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/
