“Decide! Commit! Succeed!”

When we are told to commit our work to God, it is fascinating that the Hebrew word means to roll something, as in roll a stone. When you roll a stone, your efforts are part of the process, but the ground under the stone is supporting the weight. I think this is a way of telling us to work for success, but let God carry the weight of it. This is just another way of saying, “Do your best, trust God with the rest.”

“Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.” Prov.16  Conversations Within” ts 8/24/2016

“Decide! Commit! Succeed!”

When we are told to commit our work to God, it is fascinating that the Hebrew word means to roll something, as in roll a stone. When you roll a stone, your efforts are part of the process, but the ground under the stone is supporting the weight. I think this is a way of telling us to work for success, but let God carry the weight of it. This is just another way of saying, “Do your best, trust God with the rest.”

“Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.” Prov.16  Conversations Within” ts 8/24/2016

“There is always room to be a better person.” Unknown

Only those who want to change for the better will change for the better. But wanting to change, and being able to change is a matter of God’s grace, and without it, there is little chance for success. Grace come to us in many forms. We may not even recognize it as grace and mistakenly believe we don’t need help. One sure way to get grace is to humble ourselves and confess that not only do we need change, we also need His help to do so.  

He gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.“ Conversations Within” ts 8/21/2016

“There is always room to be a better person.” Unknown

Only those who want to change for the better will change for the better. But wanting to change, and being able to change is a matter of God’s grace, and without it, there is little chance for success. Grace come to us in many forms. We may not even recognize it as grace and mistakenly believe we don’t need help. One sure way to get grace is to humble ourselves and confess that not only do we need change, we also need His help to do so.  

He gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.“ Conversations Within” ts 8/21/2016

“If you change nothing, nothing will change.” Nick Vujicic

Lack of true reform is one of the reasons why it seems like God is not helping us. If God opens an umbrella in a storm and calls us to come stand with Him under it, and we don’t, we can be sure that we will continue to get rained on.  

“Now reform your ways and your actions and obey the LORD your God.” Jer. 29 “Conversations Within” ts 8/19/2016

“If you change nothing, nothing will change.” Nick Vujicic

Lack of true reform is one of the reasons why it seems like God is not helping us. If God opens an umbrella in a storm and calls us to come stand with Him under it, and we don’t, we can be sure that we will continue to get rained on.  

“Now reform your ways and your actions and obey the LORD your God.” Jer. 29 “Conversations Within” ts 8/19/2016

It’s not working.

Are you plugged in? Is the switch on? Have you tried rebooting? It is amazing at all the things that must come together in order for things to work. The same can be true if we want our daily lives to flourish in peace. I hear people all the time say things like, “I tried prayer, I tried trusting God and it didn’t work.” When this happens it is probably because we have overlooked something important. It does little good to ask God for His help, but never stop long enough to get His counsel, or to get His counsel and then not follow it.

“Be doers of the word and not hearers only.” Ps.19 Conversations Within” ts 8/22/2016

It’s not working.

Are you plugged in? Is the switch on? Have you tried rebooting? It is amazing at all the things that must come together in order for things to work. The same can be true if we want our daily lives to flourish in peace. I hear people all the time say things like, “I tried prayer, I tried trusting God and it didn’t work.” When this happens it is probably because we have overlooked something important. It does little good to ask God for His help, but never stop long enough to get His counsel, or to get His counsel and then not follow it.

“Be doers of the word and not hearers only.” Ps.19 Conversations Within” ts 8/22/2016

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Benjamin Franklin

I suppose the best way we can prepare to meet God on the day of Judgment is to meet with Him every day. It helps when the person giving the exam has been your tutor. I think God wants us to perfect love in us so that we see Judgment Day as a rewards ceremony rather than a reckoning for sin.

“By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.” 1Jo.4 Conversations Within” ts 8/17/2016

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Benjamin Franklin

I suppose the best way we can prepare to meet God on the day of Judgment is to meet with Him every day. It helps when the person giving the exam has been your tutor. I think God wants us to perfect love in us so that we see Judgment Day as a rewards ceremony rather than a reckoning for sin.

