I make choices but I also face choices. I face some of my choices as an enemy tempting me off the path of life, health and peace. Faithfulness to good choices is sown, nurtured and harvested in such moments. Give thanks for the training and remain faithful.
“Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!” Ps.119 Conversations Within ts 4/16/
One way we use the word pure is to say that something is 100%. Pure honey is 100% honey, nothing added. Purity of heart is a heart 100% devoted to something or someone. How do we accomplish such devotion? We can open our heart and let God flood it with nothing but grace. Grace alone can wash out all impurities.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 4/14/
Grateful? Give thanks! Sad? Pour your sorrows out to Him. Happy? Rejoice! Worried? Stop it and turn your concern over to the Father who loves you. Tempted? Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you. Lacking wisdom? Ask for what He gives most freely.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1Thess.5 Conversations Within ts 4/13/
Because it is the nature of love to “never cease,” I believe that when God sets His love on someone, it is forever. How could a person loved by God not be joined to Him in eternity? God’s love is our only hope of a future worth having.
“For the LORD is good; his
There are things that bother me that shouldn’t, and things that don’t bother me but probably should. Being a member of the tribe of humanity has its responsibilities.
“As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it. Jo.11.33 Conversations Within ts 4/12/2024
Recently a good friend nudged me with a post and gently wrote “Easy does it.” What a refreshing reminder that possessing and practicing an“easy” attitude may be all that is needed to get something done. Walk it with ease and grace.
“For my yoke is
The cross of Christ saves us in several ways. One is the free gift of forgiveness God offers each of us His Son paid for our sins so we don’t have to. Another way we are saved is when we take up our cross and voluntarily surrender to following Christ in love. Voluntary love is true freedom.
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 4/10/2024
Last evening my wife and I picked a YouTube topic and watched the final performance of a number of artists. Some left us feeling, “Wow, what a way to go out.” Several left us feeling, “How tragic it ended like this.” We never know when our final performance will be. I hope I am caught loving and serving others, and surprised by joy.
“Blessed is that servant whom His master finds so
There are times when I remind myself. Then there are times I am reminded. I suppose I need both to nurture gladness of heart. When I wake to the morning's light, there is plenty to remind me of how wonderful life is, and motivate me to rise with the joy of just being alive.
“Serve the Lord with
Lust takes. love gives. Lust needs. Love nurtures. Lust craves. Love enjoys. Lust says, “I want more.” Love says, “I am grateful and satisfied.” All in all, lust is just selfishly ugly while love is unselfishly beautiful. Choose love!
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the lusts of the flesh.” Gal.5.16 Conversations Within
Living on a sailboat sort of dictates a “take it as it comes” approach to most days simply because of weather. We all have seasons where we feel this more than others. Of course there are all kinds of weather, if you catch my meaning, and, as always, it helps to remind yourself of those things that will see you through.
“Praise the Lord from the earth...lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding…” Ps.148.8 Conversations Within ts 4/4/2024
Simplicity is an approach to living. Even in the midst of disorder we can respond with ease and grace. A peaceful heart can bring a needed focus to any circumstance.
For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. 1Cor.14.33 Conversations Within ts 4/4/2024
Jesus was born in a stable, fished with His friends. He walked in wheat fields, and plucked lunch from the stalks. He took naps in boats and spent a great deal of time outdoors. Keep life simple. Keep it country.
“Jesus was inside the boat, sleeping with his head on a pillow.” Mk.4 Conversations Within ts 4/
Too happy to be sad. Too calm to worry.Too peaceful for strife. Too giving to be greedy. Too kind to be selfish. So occupied living a good life to even bother with anything bad.. This is your gift Father to simple folk who live a simple faith.
“They seldom reflect on the years of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.” Ecc.5.20 Conversations Within ts 4/2/
There is a good tired, the kind after a day of hard and fruitful work. Then there is a not so good tired--the tiredness of the soul. We must learn to rest spiritually, if we are to keep away from having an exhausted spirit. Put your burdens down and trust in the goodness of God.
“I know how to sustain with a word the one who is weary.” Is.50.4 Conversations Within
Duct tape is surely one of the best resources to have on hand. With a little ingenuity, you can fix just about anything with it. Another resource you can count on to fix just about any problem in a relationship, is genuine love. Love also requires a little ingenuity, but mainly the simple willingness to show it. All love must be voluntarily given and received.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
I sometimes find myself overwhelmed with feelings that the adventure is ending and all too brief. But then I am confronted with the resurrection of Jesus. Do I really believe what I believe? If so, death is not the end, but the beginning of the real adventure. Do not let the nostalgia of what is passing smother the joy of what is to come. Eternal life doesn’t just await us, it is ours even now.
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
Did I hold my mouth right when I prayed? Did I say the words right, and in the right order? Or, maybe I should have prayed differently? Someone said, “You can't force God's hand by rubbing a rabbit's foot.” We should put our trust in God, not in our silly superstitions. Trust in God, not in the way you pray.
“But have nothing to do with irreverent folklore and silly myths rather train yourself to be godly.” 1Tim.4.7 Conversations Within ts 3/29/
There is a kind of peace that follows when we dismiss the powerless cries of our worries. Only then can we address what we face with a clear mind, and confident faith.
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2Tim.1.7 Conversations Within ts 3/29/
Even our tears of remorse and repentance must be washed in the blood of the Lamb.
“In him we have
Our temptations to worry can be transformed into simple reminders to pray. The moment I start to worry about something, can be the exact moment I turn to God with faith. Responding this way, our temptations, all of them, can nurture our spiritual life, not hinder it.
