I believe that we will work in Heaven, not in the sense of toil, but rather living fruitful lives. Someone said that if you enjoy what you do, you will never work a day in your life. Accept what God has entrusted to you, and embrace every task as a form of play.
“So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot.” Ecc.3 Conversations Within” ts 4/27/26
I know there are good addictions just as there are bad ones. According to the Good Book, what comes out of my mouth is a good indicator. It is better not just to hold in check, judgmental, critical, and unwholesome talk, but to purposefully speak only what encourages, and builds up.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according
In one sense, my struggle with sin can’t be won, only practiced every day. In another sense, I suppose that struggling against sin is a form of winning, because it is clear evidence of Jesus living and working in my heart.
“For the flesh desires what is contrary
I find myself smiling all through the day. There is so much to appreciate in life. Father has scattered beauty everywhere. My soul is drawn to share in the wonder of all He has made, and continues to perform in creation.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;
A healthy or unhealthy life is found in small decisions: hundreds of them, every day. Thoughts, words, actions, all make a contribution not just to my life, but also my tribe. Pause before giving expression to every desire, and ask if it contributes only goodness.
“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live“ Deut.30.19 Conversations Within” ts
We see the world as God sees it when we look with eyes of compassion. The overall message of the Bible teaches that God has very little interest in condemning people, but has great interest in helping us. May God's love and compassion rule my every thought, word and deed.
“Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes.” Matt.20 “Conversations Within” ts 4/22/
Of all the things we do not understand about Judgment Day, one thing is absolutely certain, we will all be there. I know that for the Christian, there is no condemning judgment, but the fruitfulness of my life will be decided. The Spirit of Jesus impresses upon me that I should prepare to meet my maker.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done
There are times when wisdom might lead us to go with the flow of things around us. But life in the Spirit means that we primarily go with the flow coming from inside us. One advantage of this and there are many, is that it may be hell around us, but always Heaven within us.
"Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has
I deeply admire people who are so intently focused on loving and serving others that self-denial is second nature to them, even if it is a true sacrifice. Nurture this attitude in me, Lord.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit,
Incline my eyes to see You Lord, in all things. I find it easy to see You in a sunrise, or looking up at the night sky, or walking in a lush forest. The truth is I want to experience You, not only when looking at what is beautiful, but to find Your beauty in all things. Help me lift up my eyes.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Ecc.3.11 “Conversations Within” ts
I know from personal experience that self-condemnation can be just another form of wounded pride. In the end it is God’s view that matters. He views His children from the standpoint of the cross of Christ. If He has forgiven me, let me stop condemning myself, accept His grace, and walk in its light.
"For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he
When the Scripture says, “if we sin,” it is making the assumption that we will. God has factored in all of our shortcomings, and already made provision for them. We don’t plan to sin, but God in His wisdom has a plan of action when we do.
“If we confess our sins, he is
Once I stopped by a friend's house to pick something up. It was one of the few occasions when I drove alone. When I got back in the car, and without thinking, I went to the passenger side to get in. My wife has been driving for so long I am so used to riding as a passenger. I want my obedience to God to be like that.
“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you." Ps.63.1 “Conversations Within” ts 4/14/
The principle and intended way we interact with God's word is through obedience to it, not just reading and meditating on it. Obedience is the bottom line of a spiritually healthy life. Make this the priority of the day.
“Obedience is better than sacrifice.”
I know when I do not have the right disposition. The taste of everything is off, sour, and bitter. I need an attitude adjustment as they say. For me, this involves re-aligning my soul around the dynamics of the love of Christ. I know what dynamic is governing my life simply by asking if my thoughts are reactive, or responsive.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me" David Ps.51 “Conversations Within” ts 4/11/26
Assuming responsibility for yourself is not only honorable, It contributes to the health of the tribe. It is one practical way we love others by not becoming a burden to them. Our responsibility to the tribe is also discovering and using our unique contributions. We were not created to live in isolation but in community.
“For each one should carry their own load.” Gal.6.7 “Conversations Within” ts 4/10/26
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Emotions are meant to follow, not lead my decisions. The same should be said of my desires, at least my carnal ones. Decisions should be governed by the Spirit of Truth, and only the desires that line up with His leading.
