“I'm here to help you.” The Guardian

“O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear.” Ps.10 ESV

Beyond our words, God hears the desires of our heart. This is especially true when affliction fine tunes the deepest longing in us. God hears, He doesn't just listen. When God hears us He does not listen like a spectator He hears as a participant. To hear is to understand. Jesus is perfectly suited to sympathize with our weakness; this is one reason He entered time and space and took to himself of body of flesh and blood. He understands suffering because He has suffered. He not only has suffered, He shares our suffering. “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.” Ps.68 NIV He does not lower a basket for us to climb out of the icy waters, He jumps into the sea with us and assures us that everything with be alright. 12/27/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)

“I'm here to help you.” The Guardian

“O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear.” Ps.10 ESV

Beyond our words, God hears the desires of our heart. This is especially true when affliction fine tunes the deepest longing in us. God hears, He doesn't just listen. When God hears us He does not listen like a spectator He hears as a participant. To hear is to understand. Jesus is perfectly suited to sympathize with our weakness; this is one reason He entered time and space and took to himself of body of flesh and blood. He understands suffering because He has suffered. He not only has suffered, He shares our suffering. “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.” Ps.68 NIV He does not lower a basket for us to climb out of the icy waters, He jumps into the sea with us and assures us that everything with be alright. 12/27/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)

“I only went out for a walk... for going out, I found, was really going in.” John Muir

“I only went out for a walk... for going out, I found, was really going in.” John Muir

“And Enoch walked with God” Gen.5 ESV

I am grateful for all the walks and talks I take each day with God. I am amazed that He would make time for me and listen to my prayerful ramblings. He has never once failed to show up when I start walking. I am thankful for His patience, the quiet way He leads me to answers and how these conversations help to recenter me around that one thing that really matters. These times are my favorite in the day. I feel so alive when I am walking with Someone so alive. You rub off on me. I feel your pleasure praying for others, your joy in simple sights and sounds. I love how you call attention to all the little things that work in me a childish delight. I appreciate that you share my concerns for friends when I bring them for discussion. All my concerns look different after a walk with You. “Solvitur ambulando, It is solved by walking” St. Jerome 12/24/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between GA)

“I only went out for a walk... for going out, I found, was really going in.” John Muir

“I only went out for a walk... for going out, I found, was really going in.” John Muir

“And Enoch walked with God” Gen.5 ESV

I am grateful for all the walks and talks I take each day with God. I am amazed that He would make time for me and listen to my prayerful ramblings. He has never once failed to show up when I start walking. I am thankful for His patience, the quiet way He leads me to answers and how these conversations help to recenter me around that one thing that really matters. These times are my favorite in the day. I feel so alive when I am walking with Someone so alive. You rub off on me. I feel your pleasure praying for others, your joy in simple sights and sounds. I love how you call attention to all the little things that work in me a childish delight. I appreciate that you share my concerns for friends when I bring them for discussion. All my concerns look different after a walk with You. “Solvitur ambulando, It is solved by walking” St. Jerome 12/24/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between GA)

"Give us this day our daily bread" is probably the most perfectly constructed and useful sentence ever set down in the English language.” P.J. Wingate

“Give us this day...” Mt.5 ESV

Prayer expresses the proper relationship of creature to Creator. What do I need this day, not just to exist but to live for God? When we ask God for daily bread we are asking Him to give us whatever we need to live for His purposes. He will surely provide us nothing less than that. Jesus assures us over and over again, that if we need something to perform our duty, He will make sure we have it. When we make His cause our cause we can be certain that He will provide us anything that will serve us in performing it. Do I need health in the performance of my duties? Do I need wisdom, or guidance or something as practical as money? Do I need it to live for His cause in the world? We have but to ask for daily bread and He will serve it daily. 12/23/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between GA)

"Give us this day our daily bread" is probably the most perfectly constructed and useful sentence ever set down in the English language.” P.J. Wingate

“Give us this day...” Mt.5 ESV

Prayer expresses the proper relationship of creature to Creator. What do I need this day, not just to exist but to live for God? When we ask God for daily bread we are asking Him to give us whatever we need to live for His purposes. He will surely provide us nothing less than that. Jesus assures us over and over again, that if we need something to perform our duty, He will make sure we have it. When we make His cause our cause we can be certain that He will provide us anything that will serve us in performing it. Do I need health in the performance of my duties? Do I need wisdom, or guidance or something as practical as money? Do I need it to live for His cause in the world? We have but to ask for daily bread and He will serve it daily. 12/23/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between GA)

“I pray on the principle that wine knocks the cork out of a bottle. There is an inward fermentation, and there must be a vent.”~Henry Ward Beecher

“Pray without ceasing.” 1Thess.5 ESV

What moves me to pray? I think the best prayers are those that come from His promptings rather then my own. I seem to have more confidence when I am asking God for something He has clearly encouraged me to ask from Him. But prayer is so much more than asking. I am moved to pray all of the time. He tickles me with a sight or sound and I laugh in prayer. He points out some wonder and I respond with adoration and awe. I can't begin to number the times I have said things like, “You did a good job on that tree Lord or that sunset or that taste. Just about every interaction I have with the world outside me becomes some kind of prayer offering inside me. Of course I am also disturbed by some things in our world and they too are turned into prayers. I argue, accuse, question, complain but finally realize that I am apart of everything wrong in the world. 12/22/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between GA)

“I pray on the principle that wine knocks the cork out of a bottle. There is an inward fermentation, and there must be a vent.”~Henry Ward Beecher

“Pray without ceasing.” 1Thess.5 ESV

What moves me to pray? I think the best prayers are those that come from His promptings rather then my own. I seem to have more confidence when I am asking God for something He has clearly encouraged me to ask from Him. But prayer is so much more than asking. I am moved to pray all of the time. He tickles me with a sight or sound and I laugh in prayer. He points out some wonder and I respond with adoration and awe. I can't begin to number the times I have said things like, “You did a good job on that tree Lord or that sunset or that taste. Just about every interaction I have with the world outside me becomes some kind of prayer offering inside me. Of course I am also disturbed by some things in our world and they too are turned into prayers. I argue, accuse, question, complain but finally realize that I am apart of everything wrong in the world. 12/22/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between GA)

Don't listen to yourself, talk to yourself, and when you do, always tell yourself the truth.

Don't listen to yourself, talk to yourself, and when you do, always tell yourself the truth.

“Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” Ps.86 ESV

There are many different voices that compete for my attention. Various emotions vent within. A multitude of desires call me to satisfy inner cravings without. All the while common sense shouts out warnings. I, and I speak about the real me that person who desperately wants real happiness, I must unify my heart by talking even preaching truth to it. It is as J. I Packer puts it, “It is a matter of talking to oneself about God and oneself; it is, indeed, often a matter of arguing with oneself, reasoning oneself out of moods of doubt and unbelief in to a clear apprehension of God’s power and grace.” I must unify these many voices into a singular cry for truth, truth about life ,about God, about me, about my doubts, dreams, desires ,about the present fear or pleasure confronting me trying to steal my joy. 12/20/2010 Conversations Within ts (On the road to Between)

Don't listen to yourself, talk to yourself, and when you do, always tell yourself the truth.

Don't listen to yourself, talk to yourself, and when you do, always tell yourself the truth.

“Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” Ps.86 ESV

There are many different voices that compete for my attention. Various emotions vent within. A multitude of desires call me to satisfy inner cravings without. All the while common sense shouts out warnings. I, and I speak about the real me that person who desperately wants real happiness, I must unify my heart by talking even preaching truth to it. It is as J. I Packer puts it, “It is a matter of talking to oneself about God and oneself; it is, indeed, often a matter of arguing with oneself, reasoning oneself out of moods of doubt and unbelief in to a clear apprehension of God’s power and grace.” I must unify these many voices into a singular cry for truth, truth about life ,about God, about me, about my doubts, dreams, desires ,about the present fear or pleasure confronting me trying to steal my joy. 12/20/2010 Conversations Within ts (On the road to Between)

Merry Christmas

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” LK.2 ESV

The birth of Jesus is unique in many respects. He wasn't just born as all people are, He was born “unto you.” This is just another way of saying that He was born into the world for you and me. He was born for our advantage. His birth is the declaration that God is in the world forgiving our transgressions and offering peace to every man, woman and child. Unto you a child is born. Unto you a son is given. He comes into the world that we might come into the joy of the Most High. He was born that we might be born again. His birthday in history can be our birthday in glory. Unto You is born this day, a Savior who is Christ the Lord! 12/19/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)

Merry Christmas

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” LK.2 ESV

The birth of Jesus is unique in many respects. He wasn't just born as all people are, He was born “unto you.” This is just another way of saying that He was born into the world for you and me. He was born for our advantage. His birth is the declaration that God is in the world forgiving our transgressions and offering peace to every man, woman and child. Unto you a child is born. Unto you a son is given. He comes into the world that we might come into the joy of the Most High. He was born that we might be born again. His birthday in history can be our birthday in glory. Unto You is born this day, a Savior who is Christ the Lord! 12/19/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)

“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” Burton Hillis

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger...” Lk.2 ESV

Presents are wrapped. I think one reason for this is that it builds the anticipation of joy in both the giver and receiver; the unveiling not just the gift but the very act of sharing between friends. Gifts are given and they are also received. A gift that isn't received is no gift at all. It is the receiving of the gift that completes the joy of giving it. So it is with the greatest gift. What is God's offer of forgiveness if we do not accept it from Him. What is the gift of Jesus if men reject Him. The gift finds it highest value when people humbly receive it and discover its blessing. 12/18/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)

