I used to wonder why God wants us to pray at all. I mean, it isn’t like He needs our insight or advice about matters. I have come to realize that one reason He wants us to pray, is so we can be a part of serving others when He answers our prayers for them. Another, is that like the branches of a vine, prayer is the vital link that enables His life to flow in and through us.
“I am the vine; you are the
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I suppose we could whistle while we wait as well. We spend a great deal of time waiting in life--in line, in the doctor’s office, for test results. This does not mean that we cannot bring our own enjoyment to the waiting rooms of the world. Make merriment wherever you are and whenever you wait.
“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do. Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil…” Conversations Within ts 1/23/
There is a great grace given to us in the daily labors of life. They give birth to living with deliberation and purpose. Accepting the ever present, less than perfect circumstances around us, and focusing on the task at hand can work a simple joy to those who choose to do it wholeheartedly.
“So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is our lot in life.”
Waiting in the doctor’s office, the auto repair shop, for the insurance estimate, or to see if the antibiotic works is not enjoyable. Who likes to wait? The fact is we all have to do it. The fact is also, that we can choose our disposition while we wait. Why not choose a joyful and grateful attitude? God is at work in us, equipping us to handle life by first learning to handle ourselves.
“that you may have great endurance and
I usually say these words after something I don't necessarily like happens, especially when it is outside my control. Life happens, and it is wise not to fret over it. When whatever happens, trust that there is one dynamic over it all, that promises to use it for good. That dynamic is the love and grace of the God we call Father.
“...in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Rom.8.28
Focus on the task at hand. Do not let tomorrow's concerns or even this evening's concerns sap the energy of what you are doing right now. There is a a sweet peace in the heart when we wholeheartedly focus on the present task. Work it.
“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 1/18/
Remember the story about happiness being in a dog’s tail. One dog chases his tail, but never catches it; another goes about his business, and his tail follows him wherever he goes. Happiness is more a result than a pursuit. We get happiness not by chasing it, but by having it follow us in the wake of love and service to others.
“I tell you these things that my joy may be in you and your joy be made complete.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 1/
People are awesome! The depth of the human experience staggers me. To sit around a table, or a campfire, and listen to others tell some of their story is a wealth beyond compare. It is something I cherish, and for which I give thanks. In these moments I always feel His presence in and around the circle of friendship.
“'Let us make
I am grateful for my life. It has been, and is so very rich, and wonderful. Even my sorrows and trials have provided the backdrop for its joys. The dark canvass of death will no doubt be painted with the bright light of overwhelming joy. Feast every day on the delights of this hope offered in Christ.
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” 1Cor.2.9 Conversations Within ts 1/15/
Selfish motives can certainly compete with the primary dynamic of love. The energy of love flows out toward others, and always with the pure motive of bringing them benefit. Any reward that returns to us is in love itself. .
“If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may
Enough! You know what to do. Get on with it!
“Wake! Why are you sleeping!” Jesus Conversations Within ts 1/14/2024
I can feel the truth of this. I know the power of attitude. I know that to have or not have the right attitude is a make or break it deal. There is surely wisdom when I sample my attitude about matters as the first step in responding to them.
…”be made new in the attitude of your minds;” Eph.4.23 Conversations Within ts 1/12/
The very point of faith is to transfer trust from what we see, to what is promised. We are asked to take the first step trusting that all will be provided for the next. Jesus encouraged us to ask for today’s bread, and trust not only that it be given, but rest confident that it will be given every day we ask. The point is to keep asking, and keep trusting.
“We walk by faith not by
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If there is ever a time to walk by faith and not by sight, it is when we find ourselves under the shroud of depression. Faith believes there is something good to see, even when it cannot be seen. Talk to yourself, preach to yourself and keep at it, until you believe it. Then, despite your feelings, take that step that confirms you do believe it.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and
It is common knowledge that every mountain climbed, every valley traversed is done one step at a time. A wise approach to getting large tasks, or healthy habits established is to break them down into small steps. Take a step in the right direction no matter how small, and just keep stepping. You will get there.
“...whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Prov.13.11 Conversations Within ts 1/10/2023
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”I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree…” Joyce Kilmer
Talk about attention to detail! Nature abounds with it. What impresses me the most is that every tree, mushroom, flower or tide pool is so much more than functional; there is breathtaking beauty and intricate detail. Nature’s function to sustain, and its beauty to marvel, reveal the tender attention of the Creator who made it all.
“The LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground--trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food.” Gen.2.9 Conversations Within ts 1/7/
To watch me work on a project used to be like watching a fight. Screwing a screw, unscrewing a nut, putting something together, It didn’t matter what it was, I would wind up fighting with it. Wisdom is teaching me that if I am forcing it, I'm doing it wrong. This is good advice in relationships too.
“Let your gentleness be evident to all.” Conversations Within ts 1/7/
Rest is more than a needed and healthy rhythm. It is the promised state of God’s children when we pass from this life into the next. There we cease from the labor and toil of life’s burden. But we do not have to wait for Heaven to experience the soul’s rest. We can, this very day, rest from the labors of religion, of trying to earn what God offers as a gift. Do not live worn out and weary. Humbly accept the gift Christ offers.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 1/7/
There are many things in my life that I would undo if I could. I find comfort knowing that God is able to work my failures for good as He did with Joseph’s brothers. They sold him into slavery, but God made him second to Pharaoh and in doing so, God not only saved Joseph, He saved his brothers as well. Thank God for grace that can override foolish choices.
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Conversations Within ts 1/5/
There are many water crossings in life. When fear or apprehension begins to swell at a new crossing, it may serve us well to remember past crossings, and take note that we are still here. God saw us through then. He will see us through now.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…”
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I do not know what is around the bend, but I know someone who does. I also know that He loves me, and will accompany me there with every grace. Instead of wrestling with our fears, He invites each of us to rest in the assurances of His watchful love.
“A man's heart plans his way: but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 Conversations Within ts 1/4/
I have a friend who believes that “god” is simply a notion that people invented to explain things for which they could not find a reasonable answer. People are a superstitious lot no doubt, but it seems a valid point to ask if God created us, or did we create Him. The answer to this seems simple enough. Just ask Him! He did, after all, provide a path for finding out.
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him"
It dawned on me the other morning in a powerful way, that if I ever doubt God’s love for me, the absolute assurance of it is the gift of my wife. She is clearly the embodiment of how much He loves me. I am overwhelmed!
“My cup runneth over!” Ps.23 Conversations Within ts 1/3/
“Just my luck!” Ever said these words? I’ve said them, even though I do not believe in luck, at least not as an impersonal dynamic determining my fate. I do however believe in a very personal God and trust that He is the first cause of all things. And, as such, He makes use of means, even our silly notions of luck to lead us to a better life.
“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” Prov.16.33 Conversations Within ts 1/2/
There have been times in my life when I thought God was working against me. If I was walking arrogantly, He probably was because God blocks the path of the proud. But in my personal history, I realize that Father will often use adversity to humble us, for it is only the gentle and humble heart that can truly appreciate His blessings when they come.
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4.6 Conversations Within ts 1/1/
Let me make my plans, but do so with a humble realization that if and when I accomplish them, it is because God has granted success or not. The fact that He encourages us to commit our actions to Him clearly indicates that He cares about our good intentions. This is precious to me.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Prov.16.2 Conversations Within ts 1/1/
If we are living as we should, and most of us don’t, there would be no need to make changes in the New Year. But I know that change is certainly needed in my life. I want to live this day so that at the end of it I will have no regrets, only the satisfaction that comes from healthy choices. Love is always a healthy choice.
“Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 1/1/