“You shall love
I recently watched a video of a young fox joyfully dancing in a field of flowers. As I watched I could feel the pleasure of God sharing the moment with me. I believe God watches creation every single day and delights to see the work of His hands playing under the Heavens.
“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? “Conversations
The adage “mind over matter,” is a powerful aspect of personal growth. Learning how to change the way we view the challenges of life can make a huge difference in how we tackle them.
"Do not be conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of your mind. ” Rom.12 “Conversations Within” ts 4/6/
A dream without a plan is just a dream. A plan without execution is just a plan. Execution without the blessing of God is a waste of time. To keep this from happening Jesus encourages us to seek first the Kingdom of God.
"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps" Conversations
As repentance is central to the message of Jesus, it should be given center stage in my own relationship with God. The first person that should come to mind when sharing the call to repent, is me. The best way I can direct others to repent is to be a personal example of it.
“repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.” Jesus
Self-government is one of the richest expressions of the Spirit of Jesus living in the soul. The liberty Christ brings, is a life free from the tyranny of choosing temporal desires over and against eternal joy. He nurtures in us the ability to command our own soul and obey what we know is good, right and true.
“The fruit of the Spirit is…self-control.” Gal.5 Conversations Within” ts 3/31/
A meal is not a meal if it is not eaten, and joy is not complete if it is not shared. To believe there is a God, but not trust Him is as useless as the political post I see every day. .
“Faith without works is dead… Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.“ Jam.2.14 Conversations Within” ts 3/31/
This is a good reminder that we are not supposed to chase happiness, it will follow us every time we make a wise choice. Our goal then should be to nurture a wise heart. For that, well...
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” Prov.1.7 “
I read recently that statistically speaking, there is a 1 in 4 trillion chance that any of us came to exist at all. But, in the worldview of Jesus every single one of us was in God’s mind before the worlds were made. He even made a plan with His Father to cover our shortcomings.
“...He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and
I deeply admire people who handle problems without letting problems handle them. The mature person doesn't get upset over things that cannot be changed, They calmly accept them and work through it. There are better ways to spend energy than stressing over such things.
“In your patience, possess your soul. “ Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 3/
Be one of those people who spread kindness everywhere you go. Life is beautiful when we do, and the world can use all it can get. The joy it brings to others will pale in comparison to the joy that it will bring to you. Jesus knows what He is talking about.
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 3/25/
Once on a white water rafting trip with some friends, the sun was setting, the autumn leaves were turning, and I realized for the first time that I was playing the back nine. It was a profound and sobering moment for me. It was also one of those moments where I vividly recall hearing God speak to me. He gently whispered in my soul, “You’re going to live forever.”
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 3/
There is nothing I can add to my redemption. The price has been paid, there is nothing to add to this divine transaction. The books are balanced. I am free to rise up and follow Him in service to others.
“It is finished!” Jesus “Conversations
When Jesus washed the feet of His disciples He was giving them a living illustration of what it means to love as He loved. He humbly served them. To love is to serve, not ceremoniously but practically. Copy Christ and look for ways to serve the people in your life.
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 3/23/
Tears are known to us all. How many times has God answered tears sown in faith with the harvest of goodness and joy. Holy week tells us the story that is underneath all redemptive stories. Sow your tears in hope.
“He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.” Ps.126.6 “Conversations Within” ts 3/22/
Recreation re-creates. Play not only gives expression to energy, it is one of the reasons for it. People don't just eat for nourishment, nor do we play only for exercise. If life is devoid of play, life is devoid of life.
“And all the beasts of the field play there. ” Job 40 “Conversations Within” ts 3/20/26
Stick with a good choice. Not only is it important to realize that not every choice that makes us feel good is good for us, but those that are good for us only have benefits when we stick to them.. It is rather simple. If we want a good life, we must make good choices.
“Choose you this day whom you will serve. As for me and my house will will serve
Really listening to others greatly helps both our understanding and compassion. The only way to know another’s mind is for them to share it with us. Even then we may not get the whole story. One thing is for certain if my lips are moving, I am not listening.
“Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.” Prov.18.2 “Conversations Within” ts 3/18/26
The invitation to pray for others is simple enough, yet staggeringly profound in what it means. Jesus has appointed us to be an instrument of blessing to the world, and our prayers are a major way that we can do so. Knowing that we have been assigned by Christ to this position adds a powerful direction to how we understand our daily prayers.
“I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 3/17/
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
