“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” Greek Proverb

“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.” Prov.12

The best way mankind can exercise dominion over the world is to care for it, not use it up. There is no wisdom if you eat the seed corn for next years crops. There is no future in it either. The Native American proverb puts it this way, “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” Live globally! Live generationally! Conversations Within” ts 4/24/2015

“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” Greek Proverb

“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.” Prov.12

The best way mankind can exercise dominion over the world is to care for it, not use it up. There is no wisdom if you eat the seed corn for next years crops. There is no future in it either. The Native American proverb puts it this way, “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” Live globally! Live generationally! Conversations Within” ts 4/24/2015

“Anybody can be great, because anybody can serve.” Martin Luther King

“I am among you as one who serves.” Jesus

It staggers me to realize that if I am to see the face of Jesus I will probably have to look down to see Him washing my feet. Christ shows us that a true King rules over His subjects by being a servant to them. God offers to serve us every time we ask something of Him in prayer. He invites us to live as Kings, and no doubt means by it that we should outdo one another in love and service. Conversations Within” ts 4/23/2015

“Anybody can be great, because anybody can serve.” Martin Luther King

“I am among you as one who serves.” Jesus

It staggers me to realize that if I am to see the face of Jesus I will probably have to look down to see Him washing my feet. Christ shows us that a true King rules over His subjects by being a servant to them. God offers to serve us every time we ask something of Him in prayer. He invites us to live as Kings, and no doubt means by it that we should outdo one another in love and service. Conversations Within” ts 4/23/2015

"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree." Martin Luther

“The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof.” Ps.24

Humans rule the earth only as stewards. It is ultimately God’s world we litter and pollute. By giving us dominion He has assigned us the care of the world, not the corruption of it. We are given dominion over the earth to work and keep it, not to use it up. Care for the world as you care for your body. Both are the temple of the Lord. Conversations Within” ts 4/22/2015

"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree." Martin Luther

“The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof.” Ps.24

Humans rule the earth only as stewards. It is ultimately God’s world we litter and pollute. By giving us dominion He has assigned us the care of the world, not the corruption of it. We are given dominion over the earth to work and keep it, not to use it up. Care for the world as you care for your body. Both are the temple of the Lord. Conversations Within” ts 4/22/2015

“What lies in our power to do, lies in our power not to do.” Aristotle.

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

A wise parent understands that they must not only control their children at the initial stages of childhood but also teach them how to control themselves as they mature. Likewise, God uses Law when it is necessary to restrain people from bad behavior, but He surely desires that His children mature and govern ourselves with love. Conversations Within” ts 4/21/2015

“What lies in our power to do, lies in our power not to do.” Aristotle.

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

A wise parent understands that they must not only control their children at the initial stages of childhood but also teach them how to control themselves as they mature. Likewise, God uses Law when it is necessary to restrain people from bad behavior, but He surely desires that His children mature and govern ourselves with love. Conversations Within” ts 4/21/2015

We will never exercise a proper dominion of the world without first ruling ourselves.

“Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule...over all the earth..." Gen.1

Man was created to rule over the earth but we have chosen slavery to our passions instead. We are to this day held captive to our own lusts and desires. We do not always do what we know is good, but consistently give in to desires which imprison us. We were made to be Kings and Princes but have become traitors and tyrants, trying control the world without controlling ourselves.  Jesus has come to put us back on the throne but we must first surrender to His.  Conversations Within” ts 4/20/2015

We will never exercise a proper dominion of the world without first ruling ourselves.

“Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule...over all the earth..." Gen.1

Man was created to rule over the earth but we have chosen slavery to our passions instead. We are to this day held captive to our own lusts and desires. We do not always do what we know is good, but consistently give in to desires which imprison us. We were made to be Kings and Princes but have become traitors and tyrants, trying control the world without controlling ourselves.  Jesus has come to put us back on the throne but we must first surrender to His.  Conversations Within” ts 4/20/2015

“Eye contact is way more intimate than words will ever be.” Faraaz Kazi

“Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness.” Ps.33

When our lab, Maggie, wants something, she will sit patiently in front of us until we make eye contact with her. We usually have to ask her questions about what she wants, but eye contact is her way to initiate communication. In one sense, the gift of faith enables us to make eye contact with God. When we look to Him in faith, we are given every assurance that we will find Him looking our way, eager, even delighted to answer us. Conversations Within” ts 4/18/2015