“By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.” 1Jo.4 Conversations Within” ts 8/17/2016

If I dare ask anything from God, let me at least ask for it boldly. Any prayer worth bringing to Him is worth bringing to Him with confidence.

The dawning realization that God is for us--that He is persistently committed to our eternal good--should certainly raise the level of our confidence in approaching Him with prayers. It doesn’t hurt to ask for things unless we somehow forget that when He says, “No,” it is because He has something better in mind. Our confidence isn’t that He will give us what we want, but the absolute belief that He will always give us His very best. The highest level of confidence happens when His will and ours become one and the same.

“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

If I dare ask anything from God, let me at least ask for it boldly. Any prayer worth bringing to Him is worth bringing to Him with confidence.

The dawning realization that God is for us--that He is persistently committed to our eternal good--should certainly raise the level of our confidence in approaching Him with prayers. It doesn’t hurt to ask for things unless we somehow forget that when He says, “No,” it is because He has something better in mind. Our confidence isn’t that He will give us what we want, but the absolute belief that He will always give us His very best. The highest level of confidence happens when His will and ours become one and the same.

“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

“Don't pray for things as if you were making wishes at a wishing well.” Anonymous

Here’s the ticket for confidence in our prayers: only ask for matters consistent with His will. When framing any request let me give thought to it--is what I want something that God would approve? We may be tempted to wonder if God only does His own will, why do we bother asking at all? It may just be that our greatest need isn’t reflected in our request but in reconciling our will to His. Once this is accomplished, everything else is just icing on the cake.

“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” 1Jo.5

“Don't pray for things as if you were making wishes at a wishing well.” Anonymous

Here’s the ticket for confidence in our prayers: only ask for matters consistent with His will. When framing any request let me give thought to it--is what I want something that God would approve? We may be tempted to wonder if God only does His own will, why do we bother asking at all? It may just be that our greatest need isn’t reflected in our request but in reconciling our will to His. Once this is accomplished, everything else is just icing on the cake.

“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” 1Jo.5

To pray in the name of Jesus is the singular confidence of knowing that Jesus would be glad to represent our request, and to ask the Father for it as a personal favor to Him.

Imagine not for a moment, but as a daily reality, God offering to give you the ends of the earth as your possession by simply asking it from Him. Why would God make such an offer? There are some very good reasons. One, and perhaps the most important, is to establish the reason for the offer in the first place. It is found in this declaration made to Jesus. “You are my Son; today I have begotten you.” All prayers that are answered are done so because the Father will give to His Son whatever request He would be proud to represent. Would Jesus stand beside your prayers and offer them with you? This is what it means to pray in His name.

“Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.” Ps.2.8 ESV

To pray in the name of Jesus is the singular confidence of knowing that Jesus would be glad to represent our request, and to ask the Father for it as a personal favor to Him.

Imagine not for a moment, but as a daily reality, God offering to give you the ends of the earth as your possession by simply asking it from Him. Why would God make such an offer? There are some very good reasons. One, and perhaps the most important, is to establish the reason for the offer in the first place. It is found in this declaration made to Jesus. “You are my Son; today I have begotten you.” All prayers that are answered are done so because the Father will give to His Son whatever request He would be proud to represent. Would Jesus stand beside your prayers and offer them with you? This is what it means to pray in His name.

“Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.” Ps.2.8 ESV

We express our confidence in God by committing our lives not only to His care but also to His concerns.

I want a quiet confidence before God--to be secure in all my interactions with Him. He has made it clear what pleases Him and what does not. And, though He loves me whether I do or don’t, I want to do those things which bring Him joy. Fear of punishment was my initial and childish motivation. Now that I know better, I want to please Him for no other reason than because I love Him. God is slowing wooing me away from all lesser loves.

“By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.” 1Jo.4 Conversations Within” ts 8/13/2016

We express our confidence in God by committing our lives not only to His care but also to His concerns.