“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” Burton Hillis

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger...” Lk.2 ESV

Presents are wrapped. I think one reason for this is that it builds the anticipation of joy in both the giver and receiver; the unveiling not just the gift but the very act of sharing between friends. Gifts are given and they are also received. A gift that isn't received is no gift at all. It is the receiving of the gift that completes the joy of giving it. So it is with the greatest gift. What is God's offer of forgiveness if we do not accept it from Him. What is the gift of Jesus if men reject Him. The gift finds it highest value when people humbly receive it and discover its blessing. 12/18/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” Hamilton Wright Mabie

“This is my command, that you love one another as I have loved you. “Jo.15 ESV

Love is the gift we give to not only to others but also to ourselves. Jesus has proved this to us. Do we not love Him because He first loved us? His love for us has given birth to the gift to our love for Him. This is one reason why He is so keen on love. He wants us to share this joy. It seems no coincidence to me that His birth is the world's celebration of loving and gift giving. Even those who do not personally know Christ are caught up every year in the magic and beauty of what Jesus is creating. Tis His season. 12/17/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” Hamilton Wright Mabie

“This is my command, that you love one another as I have loved you. “Jo.15 ESV

Love is the gift we give to not only to others but also to ourselves. Jesus has proved this to us. Do we not love Him because He first loved us? His love for us has given birth to the gift to our love for Him. This is one reason why He is so keen on love. He wants us to share this joy. It seems no coincidence to me that His birth is the world's celebration of loving and gift giving. Even those who do not personally know Christ are caught up every year in the magic and beauty of what Jesus is creating. Tis His season. 12/17/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)

“Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves.” Eric Sevar

“Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves.” Eric Sevareid

“...and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” 2Cor.5 ESV

The Holy Spirit is all of the time encouraging people to wake to a life beyond ourselves. Jesus does not come to start a religion with us but make us partners in the family business. That business in nothing less than to restore all things on earth as they are in Heaven, beginning of course with our hearts. When we pray for God's Kingdom to come and that His will be done we must first see it in our own life. I think each of us must not only ask this from God but also ask ourselves what it means in day to day practical ways to live for Him. 12/16/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)

“Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves.” Eric Sevar

“Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves.” Eric Sevareid

“...and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” 2Cor.5 ESV

The Holy Spirit is all of the time encouraging people to wake to a life beyond ourselves. Jesus does not come to start a religion with us but make us partners in the family business. That business in nothing less than to restore all things on earth as they are in Heaven, beginning of course with our hearts. When we pray for God's Kingdom to come and that His will be done we must first see it in our own life. I think each of us must not only ask this from God but also ask ourselves what it means in day to day practical ways to live for Him. 12/16/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)

“Here is the test to find whether your mission on earth is finished. If you're alive, it isn't.” Richard Bach

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...” Mt.28 ESV

Jesus teaches us to live for something greater than ourselves. He calls us to a simple life of loving others. My life is to be more than acquiring stuff. It is to be more than chocking up new experiences. Everyday is an opportunity to improve the lives of people and in doing so, enrich our own lives. Christians call this the “Great Commission” I am coming to realize that our task isn't so much to talk about God's love as it is to show God's love—to make disciples of Christ by being disciples of Christ. “You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget that errand." --Woodrow Wilson 12/15/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)

“Here is the test to find whether your mission on earth is finished. If you're alive, it isn't.” Richard Bach

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...” Mt.28 ESV

Jesus teaches us to live for something greater than ourselves. He calls us to a simple life of loving others. My life is to be more than acquiring stuff. It is to be more than chocking up new experiences. Everyday is an opportunity to improve the lives of people and in doing so, enrich our own lives. Christians call this the “Great Commission” I am coming to realize that our task isn't so much to talk about God's love as it is to show God's love—to make disciples of Christ by being disciples of Christ. “You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget that errand." --Woodrow Wilson 12/15/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)

“Sunday clears away the rust of the whole week.” Joseph Addison

"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Ex.20 ESV

Sweet rest! We need it, and God commands it. It may seem strange that God commands us to rest until we realize that every good parent commands their children to eat their greens. People often need to be told what is good for them and every commandment of God is just that; they are good for us. He is always telling us what is good for us because He is good. In our present state most of us don't like being told what to do. God of course knows this and also knows that it is in our best interest to suck it up and get over our rebellious streak and do what we are told. My Dad used to say, “Eat this boy; its good for you.” God is telling us, “Rest! Its good for you.” 12/14/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)

“Sunday clears away the rust of the whole week.” Joseph Addison

"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Ex.20 ESV

Sweet rest! We need it, and God commands it. It may seem strange that God commands us to rest until we realize that every good parent commands their children to eat their greens. People often need to be told what is good for them and every commandment of God is just that; they are good for us. He is always telling us what is good for us because He is good. In our present state most of us don't like being told what to do. God of course knows this and also knows that it is in our best interest to suck it up and get over our rebellious streak and do what we are told. My Dad used to say, “Eat this boy; its good for you.” God is telling us, “Rest! Its good for you.” 12/14/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)

“Human life is purely a matter of deciding what's important to you.” Anonymous

"Which commandment is the most important of all?" Mk.12 ESV

A good many people would agree with Jesus that loving God and loving your neighbor are the most important tasks in life. But it is deciding to do this every moment that makes it real. There is little value in saying these two commandments are primary but then allow lesser concerns to rob our energy and make them secondary. Slow leaks can drain large things. I can add so many things to my schedule that have nothing to do with loving God or loving people that I wind up with no time and no energy to do either of them. If first things aren't deliberately kept first they are easily bumped by things which have little or no value at all. 12/13/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)

“Human life is purely a matter of deciding what's important to you.” Anonymous

"Which commandment is the most important of all?" Mk.12 ESV

A good many people would agree with Jesus that loving God and loving your neighbor are the most important tasks in life. But it is deciding to do this every moment that makes it real. There is little value in saying these two commandments are primary but then allow lesser concerns to rob our energy and make them secondary. Slow leaks can drain large things. I can add so many things to my schedule that have nothing to do with loving God or loving people that I wind up with no time and no energy to do either of them. If first things aren't deliberately kept first they are easily bumped by things which have little or no value at all. 12/13/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)

“I say, if your knees aren't green by the end of the day, you ought to seriously re-examine your life.” Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes

“He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Ps.23

I love to play! It doesn't matter if its a game of tennis, or scrambling over rocks with Brenda or rappelling down them. We might wonder about the importance of play when the Bible says so little about it. Or does it? If we understand sabbath as a form of play and play as one expression of sabbath then play becomes one of the chief actions in life. I need to play as I need to rest as I need to eat. Recreation re-creates. Play not only replenishes energy ,it is one of the reasons for it. People don't just eat for nourishment nor do we play only for exercise. If life is devoid of play, life is devoid of life. “We can play as we can eat to the glory of God.” C. S. Lewis 12/11/2010 Conversations Within ts (Shenandoah AL)

“I say, if your knees aren't green by the end of the day, you ought to seriously re-examine your life.” Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes

“He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Ps.23

I love to play! It doesn't matter if its a game of tennis, or scrambling over rocks with Brenda or rappelling down them. We might wonder about the importance of play when the Bible says so little about it. Or does it? If we understand sabbath as a form of play and play as one expression of sabbath then play becomes one of the chief actions in life. I need to play as I need to rest as I need to eat. Recreation re-creates. Play not only replenishes energy ,it is one of the reasons for it. People don't just eat for nourishment nor do we play only for exercise. If life is devoid of play, life is devoid of life. “We can play as we can eat to the glory of God.” C. S. Lewis 12/11/2010 Conversations Within ts (Shenandoah AL)

“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” Henry David Thoreau, Walden

“He restores my soul.” Ps.23.3

If my life is like “too little butter spread over too much bread,” it is probably because I expect Christ to follow me into my rushed and hurried life rather than following Him when He leads me “beside still waters.” This is not to say that I am to spend all my time in quiet contemplation but only that Jesus would have me sharpen my ax before setting off to chop wood.
I think we must reach a point of decision where we commit and tenaciously commit to come to the quiet everyday and refuse anything that would rob us of knowing God. If I want a better life than “quiet desperation” then let me come to the quiet of personal communion with God 12/9/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)

“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” Henry David Thoreau, Walden

“He restores my soul.” Ps.23.3

If my life is like “too little butter spread over too much bread,” it is probably because I expect Christ to follow me into my rushed and hurried life rather than following Him when He leads me “beside still waters.” This is not to say that I am to spend all my time in quiet contemplation but only that Jesus would have me sharpen my ax before setting off to chop wood.
I think we must reach a point of decision where we commit and tenaciously commit to come to the quiet everyday and refuse anything that would rob us of knowing God. If I want a better life than “quiet desperation” then let me come to the quiet of personal communion with God 12/9/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)

“Any idiot can face a crisis - it's day to day living that wears you out.” Anton Chekhov

`“I am weary, O God, and worn out.” Prov.31 ESV

Living doesn't wear people out, living without margin does. “Margin is the space that once existed between ourselves and our limits”. So says Richard A. Swenson, M.D., who also writes, “Overload is not having time to finish the book you are reading on stress. Margin is having time to read it twice.” From the very beginning, God gave us a bit of wisdom when He told us to build rhythms of work and rest into our lives. Even beyond quiet reflection which is vital enough, everyone who would wants to live a fruitful life should set aside time every day for “Il dolce far niente,” which is Italian for “the sweetness of doing nothing.” 12/8/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)

“Any idiot can face a crisis - it's day to day living that wears you out.” Anton Chekhov