“Be anxious about nothing. Pray about everything.” Conversations Within ts 3/
Ever said something that you wish you hadn’t? Ever ate too much, drank too much? Have you ever lost your temper or gave in to your frustrations? One great value of Jesus in our lives is that He helps us nurture self-control. We learn it one decision at a time. Command yourself then obey.
“The fruit of the Spirit is…self
Once someone approached us and said, “You must love the Lord a lot to live in a tiny cargo trailer while traveling to minister. We smiled and said, “Not at all. We are having the time of our lives.
“Rejoice in our confident hope.” Rom.12.12 Conversations Within ts 3/25/2024
Uncontrollable tears always flow when I remember that powerful moment in the movie the Passion of Christ. You may recall where Jesus’ mother comes running to Him beaten and bloodied in the streets after He falls down under the cross. Jesus looks up at her and says, “See mother, I make all things new.” All my hopes and dreams rest on these words. Thank you Lord Jesus!
“Behold, I am making all things new.” Jesus Conversations Within
We know Jesus went through the unimaginable to secure our forgiveness with God. He asks us to love as he has loved us. This pretty much means that when needed, we endure whatever to help the people in our life, and not just family, but those God places in our path. I can think of a few times when my personal comfort has shamefully kept me from doing this.
‘Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with
All my hopes and dreams rest on what Jesus has done for us at the cross. I cannot explain the mysteries, but I trust in them nonetheless. I also cannot explain the many operations of the physical universe, but I live in them everyday as I do spiritual laws. All I know is that healing, my healing is the assured reality that waits for us.
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our
Faithfulness calls out to us on those days when we're just not feeling it. Plug along anyway, even if you have to break it down in tiny steps. Just keep moving and go until you can go no more. When that happens, no worries, this is what God had in mind.
“The fruit of the Spirit is…faithfulness…” Gal.5
Someone observed that the letter in the middle of the word “sin” says it all. Sadly I know this to be true. Too much me ruins it all. Do not be a “Here I am” person, but a “There you are” person.
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant
The crowds shouted Hosanna to the King of Kings as Jesus entered the city, and a week later they called for His crucifixion. We should guard our hearts from the accolades of fickle humans, and instead live our lives for the pleasure of God and His unchanging love.
“Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “
Opportunities abound everyday to love and be loved. If what we do today has nothing to do with love, it is surely a waste of time. Love teaches us to give our energy to matters that matter. Love is a manner of living. It is a wholeness that flows into everything. Love is life. God is love.
“The only thing that matters is faith expressing itself in
The sun is up and I bet you can think of a reason to smile. If you can’t, I just gave you one. The sun rose. Most of the time our blessings are right in front of us. Begin each day with gratitude, even for the little things, and perhaps at the end of the day you will smile again when the sun sets.
“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.” Ps.113 Conversations Within ts 3/12/
I admit that I have pictured where and how I would like to die. Somewhere outside down by water with my family and friends. Better yet, how about skipping death altogether, and being taken up into the clouds when Jesus returns. Yeah! That sounds about right. In any case I want to be surprised by joy, and to be found doing my masters will.
“Blessed is that servant whom his master finds so doing when He comes.” Jesus Conversations Within ts
Sometimes the best thing we can do to help someone is to let them work it out. There is a learning curve for living life as God intends. This doesn’t mean that we can help bear their burdens, offer encouragement, and help them as we are able without interfering in the learning curve.
“Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Conversations Within ts 3/11/
My wife is the joy of my life. I enjoy her company. I enjoy pleasing her. I am hers and she is mine. I sometimes get overwhelmed thinking about this. I can honestly say that I can ditto the same sentiments and trust where God is concerned. I am a wealthy man.
“I am my beloved’s and my beloved is
It is one thing to care about others, and an entirely different thing to care about what others think of you. Someone wisely wrote that we should have “One director and One audience." There is one person who should direct our thoughts and lives. And one person we principally want to please.
“I always do what pleases Him.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 3/9/
We are given the assurance that our Father directs us even while we make hundreds of decisions each day. We are also given the assurance that when we truly want His will, even our inadequate choices are brought together for His good
A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. Conversations Within ts 3/6/2024
I drink coffee everyday and would not want to start the day without it. My cup sits next to me right now as I pray, reflect, and write. This routine has become my favorite part of the day. I am grateful for the focus and peace found in this simple start to each day.
“You, Lord, are my cup and my chosen portion.” Ps.16 Conversations Within ts 3/5/
A loving God wisely established all the rhythms of life, physical, and spiritual. Hot and cold, day and night, good times and bad, sickness and health are His designs. Remind yourself not to sweat over sweating on a hot day. Hot days and hard times belong to Him and express His love for us as much as times of ease.
“The day is yours, the night also. You established the sun and moon.”
People do all kinds of silly things in the pursuit of happiness. I certainly have. Experience has taught me that we can “look for love in all the wrong places.” Truly it is wise to stop looking for love or happiness. Both are not something we pursue as it is the fruit of doing what is good, right and true.
“...life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 3/3/2024
Martin Luther said, “I often laugh at Satan, and there is nothing that makes him so angry as when I attack him to his face….” I am learning to follow suit with this bit of wisdom. Laugh at every temptation to worry, to fear, even to doubt. If you are a child of God, why stress out when you have every reason to laugh.
“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy..” Job
Fries are good. Salad is good. Wisdom is knowing when to choose what. The thing about wisdom is its benefit lies not in the knowing but in ther choosing. Wisdom is wise action.
“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live…”
