Category Archives: Mike’s Blog

4/29/24 MondayMatters: Seasons of Life

4/29/24 MondayMatters: Seasons of Life

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https://youtu.be/e4d40ytW8g4?feature=shared

“There is a time for all things. Everything has a season.” The writer of the Wisdom Book was talking about more than summer and fall. Perhaps one of the most important adjustments in life is the recognition that we are constantly transitioning from one season to the next. Here are some thoughts about that and some steps to make it easier. For a transcript go to www.branchesblog.com and each day follow @cmichaelcourtney on Facebook or Instagram for a follow-up thought.

Five Thoughts About Seasons:

  1. Seasons are inevitable. Genesis 8:22
  2. Seasons are intentional. Ecclesiastes 3:1
  3. Seasons are instructional. Philippians 3:13
  4. Seasons are inspirational. Matthew 24:32
  5. Seasons are enjoyable. Ecclesiastes 3:11

So, how do you navigate the seasons of life?

Make the Most of every season of life.

Stay in the Season, not longing for the past or anticipating the future.

Look for the Lesson of each season. God has one for you.

Cherish the Connections of each season. They are all different and each more precious.

Give the season to God.

4/22/24 MondayMatters: Surprised By Shame

4/22/24 MondayMatters: Surprised By Shame

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Have you ever been surprised, shocked or sandbagged by some negative thought, some moment of discouragement, depression, or fear that just nearly overwhelmed you? Maybe it was anxiety, maybe obsessive thoughts about hurt, maybe shame; those thoughts that the devil will use to defeat us. They come like a thief, to steal, kill, and destroy.… Continue Reading

4/8/24 MondayMatters: The Problem with the Mountaintop

4/8/24 MondayMatters: The Problem with the Mountaintop

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  https://youtu.be/8bhDR60WsuA?feature=shared Mountaintop experiences are great. We need them every once in an awhile to regroup, refresh, and revive. But we are called to live there. God does His best work in us and with us while we are in the valley. Look at 1 Kings 18:16-46 When I focus in the emotional high I… Continue Reading

Divide and Conquer

Divide and Conquer

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Divide and Conquer (warning, may be my longest blog ever.)  2 Chronicles 20:15 — “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”  I had a conversation with a young mother on Easter Sunday morning. She was distraught. Her baby was very sick, but her… Continue Reading

3/19/24 Lent Psalm 85 Cherished Terms

3/19/24 Lent Psalm 85 Cherished Terms

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3/19/24 Lent Psalm 85 Cherished Terms  Many years ago, Richard Parrot wrote a fascinating paper on Cherished Terms. He said there are certain terms in every discipline, but particularly in the church, that have a special relationship with that body of people. They are words that have a meaning, apart from the definition, steeped in… Continue Reading

3/13/24 Lent Psalm 79 IFTTT

3/13/24 Lent Psalm 79 IFTTT

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3/13/24 Lent Psalm 79 IFTTT  The history of the children of Israel has always been an “If this then that” relationship. God designed it that way, at least from His side. “If you keep my commandments, you will be blessed.” “If you call on my Name I will answer.” “If you bow down before Me,… Continue Reading