”Everyday with you...is sweeter than the day before.” Classics IV

May this year be your best year yet! Why not? Why not live each day with a deliberate purpose to do it better, live it fuller, and embrace life deeper than the day before. Is it not the core of our Christian belief that in Christ our best days are before us.  May your blessed hope become your daily reality.

“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”  Conversations Within” ts 12/23/2016

"In absence of clearly defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing daily acts of trivia. Author Unknown

It is easy to waste time on trivial matters. We all do it. We all know we can't get those precious moments back when we do. It takes a certain kind of mindfulness and deliberation to quell such tendencies. Define your life’s center, remind yourself every day in the shower what it is, and measure every activity by asking, is what I am doing right now expressing it?

Make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. Eph.5 Conversations Within” ts 12/23/2016

“You are never too old to set another goal, or to dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis

We were born in the likeness of our Creator and what better expression of it than to bring a dream into reality. Of course we should give considerable thought as to whether our dream is worth pursuing. A simple test might be to ask if Christ would happily agree to ask His Father to bless it? Make such dreams the seed of your prayers.

“Truly, truly, I tell you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.”  Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/22/2016

“Hey, in case you forgot, You are a child of God. Pretty cool, huh?” Unknown

 When I think of the word family, my thinking is being shaped more by a Spirit that includes not excludes. Father, mother, brother, sister and family are words common to those who name the name of Christ. We are related by His blood. When you think about it, when I do business with a Christian, I do business with kin. Is there not a level of trust under it all? One can trust family.

“I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family … derives its name.” Eph.3:14-15 Conversations Within” ts 12/21/2016

Christmas is all about family; namely God making His family bigger.

People generally answer that family is one of the most important aspects of life. I feel certain that God shares this sentiment. “Father” is after all, Jesus’ favorite designation for God and He encouraged us to see Him this way. This means of course that all who share this faith are family, and should be treated as such. That person in line at the store in front of you may very well be your brother or sister in the realist sense of the word.

“I'll make a great nation of your descendants, I'll bless you...and In you shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” Gen.12 Conversations Within” ts 12/16/2016

If we have ever questioned God's intentions toward mankind, Christmas is His answer.

Christmas is something we can all take personally. There is nothing generic about it. God is declaring His love to each of us personally. He is declaring His love to me. God so loved the world that He sent Jesus, and that includes you. Never hesitate to say that God put a personal present in your stocking. Open it and rejoice!

“The gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.” The Good News Conversations Within” ts 12/17/2019

"May you never be too grown up to search the skies on Christmas Eve." Unknown

I vividly remember how I lay in bed as a child on Christmas Eve with excitement and watchful expectation for the arrival of Christmas morn. In later years, I find that I must guard my expectations to avoid disappointment. Life in this place can do that. Yet, as followers of Christ  we are encouraged to nurture an expectant hope of His second return as we celebrate His first. Wait for it!!

“...waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” Titus 2.13 Conversations Within” ts 12/16/2019

“Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle.” Unknown

If celebrating Christmas is wearing you out, you may want to focus on the quality of your celebrations rather than the quantity of them. Trying to cram too much in can take the joy out. Keep your celebrations simple and give your energies to enjoying what is in front of you, not just rushing from one seasonal event to another. Peace on earth begins with peace in the family.

“Only one thing is needed.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/15/2019

Re-introduce yourself to the fascinations of life. Wonder is one of the purest expressions of worship and the delight of God in us.

There are somethings that we should never grow out of, only deeper into. Blowing dandelion seeds, wading in rain puddles, or watching leaves come in for a landing are all childhood expressions that delight the soul. Why stop experiencing these simple wonders? Take your shoes off and run barefoot in the grass. Build a sandcastle. Sit on the floor and color pictures with a child. God’s aroma is found in such things.

“As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.” Mark 9.15 Conversations Within” ts 12/14/2019

“If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of itself.” D. L. Moody

It doesn’t pay to “get the cart in front of the horse,” and we do just that when we are overly concerned with how we appear to others instead of nurturing our inner life. Some people are cool, some try to look cool. I like what C. S. Lewis said about a truly humble person. “He will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking about himself at all.” Don’t work for a good reputation, just work. Don’t advertise your faith just be authentic expressing it.