“Eye contact is way more intimate than words will ever be.” Faraaz Kazi

“Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness.” Ps.33

When our lab, Maggie, wants something, she will sit patiently in front of us until we make eye contact with her. We usually have to ask her questions about what she wants, but eye contact is her way to initiate communication. In one sense, the gift of faith enables us to make eye contact with God. When we look to Him in faith, we are given every assurance that we will find Him looking our way, eager, even delighted to answer us. Conversations Within” ts 4/18/2015

“When you saw only one set of footprints, that is when i carried you.” Footprints

“I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” Ps.32

It is one thing to tell someone how to get to a destination and another to personally show them. God is the kind of friend who goes with you. He will not send you somewhere without accompanying you on the journey. He always walks with us when He counsels us where to go. He will not leave us to face the road alone. He is a companion not just a counselor.  Conversations Within” ts 4/17/2015

“When you saw only one set of footprints, that is when i carried you.” Footprints

“I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” Ps.32

It is one thing to tell someone how to get to a destination and another to personally show them. God is the kind of friend who goes with you. He will not send you somewhere without accompanying you on the journey. He always walks with us when He counsels us where to go. He will not leave us to face the road alone. He is a companion not just a counselor.  Conversations Within” ts 4/17/2015

“I once was lost but now I’m found.” Amazing Grace

“If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?” Jesus

Some believe that all roads lead ultimately to God. I read a comment on this once that I think puts it better. It said that actually most roads lead nowhere, but surely there is no road that we travel where God is not willing to come and find us. God’s eyes are ever seeking out those who are lost. The old song does not say, “I once was lost, until I found the way,” but rather,  “I once was lost, but now I’m found.” Conversations Within” ts 4/16/2015

“I once was lost but now I’m found.” Amazing Grace

“If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?” Jesus

Some believe that all roads lead ultimately to God. I read a comment on this once that I think puts it better. It said that actually most roads lead nowhere, but surely there is no road that we travel where God is not willing to come and find us. God’s eyes are ever seeking out those who are lost. The old song does not say, “I once was lost, until I found the way,” but rather,  “I once was lost, but now I’m found.” Conversations Within” ts 4/16/2015

"Compassion will cure more sins than condemnation." - Henry Ward Beecher

“Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes.” Matt.20

We see the world as God sees it when we look with eyes of compassion. The overall message of the Bible teaches that God has very little interest in condemning people, but has great interest in helping us. The only time God looks down on people is when He is reaching down to help us up. God help us to do the same!  Conversations Within” ts 4/15/2015

"Compassion will cure more sins than condemnation." - Henry Ward Beecher

“Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes.” Matt.20

We see the world as God sees it when we look with eyes of compassion. The overall message of the Bible teaches that God has very little interest in condemning people, but has great interest in helping us. The only time God looks down on people is when He is reaching down to help us up. God help us to do the same!  Conversations Within” ts 4/15/2015

A friend is a companion who walks with you in good times and bad, who helps shoulder the weight of life’s burdens and celebrates with you its joys.

“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2Chron.16

Strength is the power to do. God gives it! His Spirit sheds light on what path is best. He is all of the time cheering us on while we walk it. He is at every turn providing everything we need to make the journey of joy. His offer of strength is an offer of companionship. No one ever needs to walk alone. God is an ever present friend and a powerful source of enduring strength. Conversations Within” ts 4/14/2015

A friend is a companion who walks with you in good times and bad, who helps shoulder the weight of life’s burdens and celebrates with you its joys.

“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2Chron.16

Strength is the power to do. God gives it! His Spirit sheds light on what path is best. He is all of the time cheering us on while we walk it. He is at every turn providing everything we need to make the journey of joy. His offer of strength is an offer of companionship. No one ever needs to walk alone. God is an ever present friend and a powerful source of enduring strength. Conversations Within” ts 4/14/2015

I imagine that God’s eyes have a different look, depending of course, on whether we have the eyes of a sheep or those of a wolf.

