Speaking truths to my soul can be so beneficial. When I remind myself that you can’t rush boiling an egg; that I will get there when I get there; and it will happen when it happens, all have a calming effect on me. Trust the process. Learn the skill of waiting patiently.
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Rom.12.2 “Conversations Within” ts 2/24/
It never hurts to express gratitude, and more often than not, it will certainly help. It is hard to give thanks and worry at the same time. This is also true for complaining, arguing, and feeling sorry for yourself. Replace every negative thought with a thankful one. You will feel much better.
“In everything give thanks.” 1Thess.
Whatever is causing anxiety, depression, or stress, the Spirit of Jesus calls us to His side with the support we need to get through it. It doesn't matter if the distress is physical, mental or spiritual, His blanket is big enough to cover it all. Admonish your soul to crawl under the covers of His comfort.
“Blessed be…
The still waters where God promises to lead is first within me, not necessarily around me. Letting Him take the lead means I accept, not only the path that He chooses, but also whatever pops up on it. I shouldn’t be surprised that He simply wants me to trust that He knows the best route we take together.
“He leads me beside still waters.” “Conversations Within” ts 2/21/2025
When I come to the quiet, I often bring a lot of noise with me. I seek solitude, not so much to think, but to cease thinking, and to quiet the multitude within. Learning how to quiet the mind is one way we open the gift of contentment. We rest in the providence of God, trusting that everything is as it should be. If it isn't as it should be, trusting Him will certainly make it so.
“But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with
It comforts me to know that God has plans for me. He has planned out my future which not only means I have one, but a blessed one at that. Experience has taught me that I am not exempt from hardship and trouble. But, I am exempt from any lasting harm because He has promised me everlasting goodness.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
When God gives me grace, He usually has something greater in mind beyond what I have in mind. I usually ask for grace for some need in my life. He gives me grace to help free me from asking only for myself. He wants me to see the needs of others, and to use the grace He give me to serve them.
“And God is able to make all
Someone wrote, "You've survived 100% of your worst days and you are still here.” There are many truths that help me reconcile myself to life’s adversity. I have never gone through anything without the grace of God keeping me. He has always been there, He will always be there. Bring it on, I have everything I need.
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” “Conversations Within” ts 2/16/
Better yet, listen to Jesus and don’t judge others at all. Pray for yourself. Pray for others, but reserve critical judgement only for yourself. I have so much work to do where my own character is concerned, than to waste energy questioning or criticizing someone else's.
“Do not judge.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 2/15/2025
I realize it is not my opinion about something, but what I am actually doing about it that matters. I ask myself, “What am “I” personally doing to feed the poor, and care for the needy?” I answer, “Not enough!”
“For there will never cease to be poor in the land…open your hand wide to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.” Deut.15 Conversations Within” ts 2/14/2025
Once convinced of the health of a chosen path, stay on it. Doing so often means that we must choose it again every day, even re-choosing it several times throughout the day. Mindfulness in one moment has value only when it naturally flows into the next.
“Three times every day, {Daniel} bowed down on his knees to pray and praise God.” Dan.6.10 Conversations Within”
Lord, teach me to embrace every single person with love and compassion, never with condescending judgment. You embrace me with unconditional love, I ask that no one will ever doubt that I too will receive them only with kindness. Like God we can hate the sin, but still love the sinner.
“Accept one another as Christ accepted you to bring praise to God.” Col.3.12 Conversations Within” ts 2/12/
True happiness is first a choice to never settle for anything less than lasting happiness. Lord help me attach my happiness, not to temporal pleasures, but redeem even them, by committing my soul to the eternal pleasures of Heaven.
“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Ps.23
The word “only” defines the success of the encouragement above. Why would I want to think, say or do anything that does not promote health in myself, and in others. Lord, prepare me now for any temptation that would entice me to compromise lasting health and happiness.
"Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit.” Jesus Conversations
After years of reflection, I have concluded that what I want most is rather simple. I want the love of Christ to be the dynamic that defines my journey, and its light and joy, my constant companions. When I love as I should, I experience real and lasting happiness, untouched by all that is fading away.
“You have made known to me the path of life. In Your presence is fullness of joy and at Your right hand are pleasures forever.” Ps.16 Conversations Within” ts 2/11/2025
It is one thing to live “in” the moment, and another to live “for” the moment. The first is perfect focus, the latter is a kind of nearsightedness--the inability to see beyond a present desire. How important it is to define what I want most.
“cast down every imagination and every thought that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and we are taking every
Wisdom affirms the value of a merry heart for good health. Actually the word merry is often used in Scripture of
“…the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Neh.8.10 "Conversations Within” ts 2/8/2025
Loving like Jesus can be costly, but it is also rewarding in ways that defy imagination. Consider, I have the right as an American to prosecute a thief for stealing my coat, but as a Christian, I am given the privilege to win their heart by giving them my shirt as well. Jesus taught us that love has the power to transform an enemy into a friend. The love of Jesus is rad, if it is anything.
“But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse
Lord forgive me for sometimes thinking that prayer is the last resort when it should be my first. How could I discount, not the power of my prayers, but Your power to answer. I would not fail my family, my friends, my neighbors by failing to lift them up before You!
“As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.” 1Sam.12.23 Conversations Within” ts 2/6/
I sometimes wake at night anxious about something. Not only does turning it over in my mind keep me from sleep, it keeps me from seeing just how secure I really am in God. I have found it helpful to drift off back to sleep, quoting a passage of Scripture that reminds me of His many promises to handle matters that concern me.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 2/4/
God sent the children of Israel out to battle. Each day they went out and each day they came back defeated. Thousands died. They courageously formed the same battle line day after day until they finally defeated the enemy. God sometimes asks us to do things even when it is costly to do them. Perhaps the victory He desires isn't so much that we are never knocked down, but the courage to keep getting up every time we are.
