Grace is more than a prayer at mealtime
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…
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What is grace?
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!…
Embracing a Life of Grace
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…
The Future of the Bible
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…
Have you experienced unconditional love?
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…
Could God Love Me if He Knew the Real Me?
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…
10 Attributes of God’s Love
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…
Grasping God’s Love
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…
How Did We Get the Old Testament?
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?
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 denominations have more books in their Bibles than others?
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…
Experience God’s Breath in Your Life
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…
Why should Christians read the Old Testament?
If an object is described as old, we may get the impression that it is outdated, used up, or no longer needed, especially if a…
Don’t Let Your Past Decide Your Future
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…
Learning To Be Content
Have you ever felt dissatisfied with your life? Perhaps you were frustrated and thought… If I only had just a little bit more money, ……
Accept the Things You Cannot Change
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…
Obey God’s Word
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…
Three Reasons Why Discipling Men is Important
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…
Does Believing Something Make It True?
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…
Should Christians Practice Meditation?
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…
Replace Worldly Lies with Scriptural Truth
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…
Prayer Rhythms of Jesus
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…
Why is Jesus’ resurrection important to Christianity?
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…
Did anyone know about Jesus’ resurrection BEFORE it happened?
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…
What’s so “good” about Good Friday?
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”…
Who confirmed Jesus’ death and participated in His burial?
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…
Is there evidence to support Jesus rose from the dead?
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…
Did anyone see Jesus after He was resurrected?
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…
Six Steps to Gratefully Receive
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…
How to Be God-Reliant Instead of Self-Reliant
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…
Don’t Accept Imitations, Let God Show You the Real You
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…
God-Designed Individuality
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?…
Uncover Your True Self
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…
43 Million Opportunities to Share God’s Word
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…
Become an Overcomer: 5 Practical Tips
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…
Perseverance on the Trail of Faith
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…
Overcoming Obstacles
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…
Study of James Sneak Peek
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…
Steps in Finding the Courage to Change
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…
Simon Peter: A Life Transformed
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…
Commit to Change
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…
Something New in 2022
“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…
The Necessity of Consequences
“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…
The Speed of Life
“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…
When You Just Can’t Let It Go
“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.…
7 Key Ingredients in Healthy Relationships
“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…
Overcome Obstacles
“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…
How to Weather a Storm
“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…
Get Healthy and Grow Stronger
“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…
Bible Translations –– What’s the Difference?
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?…
Are You Asking the Right Questions?
“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…
Analyzing Attitudes
“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…
4 Primary Components for Commitments
“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.…
3 Reasons to Read the Bible
“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…
Finding Courage
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…
The Power of an Encouraging Word
“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…
The Gift of God and Time
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…
Living in the Moment
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…
Choosing Wisely in All Circumstances
“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…
Jesus Knows Me
“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”.…
An Undivided Heart
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…
Finding Balance
“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…
God’s Gift of Courage
“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…
10 Ways to Empower Those You Lead
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…
4 Ways to Face Rejection
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…
Change Leads to New Beginnings
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…
Getting to the Heart of the Matter
“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…
Throwing Stones
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…
3 Reasons to Avoid “But”
“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…
Workout Your Faith
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…
How to Deal with Discouragement
“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…
Looking Through the Lens of Cynicism
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…
God is Bigger Than Our Circumstances
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…
Stepping Outside Our Comfort Zone
“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…
How to Know if You Are Teachable
Did you know having a teachable attitude makes us more likable by others, reduces conflicts in our life, grows us spiritually, personally and relationally,…
Forcing vs. Trusting
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…
Responsibility- My Response to His Ability
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…
Forebodings
“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…
Embracing Grace
“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in…
God’s Perspective is Bigger Than Our Own
“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…
Walking Where Jesus Walked – Intro
7-series devotional covering the events of Holy week – from Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
The Southern Steps (Day 1)
7-series devotional covering the events of Holy week – from Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
The Garden of Gethsemane (Day 2)
7-series devotional covering the events of Holy week – from Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
The Location of Caiaphas House (Day 3)
7-series devotional covering the events of Holy week – from Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
The Upper Room (Day 4)
7-series devotional covering the events of Holy week – from Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
The Location of Caiaphas House (Day 5)
7-series devotional covering the events of Holy week – from Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
Skull Hill (Day 6)
7-series devotional covering the events of Holy week – from Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
The Garden Tomb (Day 7)
7-series devotional covering the events of Holy week – from Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
More Than Enough
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…
Set Healthy Boundaries
“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…
Spiritual Injuries
“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…
Finding Freedom
“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…
Waiting for the Next…
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…
Handling Hurt
“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)…
Feelings vs. Faith
“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…
The Gift of Forgiveness
“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…
What’s Holding You Back?
“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…
8 Ways to Handle Conflict at Work
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…
A Leader Worth Following
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…
Remembering Who You Are
“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…
Relationships: Before You Throw in the Towel
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…
Four Ways to Experiencing Knowledge
“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…
35 Reason to Go to Church
“… 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.”…
Pass It On
When you’ve learned something you are excited about — you talk about it. When you discover a better way of doing things — you show…
Overcoming Roadblocks
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…
Tapestry of Our Life
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…
Free Falling Faith
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…
The Path That Leads Home
“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…
Christmas- A Season Of Fake Hope?
“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…
The Key to Stress Management
“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,…
Heartaches and Holidays
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…
Joy to the World
“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…
When Dead Dreams Are Resurrected
“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,…
Salvation to Sanctification
“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…
What Do Your Clothes Say About You?
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…
No Pain No Gain
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…
Harvesting Hope
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…
When Our Plan B is God’s Plan A
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…
Unanswered Prayers
“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…
Imagine the Bigger Picture of Your Life
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?…
What’s Your Foundation?
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…
Self-Talk is Serious Business
“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…
Walking With God
“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…
It’s Your Move
“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…
How Are You Communicating?
“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…
Inquiring of the Lord
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…
Finding Certainty in Confusion
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…
The Art of Surrender
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?…
Your Life’s Assignment
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…
Storms Can Bring Out Our Best
“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…
The Courage to Jump
“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,”…
A Pruning Story
“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…
What Do You Believe About Your God-Given Purpose?
“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…
Peace in the Wind and Waves
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…
The Things That Dreams Are Made Of
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…
A Living Hope
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…
God- Protect Me From Myself
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…
Are You a SAGE Con?
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…
Jesus Knows Me
“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”.…
Who’s Changing Who?
“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…
The Weight of Waiting
“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 Difference in Joy and Happiness
“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…
Workout Your Faith
“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…
Self-Made Prisons
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…
The Gift of Forgiveness
“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…