4 Ways to Grow Spiritually
God offers everyone a full and satisfying life, but not everyone embraces it. We’ve found that many struggle with difficult life experiences, which create obstacles…
God offers everyone a full and satisfying life, but not everyone embraces it. We’ve found that many struggle with difficult life experiences, which create obstacles…
What if you believed that being a disciple of Jesus and making disciples for Jesus were important priorities of your Christian life? How might you…
One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net…
Have you ever heard these words, “You have an assignment to complete”? Depending on who said these words to you – a work supervisor, a…
Who do you follow? Culturally, the word “follower” is used with social media to identify those individuals who follow (or subscribe to) another person’s social…
Courage For Life is passionate about sharing the love of Jesus with those who are incarcerated. We believe that every person is created with a…
Standing strong in your faith can be challenging, especially in a culture that may not always support or understand your beliefs. But I want to…
Why would you share your faith in Jesus with another person? No really, pause for a moment and consider why you would share your faith…
In July 2016, a double Jeopardy question worth $2,000 stumped all three contestants. Here was the answer: “It’s not saying you’re sorry, it’s the branch…
With Easter fast approaching, we would like to share with you some great resources that can help you explore the meaning of Easter and celebrate…
Have you ever said, “I just want to be free” or experience “freedom”? If you have ever thought you wanted freedom in this life, God…
What if you wanted to follow Jesus by modeling a life of selfless service? What does selfless service look like in everyday life? In Matthew…
What are some ways people try to earn or grow their greatness? Or, when someone is called an influencer, what did they do to earn…
Fear is one of the greatest enemies of the abundant life God offers. Embracing the courage to take the next best step toward the life…
Prayer is communication with God. Prayer is how you can remain connected to God and grow in your relationship with Him. Prayer is about being…
Our Father, who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give…
What do you know about prayer? Do you believe prayer is accessible to you? Would you consider prayer as important to your spiritual growth? Why?…
God’s love is a topic that has been explored and discussed for centuries. Yet it is still as relevant now as ever. The overuse of…
Have you ever asked yourself what type of Bible study you enjoy most? There are many Bible study techniques and methods. Sometimes pastors and Bible…
Studying the Bible is one of the most critical aspects of our spiritual growth. Check out this verse from 2 Timothy 3:16-17. All Scripture is…
Have you ever wanted to grow in your relationship with God but felt like you lacked something? Maybe you felt like you needed more awareness of…
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 (NASB) All we have to do is turn…
The last few years have been rough on all of us. A pandemic brought our lives to a standstill, war continues to inflict violence on…
I recently had the privilege of hosting our Courage For My Life training for 27 incarcerated men. Some of the men are incarcerated for life.…
When people are asked what they want in life, to be happy is a popular answer. Some would even say, “I deserve to be happy.”…
When Christians pray, their time is an investment into the eternal. Prayer walking is a technique to incorporate more prayer into our lives. We pray…
Do you want to incorporate more prayer into your life? Do you want to cover your loved ones or your workspace in prayer? If so,…
Have you decided to begin studying your Bible? Perhaps it’s a resolution of sorts, an attempt at reviving an old desire, or some other reason.…
What comes to mind when I mention the following stories? The Boy Who Cried Wolf The Tortoise and the Hare The Little Engine That Could…
Each spring, I referee Upward Basketball. Who wouldn’t want to give up their Saturdays to have coaches, parents, spectators, and players yell at you? And…
John Newton, the author of one of the most beloved Christian hymns, confessed, “Amazing grace, How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!…
For a long season, I was incapable of genuinely giving grace to others. While I found it increasingly easy to share God’s message of unconditional…
Did you know that Bible users ages 18 to 25 would rather interact with the Bible digitally than in print? Check out this quote from…
Has anyone ever told you that God loves you? Have you ever read the Bible and discovered the Bible says, “God loves you.” Hearing others…
Everyone has a picture of God in their mind. What’s yours? Having spent over four decades in vocational ministry has given me a multitude of…
What is love? How would you describe it? From the beginning of time, human beings have tried to explain the concept of love. Tragically, we…
It’s difficult not to have courage when we fully grasp how deep God’s love is for us. As the Bible says, “If God is for…
Christians hold the Old Testament to be part of their sacred scriptures, but where did it come from? Who wrote it? How was it all…
How did we get the New Testament? Christians believe the New Testament is part of their sacred scriptures, but where did it come from? Who…
Why do some Christian denominations have more books in their Bibles than others? Is it just a personal preference? The books included in Bibles are…
I lived overseas for several years. One day a local friend came to the apartment for a visit. During the visit she noticed my Bible…
If an object is described as old, we may get the impression that it is outdated, used up, or no longer needed, especially if a…
When I was young, I remember hearing adults say there are two constants in life: death and taxes. They never said it lovingly but rather…
Have you ever felt dissatisfied with your life? Perhaps you were frustrated and thought… If I only had just a little bit more money, ……
Our past can really complicate our present—if we let it. Sadly, we can’t change our past, but we can work to identify how and why…
Courage For Life creates emotional health, spiritual growth, and Bible study resources with the expectation of obedience to Jesus’ teachings. David Guzik notes, “In the…
In the United States criminal justice system, there are around two million offenders incarcerated in federal, state, local, and tribal systems at any time. According…
Suppose I told you that the sun will rise in the west tomorrow. (For those directionally challenged this is not true, because of the rotation…
Many religions practice meditation, but what a specific religion means by the term “meditation” may be drastically different from another belief system. The meditation practices…