“You will know them by their fruit.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/9/2019

“It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.” Benjamin Franklin

We all know it is easier to destroy than to build, and so much so where our reputation is concerned. A good friend told me once, that “it takes three “attaboys” to make up for one “Ah Crap!’” For good or bad, our every action is under the scrutiny of others. If we want an honorable reputation, one that honors God, we must learn to scrutinize our own actions before we turn them loose on the world.

“…but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/8/2019

“If you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all.” Thumper

It can be emotionally difficult to refrain from giving comment, but there are times when it is the best thing to do. When you ask? The answer is pretty much anytime we are unable to say anything nice. If we cannot give a beneficial report, it is probably best that we give no report at all.
 
“...slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” Titus 3.2 Conversations Within” ts 12/7/2019

“Fame is fleeting. Popularity is temporary. But character creates a legacy and integrity is eternal. Seek the higher things.” Unknown

It is one thing to be famous and another to be famously well thought of by others. Don’t seek fame, seek to be valuable to others simply by being useful to them, not as a performer, but as a servant.

“So the LORD was with Joshua, and his fame was in all the land.” Josh.6.27  Conversations Within” ts 12/6/2019

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Mr. Rogers

Some people leave you smiling when you hear their name. A good reputation precedes them because they have made such a positive contribution to the lives of others. Aspire to such a life. Set out each day not to consume but to contribute. Our world desperately needs a reason to smile. Be one.

“Whatsoever things are... of good repute...think about such.” Phil.4.8 Conversations Within” ts 12/5/2019

“It is only goodness which gives extras… we have much to hope from the flowers.” Arthur Conan Doyle

When God created the world He made it so much more than functional. He added extras. He could have made the world black and white but He chose instead to paint it with color. He could have made food taste like cardboard but He embellished it with rich flavor. Consider all that is lovely and strengthen your faith in the goodness of God.

“God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food.” Gen.2 Conversations Within” ts 12/4/2019

“There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” C. S. Lewis

 My future is set, and it looks fantastic. The reason is that my Father is managing my portfolio and no one is better at securing our future than He. Even now, in this present moment, His wisdom is there for the asking and when I wake at night He is there beside me. The boundary lines He has drawn around me are in lovely places and every day He sets the table with the delights of joy.

 “You hold my lot. The lines have been drawn for me in pleasant places. Indeed I have a beautiful inheritance.” Ps.16   Conversations Within” ts 3/17/2017

”A sight for sore eyes.”

We say that something is “easy on the eyes” when speaking of what we consider lovely. For most of us it brings to mind a gorgeous person;  or beautiful child; a stunning sunset; an adorable puppy or anything pleasing to look at. What pleases you? What brings a smile to your face? What we consider lovely is a reflection of our heart. One important consideration might be if God is pleased by what pleases us.

“Try to learn what pleases the Lord. Eph.5:10  “Conversations Within” ts 12/2/2019

“The woods are lovely dark and deep, but I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep.” Robert Frost

Don’t fall into the trap of living for the weekend. Don’t put off living life. The joy of living is not in the future, but now. Find joy in recreation, but be sure to find it also in your responsibilities and the work of your hands. Loveliness surrounds. Don’t miss it.

"There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good.” Ecc.2.24 “Conversations Within” ts 12/1/2019

“Loving you was one of the best decisions of my life.” (Said by many)

How lovely that our Heavenly Father would enable us to experience what is lovely. The joy of family, of holiday meals, of activities together add to the richness of life, and God was kind enough to give them to His children. Love the people in your life. Love what you do. Taste the sweetness of every lovely thing and know that when we do, God finds us to be lovely.

“He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me.” Ps.18.19 “Conversations Within” ts 11/31/2019

“When I want to smile, I know exactly what to do. I just close my eyes and think of you.” Unknown

We are encouraged to think about what is “lovely.” The idea behind this word in the Scriptures has to do with people, places and things that stir in us deep feelings of love when we are near them. The beautiful thing about the magic of thought, is that we can be near them every time we think about them.

Whatever is… lovely...think about such things. Phil.4. “Conversations Within” ts 11/30/2019

“Purity of heart is to will one thing.” Sören Kierkegaard

My heart is not pure. I still find myself at times wanting things which are contrary to God’s will. The good news is that I also see that Christ has infected me with a desire to conform completely to His goodness. I see a new me being created in His image, one that can honestly say that I do not wish to continue as I am.

