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
Emotions can cloud the day of decision. Approach life from a “matter of fact” point of view. I do not imply that we should be cold and indifferent, just calculated and self-controlled. Accept what is, and decide to run with the determination and joy of a three legged dog.
“You hold my future.” Ps.16 Conversations Within” ts 1/15/
Make preparations in the morning for the battle you know is coming this evening.
“Put on the whole armor of God.” Eph.6 Conversations Within” ts 1/14/2025
If you have ever told a child to do something just to show them that they cannot do it without help, then you begin to understand some of why Jesus is telling us to be perfect. By telling us to be perfect He is at once showing us our imperfections, and likewise helping us to understand our need to approach God under a different set of rules. Instead of trying to earn God's favor,we accept the favor He freely offers us in forgiveness and grace.
“Be perfect as your Father in Heaven is perfect.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 1/6/2025
I am grateful that light surrounds me. I know what has true and lasting value. I know that love is the greatest. Truly, Lord, You have made known to me the path of life. Unfortunately I do not always walk on it. What is there for me to do, but to immediately make my way back to the path, and love as I should.
God is love. Those who abide in love abide in God and God in them. 1Jo.4.16 Conversations Within” ts 1/5/2025
Hurricane Hellene, now California wildfires; suffering abounds in our world. When it does, there always follows a powerful witness of enduring faith. People reach out in love to others, and families endure their loss with grace. One family sang "Hallelujah" standing outside the ruins of their fire ravaged home. There are some beautiful masterpieces painted over the canvas of human suffering.
“We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that
I love a good story. God gave us stories in the Bible. Jesus told stories to teach. Each of us has a story to tell. In every story there is a dilemma--a dragon to be slain. In every story there is a turning point that leads to a moral, a lesson and wisdom to be gleaned. Keep telling the stories to your heart and to others.
“Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and
It is one thing to inconsistently hit and miss doing good, and another to be faithfully good. Excel everyday at bringing goodness to others.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” 1Tim.1 Conversations Within” ts 1/2/
To hear Jesus say that He is returning soon, after two thousand plus years have passed, means that He surely measures time differently than we do. And of course He would, He was around before the sun moon and stars became a measure of time. Still, I add my voice like the prayers of children before Christmas morning, “Come, Lord Jesus!”
“Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” Rev.22.20 Conversations Within” ts 1/1/
Thoughts pop in my head all day long. Some are introduced to me by others. I am so grateful for the ability to choose how I respond to them. As a Christian, I am learning a new way of thinking, and every day is an opportunity to put it into practice.
“Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” Conversations Within” ts 12/25/
The name of Jesus was called over me at my baptism. I name His name, and as such, my life should remind others of Him. I am sure it does sometimes, just as I am sure there are times it does not. At best I am a mixed message. Someone said that “purity of heart is to will one will.” Instead of feeling the weight of these words, I would that they set me free to fly above the clouds of a divided life.
“Blessed are the pure in
