Like all attitudes, the attitude of gratitude is a choice. I can decide and then practice being thankful. Here are 7 keys to practicing Thanksgiving this holiday season. 1. Decide to be thankful. I Thessalonians 5:18 says it’s God’s will for us and He is not going to command us to do something that we… 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
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
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
Nothing could be more heart breaking, I imagine, than the estrangement of our children. And yet it happens so many time. I meet couples all of the time that are suffering from separation from their children, sometimes without knowing why. The one thing we cannot do is lose hope. Here are some thoughts about God’s… Continue Reading
Here’s a verse taken absolutely out of context but it’s fun nonetheless. Acts 26:2, Paul says, “I think myself happy…”. We can you know, think ourselves happy. This MondayMatters shares some 12 Step wisdom to help you do just that. https://youtu.be/cvQd-BvhalA Continue Reading
How do you connect with your grandkids? How do we talk to the younger generation in general? Here are five things to remember when you are working with the young people in your life. Remember they are people. Remember they have personality. Remember they have parents. (And you are not them.) Remember they are the… Continue Reading