“And if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.” Rom.7.15 “Conversations Within” ts 11/29/2019

”I give you my whole heart for my whole life.” Unknown

Purity is expressed in simple devotion. It frames our every decision. Our devotion to Christ certainly means that we refuse to participate in a good many harmful activities. But more than refusing to do things, our devotion to Him means that we participate with Him in expressions of faith, love, and service to others. Following Christ is so much more than what we avoid doing.

“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” 2Cor.11.3   “Conversations Within” ts 11/28/2019

“The pure heart is the greatest temple in the world.” Krishna Reddy

The Spirit’s encouragements, like pure water, can flush out every impurity in our heart. Only truth can cleanse falsehood, and love remove the stains of our lust. Bathe in the water of God’s word. Be baptized and immersed in the fountain of His grace. Know the cleansing power of His love, and His abiding presence will dwell in the worship of a grateful soul made pure.

“But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” 1Tim.1.5 “Conversations Within” ts 11/27/2019

“It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to.” C.S. Lewis

I pray for an undivided heart, for calm waters within. I imagine that a pure heart possesses peace like no other. How wonderful it would be to always know what you want, and know that what you want is always good, right and true. “Create in me a pure heart O God”--to will Your will and only Your will.

“Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 11/26/2019

“Simplify and purify. What better way to live your life?” Tony Curl

Am I looking for a life of pure unadulterated joy? I do not need to look any further than what is found in God’s commandment. A word from Him will lead us on the path of health and happiness, and those who keep it taste the joy of every pleasure made by His hand. Who knows more about life than the Source? Who knows more about life’s pleasures than the One who not only created them, but designed us to enjoy them.

“The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” Ps.19 “Conversations Within” ts 11/25/2019

The pure in heart have their senses tuned to goodness. They can sense it anywhere.

It blesses me to be in the presence of people who have an eye for goodness. These precious souls always lean toward finding the good in everything. They hold in check any temptation to speak, or even think the worst about a situation, and leave all judgments and concerns to God. Such people are  not foolishly naive but purposefully positive, and focus on the Creator’s designs rather than the creatures distortions. 

“To the pure all things are pure.” Titus 1“Conversations Within” ts 11/24/2019

“My future is righteousness.” Bob Marley

The fact that we don’t always do what is right, is an important clue that something is wrong inside us. That something is one reason, though we might not know it at first, why we come to Christ. We look to Him, not only to forgive us when we do wrong, but to fix us somehow, so that we can do those things we know are right and good and true. He begins that healing the moment we invite Him into our lives. He will finish it the moment we enter completely into His.

“God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2Cor.5.21 “Conversations Within” ts 11/22/2019

“I only knew that there was a certain rightness in life--the feeling you got when you did something the way you knew you should.” Laurence Yep

There is great satisfaction when we look back on a choice we have made and know that we did the right thing. I think we can experience more of this simply by sincerely wanting it and seeking it every time we begin some new adventure. “Seek and you will find.” Righteousness is first a desire, then a decision. 

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 11/21/2019

“The worst of all deceptions is self-deception.” Plato

I fear deceiving myself--to think I am in the right, when in fact, I am in the wrong. I have known the blindness that comes from being self-centered. May God deliver us all from it. That means of course that He must at times deliver us from ourselves. Let me be right, at least about that.

“Every man's way is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts.” Prov.21.2 “Conversations Within” ts 11/20/2019

“Here lies the body of William Jay who died maintaining his right of way -He was right, dead right, as he sped along, But he's just as dead as if he was wrong.” Tombstone

There are some very real negatives when we become a stickler for always being right. It has been wisely asked, “What good is winning an argument if we lose our friend?” If we insist on being right, let it be for the right reasons--reasons which promote love and goodness not some silly notions of pride that we may harbor.

“Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise--why destroy yourself?” Ecc.7 “Conversations Within” ts 11/19/2019

“The time is always right to do the right thing.” Martin Luther King Jr.