“But the people, the men of Israel, took courage, and again formed the battle line in the same place where they had formed it on the first day.” Judges 20 ESV Conversations Within” ts 2/3/
I realize more and more that God decides the outcome of all plans. Without His blessing, nothing of value will be produced. Jesus reminds us that none of us can achieve anything without His Father in Heaven. But with Him, and His blessing, well, just fill in the blank with the pen of faith.
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Conversations Within” ts 2/2/
Lord, I know you love me. But, I also want you to like me. The reason I question if you do, is simply because there are times when I don’t like myself. I should have a better handle on all this by now. Create in me a likable heart, one that You enjoy hanging around everyday.
Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Conversations Within” ts 2/1/2025
I have concluded that it is only safe to adopt this motto when what I like truly makes life good. Good choices will bring a good life. Something is good when I enjoy what is beneficial and wholesome. There is something beautiful when you see someone doing something they love doing, and at the same time the activity is overflowing in pure goodness and joy.
“Butter and honey shall he eat, when he knows to refuse the evil, and choose the good.” Is.7.15 Conversations Within” ts 1/31/
By telling us to abide in His love Jesus is reminding us that it is possible for us to choose not to abide in His love. I do not abide in His love anytime I hold to attitudes and actions that do not reflect His. "What would Jesus do" is really a very good question to ask before I say or do something.
“Abide in my love.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 1/30/
I am emotionally healthier when I go with the flow of things. But, it is my faith in God that enables me to go with the flow. I am assured that God, not fate, nor chance governs the direction the flow is taking me.
“Have faith in God,” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 1/29/2025
Trouble is sure to come our way, but this doesn’t mean that our troubles need to trouble us too much. It helps to know that just as we can expect trouble, we can also expect our troubles to end. Be encouraged! The story ends well.
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 1/27/
I am learning a certain contentment with the inner conflict that humans are born with, and which becomes even more evident when someone is “born again.” When Jesus entered my life, His light exposed the dark places in my heart. But, instead of fear and guilt as the primary motivations to change, love and a reverent respect now move me to follow Him into the light where joy and peace await.
“But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.” Eph.5.13 Conversations Within”
To say that love is not easily angered does not mean that it never is. There is a righteous anger. But even when anger is the right response, we are commanded to not let the sun set on our anger, or allow it to dominate us. We are told to be angry and not sin. We could say that anger is proper when its energy works for what is good.
“Love is not easily angered,”
I like butter, and I like honey. I especially like them mixed, and sandwiched on a hot biscuit. The best way to enjoy them is to pile on a heap of gratitude, and a serving of moderation as you eat them. This way you will be healthy as well as happy.
“Butter and honey shall he eat, when he knows to refuse the evil, and choose the good.” Is.7.15 Conversations Within” ts 1/23/
The other day I asked my wife how old she would like to live. In her matter of fact manner, she told me that she would not want to live past usefulness or being able to get around well. I can attest that usefulness defines how she spends her time.
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" Jesus
It is better to wisely deal with life, than to deal with drama. It is wise to realize that dealing with other people's drama is simply a part of dealing with life. Dealing wisely with myself, and my responses, will keep drama at bay. We can train ourselves to process problems without creating drama.
“Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.” Prov.29.11 Conversations Within”
A peaceful confidence flows when I remind myself who controls my future. Jesus has assured us that nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from God’s love and care. When we ascend by faith into the height of these assurances, our worries cannot follow us there.
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To look at the night sky, the sheer number of stars, staggers the soul. One feels so small, so insignificant. Yet, the Spirit gently reminds me that all of it, made in the span of six days, was made at least in part for the people inhabiting this small planet. How great is our God, the maker of Heaven and earth, How great His love for each of us.
“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” Ps.8 Conversations Within” ts 1/19/2025
Jesus issued a grave warning, that holding something to be true when it is really false, puts us much further from knowing the truth. I believe a good example of this, especially in our age, is the false notion that what is true for me is true for me, and what is true for you is true for you. If something is true in the absolute sense, then it is always true. Lord, shine your light in our heart.
“So if the light within you is darkness, how deep is that darkness!” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 1/19/2025
Repentance is needed daily. The Spirit of Jesus encourages me to change my thinking. Of course my actions are to follow. Repentance is first an attitude that says, "Show me my faults." It is then a resultant action to change my ways. Repenting is a necessary prerequisite to abide in God’s love.
“Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 1/24/
Throw off what hinders. Rid yourself of the attitude and the action that is holding you back. Often if it isn’t helping, it is hindering. Identify what hinders and abandon it. Then run joyfully in the air of freedom.
“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,” Heb.12.1 Conversations Within” ts 1/11/
How do I humble myself before God? I am pretty sure that beating myself up with shame has nothing to do with it. Nurturing a realistic appraisal of our need for grace and His willingness to give it is a good first step. The humblest thing we can do is accept His love and mercy and move on in loving service to others.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand,
It is one thing to want for nothing because you already have everything, and another to simply want for nothing, because you have learned to be satisfied without everything.
“The Lord is my Shepherd, I
The word perfect, as used in Scripture, is strongly tied to the notion of maturity. To be perfect, as our Father in Heaven is, in context, refers to a mature response to one's enemies. In other words, we imitate God’s response to our enemies by loving, forgiving and blessing them, not by returning the immature response of condemning, criticizing, or seeking to harm them.
“Be perfect as your Father in
I realize the value of living
“The prudent give thought to their steps. Prov.14.15 Conversations Within” ts 1/7/2025
