“You can change your life by changing your heart.” Max Lucado

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Ps.51

Sin is not just a behavior it is a condition that results in a certain behavior. We have a heart condition--a corrupt heart. What we really need is a heart transplant. Christ offers us His and with it, a new set of desires. In order for us to have the heart of Christ, He must come into our lives, and to do that we must invite Him. Conversations Within” ts 2/21/2015

“You can change your life by changing your heart.” Max Lucado

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Ps.51

Sin is not just a behavior it is a condition that results in a certain behavior. We have a heart condition--a corrupt heart. What we really need is a heart transplant. Christ offers us His and with it, a new set of desires. In order for us to have the heart of Christ, He must come into our lives, and to do that we must invite Him. Conversations Within” ts 2/21/2015

“Although my memory's fading, I remember two things very clearly. I'm a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.” John Newton (Author of the hymn “Amazing Grace”)

“My sin  is ever before me.” Ps.51

There are some very good reasons to keep reminding yourself of your sins. But, self indulging guilt is not one of them. Remembering our sins can help us remember the remedy. My sin is ever before me, but so too is my Savior. Let me say it with the same breath; my sins not only remind me that I need a Savior but that I have one. Knowing my sins keeps me humble and dependant on His mercy and grace. Remembering my need of mercy and grace reminds me to extend them to others. Conversations Within” ts 2/20/2015

“Although my memory's fading, I remember two things very clearly. I'm a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.” John Newton (Author of the hymn “Amazing Grace”)

“My sin  is ever before me.” Ps.51

There are some very good reasons to keep reminding yourself of your sins. But, self indulging guilt is not one of them. Remembering our sins can help us remember the remedy. My sin is ever before me, but so too is my Savior. Let me say it with the same breath; my sins not only remind me that I need a Savior but that I have one. Knowing my sins keeps me humble and dependant on His mercy and grace. Remembering my need of mercy and grace reminds me to extend them to others. Conversations Within” ts 2/20/2015

“God uses sinful imperfect people because there aren’t any other kind.” Unknown

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” 2Cor.4

Do not let the fact that you sin keep you from being light in this world. Jesus alone was without sin. None of His followers can make this claim. We are the pot, He is the treasure inside. We are the frame He is the portrait. If His disciples waited till they had achieved sinless perfection we would not have the New Testament to guide us. Let God use you despite you. Conversations Within” ts 2/19/2015

“God uses sinful imperfect people because there aren’t any other kind.” Unknown

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” 2Cor.4

Do not let the fact that you sin keep you from being light in this world. Jesus alone was without sin. None of His followers can make this claim. We are the pot, He is the treasure inside. We are the frame He is the portrait. If His disciples waited till they had achieved sinless perfection we would not have the New Testament to guide us. Let God use you despite you. Conversations Within” ts 2/19/2015

An honest review of our own shortcomings should be sufficient motivation to silence our criticism of another’s.

“Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.” Rom.2

It is disturbing that some of the most critical and judgmental people in the world are professing Christians. It seems religious people have an opinion about everything; usually a condemning one.  If I am to condemn anything, let it be my own arrogant pride expressed every time I judge anyone other than myself.  Conversations Within” ts 2/18/2015

An honest review of our own shortcomings should be sufficient motivation to silence our criticism of another’s.

“Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.” Rom.2

It is disturbing that some of the most critical and judgmental people in the world are professing Christians. It seems religious people have an opinion about everything; usually a condemning one.  If I am to condemn anything, let it be my own arrogant pride expressed every time I judge anyone other than myself.  Conversations Within” ts 2/18/2015

How skillful we are at making excuses for things we should purge from our lives.

“There is none righteous, no not one.” Rom.3

Coming to grips with one’s own sinfulness is absolutely necessary if we are to have a healthy spiritual life. If we do not admit our own failings, we will not seek help overcoming them. We are not told that “all have sinned,” so that we can use an excuse for our behavior like the person who rants “I’m just being human.” We are told this for precisely the opposite reason--so that we will stop comparing ourselves to others and own up to our own shortcomings. Conversations Within” ts 2/16/2015

How skillful we are at making excuses for things we should purge from our lives.