`“I am weary, O God, and worn out.” Prov.31 ESV

Living doesn't wear people out, living without margin does. “Margin is the space that once existed between ourselves and our limits”. So says Richard A. Swenson, M.D., who also writes, “Overload is not having time to finish the book you are reading on stress. Margin is having time to read it twice.” From the very beginning, God gave us a bit of wisdom when He told us to build rhythms of work and rest into our lives. Even beyond quiet reflection which is vital enough, everyone who would wants to live a fruitful life should set aside time every day for “Il dolce far niente,” which is Italian for “the sweetness of doing nothing.” 12/8/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)

“Life is like a beautiful melody, only the lyrics are messed up.” Author Unknown

“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned...” Rom.5 ESV

The world is filled with staggering beauty as it is with unimaginable ugliness. Do we not reflect this when have feelings a awe and adoration looking at a beautiful snow draped mountain and recoil in bitterness when someone freezes to death on it. Just about everybody knows that despite all the beauty in the world, something is terribly wrong. Nature reflects it, relationships reflect it even our divided self tells us something has gone horribly awry. I think people pretty much agree that we are apart of what's wrong with the world. Creation is cursed beauty, cursed because we became self centered rather than God centered. The Creator wrote a beautiful melody with beautiful lyrics but we changed the words. The loveliness is still there, its the new lyrics that don't fit the melody. Jesus has come to teach us the original words to the song. 12/7/2010 Conversations Within ts (Stone Mountain GA)

“Life is like a beautiful melody, only the lyrics are messed up.” Author Unknown

“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned...” Rom.5 ESV

The world is filled with staggering beauty as it is with unimaginable ugliness. Do we not reflect this when have feelings a awe and adoration looking at a beautiful snow draped mountain and recoil in bitterness when someone freezes to death on it. Just about everybody knows that despite all the beauty in the world, something is terribly wrong. Nature reflects it, relationships reflect it even our divided self tells us something has gone horribly awry. I think people pretty much agree that we are apart of what's wrong with the world. Creation is cursed beauty, cursed because we became self centered rather than God centered. The Creator wrote a beautiful melody with beautiful lyrics but we changed the words. The loveliness is still there, its the new lyrics that don't fit the melody. Jesus has come to teach us the original words to the song. 12/7/2010 Conversations Within ts (Stone Mountain GA)

“If the grass is greener on the other side, maybe that’s because you’re not taking good care of your grass.” Anonymous

“Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.” Prov28 ESV

Economics is far more than the management of money or possessions, it is deciding what will be the principle focus of my time. Time is the seed of life. How and where we sow it will determine if we live a fruitful life. A man may have plenty of money but live an impoverished life. History is also replete with people who lived marvelously rich lives but had little or no money. It is interesting that people can pursue money and find it a worthless pursuit. This is true for those who make money and those who never do. Many a life has been wasted chasing it.
What seed do I sow in the fields entrusted to me. The best use of my life is loving people, finding joy in simple things like working for enjoyment rather than money then of course using my money and my possessions to accomplish the first. 12/3/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta GA)

“If the grass is greener on the other side, maybe that’s because you’re not taking good care of your grass.” Anonymous

“Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.” Prov28 ESV

Economics is far more than the management of money or possessions, it is deciding what will be the principle focus of my time. Time is the seed of life. How and where we sow it will determine if we live a fruitful life. A man may have plenty of money but live an impoverished life. History is also replete with people who lived marvelously rich lives but had little or no money. It is interesting that people can pursue money and find it a worthless pursuit. This is true for those who make money and those who never do. Many a life has been wasted chasing it.
What seed do I sow in the fields entrusted to me. The best use of my life is loving people, finding joy in simple things like working for enjoyment rather than money then of course using my money and my possessions to accomplish the first. 12/3/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta GA)

“When you can’t change the direction of the wind — adjust your sails.” H. Jackson Brown

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” Pro.21 ESV

Knowing when to throw in the towel can be a valuable skill just as knowing when to stay the course can be. I suppose wisdom is knowing when to do what. We are told to commit our plans to the Lord and He will direct and establish our ways. This is as much an attitude as it is an action. To commit something to God is to be willing for Him to tweak it. Whether we stay the course or change direction seems so pivotal to us; but if we really want God's will and ask for it, He is more than able to lead us to it regardless of any decisions we make. Once we have boarded the plane, it makes little difference where we choose to sit. 12/3/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta GA)

“When you can’t change the direction of the wind — adjust your sails.” H. Jackson Brown

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” Pro.21 ESV

Knowing when to throw in the towel can be a valuable skill just as knowing when to stay the course can be. I suppose wisdom is knowing when to do what. We are told to commit our plans to the Lord and He will direct and establish our ways. This is as much an attitude as it is an action. To commit something to God is to be willing for Him to tweak it. Whether we stay the course or change direction seems so pivotal to us; but if we really want God's will and ask for it, He is more than able to lead us to it regardless of any decisions we make. Once we have boarded the plane, it makes little difference where we choose to sit. 12/3/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta GA)

“Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words...

“Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.” —Lao-Tze

“Endurance produces character, and character produces hope...” Rom.5 ESV

We become what we do and do and do. It is as simple as that. Just because grace forgives our shortcomings it does nullify our need to work for change. Grace comes to enable it. God knows that we fall short and has made provision for it in the death of Christ. It would be silly to think that God makes this provision only to forgive us. He does this so that He may come to live in us and help us become all we were originally created to become. God's forgiveness is instant. Our transformation is not. There are no shortcuts to godliness, we become what we do and do and do. 12/2/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta GA)

“Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words...

“Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.” —Lao-Tze

“Endurance produces character, and character produces hope...” Rom.5 ESV

We become what we do and do and do. It is as simple as that. Just because grace forgives our shortcomings it does nullify our need to work for change. Grace comes to enable it. God knows that we fall short and has made provision for it in the death of Christ. It would be silly to think that God makes this provision only to forgive us. He does this so that He may come to live in us and help us become all we were originally created to become. God's forgiveness is instant. Our transformation is not. There are no shortcuts to godliness, we become what we do and do and do. 12/2/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta GA)

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” Winston Churchill

“But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, "Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it." Num.13 ESV

We often have little or no control over people or events that come our way. We do however have control over the attitude that we adopt towards them. In our positive attitude generation just about everybody knows the importance of attitude, yet we still hold on to negative ways of thinking. Until I admit that I am choosing my disposition I will never change it. Unless I grow tired of breathing the foul air of negative thinking I will not come outside and inhale the fresh air of living joyously. The power to choose is mine. Choose the superior delights of joy! 12/1/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta GA)

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” Winston Churchill

“But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, "Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it." Num.13 ESV

We often have little or no control over people or events that come our way. We do however have control over the attitude that we adopt towards them. In our positive attitude generation just about everybody knows the importance of attitude, yet we still hold on to negative ways of thinking. Until I admit that I am choosing my disposition I will never change it. Unless I grow tired of breathing the foul air of negative thinking I will not come outside and inhale the fresh air of living joyously. The power to choose is mine. Choose the superior delights of joy! 12/1/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta GA)

“Faith can move mountains, but don't be surprised if God hands you a shovel.” Author Unknown

“So take heart, men, for I have faith in God... He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land...Acts 27 ESV

Although faith has moved God to work miracles without natural means, God ordinarily chooses to use them. When God promised Paul that He would rescue everyone on the boat from a violent storm, they still had to swim for their lives after being grounded on a reef. We should make no mistake, God saved them, and He used the natural means of swimming to do so. Faith understands that natural law is just as much the hand of God working in the world as any miracle. When an open wound heals it is God's power closing it. We should not be surprised that when we pray for health, God may encourage us to change our eating habits or if we pray for provision He may put us to different work. 11/30/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between GA)

“Faith can move mountains, but don't be surprised if God hands you a shovel.” Author Unknown

“So take heart, men, for I have faith in God... He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land...Acts 27 ESV

Although faith has moved God to work miracles without natural means, God ordinarily chooses to use them. When God promised Paul that He would rescue everyone on the boat from a violent storm, they still had to swim for their lives after being grounded on a reef. We should make no mistake, God saved them, and He used the natural means of swimming to do so. Faith understands that natural law is just as much the hand of God working in the world as any miracle. When an open wound heals it is God's power closing it. We should not be surprised that when we pray for health, God may encourage us to change our eating habits or if we pray for provision He may put us to different work. 11/30/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between GA)

Faith is the bird that sings when the dawn is still dark. Rabindranath Tagore

“Set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1Pt.3 ESV

Faith expects! Faith confidently hopes for a coming reality, it doesn't wistfully hope things will turn out for the best. Expressions of faith are more like the expectant mother waiting patiently for the life in her to arrive, than it is like a child hoping it doesn't rain over the holidays. We are told to set our hope entirely on the grace coming to us. Here is one instance where we are encouraged to “put all our eggs in one basket.” We leave ourself nothing where this world is concerned, we sell it all for that one pearl of great price, that one field full of treasure. Faith is not a half-hearted affair. 11/29/2010 Conversations Within ts (On the road to Between)

Faith is the bird that sings when the dawn is still dark. Rabindranath Tagore

“Set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1Pt.3 ESV

Faith expects! Faith confidently hopes for a coming reality, it doesn't wistfully hope things will turn out for the best. Expressions of faith are more like the expectant mother waiting patiently for the life in her to arrive, than it is like a child hoping it doesn't rain over the holidays. We are told to set our hope entirely on the grace coming to us. Here is one instance where we are encouraged to “put all our eggs in one basket.” We leave ourself nothing where this world is concerned, we sell it all for that one pearl of great price, that one field full of treasure. Faith is not a half-hearted affair. 11/29/2010 Conversations Within ts (On the road to Between)

