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
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
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
Change just happens. Whether we like it or not it comes. To be alive is to experience change. So how do we handle that? How do we keep a good attitude when the world around us is changing? Here are 5 simple steps that will help you deal with change. (And speaking of change, I’m… Continue Reading
5/8/23 MondayMatters: Testimony. Perhaps the most important words that will ever come out of my mouth is my testimony. When it is done right; centered on Christ, current, all about change, it has the power to change lives for generations to come. Here’s a quick testimony about testimonies. #MondayMatters #takeaminutemakeadifference https://youtu.be/iHFmeGTwzHY Continue Reading
It seems we have lost the value of and appreciation for self-discipline. We want it now. We feel we are owed something. We don’t want to sweat. But there is grea power in regaining the art of discipline. https://youtu.be/p5FbE7-3D6Y Also, here’s an invite to the upcoming couples conference. Continue Reading
Just as we are making the final arrangements to be ready to celebrate Christmas, so we can be thinking about the preparations we need to make to create a better, stronger, more joyful walk with God is 2023 than we have ever known before. Today we talk about the things we need to do to… Continue Reading