I want a quiet confidence before God--to be secure in all my interactions with Him. He has made it clear what pleases Him and what does not. And, though He loves me whether I do or don’t, I want to do those things which bring Him joy. Fear of punishment was my initial and childish motivation. Now that I know better, I want to please Him for no other reason than because I love Him. God is slowing wooing me away from all lesser loves.

“By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.” 1Jo.4 Conversations Within” ts 8/13/2016

"Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm." Abraham Lincoln

There are many ways to express confidence before God. Some of them are good, and some not so good. I believe that the Father wants us to be confident of our standing with Him, but only insofar that we stand on solid ground. He directs us to stand on the accomplishments of Christ on our behalf, rather that standing on our own feeble accomplishments. One is standing on a rock, the other on sinking sand.

“...in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in Jesus.” Eph.3 Conversations Within” ts 8/12/2016

"Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm." Abraham Lincoln

There are many ways to express confidence before God. Some of them are good, and some not so good. I believe that the Father wants us to be confident of our standing with Him, but only insofar that we stand on solid ground. He directs us to stand on the accomplishments of Christ on our behalf, rather that standing on our own feeble accomplishments. One is standing on a rock, the other on sinking sand.

“...in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in Jesus.” Eph.3 Conversations Within” ts 8/12/2016

“Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand.” Unknown

One thing we cannot have too much of is love. Love is also one thing we cannot give too much of either. Abound in it! Love is measured, not in how much we feel, but how much our actions benefit those around us. When the people in our life see us coming toward them may they inwardly think, “Here comes a blessing!”

“May your love abound more and more…” Phil.1 Conversations Within” ts 8/10/2016

“Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand.” Unknown

One thing we cannot have too much of is love. Love is also one thing we cannot give too much of either. Abound in it! Love is measured, not in how much we feel, but how much our actions benefit those around us. When the people in our life see us coming toward them may they inwardly think, “Here comes a blessing!”

“May your love abound more and more…” Phil.1 Conversations Within” ts 8/10/2016

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” Pablo Picasso.

Does my own generosity reflect the generosity given to me by God? I am sure it does not, but I am equally certain that I can do better today than yesterday. And, I should not restrict my generosity to something like money. We can be generous with words, with service, by listening wholeheartedly to those who need a friend and by giving thanks. Jesus repeatedly invites us to taste the pure returns of loving and serving--the absolute impossibility of bringing refreshment to others without it splashing over on us. Give hilariously!

“Freely you have received, freely give.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/9/2016

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” Pablo Picasso.

Does my own generosity reflect the generosity given to me by God? I am sure it does not, but I am equally certain that I can do better today than yesterday. And, I should not restrict my generosity to something like money. We can be generous with words, with service, by listening wholeheartedly to those who need a friend and by giving thanks. Jesus repeatedly invites us to taste the pure returns of loving and serving--the absolute impossibility of bringing refreshment to others without it splashing over on us. Give hilariously!

“Freely you have received, freely give.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/9/2016

“It is not what we have but what we enjoy that constitutes our abundance.” Epicurus

Am I living the abundant life that Christ offers? What is stealing it from me? Bad habits, bad attitudes, worry, fear, doubt are all thieves of joy. It is not what we have outside us but inside us that brings misery or joy. Jesus came to heal the heart because it is from the heart that the abundant life is lived.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/8/2016

“It is not what we have but what we enjoy that constitutes our abundance.” Epicurus

Am I living the abundant life that Christ offers? What is stealing it from me? Bad habits, bad attitudes, worry, fear, doubt are all thieves of joy. It is not what we have outside us but inside us that brings misery or joy. Jesus came to heal the heart because it is from the heart that the abundant life is lived.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/8/2016

You know you are blessed when you have leftovers in the fridge.

More often than not, when God provides, there will always be more than enough. To eat at our Father’s table is to need a to-go box afterward. We can rest in the knowledge that God is not only immeasurably wealthy, but  immeasurably generous. He is always overflowing in goodness and mercy.   

“They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers.” Mt.14 Conversations Within” ts 8/7/2016

You know you are blessed when you have leftovers in the fridge.