“Faith is like radar that sees through the fog.” Corrie Ten Boom

“Faith is like radar that sees through the fog.” Corrie Ten Boom

“By faith he went to live in the land of promise,” Heb.11 ESV

So much of faith is learning to ignore the fog not only of our feelings but many times our circumstances. We learn to trust God's promises even when everything around us points otherwise. This is not to say that we throw reason aside because it was reason which led us to trust God in the first place. One brother put it this way. “Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted in spite of your changing moods.” 11/27/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)

“Faith is like radar that sees through the fog.” Corrie Ten Boom

“Faith is like radar that sees through the fog.” Corrie Ten Boom

“By faith he went to live in the land of promise,” Heb.11 ESV

So much of faith is learning to ignore the fog not only of our feelings but many times our circumstances. We learn to trust God's promises even when everything around us points otherwise. This is not to say that we throw reason aside because it was reason which led us to trust God in the first place. One brother put it this way. “Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted in spite of your changing moods.” 11/27/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)

“Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death.” Author Unknown

"Do not be afraid any longer, only believe." Mk.5

I'm at that age where you wonder if every new ache or pain is some kind of cancer. It is a frightful thing to believe that your own body is trying to kill you. Of course death doesn't always announce his coming; sometimes he comes suddenly. I have cancer on one side of the family and heart disease on the other. I suppose it is a matter of time before one or the other arrives at my door. This doesn't take into account of course the danger we face just driving down the road. When Jesus traveled our diseased and dangerous roads He must have noticed the worry on our faces. On several occasions He pointedly said, “Do not be afraid.” He always followed this by telling us trust in Him. I suppose the difficulty lies in wondering what He will do when we do trust Him. You would think that we would make our peace with His permanent solution instead of pleading for the temporary ones. It seems a little silly asking for more time when He has already given us everlasting life. 11/26/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)

“Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death.” Author Unknown

"Do not be afraid any longer, only believe." Mk.5

I'm at that age where you wonder if every new ache or pain is some kind of cancer. It is a frightful thing to believe that your own body is trying to kill you. Of course death doesn't always announce his coming; sometimes he comes suddenly. I have cancer on one side of the family and heart disease on the other. I suppose it is a matter of time before one or the other arrives at my door. This doesn't take into account of course the danger we face just driving down the road. When Jesus traveled our diseased and dangerous roads He must have noticed the worry on our faces. On several occasions He pointedly said, “Do not be afraid.” He always followed this by telling us trust in Him. I suppose the difficulty lies in wondering what He will do when we do trust Him. You would think that we would make our peace with His permanent solution instead of pleading for the temporary ones. It seems a little silly asking for more time when He has already given us everlasting life. 11/26/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)

“Faith is reason grown courageous.” Sherwood Eddy

“And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." Mt.14 ESV

You would think that if I am trusting God for my everlasting salvation that I could trust Him for anything. I suppose I do trust Him but I still move in and out of trust into moments of doubt. I seem to walk on water one minute and then sink below the waves the next. I speak figuratively of course, because I can't say that I have ever truly walked on water. And why not? I don't think I have ever tried. Oh, I think about radical expressions of faith but most of the time I seem to be comfortable just siting in my little boat. Perhaps it is as one brother suggest, “Part of me wonders if our stories aren’t being stolen by the easy life.” Maybe this is why God sends storms to swamp our boat from time to time. 11/24/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between, Ga)

“Faith is reason grown courageous.” Sherwood Eddy

“And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." Mt.14 ESV

You would think that if I am trusting God for my everlasting salvation that I could trust Him for anything. I suppose I do trust Him but I still move in and out of trust into moments of doubt. I seem to walk on water one minute and then sink below the waves the next. I speak figuratively of course, because I can't say that I have ever truly walked on water. And why not? I don't think I have ever tried. Oh, I think about radical expressions of faith but most of the time I seem to be comfortable just siting in my little boat. Perhaps it is as one brother suggest, “Part of me wonders if our stories aren’t being stolen by the easy life.” Maybe this is why God sends storms to swamp our boat from time to time. 11/24/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between, Ga)

Faith... must be enforced by reason.... When faith becomes blind it dies. Mahatma Gandhi

“We walk by faith not by sight.” 2Cor.5 ESV

People exercise faith everyday. We trust pharmacist to fill our prescriptions correctly; doctors to prescribe them correctly, even bankers to handle our money. Faith is integral to life even if it is only trusting that my neighbor will stay in his or her lane while driving. To put faith in something blindly is the faith of a fanatic or a fool. If I do not have a good reason to trust someone or something I simply shouldn't do it. God expects no less where faith concerns Him. He is not looking for blind devotion. He has repeatedly stepped into space and time so that our faith will be coupled with reason. Jesus did not ask His disciples to blindly trust that He would conquer death. After the resurrection He appeared to them for over forty days. He hasn't asked us to trust in His resurrection blindly. He asks us to believe it because of the testimony of credible witnesses. Court cases have been decided on less evidence. 11/24/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between, Ga)

Faith... must be enforced by reason.... When faith becomes blind it dies. Mahatma Gandhi

“We walk by faith not by sight.” 2Cor.5 ESV

People exercise faith everyday. We trust pharmacist to fill our prescriptions correctly; doctors to prescribe them correctly, even bankers to handle our money. Faith is integral to life even if it is only trusting that my neighbor will stay in his or her lane while driving. To put faith in something blindly is the faith of a fanatic or a fool. If I do not have a good reason to trust someone or something I simply shouldn't do it. God expects no less where faith concerns Him. He is not looking for blind devotion. He has repeatedly stepped into space and time so that our faith will be coupled with reason. Jesus did not ask His disciples to blindly trust that He would conquer death. After the resurrection He appeared to them for over forty days. He hasn't asked us to trust in His resurrection blindly. He asks us to believe it because of the testimony of credible witnesses. Court cases have been decided on less evidence. 11/24/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between, Ga)

“Sometimes you have to lose your mind before you can come to your senses.” – Peaceful Warrior

“Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and my mind.” Ps.26 ESV

I always try to be gut honest when talking with You. I think I pride myself on it, somehow convinced that sincerity is just as importance as doing what You say. I think You assign value to sincerity but I also know we can be so sincerely wrong in what we do. Lord I need to walk in truth as much as I need to walk truly. I know You want my heart not just my compliance but I think that my compliance may lead me to love You also with my heart. The bottom line is that You want it all, mind, heart, soul, and You ask for it a decision at a time. Cure my insanity. 11/23/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between, Ga)

“Sometimes you have to lose your mind before you can come to your senses.” – Peaceful Warrior

“Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and my mind.” Ps.26 ESV

I always try to be gut honest when talking with You. I think I pride myself on it, somehow convinced that sincerity is just as importance as doing what You say. I think You assign value to sincerity but I also know we can be so sincerely wrong in what we do. Lord I need to walk in truth as much as I need to walk truly. I know You want my heart not just my compliance but I think that my compliance may lead me to love You also with my heart. The bottom line is that You want it all, mind, heart, soul, and You ask for it a decision at a time. Cure my insanity. 11/23/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between, Ga)

Reason is our soul's left hand, Faith her right. John Donne

Reason is our soul's left hand, Faith her right. John Donne

“Where is your faith?" Lk.8 ESV

It seems reasonable to me to believe the eye witness testimony of hundreds of people when they say they witnessed a dead man get up and walk. This is especially true when these people give me no reason to question either their sanity or their honesty. I generally read and believe what is reported in the news and with far less reason than believing the testimony of these first century Christians. When I look at the world ,it makes far more sense to me to believe in Intelligent design than to believe that life came from non-life or that the complex mechanisms of the universe are the result of random chance. Some people choose a blind faith but not all faith is blind. I believe in creation as I believe in the second law of thermodynamics. I believe in the resurrection as I believe that men walked on the moon. A wise faith is rooted in space and time not religious fanaticism. 11/22/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between, Ga)

Reason is our soul's left hand, Faith her right. John Donne

Reason is our soul's left hand, Faith her right. John Donne

“Where is your faith?" Lk.8 ESV

It seems reasonable to me to believe the eye witness testimony of hundreds of people when they say they witnessed a dead man get up and walk. This is especially true when these people give me no reason to question either their sanity or their honesty. I generally read and believe what is reported in the news and with far less reason than believing the testimony of these first century Christians. When I look at the world ,it makes far more sense to me to believe in Intelligent design than to believe that life came from non-life or that the complex mechanisms of the universe are the result of random chance. Some people choose a blind faith but not all faith is blind. I believe in creation as I believe in the second law of thermodynamics. I believe in the resurrection as I believe that men walked on the moon. A wise faith is rooted in space and time not religious fanaticism. 11/22/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between, Ga)

“Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes....

...This is not coincidence.” Erma Bombeck

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Ps.136 ESV

For some, life is all about chance, mere coincidence. Even the Good Book observes that time and chance happen to everything and everyone under the sun. Coincidences certainly happen. But when does coincidence stop being mere coincidence. Is it mere chance that the earth is the perfect distance from the sun, that our atmosphere is perfectly balanced to sustain life? Can time plus chance really explain the complexity of life on our planet or the events of my life that matter? I think not. How many buckets of paint would I have to spill to reproduce a copy of the Mono Lisa? How long would I have to shake a box of Lincoln Logs to open it and find a perfectly assembled miniature log cabin. How many print shops would I have to explode to reproduce on paper the simple sentence.“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Some things just can't be explained by mere chance. 11/19/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between, Ga)

“Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes....

