I can get my feathers ruffled just thinking about something that I believe is not just. It doesn’t take long for me to remember that I myself cross the line every time I act selfishly. I am glad, but also humbled, that God gives me mercy instead of what I deserve. Teach me sweet Lord to be gracious to others as you are to me every morning.
“Love is not easily angered.” 1Cor.13 Conversations Within” ts 5/22/
God freely forgives us. He wants us to pass this grace on to others by passing over any offense they may have given to us. This attitude and action is the mark of maturing love. The strength of loving is so focused on blessing others, it doesn’t have time to keep track of personal injury. Mothers don’t refuse comfort to the baby that is refusing to let them sleep.
“Love keeps no record of wrongs.” 1Cor.13 Conversations Within” ts 5/21/
Followers of the Way of Jesus should always have an attitude that forgives, simply because people will always give us an occasion to do so. We imitate Him, when we express a commitment to the highest good of our neighbor, and are tenacious in bringing it about. Forgiving people is simply a part, and a necessary part, of that commitment.
“Forgive one another, as God has forgiven you
“Will you forgive me?” Sincerely asking forgiveness is something my wife and I practice. Like most couples we spat. Bedtime has become a time of reflection and usually one of us will ask a pardon from the other for any rudeness expressed to the other that day. It is best to have no reason to ask for forgiveness, but to ask and grant it when needed is as it should be.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Eph.4.32
When joined to wisdom, love is the answer to everything. Visualize a loving response to your interactions. Make sure that whatever you do, you bring benefit. Nurture ways to express love every single day to every single person you meet. View it as life’s greatest adventure. Think of someone right now, and something you can do for them today that will enrich their lives.
“By this people will know that you are my disciples, by your love for one another” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/
Put down attitudes that further division, and work the problems that face us all. Be too busy fixing what is wrong rather than giving time and energy arguing about it. Work the problem, not your opinions about the problem.
“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. ”Rom.14.19 Conversations Within” ts 5/17/
Jesus came to bind together into perfect oneness, all that is fragmented, and broken in our world. We must let go of our racial, national, religious, political and personal divisions to embrace His peace. He has come to make us one.
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Gal.3.28 Conversations Within” ts 5/16/2022
I find myself everyday thinking stuff that has no value whatsoever. This does not mean that these worthless thoughts are harmless, in fact they can do great damage to the soul. Comparing ourselves to others is not only a total waste of time and energy, it can leave us shortchanged in giving thanks for what we have.
"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God?" Gal.1.10 Conversations Within” ts 5/16/
Comparing ourselves to others is just another form of judging that Jesus warns us about. Seeing ourselves as better than someone, or more correct, or more spiritual, has nothing to do with practicing love. Love looks for ways to complement, not compare or criticize.
“Do not judge.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/14/
It's a relationship, not religion; partners not pawns; friends not fanatics; sons and daughters not servitude.
“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2Cor.6.18 Conversations Within” ts
I trust Jesus. This means when He encourages me to see God as my Father, I should do just that, and not just any kind of father but a good one. I know that when I get out of line, He will correct me. He promises counsel when needed. He provides my daily bread. He invites me to join Him in the joys of the present moment, and offers to bless any plans consistent with the family business. Would any good father do less?
“I go to my Father and your Father...” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/12/2022
From time to time, I need to be reminded that God is my Dad who loves and cares for me more than I will ever know. He may sit enthroned in the Heavens but He lives in my heart. He provides everyday not only all that I need but abundantly so. Every flower is a plus, every fragrant petal a reminder that He wants more for His children than just mere survival.
“I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit.” Is.57.15 Conversations Within” ts 5/11/
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The King of Creation is not diminished when we approach Him as our Father; He is wonderfully distinguished. We finally see Him as He wants to be seen. GOD is spelled DAD.
“When you pray, say, ‘Our Father in Heaven…’” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/9/2022
I’m not sure that in a perfect world we would not strip the last nut and bolt just before completing a project. I’m also pretty sure that when we get to glory we won't eat like a pig and not gain weight. The rules of goodness will not change, but our attitude and actions will be different. We will have matured to not get upset when something goes wrong, or will not want to gorge ourselves. Many of the problems in this world are attitude problems,
“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I
The Fall of man is one of the most pivotal teachings in a Judeo-Christian worldview. All that is wrong in this world is due to the rebellion of man against His Creator. I contribute to it every time I act selfishly. I think it is healthy to accept that everything is not as it should be, but equally healthy to not put more in the pot.
“Therefore, just as
This seems a rather obvious bit of wisdom. The simple truth is that most of us ignore it, and consistently so. Imagine how our lives would improve if we consistently chose this. Consider all the ways our physical, spiritual, and emotional health could benefit by living with this principle, rather than giving into our emotions and desires.
“May you prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers.” 1John 3
Love is kind. If it is not kind, then it's not love. If it’s not love, it’s nothing at all, or at least nothing of value. Be something of value. Be kind.
“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…”
Love forgives. It overlooks insult and injury. Lord help me to never harbor hurt feelings, but interact only with compassion toward others. I do not mean feeling sorry for someone, but to feel with them, to put myself in their shoes, and respond in kind. Soften my heart Lord Jesus.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Eph.4.32 Conversations Within” ts 5/4/2022
Rising to purposefully love people can transform our daily to-do list into a life of lasting value. What’s on your to-do list today?
“All who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.” 1Jo.4 Conversations Within” ts 5/3/2022
People generally speak in favor of love and its importance in the world. I wonder if we know what love is, beyond the emotions so often confused with it? Love is an action word, and the actions of love always seek what is good for the ones we love. We are wise to not let our emotions or even not having any keep us from loving with our actions.
“Speak the truth in love.”
No matter what we say, if it is not motivated by love, we are just making noise. Love always seeks to bring benefit to others, so if my words don’t accomplish this it would be better if I simply refrain from speaking. Let love be the measure of our words and our words reflect only love.
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” 1Cor.13 Conversations Within” ts 4/28/2022
Having a “Go Green” bumper sticker does not mean we are really committed to good stewardship of the planet. We should spend less time on how we look to others and more time on actually being a instruments of peace and goodness.
“People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1Sam.16.7 Conversations Within” ts 4/28/2022
This seems a good word in our social media day where appearances seem more important than actual substance. Do not get drawn into how things appear concerning others, and do not trust that making yourself appear a certain way is actually a life worth having.
“People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1Sam.16.7 Conversations Within” ts 4/27/
Well another day passed and I did not have in my possession last night what I envisioned yesterday morning. Mornings usually find me determined to do better; evenings I am often disappointed that I did not. My morning discipline starts but does not always finish strong. So, here I am ready to give it another go. Thank God for that.
“Let endurance have its perfect work.” James 1.4 Conversations Within” ts 4/26/2022
I am grateful for all the ways that our Father works in the background. His inner encouragements, guidelines, and nudges in the right direction, rise up and meet me every day. He is coaching me to do better, and be better. Thank you for your patience, Lord. Help me with my game face today.
“For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.” Conversations Within” ts 4/
Set sail. Don’t talk about it, do it. Commit yourself to action. It is not our goals, dreams, aspirations or intentions, but getting it done that is the final measure.
“Be doers.” James 1.22 Conversations Within” ts 4/24/2022
If you missed out on your children growing up, don’t miss out on them now. Do not bemoan what is lost, embrace what can still be found. Lay hold of right now. Live fully in this moment and find the life that is in every breath.
“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do.” Conversations Within” ts 4/23/2022
