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
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
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
It has become an all too familiar scene but one that never ceases to fill us with amazement; those first responders, seeing the flames or hearing the gunfire, run toward the crisis rather than away from it. We probably first became aware of the phenomena at 9/11 as firefighters and first responders ran up hundreds… Continue Reading
We are given an identity by God. Our job is to discover, develop, and nurture it. And to seek to live in a way that is congruent to the self that God created. Polonius gave this great advice in Hamlet, “To thine own self be true.” https://anchor.fm/drmike-courtney/episodes/42522-To-Thine-Own-Self-e1hksnd/a-a74ltmc 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
I am surprised by the things that surprise me lately. Many months of semi-separation and isolation, a whole week of near snowbound, a winter’s worth of cabin fever, and Doris has finally gone over the edge. Now, you know she is one of the sweetest, kindest, most loving people on the planet. Anyone would say,… Continue Reading
My youngest son, Jacob, for several years was the “frontman” for the house band at Tootsie’s, an iconic honky-tonk in Nashville. The frontman is not necessarily the lead singer. He may not even be the most musical in the band. (Though of course, Jacob was.) The frontman is the guy that has a gift for… Continue Reading