...This is not coincidence.” Erma Bombeck

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Ps.136 ESV

For some, life is all about chance, mere coincidence. Even the Good Book observes that time and chance happen to everything and everyone under the sun. Coincidences certainly happen. But when does coincidence stop being mere coincidence. Is it mere chance that the earth is the perfect distance from the sun, that our atmosphere is perfectly balanced to sustain life? Can time plus chance really explain the complexity of life on our planet or the events of my life that matter? I think not. How many buckets of paint would I have to spill to reproduce a copy of the Mono Lisa? How long would I have to shake a box of Lincoln Logs to open it and find a perfectly assembled miniature log cabin. How many print shops would I have to explode to reproduce on paper the simple sentence.“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Some things just can't be explained by mere chance. 11/19/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between, Ga)

Happy Thanksgiving!

“Security is not the absence of danger, but the presence of God, no matter what the danger.”

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Ps.136 ESV

As I contemplate Your steadfast love I can here you say things like, “I'm not going anywhere. I have been there for you countless times, I will be there for you countless times again.” I know that though so many thing around me are changing, Your love does not. You cannot love me anymore than You already do. My security, the health of my life all depend on Your steadfast love and I will always find You standing watch. I think death is certain? Ha, the death of Christ is the death of death and long after death is no more You will still be loving Your own.” What can we say to these things but thank You, Your steadfast love endures forever. 11/18/2010 Conversations Within ts (On the road to Between)

Happy Thanksgiving!

“Security is not the absence of danger, but the presence of God, no matter what the danger.”

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Ps.136 ESV

As I contemplate Your steadfast love I can here you say things like, “I'm not going anywhere. I have been there for you countless times, I will be there for you countless times again.” I know that though so many thing around me are changing, Your love does not. You cannot love me anymore than You already do. My security, the health of my life all depend on Your steadfast love and I will always find You standing watch. I think death is certain? Ha, the death of Christ is the death of death and long after death is no more You will still be loving Your own.” What can we say to these things but thank You, Your steadfast love endures forever. 11/18/2010 Conversations Within ts (On the road to Between)

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Col.1 ESV

The power to enjoy does not lie in our circumstances but in our hearts. Peaceful surroundings mean little if the heart is not at peace. Lasting happiness comes from within and is sustained by the singular knowledge that all is well when I am well with God. Joy is the fruit of His quiet presence within. He leads me beside still waters without because of still waters flowing within. Joy within spills over into everything else. He leads me to fine joy in pleasure and always without guilt, joy my family and friends, joy in my work and joy even in sorrow. Joy to the world, the Lord is come, He has come to live in me! 11/18/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta, GA)

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Col.1 ESV

The power to enjoy does not lie in our circumstances but in our hearts. Peaceful surroundings mean little if the heart is not at peace. Lasting happiness comes from within and is sustained by the singular knowledge that all is well when I am well with God. Joy is the fruit of His quiet presence within. He leads me beside still waters without because of still waters flowing within. Joy within spills over into everything else. He leads me to fine joy in pleasure and always without guilt, joy my family and friends, joy in my work and joy even in sorrow. Joy to the world, the Lord is come, He has come to live in me! 11/18/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta, GA)

“What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets...

...I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?” Erma Bombeck

“Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." Rev.19 ESV

I am not only grateful for blessings I've received but also for blessings yet to come. My gratitude not only looks back it assumes that more is on the way. This grateful assumption is not based on any worthiness I have to receive new graces but on the absolute goodness of the One from whom all graces flow. I am grateful that I have never known a day of hunger but I am also grateful that a feast is planned for my future. Save your fork, desert is still to be served. 11/16/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta, GA)

“What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets...

...I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?” Erma Bombeck

“Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." Rev.19 ESV

I am not only grateful for blessings I've received but also for blessings yet to come. My gratitude not only looks back it assumes that more is on the way. This grateful assumption is not based on any worthiness I have to receive new graces but on the absolute goodness of the One from whom all graces flow. I am grateful that I have never known a day of hunger but I am also grateful that a feast is planned for my future. Save your fork, desert is still to be served. 11/16/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta, GA)

“My life is my message.” – Gandhi

“ For it is not you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Mk.10 ESV

I think everyone's life is their message. Some people have more to say than others. Some have nothing much to say at all except perhaps, “Don't live as I have lived.” I think most people want what they say to match up with what they do. After all who likes a hypocrite? We would be consistent at least in that. But what value is being consistent if my life and and my words are consistently without value. I do not always want my life to match my words if my words are wrong. I have said some pretty stupid things. I don't I don't want my words to match my life if the way I am living is wrong. Perhaps if His words become my words and I live by them, then my message will be His message and I will at last say something of value. I suppose this is why He is called“the Word.”11/16/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta, GA)

“My life is my message.” – Gandhi

“ For it is not you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Mk.10 ESV

I think everyone's life is their message. Some people have more to say than others. Some have nothing much to say at all except perhaps, “Don't live as I have lived.” I think most people want what they say to match up with what they do. After all who likes a hypocrite? We would be consistent at least in that. But what value is being consistent if my life and and my words are consistently without value. I do not always want my life to match my words if my words are wrong. I have said some pretty stupid things. I don't I don't want my words to match my life if the way I am living is wrong. Perhaps if His words become my words and I live by them, then my message will be His message and I will at last say something of value. I suppose this is why He is called“the Word.”11/16/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta, GA)

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot

“One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” Phil.3 ESV

I have a friend who before becoming a Christian had a number of failed marriages and consequently failed relationships with his children. After becoming a disciple of Jesus, he once told me that all he wanted to do was be a good husband and father but felt that his past would make this impossible. I reminded him of one of the great promises in the Bible. “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Today my friend is happily married with twelve children and several of them adopted from past marriages. Tomorrow he adopts two more. Whatever knots we have tied in our past, God is able to untie and untangle. 11/15/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta, GA)

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot

“One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” Phil.3 ESV

I have a friend who before becoming a Christian had a number of failed marriages and consequently failed relationships with his children. After becoming a disciple of Jesus, he once told me that all he wanted to do was be a good husband and father but felt that his past would make this impossible. I reminded him of one of the great promises in the Bible. “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Today my friend is happily married with twelve children and several of them adopted from past marriages. Tomorrow he adopts two more. Whatever knots we have tied in our past, God is able to untie and untangle. 11/15/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta, GA)

“If wrinkles must be written upon our brow, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should not grow old.” – James A. Garfield

“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.” Pro.4 ESV

We cannot stop the body from aging or our health ultimately from declining, but every soul set free grows younger even while it matures. The inner path of those who have come to believe in the resurrection always faces east. We have within us the power to choose our gaze, to look at the Son is rising in us even as the sun of this world is setting behind us. Physically I may be playing the back nine, but spiritually the game is only beginning. 11/14/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta, GA)

“If wrinkles must be written upon our brow, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should not grow old.” – James A. Garfield

“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.” Pro.4 ESV

We cannot stop the body from aging or our health ultimately from declining, but every soul set free grows younger even while it matures. The inner path of those who have come to believe in the resurrection always faces east. We have within us the power to choose our gaze, to look at the Son is rising in us even as the sun of this world is setting behind us. Physically I may be playing the back nine, but spiritually the game is only beginning. 11/14/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta, GA)

“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” – Albert Einstein.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory...Amen.” Eph.3 NIV

I have an active imagination and have used it many times to escape moments of boredom. These days I piddle on my smart phone for that. To bring something from the world of imagination to the world of reality is better than using our imagination to escape reality. But as wonderful as imagination is, there are limits. This is why I am glad that glory will not be restricted by my powers of imagination. I can imagine a lot where heaven is concerned. But happily glory will be designed by the unlimited imagination and power of God who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than what I can imagine, in fact, more than the combined imagination of us all. But it is His power working in us not just around us that will exceed our expectations. Regardless of what external delights await us in glory it will be our transformed inner world that makes it Heaven to us. 11/13/2010 Conversations Within ts (Myrtle Beach SC)

“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” – Albert Einstein.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory...Amen.” Eph.3 NIV

I have an active imagination and have used it many times to escape moments of boredom. These days I piddle on my smart phone for that. To bring something from the world of imagination to the world of reality is better than using our imagination to escape reality. But as wonderful as imagination is, there are limits. This is why I am glad that glory will not be restricted by my powers of imagination. I can imagine a lot where heaven is concerned. But happily glory will be designed by the unlimited imagination and power of God who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than what I can imagine, in fact, more than the combined imagination of us all. But it is His power working in us not just around us that will exceed our expectations. Regardless of what external delights await us in glory it will be our transformed inner world that makes it Heaven to us. 11/13/2010 Conversations Within ts (Myrtle Beach SC)

“One person with a belief is equal to a force of 99 who have only interests.” – John Stuart Mill

“All things are possible for one who believes." Mk.9 ESV

I keep wondering if it is possible for me to really believe that all things are possible for the one who believes. Somewhere in the back of my mind I hear the haunting words of Jedi Master Yoda, “This is why you fail.” “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” 11/12/2010 Conversations Within ts (Myrtle Beach SC)

“One person with a belief is equal to a force of 99 who have only interests.” – John Stuart Mill

“All things are possible for one who believes." Mk.9 ESV

I keep wondering if it is possible for me to really believe that all things are possible for the one who believes. Somewhere in the back of my mind I hear the haunting words of Jedi Master Yoda, “This is why you fail.” “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” 11/12/2010 Conversations Within ts (Myrtle Beach SC)

“The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never score.” – Bill Copeland

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil.3 ESV

Certainly one goal I can set for myself is to answer the upward call. The call is always upward. God's call would lead me up the slopes of living for something greater than myself, to ascend by rising above selfishness and to mature beyond some animal instinct for survival. I believe the upward call rings in every person. It is that desire to be better than you are, especially where people are concerned. The message of Jesus is that we can live as sons and daughters of the Most High. He invites us to dwell on high with Him, to breathe the celestial air of divine purpose and divine love. Every goal I might set myself, for my health, my career, my family can be altered by this upward path. If I am not ascending this divine life I am going no where. “Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.” C.S. Lewis 11/11/2010 Conversations Within ts (Chapel Hill NC)

