This morning as I write there are 8,264,910,275 humans on planet earth. Each one a unique living soul, each made in the image of God. We all have families, we all have hopes and dreams. We all struggle with living. And what does God say to each and every one of us. “Come to me and I will give you rest.” Here is the proclamation of Christmas.
“God so loved the world that he gave
The manner in which I live, the values I espouse, my words, and actions either attest or deny that Christ lives in me or not. Jesus was radical. Are the expressions of my love for others radical enough to convince them that the living Jesus is walking around in my
“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Acts 4 “Conversations Within” ts 12/16/25
That peace on earth proclaimed on the first Christmas to the shepherds is still available to all who desire it. We can know the favor and peace of God simply by opening the door of our hearts to Him.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 12/15/25
I want my celebrations of Christmas to give me a fresh vision, as incredible as it seems, that God does not count my sins against me. He has made a gift out of something I can never earn. Let me in that same spirit gracefully share forgiveness with others.
“For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them.” 2Cor.5.19 “Conversations Within” ts 12/15/25
I have known a natural fast like being so involved in a project I forget to eat. But I am beginning to realize the value of purposefully fasting to train myself how to say, “No” to myself in order to serve goodness. Our desires do not always match up to what is good. It is logical that learning to say no to them can be a precious skill.
Jesus said “
I want to be wise in my interactions with others. Sharpen my sensitivities, Lord, that I may know when it is best to offer comfort and when to offer counsel.
“…the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2Cor.1 “Conversations Within” ts 12/10/25
Jesus certainly confronted people to decide whether to follow Him or not. Notwithstanding, He also went out to find that one lost sheep and bring them back into the fold of His love. Some souls have fallen into such dire circumstances that they do not have the strength to follow Christ. They have to be carried home on His shoulders.
“And when he finds the lost sheep, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 12/10/
I am surrounded by beauty and goodness. Each moment flows into the next as I float in the river of gratitude between the banks of Your wisdom. Help me slow life down so I can take more in and drink deeply from the well of Your goodness sweet Lord.
“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your
I smiled the other day when I realized that I was starting my annual struggle with depression simply because it is that time of year--cold dreary weather, hormones that need to be burned off because I am sitting around too much. Never underestimate the power of simple exercise. Put on some “pep in your step” music and dance until you drop.
And David danced in front of the Lord with all his might.” - 2 Samuel 6 “Conversations Within” ts 12/9/25
If I want a better life than “quiet desperation” then let me come to the quiet of personal communion with God. Augustine captured it this way, “Our hearts are restless until they find our rest in thee.”
“Come to me…and I will give you rest.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 12/7/
When Christians speak of the Scriptures as the word of God we do so first, because Jesus viewed them as such. And, we trust Him even though we do not always understand them.
“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 12/6/25
I recently started keeping an activities log. It has become more than just keeping track of what I do each day, but also a way to measure the fruitfulness of the life I am living. A productive life is surely the fruit I produce, not just the fun I am having. Do I see love, joy, peace in my days? Am I living generously, gratefully and bringing goodness to others?
“... that you may be …filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.“Conversations Within” ts 12/
We sometimes make bad decisions because we foolishly believe that we have time to recover from them. There are a couple of reasons why this is unwise. The first is that we are not guaranteed even the next hour. The second is that every time we make a bad choice, we risk making a habit out of it.
“You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4 “Conversations Within” ts 12/4/25
It is best that love perfect us, but sometimes fear is the only language the stubborn and rebellious heart understands. Sorry I am so hard headed Father. Keep me in line however You see fit.
“And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each man’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay upon earth…” 1Pet.1.17 “Conversations Within” ts 12/3/
The lustful heart is a languished heart--wasting away under the desert sun of always wanting more. Come to the oasis of peace, and drink the fresh waters of gratitude.
For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 1Jo.2.16 “Conversations Within” ts 12/3/
It blesses me to be in the presence of people who have an eye for goodness, even in an evil world. They hold in check criticism, and trust that the Judge of all the earth will do what is right. Such people are not foolishly naive, just purposefully positive, and overcome evil with the purity of goodness.
“To the pure all things are pure.” Titus 1“ “
Each of us must assume responsibility for our own happiness. No one can choose happiness for you. I believe we need grace to make such foundational choices. God offers it, but even God will not force us to accept the happiness He offers. Do you feel the tug in your heart? That is His grace energizing you. Decide.
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God working in you to will and do His good pleasure.”
There are some who believe in a god, and see him as impersonal and distant, one who rarely if ever involves himself in the affairs of men. They believe in a god, but not the God, or at least not the God of Jesus. The God who has revealed Himself in Jesus is anything but impersonal. Jesus encouraged us to call Him “Father” and even went so far as to use the very personal word “Abba,” or “Daddy.”
“Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts
Jesus used hyperbole on a few occasions to make a point. But using it without discretion can send a mixed, even watered down message. A wise person knows to use exaggeration sparingly. Wisdom also recognizes when it is best to balance the exaggerations of others. “Say what you mean. Mean what you say”
“Saul and Jonathan…They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.” 2Sam.1.23 “Conversations Within” ts 11/27/
I got out of bed today after a long night of painful discomfort. Still, I got out of bed, and I am so grateful not just for another day, I am equally grateful that life’s pains deepen my faith in Father's wisdom. Even I, with my limited understanding, can see how He has used pain time and again to work amazing goodness in people’s lives.