When we are privileged enough to know the right thing to do, we feel honored to do it. How honorable it is to serve others; to leave people and places better than we find them; to say a kind word, or give to those in need. Never tire of doing the right thing. Indeed doing what we know is right can energize our days and give stoke to our steps like nothing else.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Gal.6.9 “Conversations Within” ts 11/18/2019

“When in doubt, do the right thing.” Unknown

It is hard to beat knowing the right thing to do, except perhaps doing it. Most of the time when we wonder what is the right thing to do, it is not so much a moral dilemma as it is a question of will everything turn out alright if I do this. Wisdom is needed, and the wonderful thing is that God offers it. We can be sure that the right thing to do always begins when we ask God for it, with an attitude willing to do it.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1.5 “Conversations Within” ts 11/17/2019

Every day is Father’s day. Every day is Mother’s day.

Respect for authority is the mark of the mature and wisdom for life. Without it, life disintegrates into the tyranny and horror of a self-centered rule. With it, life thrives under the light and warmth of God’s love and protection. God’s first gift to us is the instruction of godly parents. The first gift we give ourselves it to honor and obey them.

“Honor your father and mother.” God “Conversations Within” ts 11/15/2019

“If they respect you, respect them. If they disrespect you, still respect them.” Mohammad Zeyara

Respect is certainly earned, but we can choose to give it even when it is not. First century slaves were encouraged as Christians to spread an ambiance of humility and respect, and even do so to unreasonable masters. When a person does this, it makes them the masters of their own attitudes and actions, and they express the greatest respect for themselves. Thankfully slavery is all but abolished, but these principles work in every workplace.

“Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable.” 1Pet.2.18 “Conversations Within” ts 11/14/2019

“Respect your elders, they made it through school without Google and Wikipedia.” Unknown

When we show respect to our elders, we show respect to God. He is pleased when we know the value of honoring our seniors. Our backward culture often gives preference to the strength of youth, while God encourages us to value the strength of wisdom and experience in those who have been blessed with age.

"You shall rise up before the gray headed and honor the aged, and you shall revere your God; I am the LORD. Lev.19.32 “Conversations Within” ts 11/13/2019

“No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.” Calvin Coolidge

People know the value of a giving and generous friend. Let me be one. Be a spring of refreshment that overflows with goodness, not a stagnant lake that only holds what comes its way. Give goodness and honor to others and goodness and honor will return to you.

“Outdo one another in showing honor.” Rom.12.10 “Conversations Within” ts 11/12/2019

“There is no honor among thieves?” Adage

Do I choose to honor what is honorable? Inner city gangs give respect to the most violent warlord. Such honor is not honorable. If we are to give someone or something our respect, we should take care that the object of our loyalty is worthy of it. There are times when withholding honor is the most honorable thing we can do.

“Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” Rom.13.7 “Conversations Within” ts 11/11/2019

“Self-control is the chief element of self-respect.” Thucydides

The word “honorable” is used often in the context of people who practice self-restraint in word and actions. It is honorable to stand watch over what we say. It is honorable to stand watch over one’s appetites. It is honorable to act honorably, and to value what has real value.

“For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man.” 2Cor.8 “Conversations Within” ts 11/10/2019

“This above all, to thine own self be true.” Shakespeare

It is rather silly to lie to God when we know He knows everything. It is equally silly to lie to ourselves as well. We do this when we compromise and talk ourselves into doing something we know is wrong even when our conscience is urging us not to. Call it what you will, telling a “white lie,” “fudging” on the truth, or wanting something so bad we justify it to ourselves. Never lie, especially to yourself.

“Blessed is the man… in whose spirit there is no deceit.” Ps.32.2 “Conversations Within” ts 11/9/2019

The best way to spot what is fake is to know what is real.

Knowing what is true helps us determine what is false. Who would argue that knowing the difference between the two has immeasurable value. Each of us decides what we believe to be true. For me, “the proof is in the pudding,” but sometimes as a Christian, I am required to trust one truth before I can taste the validity of another. My faith in what God says about the afterlife is greatly influenced by the “pudding” I eat everyday at His table.

“My cup runs over and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Ps.23 “Conversations Within” ts 11/8/2019

“Above all things, I believe in love.” Ewan McGregor

What truths define my understanding and actions? What centers me, and gives meaning to my life? As a disciple of Jesus I would of course reply, “God,” not that He exists, but His every expression of love. I can honestly say that one of the reasons I believe in God is that I believe in love, and God is love. I am not referring to the love of feelings, but the love of beneficial actions-actions that bless. 