“The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never score.” – Bill Copeland

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil.3 ESV

Certainly one goal I can set for myself is to answer the upward call. The call is always upward. God's call would lead me up the slopes of living for something greater than myself, to ascend by rising above selfishness and to mature beyond some animal instinct for survival. I believe the upward call rings in every person. It is that desire to be better than you are, especially where people are concerned. The message of Jesus is that we can live as sons and daughters of the Most High. He invites us to dwell on high with Him, to breathe the celestial air of divine purpose and divine love. Every goal I might set myself, for my health, my career, my family can be altered by this upward path. If I am not ascending this divine life I am going no where. “Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.” C.S. Lewis 11/11/2010 Conversations Within ts (Chapel Hill NC)

“In life, as in football, you won’t go far unless you know where the goalposts are.” – Arnold H. Glasgow

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil.3 ESV

If I remember right, the notion of living forever was the first positive thing that attracted me about becoming a Christian. That my sins were forgiven, or the idea of missing eternal damnation was more a relief but living forever, well, that was something to get excited about. I am pretty sure I didn't realize it at the time but getting me ready to appreciate all it means to live forever is part of the package that Jesus offers. It didn't take long to realize that God wasn't going to turn me lose on the shores of eternity and leave me alone but that He has every intention to transform me into something different . It takes some getting used to to realize that your destiny isn't just going to Heaven or a change of geography so much as it is to become a genuine Son of God. All I can say it that it is something like being adopted into a royal family. Realizing that you will spend your life with royals tends to make you want to sit-up straighter. 11/10/2010 Conversations Within ts (Chapel Hill NC)

“In life, as in football, you won’t go far unless you know where the goalposts are.” – Arnold H. Glasgow

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil.3 ESV

If I remember right, the notion of living forever was the first positive thing that attracted me about becoming a Christian. That my sins were forgiven, or the idea of missing eternal damnation was more a relief but living forever, well, that was something to get excited about. I am pretty sure I didn't realize it at the time but getting me ready to appreciate all it means to live forever is part of the package that Jesus offers. It didn't take long to realize that God wasn't going to turn me lose on the shores of eternity and leave me alone but that He has every intention to transform me into something different . It takes some getting used to to realize that your destiny isn't just going to Heaven or a change of geography so much as it is to become a genuine Son of God. All I can say it that it is something like being adopted into a royal family. Realizing that you will spend your life with royals tends to make you want to sit-up straighter. 11/10/2010 Conversations Within ts (Chapel Hill NC)

“Your work is to discover your work and then, with all your heart, to give yourself to it.” – Buddha

“It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work...” Ecc.5 NLT

One of life's simple pleasures is the enjoyment of work, well maybe. People often talk as if they hate going to work. I suppose people feel this way if work is viewed as cursed toil. This is easy to do if we accept Adam's story. But this view of work fails to take into account that Christ has come to redeem our lives including the work of our hands. In Him all labor becomes of means of enjoyment, an offering to God, one expression of a fruitful and abundant life. He turns work into play, duty into delight and gives eternal meaning to our time on the clock. Such transformation isn't to be found in what we do as it is in what we become not in our work conditions but the condition of our heart. 11/9/2010 Conversations Within ts (Chapel Hill NC)

“Your work is to discover your work and then, with all your heart, to give yourself to it.” – Buddha

“It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work...” Ecc.5 NLT

One of life's simple pleasures is the enjoyment of work, well maybe. People often talk as if they hate going to work. I suppose people feel this way if work is viewed as cursed toil. This is easy to do if we accept Adam's story. But this view of work fails to take into account that Christ has come to redeem our lives including the work of our hands. In Him all labor becomes of means of enjoyment, an offering to God, one expression of a fruitful and abundant life. He turns work into play, duty into delight and gives eternal meaning to our time on the clock. Such transformation isn't to be found in what we do as it is in what we become not in our work conditions but the condition of our heart. 11/9/2010 Conversations Within ts (Chapel Hill NC)

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience” – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

“like irrational animals, creatures of instinct...” 2Pt.2

The simple adage, “Aim at nothing and you will hit it every time,” makes the pointed observation that if we don’t live our lives on purpose there will be no positive focus to our lives. A casual glance at creation reveals that every living thing is born with drive even if it is only animal instinct. But people who are made in the image of God are designed for something more than life as a mere animal. No doubt that Adam’s body was taken from earth and that he shares that kinship with animals but he was also made a living soul, a spiritual creature. To be an image bearer is to rise above the mere instinctive drive to eat, drink, survive and reproduce. What is tragic it that many of us never discover what it means to be made in the in the image of God. Christ became one of us that we might grow up into Him and discover our full potential. Certainly every Einstein, Mozart, Michael Jordon or Mother Theresa gives us a glimpse of our potential as image bearers. But once set free from earthly bonds, what we shall become is best witnessed in Jesus. 11/7/2010 Conversations Within ts (Chapel Hill NC)

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience” – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

“like irrational animals, creatures of instinct...” 2Pt.2

The simple adage, “Aim at nothing and you will hit it every time,” makes the pointed observation that if we don’t live our lives on purpose there will be no positive focus to our lives. A casual glance at creation reveals that every living thing is born with drive even if it is only animal instinct. But people who are made in the image of God are designed for something more than life as a mere animal. No doubt that Adam’s body was taken from earth and that he shares that kinship with animals but he was also made a living soul, a spiritual creature. To be an image bearer is to rise above the mere instinctive drive to eat, drink, survive and reproduce. What is tragic it that many of us never discover what it means to be made in the in the image of God. Christ became one of us that we might grow up into Him and discover our full potential. Certainly every Einstein, Mozart, Michael Jordon or Mother Theresa gives us a glimpse of our potential as image bearers. But once set free from earthly bonds, what we shall become is best witnessed in Jesus. 11/7/2010 Conversations Within ts (Chapel Hill NC)

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail" Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” Pro.16 ESV

Some people wait for doors to open, some simply open doors and walk through, still others create doors where none exist but the success or failure of any of these approaches is decided by God. It is more important that we attend not so much to our personal approach where doors are concerned, as it is that we fear God and humbly commit our way to Him. Whatever our approach, God decides. If we would have him decide in our favor let us walk in His. I am not saying that our approach isn't important but when we make His will our first concern He will direct us to what approach best fits the moment. 11/7/2010 Conversations Within ts (Chapel Hill NC)

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail" Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” Pro.16 ESV

Some people wait for doors to open, some simply open doors and walk through, still others create doors where none exist but the success or failure of any of these approaches is decided by God. It is more important that we attend not so much to our personal approach where doors are concerned, as it is that we fear God and humbly commit our way to Him. Whatever our approach, God decides. If we would have him decide in our favor let us walk in His. I am not saying that our approach isn't important but when we make His will our first concern He will direct us to what approach best fits the moment. 11/7/2010 Conversations Within ts (Chapel Hill NC)

“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Abraham Lincoln

“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Abraham Lincoln

“I have come that you might have life, and have it abundantly.” Jesus

What is life if it isn't lived. It matters little if I survive to old age if all I do is survive. We might be tempted to think that a good life is a collection of new experiences. I suppose there is some enjoyment in that. But what are experiences if they are not shared. We might as well ask, what is life if it isn't shared? It is in our relationships that meaning is given to our experiences. It is our friendships that enrich them. How precious is life, how valuable the friends who share it with us! 11/6/2010 Conversations Within ts (Chapel Hill NC)

“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Abraham Lincoln

“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Abraham Lincoln

“I have come that you might have life, and have it abundantly.” Jesus

What is life if it isn't lived. It matters little if I survive to old age if all I do is survive. We might be tempted to think that a good life is a collection of new experiences. I suppose there is some enjoyment in that. But what are experiences if they are not shared. We might as well ask, what is life if it isn't shared? It is in our relationships that meaning is given to our experiences. It is our friendships that enrich them. How precious is life, how valuable the friends who share it with us! 11/6/2010 Conversations Within ts (Chapel Hill NC)

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein

Then Elisha prayed and said, "O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see." 2Kg.6 ESV

Most of the people I talk with believe that there is intelligent life scattered in the universe. Even more interesting is that just about everybody accepts that there is life outside the universe. By that I mean supernatural life, i.e. God, angels, demons even loved ones who have transitioned. One definition of a miracle is any event that cannot be explained by the laws of nature and therefore deemed to have a supernatural origin. If there are supernatural events, events outside the physical universe then there is surely more to this life than just this life. I believe in miracles because I believe in God not vise-versa. Technically speaking, if you believe that God created the universe, everything is a miracle, because everything would have a supernatural origin. My life as a Christian is waking me to behold God's hand in natural processes like gravity. Most people would say that if they saw a person truly levitate, not some magic trick mind you, but to really defy gravity they would call it a miracle. Surely it is a blessed faith to also see that it is God's hand using gravity to hold our feet to the ground. 11/5/2010 Conversations Within ts (Chapel Hill NC)

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein

Then Elisha prayed and said, "O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see." 2Kg.6 ESV

Most of the people I talk with believe that there is intelligent life scattered in the universe. Even more interesting is that just about everybody accepts that there is life outside the universe. By that I mean supernatural life, i.e. God, angels, demons even loved ones who have transitioned. One definition of a miracle is any event that cannot be explained by the laws of nature and therefore deemed to have a supernatural origin. If there are supernatural events, events outside the physical universe then there is surely more to this life than just this life. I believe in miracles because I believe in God not vise-versa. Technically speaking, if you believe that God created the universe, everything is a miracle, because everything would have a supernatural origin. My life as a Christian is waking me to behold God's hand in natural processes like gravity. Most people would say that if they saw a person truly levitate, not some magic trick mind you, but to really defy gravity they would call it a miracle. Surely it is a blessed faith to also see that it is God's hand using gravity to hold our feet to the ground. 11/5/2010 Conversations Within ts (Chapel Hill NC)

“If happy people are healthier and bacon makes me happy...doesn't that make bacon health food?” Anonymous

“And there came a voice to him: "Rise, Peter; kill and eat." Acts 10 (When God decided to lift the ban on bacon.)