“The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.” Prov.15

God keeps watch like the soldier standing post, or the shepherd watching over his flocks. He has protective eyes if you are a sheep, and menacing eyes if you are a wolf. His eyes are ever looking, not to catch His children in some sin, but to catch us when we fall. He is looking to protect not punish those who trust Him; but wolves should beware.  Conversations Within” ts 4/13/2015

I imagine that God’s eyes have a different look, depending of course, on whether we have the eyes of a sheep or those of a wolf.

“The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.” Prov.15

God keeps watch like the soldier standing post, or the shepherd watching over his flocks. He has protective eyes if you are a sheep, and menacing eyes if you are a wolf. His eyes are ever looking, not to catch His children in some sin, but to catch us when we fall. He is looking to protect not punish those who trust Him; but wolves should beware.  Conversations Within” ts 4/13/2015

“When you stop trying to change others and work on changing yourself, your world changes for the better.” ~Unknown

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Rom.12

We are usually sensitive to faults in those closest to us that we find bothersome, but it would be better to fine tune our sensitivities to the faults in us that bother them. Trying to change your spouse is meddling in affairs best left in God’s hands. It is far better for them, and for us, to cooperate with God’s changes in our own attitudes and actions. Conversations Within” ts 4/11/2015

“When you stop trying to change others and work on changing yourself, your world changes for the better.” ~Unknown

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Rom.12

We are usually sensitive to faults in those closest to us that we find bothersome, but it would be better to fine tune our sensitivities to the faults in us that bother them. Trying to change your spouse is meddling in affairs best left in God’s hands. It is far better for them, and for us, to cooperate with God’s changes in our own attitudes and actions. Conversations Within” ts 4/11/2015

“Being right isn’t nearly as important as knowing when to shut up.” Unknown

“...they may be won without a word...when they see your respectful and pure conduct.”

A wise love knows when to speak and when to keep silent. If words do not produce what is best, perhaps a silent and respectful behavior will. The way we seek what is best for those we love is as important as what we seek for them. Wisdom seeks what is best in the best way, and helps us discover not only what is good, but the surest means to lay hold of it. Conversations Within” ts 4/9/2015

“Being right isn’t nearly as important as knowing when to shut up.” Unknown

“...they may be won without a word...when they see your respectful and pure conduct.”

A wise love knows when to speak and when to keep silent. If words do not produce what is best, perhaps a silent and respectful behavior will. The way we seek what is best for those we love is as important as what we seek for them. Wisdom seeks what is best in the best way, and helps us discover not only what is good, but the surest means to lay hold of it. Conversations Within” ts 4/9/2015

I need to be...

“I need to be skinnier love myself.” Unknown

“He who gets wisdom loves his own soul.” Prov.19

Wisdom can teach us not so much to feel better about ourselves as to seek what is better when making decisions. A large part of wisdom is learning to make choices based on principle rather than feelings or desires. If you want to feel better about yourself, make better choices. But making better choices may free us from the need to feel better about ourselves. Conversations Within” ts 4/8/2015

I need to be...

“I need to be skinnier love myself.” Unknown

“He who gets wisdom loves his own soul.” Prov.19

Wisdom can teach us not so much to feel better about ourselves as to seek what is better when making decisions. A large part of wisdom is learning to make choices based on principle rather than feelings or desires. If you want to feel better about yourself, make better choices. But making better choices may free us from the need to feel better about ourselves. Conversations Within” ts 4/8/2015

Knowledge is not the same as wisdom. Knowledge is knowing, Wisdom is doing.” Peaceful Warrior

“Faith without works is dead.” James 2

Knowing what to do and not doing it is foolish. Wisdom is all about doing. Wisdom is more than just knowing, as love must be action beyond just feeling. After all, the final measure of a fruitful life is fruit. It is wise to act on what you know but it is not always wise to act on what you are feeling. Conversations Within” ts 4/7/2015

Knowledge is not the same as wisdom. Knowledge is knowing, Wisdom is doing.” Peaceful Warrior

“Faith without works is dead.” James 2

Knowing what to do and not doing it is foolish. Wisdom is all about doing. Wisdom is more than just knowing, as love must be action beyond just feeling. After all, the final measure of a fruitful life is fruit. It is wise to act on what you know but it is not always wise to act on what you are feeling. Conversations Within” ts 4/7/2015

All you need is love, except maybe a little wisdom to guide it.