“There is none righteous, no not one.” Rom.3

Coming to grips with one’s own sinfulness is absolutely necessary if we are to have a healthy spiritual life. If we do not admit our own failings, we will not seek help overcoming them. We are not told that “all have sinned,” so that we can use an excuse for our behavior like the person who rants “I’m just being human.” We are told this for precisely the opposite reason--so that we will stop comparing ourselves to others and own up to our own shortcomings. Conversations Within” ts 2/16/2015

“I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints.” Billy Joel

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.” 2Cor.7

A feel good society avoids reflection that leads to regret or remorse. Sermons on sin are not popular. No matter, the only time feelings of remorse are spoken of in a positive light in Scripture is when they lead us to the actions of repentance. God does not want us to feel guilty; He wants us to repent.  Conversations Within” ts 2/17/2015

“I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints.” Billy Joel

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.” 2Cor.7

A feel good society avoids reflection that leads to regret or remorse. Sermons on sin are not popular. No matter, the only time feelings of remorse are spoken of in a positive light in Scripture is when they lead us to the actions of repentance. God does not want us to feel guilty; He wants us to repent.  Conversations Within” ts 2/17/2015

“I’m so dizzy my head is spinning…” Tommy Roe

"There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a young woman.

The universe, like its Creator, is filled with magic and mystery. Some things are not meant to be understood so much as they are to be marveled at and enjoyed. Modern science may offer an explanation of the night sky or the attraction of the sexes but it can never capture the spell of experiencing them. I would rather be kissed than be told the definition of kissing. Conversations Within” ts 2/13/2015

“I’m so dizzy my head is spinning…” Tommy Roe

"There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a young woman.

The universe, like its Creator, is filled with magic and mystery. Some things are not meant to be understood so much as they are to be marveled at and enjoyed. Modern science may offer an explanation of the night sky or the attraction of the sexes but it can never capture the spell of experiencing them. I would rather be kissed than be told the definition of kissing. Conversations Within” ts 2/13/2015

“Being someone's first love may be great but to be their last is beyond perfect.” Unknown

“Behold I make all things new.” Jesus

Remember that feeling when you held hands for the first time or your first kiss. God created that. He made us to experience the wonder of being in love. Even so, it would be a mistake to chase or try to recreate that magic moment by running to new loves. We were created to go forward in love not backward-to mature our love not stay the seed. The magic of the first kiss is the promise of the greater magic shared after thousands of kisses fifty years later.  Conversations Within” ts 2/12/2015

“Being someone's first love may be great but to be their last is beyond perfect.” Unknown

“Behold I make all things new.” Jesus

Remember that feeling when you held hands for the first time or your first kiss. God created that. He made us to experience the wonder of being in love. Even so, it would be a mistake to chase or try to recreate that magic moment by running to new loves. We were created to go forward in love not backward-to mature our love not stay the seed. The magic of the first kiss is the promise of the greater magic shared after thousands of kisses fifty years later.  Conversations Within” ts 2/12/2015

”Being someone's first love may be great but to be their last is beyond perfect.” Unknown

“I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…” 2Tim.1

Like a warm fire, every relationship must be rekindled from time to time. Tend to your marriage if you want to enjoy the warmth of its fire. The fires of romance are rekindled the same way the fire started in the first place. Never stop dating your spouse. Nurture your interest in each other and deepen your partnership in living. Invest spiritual energy in your partners soul. The spirit of your marriage is everything. Conversations Within” ts 2/11/2015

”Being someone's first love may be great but to be their last is beyond perfect.” Unknown

“I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…” 2Tim.1

Like a warm fire, every relationship must be rekindled from time to time. Tend to your marriage if you want to enjoy the warmth of its fire. The fires of romance are rekindled the same way the fire started in the first place. Never stop dating your spouse. Nurture your interest in each other and deepen your partnership in living. Invest spiritual energy in your partners soul. The spirit of your marriage is everything. Conversations Within” ts 2/11/2015