Ever wonder why God didn't make carrots taste like bacon? I have a couple of thoughts on it. I think one reason He didn't may be to communicate that the present world is sort of turned upside down, obviously because of our rebellion and that things as they presently exist are not what He intends for us. I also think that He is telling us that in our present state, we must often acquire a taste for things which are good for us seeing that we want so many things bad for us. Bacon gives me hope that there is a new place where nothing I desire will be bad for me. Why? Simply because I will be different and want nothing that is bad for me. It may just be that bacon is bacon and will always need to be eaten in moderation and in glory we will be moderate creatures rather than gluttons. Last, if God can make something that tastes as great as bacon I can't wait to see what is in store for us in the new world. 11/4/2010 Conversations Within ts (Chapel Hill NC)

“If happy people are healthier and bacon makes me happy...doesn't that make bacon health food?” Anonymous

“And there came a voice to him: "Rise, Peter; kill and eat." Acts 10 (When God decided to lift the ban on bacon.)

Ever wonder why God didn't make carrots taste like bacon? I have a couple of thoughts on it. I think one reason He didn't may be to communicate that the present world is sort of turned upside down, obviously because of our rebellion and that things as they presently exist are not what He intends for us. I also think that He is telling us that in our present state, we must often acquire a taste for things which are good for us seeing that we want so many things bad for us. Bacon gives me hope that there is a new place where nothing I desire will be bad for me. Why? Simply because I will be different and want nothing that is bad for me. It may just be that bacon is bacon and will always need to be eaten in moderation and in glory we will be moderate creatures rather than gluttons. Last, if God can make something that tastes as great as bacon I can't wait to see what is in store for us in the new world. 11/4/2010 Conversations Within ts (Chapel Hill NC)

“There are two kinds of egotists: Those who admit it, and the rest of us.” Laurence J. Peter

“He gives grace to the humble.” 1Pet.5

If there is anything, anything at all which captures the attention of God, it is said that He gives grace to the humble. Now how to be genuinely humble, well that 's the rub. Benjamin Franklin confessed that humility was a virtue that escaped him and said that the best he could manage was the appearance of it. This of course may serve us with people who make surface judgments but hardly with God who sees the hidden motives of the heart. I think that when I am honest with myself about myself I may be taking the first steps towards being honest with God. When I confess that I have a number motives behind most of what I do and admit that anything of real worth has come or will come from grace, I place myself in a position to receive more of it. Humility is a realistic appraisal of one self and then the act of humbling oneself because of what is discovered. 11/3/2010 Conversations Within ts (On the Road)

“There are two kinds of egotists: Those who admit it, and the rest of us.” Laurence J. Peter

“He gives grace to the humble.” 1Pet.5

If there is anything, anything at all which captures the attention of God, it is said that He gives grace to the humble. Now how to be genuinely humble, well that 's the rub. Benjamin Franklin confessed that humility was a virtue that escaped him and said that the best he could manage was the appearance of it. This of course may serve us with people who make surface judgments but hardly with God who sees the hidden motives of the heart. I think that when I am honest with myself about myself I may be taking the first steps towards being honest with God. When I confess that I have a number motives behind most of what I do and admit that anything of real worth has come or will come from grace, I place myself in a position to receive more of it. Humility is a realistic appraisal of one self and then the act of humbling oneself because of what is discovered. 11/3/2010 Conversations Within ts (On the Road)

“There are advantages to being elected President. The day after I was elected, I had my high school grades classified Top Secret.” Ronald Reagan

“In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them.” 2Cor.5

Most of us do not need a new word from God but only to live by the words He has already spoken. Most of us already know what we are supposed to do. What is lacking is doing it. Now the good news is that Jesus has paid the penalty for our disobedience and God has graciously forgiven all who trust this. But this does not negate our need for obedience. Grace has come precisely to assist us in it. The Christian message is somewhat like this. God has given all who look to Jesus an “A” for our required course in righteous living. He has done this so that we may study righteousness without the fear of receiving a failing grade. He hasn't given us an “A” so we can skip class and pursue our selfish interests. He removes the pressure of making a passing grade so that we may be free to enjoy the pursuits of righteousness. Christians don't try to live right to earn the eternal state. We seek to acquire a taste for the only food being served there. 11/2/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between)

“There are advantages to being elected President. The day after I was elected, I had my high school grades classified Top Secret.” Ronald Reagan

“In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them.” 2Cor.5

Most of us do not need a new word from God but only to live by the words He has already spoken. Most of us already know what we are supposed to do. What is lacking is doing it. Now the good news is that Jesus has paid the penalty for our disobedience and God has graciously forgiven all who trust this. But this does not negate our need for obedience. Grace has come precisely to assist us in it. The Christian message is somewhat like this. God has given all who look to Jesus an “A” for our required course in righteous living. He has done this so that we may study righteousness without the fear of receiving a failing grade. He hasn't given us an “A” so we can skip class and pursue our selfish interests. He removes the pressure of making a passing grade so that we may be free to enjoy the pursuits of righteousness. Christians don't try to live right to earn the eternal state. We seek to acquire a taste for the only food being served there. 11/2/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between)

Every child instinctively knows how to unscrew an Oreo cookie.

“Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.” Pr.26 ESV

Yuck! I hate to admit it but I am inclined toward certain sins. Put me in a certain situation and I can pretty much predict my behavior. I lean. Because I lean, when restraint is removed, I fall in the direction of my leanings. It seems that inclinations are somewhat instinctive, we are born with them. You give a child an Oreo cookie and you can pretty much predict what they will do with it. This is why Jesus tells us that to follow Him we must be born again. We must experience a re-birth, and be born with new inclinations, new desires, new instincts. I am writing this morning from the little town of Between Ga. This is somewhat appropriate because I also write somewhere “between' my first birth and my second, squeezing through the birth canal of spiritual regeneration that I might be to be born new, and inclined wholly to do the will of God. 11/1/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between)

“Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it...” ~George Eliot

“And their leaves are for healing." Ezek.47

Oh the wonder of autumn leaves
In their rain of color and hue
Reds whirling and yellows twirling, countless shapes unfurling
Against a canvas of blue.
They glide, they plunge, some flip, even lunge or playfully turn over and over
So delicate so quietly they fall and drape the forest floor with cover.
Each leaf in its flight is as much an individual as I and my journey as brief a journey as theirs. 10/15/2010 Conversations Within ts (NC Mountains)

“Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it...” ~George Eliot

“And their leaves are for healing." Ezek.47

Oh the wonder of autumn leaves
In their rain of color and hue
Reds whirling and yellows twirling, countless shapes unfurling
Against a canvas of blue.
They glide, they plunge, some flip, even lunge or playfully turn over and over
So delicate so quietly they fall and drape the forest floor with cover.
Each leaf in its flight is as much an individual as I and my journey as brief a journey as theirs. 10/15/2010 Conversations Within ts (NC Mountains)

“A life without cause is a life without effect.” Barbarella

“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12 ESV

How would I summarize the purpose of life? I suppose from a Christian point of view there are many ways to put it but to me all of them boil down to the same thing. Is there any difference in fearing God, loving God, glorifying Him even enjoying Him? In my mind, not really. Each looks at a facet of the same diamond. Some may wonder how fearing God and loving God have anything to do with one another. I think the wisest man was referring to the fear of respect and awe rather than the fear of dread and terror. I love my father, I can also properly say I fear him. The purpose of life in my mind it to wake to the reality of God and to know my duty as a creature made in His image and to see my duty mature to delight as I come to enjoy all He desires to be for me in life. 10/29/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill)

“A life without cause is a life without effect.” Barbarella

“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12 ESV

How would I summarize the purpose of life? I suppose from a Christian point of view there are many ways to put it but to me all of them boil down to the same thing. Is there any difference in fearing God, loving God, glorifying Him even enjoying Him? In my mind, not really. Each looks at a facet of the same diamond. Some may wonder how fearing God and loving God have anything to do with one another. I think the wisest man was referring to the fear of respect and awe rather than the fear of dread and terror. I love my father, I can also properly say I fear him. The purpose of life in my mind it to wake to the reality of God and to know my duty as a creature made in His image and to see my duty mature to delight as I come to enjoy all He desires to be for me in life. 10/29/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill)

'If there is an itch one does want to scratch... As long as we have the itch of self-regard we shall want the pleasure of self-approval...” C. S. Lewi

'If there is an itch one does want to scratch... As long as we have the itch of self-regard we shall want the pleasure of self-approval...” C. S. Lewis

“And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. “James 3 ESV

Learning self-control may very well begin with something as simple as bridling our tongue. Sometimes when I am on the verge of saying something, that quiet Voice within encourages me not to say it. When He does, I am always amazes at how hard it is for me to hold my tongue once I have thought of something I want to say. Just yesterday I was going to say something to a friend and felt the Spirit's hand on my shoulder prompting me not to say it. Later, I wanted to tell Brenda what I was going to say and again I felt the same encouragement to keep my mouth closed. I inwardly argued back that all I wanted to do was talk to my wife about it. And, as conversations within often go, I distinctly heard, “Why? What will it profit.” It dawned on me that I did not want to share something with my wife for her profit but to scratch some itch I was having just to talk. Perhaps if I learn to say no to talking I may learn to say no to other itches that want to be scratched. I think I have spiritual poison ivy! 10/28/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill)