Our ability to make fearless, healthy choices is directly related to what we believe. Author Chris Thurman says, “Every lie that goes through your mind…
Eating a slice of chocolate cake every night before bedtime would delight our tastebuds, but this routine would soon supersize our waistlines! For optimal physical…
Christianity is based on the event of Jesus’ resurrection. Without Jesus’ resurrection, there is no Christianity. The apostle Paul told the followers of Jesus in…
Christianity is based on the event of Jesus’ resurrection. What if Jesus predicted or foretold His resurrection before it happened? Would knowing beforehand the certainty…
Christianity is based on the event of Jesus’ resurrection. You may be wondering why Christians celebrate Jesus’ death as Good Friday. What could be “good”…
Christianity is based on the event of Jesus’ resurrection. For Jesus to rise from the dead, He first needed to die and be buried. The…
Christianity is based on the event of Jesus’ resurrection. All four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) present three core components of Jesus’ death and…
Christianity is based on the event of Jesus’ resurrection. Eyewitnesses seeing Jesus after he died and was buried provide further proof that Jesus had risen…
Growing up, one of mom’s most memorable quotes was, “it is better to give than to receive.” But, by focusing on just one side of…
This week will celebrate a century-old holiday known as April Fools’ Day. While the day entails playing practical jokes on others, life can sometimes feel…
Have you ever had the opportunity to hear a recording of your voice? Were you surprised by how you sounded? Personally, I’m a bit shocked…
When you were a child, how did you spend your free time? Playing sports with friends in the neighborhood? Reading books under a favorite tree?…
Like most little girls growing up, I wanted to be accepted by my peers. I didn’t dare let any of my friends know about the…
Did you know that more than 43 million individuals speak Spanish as a first language in the United States? That’s about 13 percent of the…
Have you ever met someone who seems to just sail through life? They have an ideal life with no struggles or cares. Don’t they make…
Have you ever hiked a rugged trail through the forest? My sister and I went hiking a few months ago at a state park in…
Many of us caught up in the dysfunctional dance of fear-based choices can trace the roots of our distorted thinking back to a time when…
The following is a sneak peek of the first session of our in-depth study of the book of James via Instagram Live (@GodGivesCourage). Join Courage…
Some people embrace change. More power to them! For many of us, change is challenging, frightening, overwhelming, or just downright uncomfortable. Babies cry when they…
At times he deeply regretted his lack of self-control. A fisherman by trade, Simon Peter worked long hours alongside his brother Andrew sailing across the…
It’s been said that the hardest part of any unfamiliar journey is the first step. Once we take this monumental first step, we may find…
“But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I…
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap…
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 Time flies! Seems like yesterday my boys were in elementary…
“Do not nurse hatred in your heart for any of your relatives. Confront people directly so you will not be held guilty for their sin.…
“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your…
“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what…
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But…
“So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will…
Does it really matter what translation of the Bible we read? Have you ever wondered why there are so many translations of our English Bible?…
“For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:45…
“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights…
“Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— making the most of the time, because the days are evil.…
“And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about…
Courage is the ability to face conflicts, career changes, difficult tasks, illnesses, and loss with strength. We all need courage, but the problem is––we are…
“Each of us should please his neighbor for their good, to build him up.” Romans 15:2 NIV “Two men who shared a hospital room ended…
Grief comes in all shapes and sizes, is processed through various stages, and is experienced in very unique ways based on our individual personalities. Grief…
Our moments are what make up our day and ultimately our life. Often, our minds are anywhere but where we are. When our body is…
“So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. For we must all stand before…
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.” Jeremiah 1:5 We’re all familiar with the children’s song “Jesus loves me, this I know”.…
We will be presented many opportunities in our lifetime for our heart to be pulled in a variety of directions. Our worldly culture sets our…
“God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20 (NLT) We all have unique personalities and…
“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. Deuteronomy 31:6 (Msg) Imagine meeting…
Everyone plays the role of a leader. You’re a leader if you are a softball coach, charity board member, or a volunteer coordinator. We are…
I’ve heard it said, “It’s none of your business what someone else thinks of you.” While I agree with this statement to a point, I…
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 Change comes…
“Instead, let us test and examine our ways. Let us turn back to the Lord.” Lamentations 3:40 (NLT) Having a “busy” personality makes it challenging…
It’s a wildly popular sport on social media. It’s reported on the news and enthusiastically published in articles. Its origin is from an ancient law…
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that…
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 How do we workout our faith? Faith in…
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I…
Each of us has a lens we see life and people through. The filter on the lens shapes our perspectives. Often, our perspectives are skewed…
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a…
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9…
Did you know having a teachable attitude makes us more likable by others, reduces conflicts in our life, grows us spiritually, personally and relationally,…
Many of us are driven to make things happen in our life, at work, at home or in a relationship. There is nothing characteristically wrong…
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will…
“All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a…
“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in…
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 As…