“God is love and those who abide in love abide in God and God abides in them.” 1Jo.4.16 “Conversations Within” ts 11/6/2019

“Perception and reality are often two different things.” (Saying)

Is it true that a pedestrian has the right of way to cross any road at any time? Of course it isn’t. What we believe to be true or not can have lasting consequences. We sometimes act as if it doesn’t matter what we believe about God or spirituality or life after this life. People can of course believe whatever they want, but this will not change reality nor the consequences of ignoring the physical and spiritual laws set down by the Creator.

“It is appointed for people to die once, and after that to face judgment.” Heb.9.27 “Conversations Within” ts 11/6/2019

“Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” Martin Luther King Jr.

The best sincerity is when it matches the way things actually are. Be sincere but make sure you are sincere about what is true. This is the value of knowing what is good, right and true. This way our sincerity is not based on a warm feeling we may have, but on facts and they are worth putting our faith in them.

"God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”" John 4:24 “Conversations Within” ts 11/5/2019

Just because a prayer is sincere does not mean it is a good prayer. A person may pray sincerely that they would win the lottery, or that God would bless an unfaithful relationship.

We should not confuse truth with sincerity. Sincerity can be a good thing but people can be sincerely wrong. A sincere person tries to be true in what they say, believe and practice. Even so, we all get the facts wrong from time to time. Truth is measured by its fruit and it final measure is in the ruling of God.

“Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth…” Josh.24.14 “Conversations Within” ts 11/4/2019

“The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.” Winston Churchill

When something is true, it is actual, and factual to what really is. In other words, it can be confirmed. This does not mean that we always have the means to confirm it now. The invention of the microscope gave one generation a means that was not available to another. Of course this changed nothing where the factual presence of germs was concerned. If something is true then it is true whether we confirm it or not.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life and no one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 11/2/2019

“Don’t trust everything you see. Even salt looks like sugar.” Unknown

How can I know if something is true? Take for instance the statement that “God loves you.” How can we know if this is actually the case? How can we know if there is a God at all? Well, it is my understanding that God encourages us to test the truthfulness of every matter. And, it is my experience that God doesn’t mind testing us in the process. Take a step in His direction and you may find Him running in yours.

“Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” Mal.3.10 “Conversations Within” ts 11/1/2019

“You are what you eat.” Axiom

How true this is for both the body and soul. Our physical and spiritual diet are directly related to our overall health. Dr. Hippocrates said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine thy food.” It is wise to watch, not only what we feed the body, but what we allow ourselves to mentally feed upon. We also become what we think about.

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Phil.4.8 “Conversations Within” ts 10/31/2019

God is a holistic doctor. His concern is our total health, body and soul. It should come as no surprise that His prescriptions might use a physical malady to cure a spiritual one.

I don’t think for a moment that God causes physical illness to punish people, but I am certain He will use it to bring about spiritual healing. I think we lean more toward physical health while God leans more toward the spiritual side of things. After all, the spiritual will survive the physical and the health of our body is certainly tied to the health of our soul.

“May you prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers.” 3Joh.2.1 “Conversations Within” ts 10/30/2019

“The greatest wealth is health.” Unknown

If you have health, you are blessed indeed. Be grateful for it. Never take it for granted, or neglect it. Know its value and use it to live an abundant and fruitful life. If you are in a season of ill health, do what you can to restore it, but don’t make it worse by worry, fear or feeling sorry for yourself. Health is as much spiritual as physical, and a heart overflowing with joy is wonderful medicine.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Prov.17.22 “Conversations Within” ts 10/29/2019

“Slow down, you move too fast, you gotta make the morning last.” Paul Simon

Don’t rush around, just settle yourself down. Live each day with ease and grace. We miss so much when we hurry. Is there any joy when we live at a hectic pace? Live with deliberation and make every movement count. Caress every activity as you would a soft puppy. Cherish the moments given you.

“Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 10/27/2019

”I'm in a hurry to get things done . Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun.” Alabama

I hate to hurry. But there are a lot of things I don’t like doing that I foolishly keep on doing. Why? The reason is because I do not love the choices that will keep from them. If I don;t want to live a hurried life, I must learn to use my time wisely and prepare. Someone wisely said that we should “plan to plan.” Plan now, so we don’t have to hurry later. 

“...whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” Prov.19.2 “Conversations Within” ts 10/26/2019