“May your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best…” Phil.1

Wisdom can teach us the best way to seek what is best for the ones we love. Without it, even the best intentions of love can produce more harm than good. Like the banks of a life giving river, wisdom channels love, enabling it to provide goodness in a good way. But, without these banks, unguided love can overwhelm, flood, even destroy. Conversations Within” ts 4/6/2015

All you need is love, except maybe a little wisdom to guide it.

“May your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best…” Phil.1

Wisdom can teach us the best way to seek what is best for the ones we love. Without it, even the best intentions of love can produce more harm than good. Like the banks of a life giving river, wisdom channels love, enabling it to provide goodness in a good way. But, without these banks, unguided love can overwhelm, flood, even destroy. Conversations Within” ts 4/6/2015

“Don’t cross a bridge before you come to it.” English proverb

“You make known to me the path of life and in your presence is fullness of joy.” Ps.16

So much of the present is lost to worry over the future or the past. Focus on this moment--the here and now, and attend to it with all of your heart. Do not lose this minute being anxious over the next. The proper focus now, will insure a proper focus later. If you want to be where you are supposed to be at the end of the day, make sure you are where you are suppose to be right now. Conversations Within” ts 4/4/2015

“Don’t cross a bridge before you come to it.” English proverb

“You make known to me the path of life and in your presence is fullness of joy.” Ps.16

So much of the present is lost to worry over the future or the past. Focus on this moment--the here and now, and attend to it with all of your heart. Do not lose this minute being anxious over the next. The proper focus now, will insure a proper focus later. If you want to be where you are supposed to be at the end of the day, make sure you are where you are suppose to be right now. Conversations Within” ts 4/4/2015

“If you chase two rabbits, both will escape.” Anonymous

“You cannot serve two masters…” Jesus

Love needs the input of wisdom to know the best way to love, just as focus needs wisdom to know where to center our focus. The power to focus is of little value if you focus on the wrong things. Wisdom is the needed companion of so many good things. This is just another way of speaking about God’s friendship. God is wisdom.  Conversations Within” ts 4/3/2015

“If you chase two rabbits, both will escape.” Anonymous

“You cannot serve two masters…” Jesus

Love needs the input of wisdom to know the best way to love, just as focus needs wisdom to know where to center our focus. The power to focus is of little value if you focus on the wrong things. Wisdom is the needed companion of so many good things. This is just another way of speaking about God’s friendship. God is wisdom.  Conversations Within” ts 4/3/2015

Focus of things you can change and let go of things you can’t. Unknown

"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Jesus

If you can’t change something why fret over it. The wisdom of contentment is to declare to your heart, “It is, what it is. Deal with it.” Contentment teaches us to change what can be changed and to accept what cannot be. Herein lies each day’s focus. If something needs changing and you are able to change it, center the crosshairs of your energy on it and stay with it until it is done. Conversations Within” ts 4/2/2015

Focus of things you can change and let go of things you can’t. Unknown

"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Jesus

If you can’t change something why fret over it. The wisdom of contentment is to declare to your heart, “It is, what it is. Deal with it.” Contentment teaches us to change what can be changed and to accept what cannot be. Herein lies each day’s focus. If something needs changing and you are able to change it, center the crosshairs of your energy on it and stay with it until it is done. Conversations Within” ts 4/2/2015

“Focus is about saying No.” Steve Jobs

“For the grace of God...teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” Titus 2

Wisdom is needed where focus is concerned: how else can we properly discern which activities deserve focus and which do not. What good is the power of focus if we focus on the wrong stuff. A good question to help filter our focus might simply be, “Is is beneficial?” Learning to say no to things that aren’t will improve our focus on things that are. Conversations Within” ts 4/1/2015

“Focus is about saying No.” Steve Jobs

“For the grace of God...teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” Titus 2

Wisdom is needed where focus is concerned: how else can we properly discern which activities deserve focus and which do not. What good is the power of focus if we focus on the wrong stuff. A good question to help filter our focus might simply be, “Is is beneficial?” Learning to say no to things that aren’t will improve our focus on things that are. Conversations Within” ts 4/1/2015

“You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.” Winston Churchill

“...promote...undistracted devotion to the Lord.” 1Cor.7

The power to focus is in part the strength to ignore distraction. When you are convinced of the goodness of something, do not let circumstances or people keep you from performing it. Stay focused on matters that matter and learn how to ignore unimportant interruptions.   Conversations Within” ts 3/31/2015

