I want my body to be my servant, not my master--to answer my call, not vice versa. If I want my body to serve me, I certainly need to take care of it, but not overindulge it. The key to self-control is knowing which desires to pursue and which ones to redirect.
“I discipline my body and make it my servant.” “Conversations Within” ts 6/23/
The fact that God is in charge, and that He allowed His Son to suffer a cruel death, might bring little comfort to us if our main goal is to avoid all suffering. But consider another perspective that brings enormous comfort.
‘He who did not spare his own Son,
God embodies all that is good, right and true. To walk in truth is not only to turn our back on everything that is not true, but to cherish the light given in His word. God doesn’t have an opinion, He doesn't need one. Everything He says is the very definition of truth.
“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.“ Jesus Conversations Within” ts 6/21/
Don’t try to determine if someone is worthy of compassion, practice compassion without condition. Be rich in love, and generous in sharing it. Treat people better than they deserve, simply because God has treated us this way. Compassion will do far more good in the world than a criticizing or condemning.
“But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, rich in love and faithfulness.”
It matters little to think about living forever if I am not living life now. I am excited at the prospect of life without end, but eternal life doesn't begin when we die, it is connected to this very moment. It is not just the quantity of our interactions, but the quality that matters.
“Whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts
According to Jesus, eternal life is knowing God. I suppose one reason is that It will take an eternal life to experience all that He desires to be for us. When we have lived ten thousand years, we will have barely started discovering the many new and wonderful things about Him
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” Jo.17.3 “
I think it is important to love yourself the way Jesus told us to, and especially in reference to loving our neighbor. The way we seek goodness for ourselves becomes the measure of how we love others. Goodness is for everybody.
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 6/16/25
I would praise God not only in words, but in deeds-- in ruminations; by walking in a forest; or swimming in an ocean; in the celebration of life itself. How could I not praise and prize your great worth to me Lord. Your lovingkindness is better than life.
“I will praise the LORD all my life…” Ps.146.2 “Conversations Within” ts 6/15/
Mourn your sins, but don’t spend too much time bemoaning and feeling sorry for yourself. God does not want us to sit around feeling guilty; He wants us to repent, which simply means that we see our need for change, and humbly ask His grace to do so.
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 6/10/
There is great joy when we choose to live productively. Produce! Be a fruitful tree so that others may glean goodness from your branches. Come to the end of a day with a smile knowing you have served and brought benefit to the world.
“Be fruitful.” Gen.1.28 “Conversations Within” ts 6/10/
I am privileged to live nestled in nature. The fact that God created humans, and then placed us in a garden to tend it, makes me think it is important to spend time everyday outside breathing the fresh air of creation. Don't live like a fish in a fishbowl. Swim the oceans.
“The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Gen.215 “Conversations Within” ts 6/
Did you get it wrong? No worries, get up and try again. Keep at it. Keep on keeping on. Bring it all down to what you are going to do next, what you are going to do right now. Don’t keep score, just enjoy the game.
"A righteous man falls seven times but still gets up" “Conversations Within” ts 6/9/
To enjoy a simple day of work, and life’s many simple pleasures is a gift from God. Accept His invitation to embrace the joy of life everywhere in and around you. Arise every day and choose a better approach to living.
“There is nothing better for a person than that he should
It is enjoyable, even easy to do what you love doing. Train yourself to love only what promotes health. Find pleasure in goodness. Always choose joy. It is safe to do only what pleases you, when what pleases you, pleases your Father in Heaven. He is life, health and peace.
"Train yourself for godliness…it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." 1Tim.4.7 “Conversations Within” ts 6/4/25
Wisdom knows when not to waste breath talking with some people. If you know someone has made up their mind and will not listen, keep quiet? A wise person knows the value of being silent. Hold your peace, don't give it away to an argument.
“Do not cast your pearls before swine.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 6/3/25
If the truth will set us free, as Jesus taught, it follows that a lie will lock us away in darkness. What is truth? Jesus amazingly told us that He is the truth, and then asked us to trust and follow Him. Religion tells us to submit. Jesus asks us to decide.
“You believe in God, believe also in me.” Jesus “Conversations Within”
I dine with sinners all the time. My wife and I eat together every day and we are sinners. When you come face to face with your own sinfulness, you realize the futility of condemning others. Embrace and love others as you wish to be embraced and loved.
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”
If I want what God wants, and I ask for it in the faith that He has given me, why would I not expect a favorable answer? Prayers that get it done belong to those who walk on the King’s highway, and are on the King’s business. Keep your business His business and witness what happens. Effectual prayer is a partnership.
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5.16 Conversations Within” ts 5/31/25
Freedom comes to us one choice at a time. We may resolve to lose weight, quit smoking, start exercising, but any success will come from our next right choice. God offers us every encouragement and His enabling grace, but He decidedly leaves the choice to use them to us.
“The fruit of the Spirit is… self control.” Gal.
There is so much beauty in the world. There is also so much that is ugly. Every choice I make adds to one or the other. Embrace beauty! Create beauty! Be beautiful!
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Eph.2.10 “Conversations Within” ts 5/29/25
A full life is simply the sum of living each day to the fullest. Do not confuse the number of activities you can cram into a day with the quality of your interactions. Discover the wealth found in every moment as if you have lived and loved a thousand years in it.
