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