“You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.” Winston Churchill

“...promote...undistracted devotion to the Lord.” 1Cor.7

The power to focus is in part the strength to ignore distraction. When you are convinced of the goodness of something, do not let circumstances or people keep you from performing it. Stay focused on matters that matter and learn how to ignore unimportant interruptions.   Conversations Within” ts 3/31/2015

“Life is like a camera focus on what's important and you'll capture it perfectly.” Unknown

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.” Heb.12

The focus of a fruitful and happy life is really quite simple. Love God with all your heart, and while you are at it, love others as you love yourself. One bit of wisdom was shared with me in an acrostic using the word JOY--Jesus, Others, You. We should not overlook the fact that Jesus tells us in this simple formula to love ourselves. The best way to do that is to not jumble the order and put ourselves first. Conversations Within” ts 3/30/2015

“Life is like a camera focus on what's important and you'll capture it perfectly.” Unknown

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.” Heb.12

The focus of a fruitful and happy life is really quite simple. Love God with all your heart, and while you are at it, love others as you love yourself. One bit of wisdom was shared with me in an acrostic using the word JOY--Jesus, Others, You. We should not overlook the fact that Jesus tells us in this simple formula to love ourselves. The best way to do that is to not jumble the order and put ourselves first. Conversations Within” ts 3/30/2015

"Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime." - Martin Luther

“I am the resurrection and the life.” Jesus

God does not intend that the focus of our lives is only dying to selfishness, but to also rise up to a new life of love. Do not keep looking back at what you should give up.  Rather look forward to what you can gain. Die to self, yes, but by means rise up and live. It is not what we deny, but what we embrace, that defines our experience of God.   Conversations Within” ts 3/28/2015

"Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime." - Martin Luther

“I am the resurrection and the life.” Jesus

God does not intend that the focus of our lives is only dying to selfishness, but to also rise up to a new life of love. Do not keep looking back at what you should give up.  Rather look forward to what you can gain. Die to self, yes, but by means rise up and live. It is not what we deny, but what we embrace, that defines our experience of God.   Conversations Within” ts 3/28/2015

Self denial for any other reason than to serve others is just one more way of thinking too much about yourself.

“I die daily.” ! Cor.15

It is a good thing to deny yourself something if it will put you in a better place to serve someone, such as a mother who gives up sleep to attend to her newborn. But to practice self denial because you think it will make you more presentable to God is just another form of silly pride. Give up food or sleep to pray for others; by all means do so as an offering of love. Give up food or sleep to appease guilty feelings or impress God; forget it. Conversations Within” ts 3/27/2015

Self denial for any other reason than to serve others is just one more way of thinking too much about yourself.

“I die daily.” ! Cor.15

It is a good thing to deny yourself something if it will put you in a better place to serve someone, such as a mother who gives up sleep to attend to her newborn. But to practice self denial because you think it will make you more presentable to God is just another form of silly pride. Give up food or sleep to pray for others; by all means do so as an offering of love. Give up food or sleep to appease guilty feelings or impress God; forget it. Conversations Within” ts 3/27/2015

“It’s not the dates that count, it’s the dash.” (Robin Williams talking about his tombstone in the movie “Angriest man in Brooklyn.”

“You reap what you sow.” Gal.6

A godly worldview teaches us that the dash between the dates is not a “grab all the gusto you can get” before the second date arrives. The second date is not viewed as an end date, but a season change. The dash between the dates is planting time or to put it another way, the sowing of the seed of our lives in the ground of service. The second date is the beginning of harvest of all that is sown between the dates.  Conversations Within” ts 3/26/2015

“It’s not the dates that count, it’s the dash.” (Robin Williams talking about his tombstone in the movie “Angriest man in Brooklyn.”

“You reap what you sow.” Gal.6

A godly worldview teaches us that the dash between the dates is not a “grab all the gusto you can get” before the second date arrives. The second date is not viewed as an end date, but a season change. The dash between the dates is planting time or to put it another way, the sowing of the seed of our lives in the ground of service. The second date is the beginning of harvest of all that is sown between the dates.  Conversations Within” ts 3/26/2015