I wrote this the day before Thanksgiving a few years ago. It’s not directly connected to our scripture reading for today (Psalm 95 and John 18:33-37) but it is a favorite story of mine and it always comes to mind around this time of the year. I was asked to conduct a funeral the other… Continue Reading
Today we read Psalm 95 and Colossians 1:9-23 My mother used to tell the story of the first visit to our house of the District Superintendent. In the church that I grew up in, and that my Dad pastored in, the DS was about as close to a visit from royalty as you could get.… Continue Reading
Day 8 of 40 Days to Celebrate the King This week for our scripture: everyday read Psalm 95 Monday Matthew 3 Tuesday Colossians 1:9-23 Wednesday John 18:33-37 (yes, again 😊) Thursday Isaiah 43:1-21 Friday Hebrews 10:11-25 Saturday Zephaniah 3:14-20 This is the last week of the Church year. Sunday, November 28th is the first Sunday… Continue Reading
Day 5 of 40 Days to Celebrate the King Psalm 44 and I Corinthians 15:1-28 On this day, 44 years ago, I made the second smartest decision I have ever made. Well, actually I followed through on the second smartest decision. I made the decision 6 months earlier when I asked Doris to marry me,… Continue Reading
Day 4 of 40 Days to Celebrate the King: Untying a Colt Today we read Psalm 44 again and Luke 19:22-40 You may not be used to following the Liturgical Calendar Readings and The Book of Common Prayer. Usually, there is a suggested Psalm that is read for an entire week. Something happens in my… Continue Reading
Day 3 of 40 Days to Celebrate the King: Allegiance to Another King (To get a daily email from this 40 Days study, go to branchesblog.com and enter your email address.) Reading for today, Psalm 44, Acts 17:1-9 There’s a DNA strain that runs through my family. Some may say it has affected me… Continue Reading
Day 2. Today’s reading is Psalm 44 and Luke 8:22-56 There is a wonderful praise song that we love that talks about “the God of angel armies.” Imagine in your darkest and most difficult hour the heavenly host of celestial beings all coming at God’s command to surround and protect you. I can get fired… Continue Reading
We are starting a 40-day adventure. If you are wondering what that is, here is a link to my Facebook page and the video that explains it all. (I think) https://www.facebook.com/mikecourtney716 If you have already watched that PLEASE don’t watch it again. 🙂 Be blessed! Continue Reading
My friend Sarah had a fishing show. It was called, catchy enough, Hooked On Jesus. I was her pastor so it seemed right that she would invite me to be a guest on her show. We went out early one Thursday morning to Percy Priest Lake, two boats, Sarah, her husband Chris, and me in… Continue Reading
Consider taking the 40 Days before Christmas to intentionally focus on the Coming King and on growing deeper in your faith. I invite you to an online devotional time starting tomorrow and ending on Christmas Eve. It is as easy as 1, 2, 3. 1. We will do 1 thing together for the 40 days,… Continue Reading