Taking Jesus at His word

I do not pretend to understand everything that Jesus taught, but several things are clear enough. One, is that sin is a serious matter. Second, Jesus believed in hell, and it would be wise for me to believe it too. Third, is that I should get serious about dealing with my sins by turning from them, and turning in faith to Him.

“And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 1/8/26

An expert simply excels in what they are doing.

If I am an expert at anything, let me excel at loving people. I want to encourage the people around me. I want to build them up, and come alongside them with beneficial actions. I want to bring love’s energy into every conversation, and everything I put my hand to do.

“That you excel still more.” 1Thess.4 “Conversations Within” ts 1/5/26

Beware the hijacked Jesus

Many in our generation profess Jesus but do not know or follow His teachings. One reason is we pick and choose which of His teachings to follow and which to ignore. If I claim to be His follower let me at least embrace His worldview. I should take care to follow Jesus as He is, not how I make Him out to be.

“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 1/4/26

Discovering God’s will is mainly a matter of actually wanting it.

We live in a passing season, one where God allows people the freedom to make choices contrary to His will. Love can only exist in freedom. But true and lasting freedom can only exist in submission to God's will. In our present state the idea of submission leaves a bad taste in our mouth. Heaven is indeed, an “acquired taste.”

“May Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 1/3/26

The goal is never to impress people, but to express goodness

Do not try to look good, but rather do good. Add value to others without calling attention to yourself. Put your energy into building others up, not into building an image about how good and generous you are. "Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing."

“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 1/3/26