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,”
