblically. Pray audibly. Pray kinetically. Pray corporately. Use the Lord’s Prayer as a six step… Continue Reading

10/2/23 MondayMatters: Seeing and Being A Means of Grace

10/2/23 MondayMatters: Seeing and Being A Means of Grace

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

8/28/23 MondayMatters: The Hard Truth About Forgiveness

8/28/23 MondayMatters: The Hard Truth About Forgiveness

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