“In everything give thanks for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1Thess.5.18 “Conversations Within” ts 11/26/25
Christians are called to live on a very different plane, an eternal rather than just a temporal reality. Christ is not about getting all we can get, but giving all we can give. Our standard is to never retaliate, but rather to forgive. We don’t expose offenses against us, we overlook and bless the offender. The world view of Jesus replaces the selfish with the selfless.
“Do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them" Jesus “
Emotions often get the best of people. And, most of the time, it is when we vent our feelings with words, we lose out. It makes good sense that if I hold my tongue I will do much better. In truth we would all benefit from just talking a lot less.
“When there are many words,
Experience teaches us that we will inevitably have to wait for God to answer some of our prayers. We are told numerous times to actively and patiently do so. God’s timing reflects His wisdom when He answers our prayers. Keep on trusting, keep giving Him thanks. Thanksgiving works a powerful patience in us.
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Ps.27.14 “Conversations Within” ts 11/23/25
How precious it is to know the peace of contentment. It comes when we ask God for daily bread, and then in faith are gratefully satisfied with what He puts on our plate each day. There is a quiet joy in the contented heart. Gratitude creates and nurtures it.
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Phil.4.11 “Conversations Within” ts 11/21/
There is great wisdom in knowing when to do what. Be mindful of what is going on around you, and contribute goodness to it. Do not be rigid, but relevant, unless of course the circumstance would be served best by being rigid.
“There is an appropriate time for every activity, and there is a time of judgment for every deed.” Ecc.3.17 “
I tweak Shaw’s famous quote. Life isn’t about finding yourself, or creating yourself, it is most importantly about finding who God created you to be. Each of us is endowed with gifts and talents. Use what God has entrusted to you, and discover one of life’s purposes and who you are designed to be.
"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works". Eph.2.10 “
How precious is life, and never more precious than when we raise our hearts in humble thanksgiving to the One who loves, and has blessed us with so much. May Father walk into the kitchen of our hearts and smell the aroma of thanksgiving.
“Bless the Lord O my soul, let all that is in me bless His holy name.” Ps.103 “Conversations Within” ts 11/25/25
Is there any medium in all the world that can compare to the power of music to stir one’s soul? I am so grateful for such a precious gift. It is one of those extras in life, and as someone rightly said, “It is only goodness that gives extras.“ I listen to it every single day, and rise with its melody to the spiritual heights of joy, and learn to dance with delight before the Lord.
“To you, O LORD, I will make music.” Ps.101 ESV “Conversations
I need to first understand and truthfully accept what is, before I can put energy into what can be. The truth sets us free, but only when we walk in its light. And walk we must, if we are to see the transformation God desires for
“Whatever is true… dwell on these things.” Phil.4 “Conversations Within” ts 11/12/25
My favorite part of each day is sitting quietly reading, reflecting on God’s word and communing with Him. His words are life, health and peace to my soul. I can certainly relate to the Psalmist, “He restores my soul.” Father, Your every word nurtures life in me.
"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" Ps.119 “Conversations Within” ts 11/
Jesus isn’t afraid of what we might ask from Him in prayer. He promises to answer some of our deepest longings with one caveat. When His words abide in our heart He knows they will shape our longings in such a way that He would be happy to answer them.
“If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 11/11/25
It is true that sitting in nature can raise our awareness of God. We may even deduce some wisdom from our observations. But without the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scriptures, we would not understand the message of nature. Jesus told us to learn from the birds of the air, not without His teachings, but as an illustration of them. Spend time in nature for certain, but take your Bible when you go. Easy to do, if it’s in your heart.
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you…Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?” Job “Conversations Within” ts 11/10/
Church isn’t just a Sunday service, it is the family of God any time and anywhere they choose to come together in the name of Jesus. Gathering in His name is as simple as doing things together that He would happily say to His Father, “Look Dad! “Isn’t that precious. Let’s join them.”
“For wherever two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 11/10/25
Some people have told me that they experience God more sitting in the forest by a waterfall than they do sitting in a church service. According to Jesus, God can be experienced anywhere and anytime we wake to Him in Spirit and truth. Sit with God in nature. Sit with God in church. Just be sure to sit with Him.
“God is a Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and truth.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 11/8/
It matters little to think about living forever if I am not living life now. As a Christian I am excited at the prospect of life without end, but eternal life doesn't begin when we die, it is connected to this moment. It is not only the quantity, but the quality of the quantity that matters. It is one thing to merely exist, it is another to really live.
“Whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 11/7/
I set out every day trying to do something I know is impossible for me to do. Experience has taught me that no matter how hard I try, I will still fall short. My sin is ever before me. Even though we know we will fail, Christ creates in His own a persistent desire to “go and sin no more.”
"Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Rom.7 “
When you fall down, get back up. Get back up, every time. When you die, die with your nose pointed east and your eyes fixed on the sunrise.
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Gal.6:9 “Conversations Within” ts
Recent studies show that the regular practice of fasting is amazingly good for our physical health. It should not surprise us that the practice can be good for the soul. Our desires do not always match up to what is good. It is logical that learning to say no to them is a precious skill. Fasting something as basic as food is a great place to show our desires who is boss.
“When you fast…” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 11/3/
Do new things. Keep putting the life back into living. Never stop growing. If you stop growing; well, you’re dead. The world was created for us to fill, to explore, to be fruitful. We were created to grow. Learn a new language, a new sport, a new point of view. Do something new.
“And God blessed them.