“We fall in love by chance, we stay in love by choice.” Unknown

"Out of all of the families on earth I have chosen only you.” Amos 3

The whole notion of “falling in love” implies that you cannot control how you feel about someone. After all, who chooses to fall? But marriage is a mutual commitment that says I choose you over everyone else. I promise that I will love you even though I may not feel like it. Some people spend their whole life trying to recapture the feeling of love when it would be better to focus on the actions of love. Feelings usually follow your focus. Conversations Within” ts 2/10/2015

“We fall in love by chance, we stay in love by choice.” Unknown

"Out of all of the families on earth I have chosen only you.” Amos 3

The whole notion of “falling in love” implies that you cannot control how you feel about someone. After all, who chooses to fall? But marriage is a mutual commitment that says I choose you over everyone else. I promise that I will love you even though I may not feel like it. Some people spend their whole life trying to recapture the feeling of love when it would be better to focus on the actions of love. Feelings usually follow your focus. Conversations Within” ts 2/10/2015

In you I have found my beshert--my soulmate.

“My beloved is mine and I am his.” Song of Songs

Here is the proclamation of marriage. I am officially off the market. I have committed myself to one person for the rest of my life. They have committed themselves to me. How wonderful to belong to someone and know with confidence that they belong only to you. To say, “Here is my wife,” or “Here is my husband,” is to proudly proclaim to everyone that there is no one else in all the world who is what this person is to me. Conversations Within” ts 2/8/2015

In you I have found my beshert--my soulmate.

“My beloved is mine and I am his.” Song of Songs

Here is the proclamation of marriage. I am officially off the market. I have committed myself to one person for the rest of my life. They have committed themselves to me. How wonderful to belong to someone and know with confidence that they belong only to you. To say, “Here is my wife,” or “Here is my husband,” is to proudly proclaim to everyone that there is no one else in all the world who is what this person is to me. Conversations Within” ts 2/8/2015

“You'd think that people would have had enough of silly love songs. I look around me and I see it isn't so.” Paul McCartney

“...be intoxicated always in her love.” Prov.5

Some might find it strange that God would encourage people to be intoxicated with love. But why not, since romantic love is woven by His hand into the fabric of every living thing? Of course God sanctions love, He invented it. And, He does not sanction it in the sense that He puts up with it. God delights and blesses the union of lovers so much so that He tied the fruitfulness of every species to it.  Conversations Within” ts 2/8/2015

“You'd think that people would have had enough of silly love songs. I look around me and I see it isn't so.” Paul McCartney

“...be intoxicated always in her love.” Prov.5

Some might find it strange that God would encourage people to be intoxicated with love. But why not, since romantic love is woven by His hand into the fabric of every living thing? Of course God sanctions love, He invented it. And, He does not sanction it in the sense that He puts up with it. God delights and blesses the union of lovers so much so that He tied the fruitfulness of every species to it.  Conversations Within” ts 2/8/2015

"We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." - Albert Einstein

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways...” Is.55

The power of human reason alone cannot solve the core problems of this world. Humans need the wisdom from God just as children need wisdom from their parents. Too often our powers of reasoning are used to justify or accomplish selfish ends. Divine wisdom will lead us away from this and into the pursuits of love. Ask for it!   Conversations Within” ts 2/7/2015

"We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." - Albert Einstein

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways...” Is.55

The power of human reason alone cannot solve the core problems of this world. Humans need the wisdom from God just as children need wisdom from their parents. Too often our powers of reasoning are used to justify or accomplish selfish ends. Divine wisdom will lead us away from this and into the pursuits of love. Ask for it!   Conversations Within” ts 2/7/2015

”Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.” Henry Ford

“A sluggard says, ‘There's a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!’” Prov.26

Do not look for all the reasons it cannot be done. Figure out how it can be done. Do not make excuses, make a way. Do not give up; give yourself fully to it. If something is good, right and true then it is worth sticking with until you work it out. Conversations Within” ts 2/6/2015

”Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.” Henry Ford

“A sluggard says, ‘There's a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!’” Prov.26

