When you Fast! January 1, 2024 Matthew 6:16-18 says, “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your… Continue Reading
https://youtu.be/kFJKrQcVnnc?feature=shared We talk a lot about finishing well but on this first day of the New Year, beginning well is an important topic. How do you make a good start? What things should you put in place to insure a good beginning? Here are 7 things that we should try to do to begin… Continue Reading
“I’m going to keep preaching this one until you start doing it, then I’ll move on to the next one.” I don’t know if you remember but I preached on this Sunday last year, the Sunday after Christmas. Last year it was January 1. This year, of course, December 31. I preached a message I… Continue Reading
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