'If there is an itch one does want to scratch... As long as we have the itch of self-regard we shall want the pleasure of self-approval...” C. S. Lewi

'If there is an itch one does want to scratch... As long as we have the itch of self-regard we shall want the pleasure of self-approval...” C. S. Lewis

“And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. “James 3 ESV

Learning self-control may very well begin with something as simple as bridling our tongue. Sometimes when I am on the verge of saying something, that quiet Voice within encourages me not to say it. When He does, I am always amazes at how hard it is for me to hold my tongue once I have thought of something I want to say. Just yesterday I was going to say something to a friend and felt the Spirit's hand on my shoulder prompting me not to say it. Later, I wanted to tell Brenda what I was going to say and again I felt the same encouragement to keep my mouth closed. I inwardly argued back that all I wanted to do was talk to my wife about it. And, as conversations within often go, I distinctly heard, “Why? What will it profit.” It dawned on me that I did not want to share something with my wife for her profit but to scratch some itch I was having just to talk. Perhaps if I learn to say no to talking I may learn to say no to other itches that want to be scratched. I think I have spiritual poison ivy! 10/28/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill)

“Worldview (Weltanschauung)--The overall perspective from which one sees and interprets the world.” The Free Dictionary

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Gen.1 ESV

It seems rather simple, at least to me, that there is an intelligent design witnessed in all the universe. When I look its many wonders the greatest wonder of all, is my own wonder of these wonders. The “manishness of man”, as the late Francis Schaeffer called it, is the one wonder that stands out with such power that I could hardly believe that all this is the result of some cosmic accident. I quite agree with C. S. Lewis, “If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning.” But certainly not everybody feels this way. There is no reason to be offended when they don't. Some believe that in the beginning man created God. Freedom to choose one's beliefs is one part of man's manishness. Christianity offers me a reasonable explanation of that manishness. 10/29/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill)

“Worldview (Weltanschauung)--The overall perspective from which one sees and interprets the world.” The Free Dictionary

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Gen.1 ESV

It seems rather simple, at least to me, that there is an intelligent design witnessed in all the universe. When I look its many wonders the greatest wonder of all, is my own wonder of these wonders. The “manishness of man”, as the late Francis Schaeffer called it, is the one wonder that stands out with such power that I could hardly believe that all this is the result of some cosmic accident. I quite agree with C. S. Lewis, “If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning.” But certainly not everybody feels this way. There is no reason to be offended when they don't. Some believe that in the beginning man created God. Freedom to choose one's beliefs is one part of man's manishness. Christianity offers me a reasonable explanation of that manishness. 10/29/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill)

People, when they are able, always choose whatever desire is the greatest at the moment. Johnathan Edwards.

“The fruit of the Spirit is....self-control.” Gal.5 ESV

Self-control is learned just as all other virtues are. Moral excellence is not cooked in our lives instantly like some microwave dinner. We do not ask God to give us self-control and wake up the next day a disciplined person. Self-control is learned one decision at a time. Every decision that we make simply reinforces in us the desire to choose it the next time around. This is just as true for bad decisions as it is good ones. It is certainly true that every decision is born from desire. What I desire most will determine what decision I make and this is precisely where the Spirit of Jesus helps us. He works in us a desire to say no to inferior desires and to choose the superior delights of joy. The catch seems to be that joy is often an acquired taste. 10/27/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill)

People, when they are able, always choose whatever desire is the greatest at the moment. Johnathan Edwards.

“The fruit of the Spirit is....self-control.” Gal.5 ESV

Self-control is learned just as all other virtues are. Moral excellence is not cooked in our lives instantly like some microwave dinner. We do not ask God to give us self-control and wake up the next day a disciplined person. Self-control is learned one decision at a time. Every decision that we make simply reinforces in us the desire to choose it the next time around. This is just as true for bad decisions as it is good ones. It is certainly true that every decision is born from desire. What I desire most will determine what decision I make and this is precisely where the Spirit of Jesus helps us. He works in us a desire to say no to inferior desires and to choose the superior delights of joy. The catch seems to be that joy is often an acquired taste. 10/27/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill)

Some of our choices limit other choices.

“The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way.” Ps.37 ESV

God leaves thousands of decisions to us every day. It it obvious that He does not tell us every single thing we are to do. He does provide us with some excellent guidelines and even offers to bless the choices we make when we live by them. After we have made the singular choice to commit our lives to Him, God gives great latitude to the choices we make. When we have sincerely asked for His guidance and truly look for it as a manner of living, we should rest confident that He is in fact, leading us. This is just as true for the person I choose to marry, the work I choose as a my career ,as it is when I choose a tuna or a peanut butter sandwich for lunch. When we want God's will He is certainly able to lead us to it. 10/26/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill)

Some of our choices limit other choices.

“The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way.” Ps.37 ESV

God leaves thousands of decisions to us every day. It it obvious that He does not tell us every single thing we are to do. He does provide us with some excellent guidelines and even offers to bless the choices we make when we live by them. After we have made the singular choice to commit our lives to Him, God gives great latitude to the choices we make. When we have sincerely asked for His guidance and truly look for it as a manner of living, we should rest confident that He is in fact, leading us. This is just as true for the person I choose to marry, the work I choose as a my career ,as it is when I choose a tuna or a peanut butter sandwich for lunch. When we want God's will He is certainly able to lead us to it. 10/26/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill)

The best thing to do with dirty laundry isn't to air it, nor hide it under the rug, but to wash it.

“It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.” Proverbs 25 ESV

Somewhere there is a fine line that defines when it is proper to confess our shortcomings to others and when to keep our sins to ourselves. Certainly if I have wronged someone I need to go to them and ask forgiveness. But on the whole it is probably best to keep private matters private. “Airing my dirty laundry,” encourages no one except gossips and airing others peoples dirty laundry is never appropriate. But if my laundry has been washed and I mean washed in the good old Christian sense of the word, then by all means wear it. People are encouraged when they see a sinner turned saint if for no other reason than it give us hope that we too may be forgiven and changed. Some of the most powerful stories are those of drug dealers, prostitutes, alcoholics and bad husbands, who after coming to Christ, have experienced a wonderful transformation. 10/25/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill)

The best thing to do with dirty laundry isn't to air it, nor hide it under the rug, but to wash it.

“It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.” Proverbs 25 ESV

Somewhere there is a fine line that defines when it is proper to confess our shortcomings to others and when to keep our sins to ourselves. Certainly if I have wronged someone I need to go to them and ask forgiveness. But on the whole it is probably best to keep private matters private. “Airing my dirty laundry,” encourages no one except gossips and airing others peoples dirty laundry is never appropriate. But if my laundry has been washed and I mean washed in the good old Christian sense of the word, then by all means wear it. People are encouraged when they see a sinner turned saint if for no other reason than it give us hope that we too may be forgiven and changed. Some of the most powerful stories are those of drug dealers, prostitutes, alcoholics and bad husbands, who after coming to Christ, have experienced a wonderful transformation. 10/25/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill)

To believe that someone's behavior is immoral does not make you a bigot unless of course you refuse to love them.

“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” John 8 KJV

Recently the news reported the suicides of “several young people who were bullied and taunted for being gay.” We are no doubt a conflicted society and such stories are sad beyond description. What is equally sad, is that Christians often have a double standard about homosexual behavior and our own short comings. All sin is a perversion of what God desires for His children, my sins no less. And it should be said that persecution is always wrong. People who persecute people for being gay do not understand the nature of their own sins nor nature of grace to to cease condemnation. And while this is certainly tragic, it should also be said that people who persecute Christians for their beliefs about same sex relations are just as wrong. Holding to ones moral code does not make you a bigot, but failing to love those who do not share it, does. 10/21/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill)

To believe that someone's behavior is immoral does not make you a bigot unless of course you refuse to love them.

“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” John 8 KJV

Recently the news reported the suicides of “several young people who were bullied and taunted for being gay.” We are no doubt a conflicted society and such stories are sad beyond description. What is equally sad, is that Christians often have a double standard about homosexual behavior and our own short comings. All sin is a perversion of what God desires for His children, my sins no less. And it should be said that persecution is always wrong. People who persecute people for being gay do not understand the nature of their own sins nor nature of grace to to cease condemnation. And while this is certainly tragic, it should also be said that people who persecute Christians for their beliefs about same sex relations are just as wrong. Holding to ones moral code does not make you a bigot, but failing to love those who do not share it, does. 10/21/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill)

The letter of Scripture is a veil just as much as it is a revelation; hiding while it reveals, and yet revealing while it hides. Andrew Jukes

But Jesus answered them, "You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.”

One cannot be a disciple of Jesus and not be a disciple of the Scriptures—at least not a good disciple. Jesus taught from the Scriptures, obeyed their teachings, appealed to them as the authoritative word of God, told us that one purpose of His life was to fulfill them and said that they would remain until heaven and earth passed away. He also commissioned His apostles to give us the New Testament and for two thousand years followers of Christ have been disciples of the Book even if faltering ones. Any serious disciple of Jesus might as well make up their mind that to follow Jesus is to reverence the Bible as God's word, even if we struggle with some of its passages. The good news is that Jesus promises, in the Scriptures of course, to lead us, and feed us from them. He does not leave us to figure it out on our own. 10/19/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill)