Modern culture seems to care more about appearing authentic than being authentic. We have made a show out of coming across as genuine. Just because I try to be authentic, doesn't mean I am good. I want more than to be authentic, I want to be the person God wants me to be. This means that I will always be in a state of changing from the person I am to the person He is creating in me.
“By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?”
I do better practicing what little I know, than to make the pursuit of knowledge my life’s end. What good is knowing without doing? Of course the value of knowledge is that It leads us to do the right things. Like the two ores of a rowboat, put them both together and they will lead to a wise and fruitful life.
“Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 3/
Like an old pair of shoes, or a well worn backpack, I will eventually have to lay this old body down. I am assured that when the time comes, I will find new provisions waiting for the journey that is sure to continue. I thank God for today’s bread, and purpose to use it for the goodness my Father intends.
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2Cor. 4.16 “
There are times I walk with the deliberation of getting somewhere. Even so, I can still choose the way I walk. I want my journey to reflect a reverence for life, to saunter, and take life in while I am going. This way every walk can be a Sabbath walk--every step in reverence. Every walk "a la sainte terre” to the holy land.
“At about that time Jesus was walking through some grainfields on the Sabbath.” Matt.12.1 “Conversations Within” ts 3/20/
I am so grateful for God’s word and the refreshment it works in me. When I swim in its wisdom I can feel life, health and peace coursing in me. Interacting with the Spirit of truth is like bathing in life itself. My soul is washed, my strength renewed, and I feel clean all over.
“Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 3/19/2025
I think it is also true that everyone does what they know is wrong. It takes a good measure of grace to admit this. Yet doing so, is the first step in receiving more of the grace that changes us.
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James
How can God be good and allow so much suffering? The simple answer is told to us in the stories in Genesis. God told Adam and Eve that if they loved and obeyed Him he would bless them and their children but if they did not, the world would be cursed with suffering and death. There are consequences to our choices both good and bad.
“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” Deut.30 “Conversations Within” ts 3/17/
Consider the seven days of creation, seven days in a week, seven colors in a rainbow, seven promises made to Abraham, seven years of plenty, seven years of famine, many other sevens in the Scriptures and the last seven days of Jesus. A lot can happen in seven days.
“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.” Luke 24 “Conversations Within” ts 3/16/
We might think that there has to be an element of risk and danger in an adventure. I think the real danger is to let the beauty and wonder of everyday life pass us by.
“Awake, why are you sleeping?” Jesus Ps.16 “Conversations Within” ts 3/15/
Intrusions may disrupt our peace if we let them divert our focus from what we know has true and lasting value toward what does not. Like rude pop up windows trying to sell us something, we can learn the skill of purposefully redirecting our thoughts on what promotes life, health and peace.
“Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” 2Cor.10 “Conversations Within” ts 3/13/
When the dynamic of love defines me, I discover the value of keeping my word, or say nothing at all. It is as simple as that.
“Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” Jesus “
When I find it difficult to make a decision, I can always make the decision of when I will decide. In other words, I give myself a deadline. I find that this not only frees me to focus on
“Whoever gathers...little by little makes it grow.” Prov.13.11 “Conversations Within” ts 3/11/2025
There may be times when I find this a challenge, but for the most part, goodness is all around me, and found in the simplest things. We parked behind an Academy Sports the other night to fix dinner before finding a spot to go down for the night. I looked out the Van window and realized Jesus really does lead us beside still waters.
“The Lord is good!” Ps.100 “Conversations Within” ts 3/9/
Everything that is really important is seen with spiritual eyes. My life is so much more than the soon to be carcass that houses it. God is Spirit. Expressions of love may be tangible but are felt in the soul. I am a spirit. Because of the resurrection, I will survive my passing. I want the force of my life to invest in what can accompany me.
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2Cor.4.18 “Conversations Within” ts 3/8/2025
I recently re-watched a movie based on a true story, but I was troubled to learn that the parts I valued were actually fabricated. The fiction played better than the facts. It made me wonder how much of the way I view my life is fiction. Lord, help me do a rewrite that is factual, that my interactions with you become my reality.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy
I want love to be the governing dynamic of my journey. Love gives pause to many of my thoughts, words and actions. If I say this will it be an expression of love? What if they are offended? Well, Jesus certainly offended people. This doesn’t mean that I should try to offend. It does mean, as did Jesus, know the value of teaching with actions instead of words.
“When he had finished washing their feet… (He said) “Do you understand what I have done for you…I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 3/6/
I rise every day with oodles of opportunity to walk in the light of loving and be loved. The Spirit of Jesus is waking me to the abundant life He promised. Living a life centered around loving others, and the joy it brings is the abundance He desires for us.
“May your love abound more and more…” Phil.1 “
How exactly would I follow this encouragement? Words sound good, but without definitive action they will accomplish little. All I can think of, is that we center our thoughts on God’s word, trust that He will keep it, and obey any directions given to us.
“Man does not live on bread
Perspective matters. Some say life is “the spring of hope”, some say it is the “winter of despair.” Wisdom teaches me that my own point of view is greatly limited. I do not know everything, I do not see everything. Only God has a perfect and complete understanding. It is His wise advice that I remain humble, learn and listen to Him, and listen more than I talk.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” Prov.3 “Conversations Within” ts 3/3/
I want to get better at loving. I know that God’s wisdom will help me do just that. This is surely not just knowing the best way to love, but actually doing it. If His wisdom is anything, it is doing. Perfect love only exists when knowledge matures into action.
“May your love abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to test and prove what is
I talk too much. I understand the need to communicate effectively. But using a lot of words isn't the way to do it. Carefully measuring my words, the tone I use, and the motivation behind saying them will decide if what I say is beneficial. Sometimes the most effective communication is simply to remain silent.
“When words are
How beautiful are souls that pursue healing in a world of hostility. They answer abuse with kindness. They refuse to speak negatively about anyone. These “turn the other cheek” souls are the glory of true love in a world of hate.
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 1Pet.3.9 “Conversations Within” ts 2/28/
I am still acquiring a taste for Heaven’s love. What is nudging me forward is realizing that most, if not all, of my un-happiest moments have been when I was thinking only of myself, and my happiest, when I am thinking of others.
“All that matters is faith expressing itself in love.” Gal.5.6 “Conversations Within” ts 2/27/
I sometimes pray timidly. If anything is worth asking from God, let me ask for it boldly. If I can add, “In Jesus’ name” to it, and know that He will gladly represent it to His Father, why not ask with confidence? Lord, let me honor your generosity with my request.
"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 2/25/
I have felt it important to have an attitude that accepts what comes my way. It dawns on me that acceptance might not always be the attitude Father wants from me. He may be challenging me to rise up with a bold faith and confidently ask Him to do something about it. Don’t strive to just be realistic. Strive also to be bold in faith.
“Come boldly before the throne of grace…” “Conversations Within” ts 2/24/
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