Do not look for all the reasons it cannot be done. Figure out how it can be done. Do not make excuses, make a way. Do not give up; give yourself fully to it. If something is good, right and true then it is worth sticking with until you work it out. Conversations Within” ts 2/6/2015

"Use your head when you use your head.” Unknown

“Keep your head in all situations.” 2Tim.4

If you are going to keep your head, it is wise to know where to put it. What centers your life? What defines your purpose and gives direction to your steps? There is an old principle for hitting the mark, “Aim small, miss small.” Can you capture the essence of living in a single sentence?  I want to live my life for God’s pleasure by finding Him to be mine. Works for me! Conversations Within” ts 2/5/2015

"Use your head when you use your head.” Unknown

“Keep your head in all situations.” 2Tim.4

If you are going to keep your head, it is wise to know where to put it. What centers your life? What defines your purpose and gives direction to your steps? There is an old principle for hitting the mark, “Aim small, miss small.” Can you capture the essence of living in a single sentence?  I want to live my life for God’s pleasure by finding Him to be mine. Works for me! Conversations Within” ts 2/5/2015

Don’t give up, look up and ask for inspiration. If you can’t see a way to do it, invent one.

“Be strong in the Lord!” Eph.6

What is strength but motivation to live life as it should be lived? Strength is the power to do--the delivery room where mere knowledge is birthed into wise action. God is the desire to do. He is also the wisdom needed to do it. Do not throw your hands up in defeat but lift them up to receive His strength to deal with whatever you are facing this day.  Conversations Within” ts 2/4/2015

Don’t give up, look up and ask for inspiration. If you can’t see a way to do it, invent one.

“Be strong in the Lord!” Eph.6

What is strength but motivation to live life as it should be lived? Strength is the power to do--the delivery room where mere knowledge is birthed into wise action. God is the desire to do. He is also the wisdom needed to do it. Do not throw your hands up in defeat but lift them up to receive His strength to deal with whatever you are facing this day.  Conversations Within” ts 2/4/2015

“Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” Unknown

“Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called…” Eph.4

God calls us to be better than we are--to become little Jesuses if you will. God offers a clear vision of this calling and invites us do something today to move us closer to this reality. The “What would Jesus do?” question isn’t a bad way to think. If we ever wonder what that might be, then all that is needed is for us to do is ask Him. He is sure to answer every sincere request. Conversations Within” ts 2/3/2015

“Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” Unknown

“Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called…” Eph.4

God calls us to be better than we are--to become little Jesuses if you will. God offers a clear vision of this calling and invites us do something today to move us closer to this reality. The “What would Jesus do?” question isn’t a bad way to think. If we ever wonder what that might be, then all that is needed is for us to do is ask Him. He is sure to answer every sincere request. Conversations Within” ts 2/3/2015

“You can figure it out!”

“Be sober minded.” 1Pet.5

Difficulties are a part of everyday life. A good bit of the time God has already given us what we need to deal with them. The power to think and reason through a problem is a gift from God. Use it. Apply yourself fully to the situation and figure out what to do. If we say it can’t be done, it probably won’t be done. If you try something and it doesn’t work don’t stop trying, try something else and keep trying till you figure it out.   Conversations Within” ts 2/2/2015

“You can figure it out!”

“Be sober minded.” 1Pet.5

Difficulties are a part of everyday life. A good bit of the time God has already given us what we need to deal with them. The power to think and reason through a problem is a gift from God. Use it. Apply yourself fully to the situation and figure out what to do. If we say it can’t be done, it probably won’t be done. If you try something and it doesn’t work don’t stop trying, try something else and keep trying till you figure it out.   Conversations Within” ts 2/2/2015

I am grateful that God helps me even when I am the main reason I need help in the first place.

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Heb.4

God is not only rich in mercy, but generous in giving it. If there is anything God has on His agenda this day, it is to help people. Mercy is the practical side of His love, if God is to help people who do not deserve it. Doctors do not wait for the sick to cure themselves before they render medical attention, nor does God in giving grace. Conversations Within” ts 1/31/2015

I am grateful that God helps me even when I am the main reason I need help in the first place.