7-series devotional covering the events of Holy week – from Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
7-series devotional covering the events of Holy week – from Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
7-series devotional covering the events of Holy week – from Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
7-series devotional covering the events of Holy week – from Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
7-series devotional covering the events of Holy week – from Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
7-series devotional covering the events of Holy week – from Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
7-series devotional covering the events of Holy week – from Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
7-series devotional covering the events of Holy week – from Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
As long as we have blood running through our veins, our fallen nature will fight to claim its independence from God. We want to do…
“Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives. Hot-tempered people must pay the penalty. If you rescue them once, you…
“Teach me, and I will be silent; And show me how I have erred.” Job 6:24 Disappointment and confusion in my husband eyes told me everything…
“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians…
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and…
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Colossians 3:13 (NLT)…
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37 Have you ever felt defeated in life or in your…
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14 Do you realize that forgiving…
“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what…
Have you ever wanted to respond to a conflict at work through uncivilized means on the person who makes your work life miserable? I have…
Leadership involves influence and we all influence others in one way or another. Either for better or for worse. Whether with family, friends, co-workers, or…
“He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them– he remains faithful forever.”Psalm 146:6 When my sons were young, we…
When marriage, family, or a friendship gets difficult or messy, it’s tempting to think about giving up on the person you’re struggling with. Sometimes we…
“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” Proverbs 18:15 (ESV) Just like we exercise our bodies to stay fit…
“… not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”…
When you’ve learned something you are excited about — you talk about it. When you discover a better way of doing things — you show…
Roadblocks are obstructions that restrict us from traveling on roads we need or desire to go. While External (or physical)Roadblocks can be frustrating and inconvenient, the Roadblocks that…
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are…
One bright day, I was casually sitting in an outdoor dining area when I noticed a cloud, it was quickly moving across the sky and…
“Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your…
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow…
“Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NASB) Where do you go when you find yourself frustrated,…
Does it seem like life’s disappointments all pile up this time of year? Aloneness, the grief of a lost loved one, financial hardship, sickness, or…
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 (NASB) All we have to do is turn…
“Truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies,…
“For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.” 1 Thessalonians 4:7 (NASB) From the moment we surrender our lives…
It was the late 80’s and early 90’s when Madonna, Prince and Janet Jackson led the fashion trends. I was far from God at that…
All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize. 1 Corinthians 9:25 Are you a self-starter when it comes to going…
Hope is the necessary ingredient for thriving. It’s the foundation we need to heal our relationships, undertake challenges, and pursue our God-given dreams. No matter…
Plan A was the plan my mom put her entire godly faith in, plan B was never really discussed, except one time. She laid on…
“He makes everything work out according to His plan.” Ephesians 1:11 I can relate to Garth Brooks’ famous song “Unanswered prayers.” The chorus of the song…
Some time ago, God revealed to me that He is a big picture God and that He is equally detailed too. Why should this matter?…
If you were building a house, you would never start framing until a solid foundation was properly in place. So why not approach your spiritual…
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what…
“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to…
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor…
“Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” Colossians 4:6…
Once again David inquired of the Lord, and the Lord answered him. 1 Samuel 23:4 I love reading the life story of King David in…
For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. 1 Corinthians 14:33 Even under the best conditions, climbing a mountain like Mount Everest is…
Is it time to surrender? Are you striving for something you just can’t seem to obtain or resisting something you just can’t seem to elude?…
My life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord. Acts 20:24 When I was just out…
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and…
“Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,”…
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can…
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a…
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 While I was walking the…
Recently I heard a song called, The Things That Dreams Are Made Of, by The Human League. The lyrics took me back to my decade’s…
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection…
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians…
I’m sure I’m not the only one who had no clue “what” or “who” a SAGE Con is –– right? When I ran across the…
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.” Jeremiah 1:5 We’re all familiar with the children’s song “Jesus loves me, this I know”.…
“How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see…
“Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.” Isaiah 40:31 Waiting is never easy. Invariably, when I’m in a hurry, I’ll choose the slowest checkout line at the store or…
“The joy of the Lord is my strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 I started thinking about joy versus happiness. I pondered “joy” because some of my circumstances…
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 I don’t get overly excited about going…
God has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free. Luke 4:18 Each…
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14 Do you realize that forgiving…