I can be self-centered or caring. My choices reflect one or the other everyday. There are so many ways to share love with others. Go out of your way to show kindness. As the songwriter put it, “make it a better place…a kinder place… help the human race…with my own two hands.”
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” Jesus Conversations
How wonderful is the gift of this day. Thank you! Thank you for the privilege to spread gladness, to fill the air with the aroma of thanksgiving. Thank you for love’s dynamic, and the positive energy that flows in and through me when I walk in it.
“Serve the Lord with gladness, enter His presence with
One thing I appreciate about my wife, among many, is that when something breaks or quits working, she doesn’t complain about it, she just immediately figures out how to fix it or make do till it can be. Work your problems, don’t let your problems work you.
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Prov.14 Conversations Within”
You may remember in Harry Potter that when you looked into the Mirror of Erised, it revealed the deepest desire of the heart. Imagine God offering you whatever you wanted for yourself. Then imagine the joy and contentment of replying that you want nothing for yourself at all. This is the kind of happiness that God wants to give us.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Ps.23 Conversations Within” ts 8/14/
I am fascinated by the transformation of aging. To look at a photo of someone in their youth and then in old age truly staggers me. I want God to shape my thoughts about this as I want Him to shape my thoughts about everything. The quote above and the verse below seem to point in the same direction.
“Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2Cor.4.16 Conversations Within” ts 8/14/
There is an instructive story when President Davis of the confederacy, asked General Lee about an officer under his command. Lee spoke of his strengths to Davis. Another officer present pointed out to Lee that this officer was a bitter enemy who always spoke harshly about Lee to others. Lee simply replied, "Yes, but the president asked my opinion of him; he did not ask for his opinion of me.”
“...speak evil of no one, avoid quarreling, be gentle, and show perfect courtesy toward all people.” Titus 3.2 Conversations Within” ts 8/14/
The value of self control isn’t found in the freedom to do what we want when we want, but to possess the power to restrain our desires when they run contrary to what is good, healthy, right and true.
“All things are
We are instructed to look at trials joyfully. The reason is that with the proper attitude our faith, which has great value, is made stronger and better. Joy then, is both an attitude we can adopt and the resulting reward of walking that way. Joy can be chosen by telling ourselves the truth, giving thanks for it, and acting on
"Consider it pure joy when you encounter various trials, for the testing of your faith produces endurance" James 1 Conversations Within” ts 8/10/2024
O gentle breeze, your refreshment is something I cannot ignore. When you brush my face I am compelled to turn towards you, close my eyes and give thanks. You remind me so much of all the goodness that God brings to my fallen world.
“In Him we live and move and have our being.” Acts 17.28 Conversations Within” ts 8/9/2024
Grace comes to us in many forms. The misery reaped by an addict is a sweet grace to them when they humbly use it as positive motivation to escape being unhappy. When we pray for grace, God may first humble us in order to raise us up.
“He gives grace to the humble.” Conversations Within” ts 8/9/2024
It could be better. It couldn’t be better. I have said and thought both. Even so, I am grateful that I can easily find a reason to be grateful all of the time.
“In everything give thanks.” Conversations Within” ts 8/8/
I remember, as a young Christian, waking to God’s presence. There was no such thing as driving alone in the car. It seemed only natural to talk with Him. Indeed conversing with Him, prayer as we call it, is the simplest way I know of “practicing His presence.” I have to remind myself that prayer is not only talking, but listening.
“In Him we live and move and have our being.” Acts 17.28 Conversations Within” ts 8/7/
There are things that only God can do for us, just as there are things that we can only do for ourselves. Both express the need for God’s grace. I require more than resolve to experience my needed transformation. I need grace, pure and simple. I need grace to know that I need grace.
“But by the grace of God I am what I am.” 2Cor.15 Conversations Within” ts 8/7/
I can expect stressful days. The question is what will I do to deal with them? I have discovered that the best way to deal with stress is to deal with me. The moment I sense the absence of inner peace, I can use that very realization to do what is needed to return to it. Just take a breath and remember. Jesus is waiting patiently for me where I stepped off the path of peace.
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your
Jesus made it clear that we can sin in our heart even if we do not actually commit the physical act. The point He is making is that God wants our heart, not just an empty compliance to a set of rules. Even our most intimate contemplation's are known to God. If God has our heart, He has everything.
“...but let your heart keep my commandments…” Prov.3
When I walk in the light of God’s wisdom, my day is filled with joy and peace. When I stray from His counsel, I have neither. There are no shortcuts to a life blessed by God's wisdom. Take hold of her and she will take hold of you.
“She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.” Prov.3 Conversations Within” ts 8/4/
My wife and I have hiked in some amazing places. Our joy is doubled when we tell others about a trail we took. Likewise, wisdom will not only take us down some pleasant paths, but following its lead can make pleasant whatever path we are on. Wisdom teaches not only where to walk, but how to walk.
“Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.” Prov.3 Conversations
Our Father not only promises that if we live in the light of His wisdom, He will add length to our years, He will also add length to our days. I believe that this is a reference to the quality of the interactions we experience in a single day. His wisdom will enrich each day with a fuller, and complete satisfaction.
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments. For length of days, and years of life, and peace they will add to you. Ps.
Our Father invites us to join Him in so many wonderful experiences. We can accept His invitation to see the beauty around us, and in others. We can walk with Him in the joy of generosity and the pleasure of serving. He told us His name is “I am.” Perhaps to invite us to in Him in the happiness of this moment.
“With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” 2Pet.
Love is the only response that has lasting value. I am the kind of person I want to be only when I am loving someone and seeking goodness for them. As I consider my thoughts, words and actions, I want love to be the only governing dynamic.
“Love never fails.” 1Cor.13 Conversations Within” ts 7/31/
Did I make the wrong decision yesterday? Make the right one today. Do I want to make good decisions tomorrow? Make a good decision now. Keep your eyes fixed on where you should be now, and you will be where you are supposed to be
“Be where you are. Whatever your hand find to do, do it with all of your might.” Ecc. 9 Conversations Within” ts 7/29/2024
I am sometimes ashamed of the way I represent Christ to others. Before I can properly represent Jesus to the world, I should take an honest look at my misrepresentations. Anytime I think, say or do anything to another person that doesn’t reflect His love is certainly a misrepresentation.
“not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were
I want to be God’s man--to serve Him with whole hearted devotion. Alas, there is a difference in saying I am God’s man, and I want to be. I want to be because I am not. My heart is still divided.
“For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely
Age is slowing me down. By necessity I have to pay more attention to my movements. Doing so not only keeps me from pulling a muscle, it is helping me to be wholly present in each moment. I enjoy being right here, right now, right where I am!” I am coming to appreciate the transition of aging.
“Be where you are.” Ecc.9 Conversations Within” ts 7/27/
I will sometimes ask my wife what she thinks about someone or something. She often tells me that she doesn't know what to think. This is her way of saying I don’t have all the facts, so I do not have any judgment or comment about it. I am learning to appreciate her gentle and humble admission. It reminds me of someone I want to be like.
“Judge not.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 7/26/2024
Today I have the blessed opportunity to contribute to the people in my life. We can make a mark for goodness. We can contribute, not compete. We can choose love in the face of hate, compassion in the face of criticism. We can spread joy not judgment.
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 7/25/