“With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” 1Pet.
I want to live life not ruled by lesser desires, but by what I know is good, right, true, and pleases
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." “Conversations Within” ts 5/27/25
I read that Phil Robinson died at 79. My first thought is that I just turned 69 myself. If I live to be the same age as Phil, this means I have ten Christmas celebrations left. Thanks for the reminder to make everyday count brother.
“O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Ps.39.4
I know the day is coming. I want to be ready. The only way I know how to get ready to meet God on Judgement day is to walk in the faith of Jesus today. Why wait to meet God as a judge when He offers to be our Father now.
“...prepare to meet your God.” Amos 4.11 “
The dash is not a dash to “grab all you can get” before the second date arrives. The second date should not be viewed as an end date, but a season change. The dash between the dates is planting time in the ground of service. The second date is the harvest.
“You reap what you sow.” Gal.6 “Conversations Within” ts 5/23/
I remember the first time I realized I had started playing the back nine. Now I realize that I only have a few greens left. It is in such moments I hear Jesus whisper His sweet reminder, “Have you forgotten, you are going to live forever. Play another round?”
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 5/22/
Actually anxiety can change our future by negatively impacting our health. What I do now will certainly follow me. Make sure what follows is only goodness, and moves you to gratitude.
“A joyful heart is good like medicine.” Prov.17.22 “Conversations Within” ts 5/20/
Patience and kindness always exemplifies the love of Jesus. Always means always. In hostility, or disagreement, or anger we can always choose to follow His manner of living and loving.
Love is patient, love is kind.” 1Cor.13 “Conversations Within” ts 5/19/25
Mutual love can only exist in the air of freedom. The only demands that love will make, are always on oneself. True love gives freedom to others to love in return, or not. Such love is unconditional, and willing to suffer and sacrifice when necessary.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 5/19/25
How can I become a better listener? Well, if my mouth is moving, I am not listening. If I am thinking about my response while someone is talking, I am not listening. If I am not giving people my full attention, I am not listening. To listen better, listen deliberately.
“If one gives an answer
What better way to gain a new perspective on living than to be a good listener. Everyone has something to offer and listening is the key to learning. It has been observed by many that God did give us two ears and one mouth.
“Be quick to listen and slow to speak...” James 1 “Conversations Within” ts 5/18/
I need to measure the cost of my decisions, not after I make them, but before. This means that I learn how to weigh the worth of any choice I make to walk down a road or not.
“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” Jesus “Conversations Within”
Self-examination is an encouraged skill for people of faith. It not only helps to know that I have put my trust in something truly reliable, but also if my faith is reliable. I can count on Jesus, can He count on me?
“Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.” “Conversations Within” ts 5/16/25
Not everything in life is enjoyable. Some things can be down right hard. But learning how to find the fun in a necessary task is a valuable skill. It may be that if I am not having fun, I should simply change my attitude and approach.
“...everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil--this is God’s gift to man.” Ecc.3.13 “Conversations Within” ts 5/16/
Don’t be a sitting duck, or lay there like a lame duck, lest your worries make you a dead duck. Get your ducks in a row, and like a duck to water, trust God who will make duck soup of every concern and render all oppression like water off a duck's back.
“No weapon formed against you will prevail.” Is.54.13 “Conversations Within” ts 5/15/25
The birds of the air teach us all of God’s kind provision. To watch them foraging for food is a reminder that He promises to provide. Their song in the darkness before dawn not only announces a new day, but that our Father has already provided everything we need for it.
“Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them.” Jesus “Conversations Within”
There are only a few circumstances when shouting might be necessary. It is wise to measure not only what we say, but the tone we are using when we do. Never use a condescending name calling tone. End every sentence with a look that says, I love you.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Prov.
No matter how many times someone messes up, if they sincerely ask forgiveness for it, we are to graciously give it. Not that we allow ourselves to be repeatedly abused, but we never compromise love’s commitment to seek what is best for everyone, as we are able.
“Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Jesus answered, “I tell you, not
People offend, and get offended everyday all over the world. The value of choosing love’s dynamic is that it prefers peace over giving offense. Love also teaches us to overlook an offense if one is given.
"A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense." Prov.19.11 “Conversations Within” ts 5/8/
Leave no doubt to the people in your life that you love them. Show them, tell them. Do it every day. Do it while you are able.
“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Ps.90.12 “Conversations Within” ts 5/6/25
People have died, and do die from falling coconuts each year. Something is going to take each one of us out. The what, where and when may not be known, but it helps to live in such a way that when it happens you will be met with a smile.
“People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” Heb.9.27 “Conversations Within” ts 5/5/25
I watched with a smile, as a fellow van lifer was picking up trash where they had parked for the night. Let me give thought each day to the many ways that I can make life better for others.
"Be devoted to one another in love.” Rom.12.10 “Conversations Within” ts 5/4/25
I often wake with the pains of age, and yet find myself strangely satisfied that life is as my Father’s wisdom dictates, and not without His grace to embrace it. What does it mean to eat at the table of Jesus, if it does not mean to be satisfied?
“I bless the Lord who gives me counsel. Even at night my heart instructs