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Heb.4

God is not only rich in mercy, but generous in giving it. If there is anything God has on His agenda this day, it is to help people. Mercy is the practical side of His love, if God is to help people who do not deserve it. Doctors do not wait for the sick to cure themselves before they render medical attention, nor does God in giving grace. Conversations Within” ts 1/31/2015

We must give room for our doubts and the doubts of others. God certainly and patiently does.

“And have mercy on those who doubt.” Jude

People often need time to work through matters of faith, and doubt is sometimes one step in the process. Do not expect others to keep in step with your journey; every one travels at their own pace. Be kind and gracious in the face of doubt, even your own.  Conversations Within” ts 1/30/2015

We must give room for our doubts and the doubts of others. God certainly and patiently does.

“And have mercy on those who doubt.” Jude

People often need time to work through matters of faith, and doubt is sometimes one step in the process. Do not expect others to keep in step with your journey; every one travels at their own pace. Be kind and gracious in the face of doubt, even your own.  Conversations Within” ts 1/30/2015

How am I doing? Better than I deserve!

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…” Ps.23

We are repeatedly told that God’s mercy is expressed in His goodness. God is always pouring out goodness on us, even when we are not being good. Goodness and mercy go hand in hand because God is being merciful to us every time He is being good to us. We are always doing better than we deserve.  Conversations Within” ts 1/29/2015

How am I doing? Better than I deserve!

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…” Ps.23

We are repeatedly told that God’s mercy is expressed in His goodness. God is always pouring out goodness on us, even when we are not being good. Goodness and mercy go hand in hand because God is being merciful to us every time He is being good to us. We are always doing better than we deserve.  Conversations Within” ts 1/29/2015

“Charity sees the need, not the cause.” German Proverb

“Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.” Jesus

I am compelled to show mercy to others, simply because I know how desperately I need it myself. The mercy I desire for my shortcomings becomes a motivating catalyst to be gracious with the shortcomings of others. In contrast, how great is God’s mercy! He does not grant it because He needs it. He grants it because unlike us, He is absolutely loving in all He does. So willing is God to show mercy, that He found a way through Jesus to satisfy the demands of His justice and be merciful at the same time.

“Charity sees the need, not the cause.” German Proverb

“Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.” Jesus

I am compelled to show mercy to others, simply because I know how desperately I need it myself. The mercy I desire for my shortcomings becomes a motivating catalyst to be gracious with the shortcomings of others. In contrast, how great is God’s mercy! He does not grant it because He needs it. He grants it because unlike us, He is absolutely loving in all He does. So willing is God to show mercy, that He found a way through Jesus to satisfy the demands of His justice and be merciful at the same time.

“Be kind to every living thing.”

“The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.” Ps.145

The expressions of God’s mercy are not confined just to one particular group of people; not even just to people. His mercy is over “all” He has made. Even animals are shown daily kindness. People who have matured in their appreciation of the mercy shown to them do not restrict giving goodness but share it with an unassuming grace to everything and everyone. Conversations Within” ts 1/27/2015

“Be kind to every living thing.”

“The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.” Ps.145

The expressions of God’s mercy are not confined just to one particular group of people; not even just to people. His mercy is over “all” He has made. Even animals are shown daily kindness. People who have matured in their appreciation of the mercy shown to them do not restrict giving goodness but share it with an unassuming grace to everything and everyone. Conversations Within” ts 1/27/2015

“God is merciful to all...he is first a father, then a judge.” Alexander Dumas

“The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.” Ps.145

Let me consider the mercy of God which is over me this day. I breathe! He has granted me life, and the health to rise and live. I am warm and well fed and have more than I need. All of this is true and more! Let my soul embrace it; that although my sin is great, God’s mercy is greater still. Blessed be the name! Conversations Within” ts 1/26/2015

“God is merciful to all...he is first a father, then a judge.” Alexander Dumas

“The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.” Ps.145

Let me consider the mercy of God which is over me this day. I breathe! He has granted me life, and the health to rise and live. I am warm and well fed and have more than I need. All of this is true and more! Let my soul embrace it; that although my sin is great, God’s mercy is greater still. Blessed be the name! Conversations Within” ts 1/26/2015