More often than not, when God provides, there will always be more than enough. To eat at our Father’s table is to need a to-go box afterward. We can rest in the knowledge that God is not only immeasurably wealthy, but  immeasurably generous. He is always overflowing in goodness and mercy.   

“They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers.” Mt.14 Conversations Within” ts 8/7/2016

“He’s everything that my soul ever longed for, everything He promised and so much more.” Larnelle Harris

We recently bought a van for a road trip. Fill the tank and the trip computer tells us we can drive 500+ miles. At one point we were traveling across a long stretch of desert somewhere in eastern Oregon when a road sign warned that there would be no gas for miles. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw that we had more than enough gas to make the crossing. We also can breath a similar sigh of relief when we wonder what it will take to make our journey in life and realize that God promises that He will be more than enough to make the crossing.

“And God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause.” 2Cor.9 Conversations Within” ts 8/6/2016

“He’s everything that my soul ever longed for, everything He promised and so much more.” Larnelle Harris

We recently bought a van for a road trip. Fill the tank and the trip computer tells us we can drive 500+ miles. At one point we were traveling across a long stretch of desert somewhere in eastern Oregon when a road sign warned that there would be no gas for miles. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw that we had more than enough gas to make the crossing. We also can breath a similar sigh of relief when we wonder what it will take to make our journey in life and realize that God promises that He will be more than enough to make the crossing.

“And God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause.” 2Cor.9 Conversations Within” ts 8/6/2016

“Where God guides, God provides.” Unknown

If we lack something now, it would be wise to reconcile ourselves to the fact that we probably don’t need it now. This is especially true when we know that God promises to provide our needs. God is never late in His provision. His timing is perfect, because all His ways are perfect. He asks us to join Him is the joys of the present moment, a part of which is giving thanks for what He is serving or not serving for dinner today.

“He sets the table before me....” Ps.23 Conversations Within” ts 8/4/2016

“Where God guides, God provides.” Unknown

If we lack something now, it would be wise to reconcile ourselves to the fact that we probably don’t need it now. This is especially true when we know that God promises to provide our needs. God is never late in His provision. His timing is perfect, because all His ways are perfect. He asks us to join Him is the joys of the present moment, a part of which is giving thanks for what He is serving or not serving for dinner today.

“He sets the table before me....” Ps.23 Conversations Within” ts 8/4/2016

“Sometimes all you can do is lie in bed and hope to fall asleep before you fall apart.” William C. Hannan

Life can be overwhelming at times. Betrayal, hurt, feeling ransacked by circumstances, and even the weight of small disappointments can pile up after a while and crush our spirit to live. If we find ourselves in such times, we can be sure that God will come and find us. He sits with the brokenhearted.  “Cast your care on Him, He cares for you.” There are few promises more precious than the reassurance that God Himself cares about us.

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Ps. 34 Conversations Within” ts 8/3/2016

“Sometimes all you can do is lie in bed and hope to fall asleep before you fall apart.” William C. Hannan

Life can be overwhelming at times. Betrayal, hurt, feeling ransacked by circumstances, and even the weight of small disappointments can pile up after a while and crush our spirit to live. If we find ourselves in such times, we can be sure that God will come and find us. He sits with the brokenhearted.  “Cast your care on Him, He cares for you.” There are few promises more precious than the reassurance that God Himself cares about us.

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Ps. 34 Conversations Within” ts 8/3/2016

“And, I'm sad. Again!

Being sad is not necessarily bad. There are times when it is good and proper, even healthy to grieve. When such times come, we should not only expect them, we should embrace them and let the tears flow. Sad days come to everyone in this place where suffering is a necessary part of life, if only to remind us that we are not yet home. Even God cries from time to time---probably more than we know.

“Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/3/2016

“And, I'm sad. Again!

Being sad is not necessarily bad. There are times when it is good and proper, even healthy to grieve. When such times come, we should not only expect them, we should embrace them and let the tears flow. Sad days come to everyone in this place where suffering is a necessary part of life, if only to remind us that we are not yet home. Even God cries from time to time---probably more than we know.

“Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/3/2016

“Don't let a bad day make you feel like you had a bad life.” Unknown

We all have bad days and in the stink of them we may be tempted to exaggerate just how bad things are. This is especially true when you have had a bad argument with your spouse, or someone you love. A bad argument every now and then does not add up to a bad marriage, or friendship. It may just mean you need to learn how to communicate better.

“Do not let the sun go down on your anger.” Conversations Within” ts 8/2/2016

“Don't let a bad day make you feel like you had a bad life.” Unknown

We all have bad days and in the stink of them we may be tempted to exaggerate just how bad things are. This is especially true when you have had a bad argument with your spouse, or someone you love. A bad argument every now and then does not add up to a bad marriage, or friendship. It may just mean you need to learn how to communicate better.

“Do not let the sun go down on your anger.” Conversations Within” ts 8/2/2016

“I have a bad feeling about this.” Saying

The voice of doubt is a gift from God. It can save us a lot of heartache and pain before we make a bad decision. But the sad truth is that sometimes the more painful something is after we have made a bad decision, the greater the likelihood that we will not want to repeat it, but rather learn from it.

“...remember the battle—you will not do it again!” Job 41 Conversations Within” ts 8/1/2016

“I have a bad feeling about this.” Saying

The voice of doubt is a gift from God. It can save us a lot of heartache and pain before we make a bad decision. But the sad truth is that sometimes the more painful something is after we have made a bad decision, the greater the likelihood that we will not want to repeat it, but rather learn from it.

“...remember the battle—you will not do it again!” Job 41 Conversations Within” ts 8/1/2016

“When I do good I feel good. When I do bad I feel bad. And that's my religion.” Abraham Lincoln

There are certainly times when feeling bad is actually a good thing. If we do something we shouldn’t do, it is good to feel bad about it. And, we should not ignore these bad feeling. Hard hearts are developed this way.  Instead we should use these bad feelings as motivation to make amends and change what needs changing.

“Do not harden your heart.” Heb.3 Conversations Within” ts 7/31/2016

“When I do good I feel good. When I do bad I feel bad. And that's my religion.” Abraham Lincoln

There are certainly times when feeling bad is actually a good thing. If we do something we shouldn’t do, it is good to feel bad about it. And, we should not ignore these bad feeling. Hard hearts are developed this way.  Instead we should use these bad feelings as motivation to make amends and change what needs changing.

“Do not harden your heart.” Heb.3 Conversations Within” ts 7/31/2016

“It isn’t what happens to us that causes us to suffer; it’s what we say to ourselves about what happens.” Pema Chodron

There are some very good reasons to feel good when bad things happen. Hard times help us appreciate easy times. A hot summer sun can surely compliment the cool days of autumn. Times of want can help us be grateful for times of plenty. Sickness magnifies the value of health. Sadness is a companion of happiness on this journey we travel. Learning to appreciate and accept the bad with the good, develops the muscles of faith, and being resisted by adversity nurtures inner strength.

“Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” Job 2 Conversations Within” ts 7/30/2016

“It isn’t what happens to us that causes us to suffer; it’s what we say to ourselves about what happens.” Pema Chodron

There are some very good reasons to feel good when bad things happen. Hard times help us appreciate easy times. A hot summer sun can surely compliment the cool days of autumn. Times of want can help us be grateful for times of plenty. Sickness magnifies the value of health. Sadness is a companion of happiness on this journey we travel. Learning to appreciate and accept the bad with the good, develops the muscles of faith, and being resisted by adversity nurtures inner strength.

“Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” Job 2 Conversations Within” ts 7/30/2016

”Winners forget they're in a race, they just love to run.” With Honors (the Movie)

Eric Liddell is famous for saying, that when he ran he felt God’s pleasure. I wish that running the race of character would be mine, that keeping pace with Jesus would be my greatest joy! Character transformation is still a struggle for me. I still put up a fuss keeping in step.  Lord when the sun rises, I hope you find me with my running shoes on, excited about where You want to run today.

