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/
