I was talking with my wife about making the most of the moment and asked her what that would look like right now. She yelled from the other room and said, "Right now I'm in the bathroom with soap in my eyes." There is something profound here, I'm just not sure what it is. Maybe making the most of this moment is making sure you keep a towel handy.
“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to
It is desirable to me to be prepared, to never be caught off guard--always ready for whatever. It seems that the best way to deal with the unexpected, is to expect it. This way we can prepare for what is promised tomorrow by making the most of today. Redeem what is now, buy it back from vanity.
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” Jesus “
My dad once shared with me that God takes care of His own. One day, his air conditioner broke, and a repairman was coincidentally driving by, spotting the house just as Dad called. The very next day, his water hydrant broke, and again, the repairman was literally driving by his house and instantly stopped. My dad exclaimed, “And it is nothing at all for God to do it.“
"Even to your old age, I am He... I have made, and I will bear you; Even I will carry, and will deliver you." Is. 46:4 “Conversations Within” ts 3/14/
The average person has over 100,000 hairs on their head. It is humbling to know that Our Father in Heaven keeps track of the exact number. I should never doubt the Lord’s attentive care. Time and time again Jesus, with unparalleled authority, gave us the assurance of just how much attention God gives to each and everyone of us.
“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Jesus “
Lord wean me off the temporal, that I may drink deeply all that is eternal. Help me this day to see your Kingdom come, if only in my own heart, and actions. Deliver me first from the evil in my own selfish thoughts. Wake me to that eternal life You intend for us all.
“I have come that you might have life, abundant
Any grace that comes to us in this life is intended, at least in one sense, to prepare us to live in the next. This in no way diminishes our present life; it redeems it. God's enabling power helps us experience life in the here and now as one expression of the glory to come.
“Set your affections on things above.” Col.3 “Conversations Within” ts 3/11/26
Right now, someone is sitting on a surfboard, eyes to the horizon, waiting with delight to catch yet another wave. No doubt play is the natural state that God desires for His children. He delights to hear us play in the streets. What parent doesn't find joy watching their children celebrating life?
“The
When we know the goodness of an action, but we don’t feel like doing it, that is precisely when we should. Since when did feeling like it, enter into a commitment to do what is good? Let your feelings follow your decisions, but never lead them.
“Love endures all things.” 1Cor.13 “Conversations Within” ts 3/4/
There are several words that translate "patient" in the New Testament. The one used in this passage means to be patient with people, not circumstances. Love puts up with a great deal in order to keep loving. Love people, even when you don’t like them.
“Love suffers long where people are concerned.”
It is our response to life’s hardships that decide if they will hurt or help us in our journey. Take the hard out of hardship by viewing it as a spiritual workout.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever
Some people are so full of life, they make the people around them more alive. Celebrate your life! "Esse quam videri. To be, rather than to seem.
“...set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.” 1Tim.4. “Conversations Within” ts 3/3/
The presence of Christ in me is my greatest treasure. He is life, health and peace, the reason food tastes better, and colors are richer. He is the music of my dance, my life’s song. He leads me beside still waters in a world ravished by politics and protest.
“showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.” Titus 2.10 “Conversations Within” ts 3/3/
I have wasted energy every time I did not gracefully accept disappointments outside my control. I have never wasted energy by trusting that God will work everything out for my good. Hope is a powerful thing, especially when expressed by quietly accepting what God has put on our plate.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as
My relationship with God is never meant to be hard, or burdensome. When my heart is inclined toward loving Him, it will naturally flow in all goodness like water running downhill. Water does not try to run downhill, it simply does. We learn to love loving, when we simply enjoy its rewards.
“This is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.” 1Jo.
There is one decision that will never lead us wrong, and that is a decision to love. This does not mean that we do not need wisdom to channel our love, and spread its energy towards goodness. Love wisely by joining your actions to the One who knows the best way to express it.
“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God lives in them.”
What value is there in being in peaceful surroundings with no peace in the heart. I know what that is like. But, the peace that Jesus works in us has lasting value, because no matter what our circumstances, its fruit guards our heart and mind.
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 2/27/
I swim in a river that flows in one direction, and will ultimately empty into the endless ocean of God’s favor. He uses everything that comes my way only for goodness. My past failings, my present circumstances cannot separate me from the love of God in Christ. There is no way to lose when we commit ourselves to God's love and care.
“All things are yours...the world or life or death or the present or the future--all are yours, and you are Christ’s, and Christ belongs to
There are times when withholding help is not withholding love. Love always looks for the best way to love someone. If a man refuses to work because they are lazy, as opposed to someone who is unable to work, the good book says that we should not feed them. Hunger is good motivation to work. If able give them a job. Don't enable people to take advantage of others.
“Love
God has told us in His word the value of health. Jesus healed, He heals still. We honor God’s word when we pray for the health of others, and for ourselves. Jesus told us to ask for daily bread. Isn’t the ability to rise each day, and seek first His kingdom understood in this simple request? Ask Him!
“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.”
When I set the tone, the pace, and my direction first thing every morning, I determine the quality of all my interactions that day. Accept God's invitation to join Him in the joys of every morning, and when the sun sets in the evening, we will look back on the day with a satisfied smile.
“Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days." Ps.90.14 “Conversations Within” ts 2/23/
My Christian experience has always been a process. As long as I live in this place I know I will never arrive. I see progress, and that is encouraging, but the process sometimes seems slow. I content myself to be somewhere between worm and winged wonder, yet not content. It is this in-between stage that bugs me, pun intended.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Rom.12 “Conversations Within” ts 2/22/26
So much can be gained or lost by a tiny decision. Who has not relived a single moment, the one that forever changed something, or left something forever unchanged. Life is surely in the details. If there is one thing needed, it would be to recognize, and embrace the grace offered us when making these small decisions.
"For who has despised the day of small things? Zech.4 “Conversations Within” ts 2/20/26
It makes me happy to know that God wants me to be happy. He has enriched the world with simple pleasures. Our Father enjoys us when we enjoy these little gifts with simple faith and gratitude.
A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, Ecc.2.24 “Conversations Within” ts 2/19/26
I can choose what I think about. I can choose the way I look at things. What a precious gift that God has given to us. Choose to think only about what is good, then abide there.
“...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such
I think it is pivotal to know what you believe, and why you believe it, but also gracefully understand that others may see things differently. Remain true to your understanding, but humbly respect that your neighbor wants to live by the same rule. Find agreement in differences.
“One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.” Rom.14.5 “Conversations Within” ts 2/17/
Ever doubt your value? I am coming to understand that God assigned my value to Him long ago. Is it not found in the price He was willing to pay for our happiness and eternal security? “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
“...you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you…” Is.43 “Conversations Within” ts 2/16/
When you see someone in need, don’t ask how they got there, or if they deserve it, you help them out. Wake to the reality that we are all bad people, and never withhold compassion because you somehow think you are better.
“If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from
I have grown old with many celebrities. When watching them on screen my wife and I will often say, “Look at that young Mel Gibson or Betty White! I am mesmerized at the transformations of growing old. I feel my own lost youth yet in my soul, I feel the promise of Jesus to be forever young.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart.” Ecc.3.11 “Conversations Within” ts 2/14/
In the end, all that will matter is if I have God’s favor. This pretty much means that I seek grace at the beginning of each day. And how do we do this? Keep it humble, and trust Jesus to take care of the rest.
“God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble.” “Conversations Within” ts 2/11/
I realize more and more that nothing of value happens unless God puts His blessing on it. He gives me the assurance that He strongly desires to do this for all who seek Him with a whole heart. Practically speaking, I can only do that, one decision at a time.
“For the eyes of the LORD
It is a graceful skill to overlook gruffness coming from others, and show them a polite gentle heart in return. If someone harshly cuts us down, we can kindly build them up. Deflect negative energy with positive energy.
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Prov.15.1 “Conversations Within” ts 2/9/
It staggers me that God hears not only all I say, but all I think. I find both discomfort and comfort in knowing this. My discomfort is that I am often embarrassed by all that God has witnessed in my thoughts. My comfort comes from His assurance that even though He knows my most private thoughts, He loves me anyway.
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.” Ps19.14 “Conversations Within” ts 2/8/26
There are so many beautiful expressions of love in the world. Many of them are not performed on a stage, but secretly where self denial and service lead to that place where love is its own reward.
“Let your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 2/7/26
It bothers me that I let things bother me. I want to take everything in stride, deliberately choosing to focus on what needs doing, rather than how I might feel about it. A good friend once said to me, "Whatever it is, that’s no hill for a stepper. ”
“Be a doer…” James “Conversations Within” ts 2/6/
Many in our time do not identify with any organized religion yet still see themselves as spiritual. Someone said, “All religions are the same: religion is basically guilt, with different holidays.” This is one of the reasons that Jesus invites us to abandon religion, and begin a relationship with Him.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 2/5/
We are given an incredible privilege to work in partnership with God. This is one of the reasons He invites us to intercede for others. He is not asking us to advise Him with our prayers, but to be like a hose in his hand that He
“For we are God’s partners…” 1Co.3.9 “Conversations Within” ts 2/4/26
Why should I insist that people move at the same pace, or be on the same page where God is concerned? God has done nothing but help me move through my doubts into faith. We must give room for our doubts, and the doubts of others. God certainly and patiently does.
“And have mercy on those who doubt.” Jude “Conversations Within” ts 2/3/
God’s love is far greater than I understand. I cannot touch bottom in the ocean of His grace, mercy, and kindness toward me, even when I take Him for granted. Father, help this prodigal child to love You more.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 2/2/26
Jesus wants to lead me down the path of lasting joy, but I often choose passing pleasures. I am too easily drawn to scroll the latest gossip on the news, or social media. I can attest that my day is filled with joy when I silence the shallow noise of the world, and listen to snowflakes falling.
“I tell you these things so that you may have my joy and that your joy may be made full.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 2/1/
The direction that we travel on our journey matters greatly. Hopefully we move from darkness to light, not the other way around. Walk towards the light of God’s love, and don’t forget to let your light shine on the path so others can follow.
"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light."