“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Heb.12 Conversations Within” ts 7/29/2016

”Winners forget they're in a race, they just love to run.” With Honors (the Movie)

Eric Liddell is famous for saying, that when he ran he felt God’s pleasure. I wish that running the race of character would be mine, that keeping pace with Jesus would be my greatest joy! Character transformation is still a struggle for me. I still put up a fuss keeping in step.  Lord when the sun rises, I hope you find me with my running shoes on, excited about where You want to run today.

“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Heb.12 Conversations Within” ts 7/29/2016

“It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” J.K. Rowling

I make good and bad choices so I guess this pretty much means that I am a good and bad person. Christians are "Simul Justus et Peccator,” simultaneously just and sinful, or to put it another way, we are at the same time “saint and sinner,” as Martin Luther put it. I know that everything good about me is Christ working in me, and that in and of myself there is nothing good. I am still the worm, but being changed into winged wonder.

“Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Rom. 7 Conversations Within” ts 7/28/2016

“It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” J.K. Rowling

I make good and bad choices so I guess this pretty much means that I am a good and bad person. Christians are "Simul Justus et Peccator,” simultaneously just and sinful, or to put it another way, we are at the same time “saint and sinner,” as Martin Luther put it. I know that everything good about me is Christ working in me, and that in and of myself there is nothing good. I am still the worm, but being changed into winged wonder.

“Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Rom. 7 Conversations Within” ts 7/28/2016

“I am a sinner who’s probably gonna sin again.” Unknown

I think it is a step in the right direction to honestly acknowledge our inclination to take steps in the wrong direction. Even so, when we confess that we are likely to sin again, we should be sure we are not doing so to make excuses for bad behavior. Confession that is good for the soul is one that agrees with God about one’s shortcomings and looks to Him for help to change them.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1Jo.1 Conversations Within” ts 7/27/2016

“I am a sinner who’s probably gonna sin again.” Unknown

I think it is a step in the right direction to honestly acknowledge our inclination to take steps in the wrong direction. Even so, when we confess that we are likely to sin again, we should be sure we are not doing so to make excuses for bad behavior. Confession that is good for the soul is one that agrees with God about one’s shortcomings and looks to Him for help to change them.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1Jo.1 Conversations Within” ts 7/27/2016

Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” Abraham Lincoln

I think it is unhealthy to pay too much attention about what others think of us. Surely it would be better to focus instead on being the kind of person that gives off the redolence of our deepest values. Unbridled love carries the aroma of goodness. People generally appreciate goodness.

“For we are a fragrance of Christ to God…” 2Cor.2 Conversations Within” ts 7/26/2016

Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” Abraham Lincoln

I think it is unhealthy to pay too much attention about what others think of us. Surely it would be better to focus instead on being the kind of person that gives off the redolence of our deepest values. Unbridled love carries the aroma of goodness. People generally appreciate goodness.

“For we are a fragrance of Christ to God…” 2Cor.2 Conversations Within” ts 7/26/2016

"The true test of a man's character is what he does when no one is watching.” John Wooden.

When I think about it, for most of my life I have had an awareness of the presence of God. I have never been or felt alone. Sadly this means that God was watching, and I knew He was watching when I chose to do things I would be ashamed for my family and friends to know about. I am ashamed even of this. And, it is no comfort to me that others have done the same thing. What comforts me is that even though Father knows the sins I will commit tomorrow, He will not give up shaping me into a better person today.

“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil.1 Conversations Within” ts 7/25/2016

"The true test of a man's character is what he does when no one is watching.” John Wooden.

When I think about it, for most of my life I have had an awareness of the presence of God. I have never been or felt alone. Sadly this means that God was watching, and I knew He was watching when I chose to do things I would be ashamed for my family and friends to know about. I am ashamed even of this. And, it is no comfort to me that others have done the same thing. What comforts me is that even though Father knows the sins I will commit tomorrow, He will not give up shaping me into a better person today.

“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil.1 Conversations Within” ts 7/25/2016