I understand from Jesus that God governs everything, that no one can achieve anything unless God the Father grants it. Jesus spoke these words to Pontius Pilate just before he handed Him over to be crucified. I will certainly vote, but my hope, and my focus is to pray that whoever God appoints over the U.S. will be a means of grace, even if His grace comes in the form of Judgment.
“May Your
There are so many opportunities to bring relief to the oppressed. Oppression abounds in this world. Lord make me a relief worker. Do not waste energy, roll up your sleeves, pitch in and help when and wherever you are. Live the transforming power of love.
“I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed—and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors. ” Ecc.4 Conversations Within” ts
When my time comes, I want to be found living life as God intends. I do not need to be concerned about when my time will come. My concern should be that I am where I am supposed to be, doing what I am supposed to do, and that is doing what pleases Him. The best way to ensure that is to do it now.
"Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come…” Ecc.9 Conversations Within” ts
I am content. I may not understand many things that God allows to happen in this place, but I bow not only to His wisdom, but His goodness. I am learning to trust Him, even if I do not understand His ways.
“Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty? Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.” Job 11 Conversations
I am so grateful for the ability to see. I realize that being grateful, not just for sight, but for what I see, transforms what I see. Grateful eyes change the way we see the world. I can hardly look at anything without waking to God’s presence.
“I pray that...the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his
Friends help friends stay the course, but only if the course is good for them. The love nurtured in friendship knows that the wisdom of God will not only help us stay the course, but to discern if the course is worth taking.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.' Is.30.21 Conversations Within” ts Oct 18, 2026
It comforts me to realize that God has always provided for our needs and abundantly so. I love the post resurrection story of how Jesus not only provided 153 large fish (real fishermen keep count) for His disciples He made sure the net did not break when they hauled them in. Rest assured, God will cover your needs down to the last detail.
“So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.”
Time and again I am reminded by the Spirit of Jesus to stop paying attention to the performance of others, and stay focused on my own. It is not for me to judge or compare myself to others. It is my responsibility to keep my eye on the hem of His garment and follow.
“Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remains until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” Conversations Within” ts
Yesterday, we got our first flat tire in quite a while. It did not take long for me to realize that changing it was going to require some significant adaptation, as I am now much older. Thankfully God sent three young men our way, and they helped put the spare on. Of course the spare was also flat. Needless to say, we figured it out. Figuring it out is part of the fun.
"I can do all things through him who strengthens me" Phil.4 Conversations Within” ts
When the energy of our life flows out in service to others, our hearts know happiness. When the energy of our life draws selfishly inward, happiness is always just out of reach. We were designed to shine like stars, not selfishly consume like a black hole.
“Love does not seek its own.” 1Cor.13
I am overwhelmed not only that God distinctively formed me in my mother, but He also knew the kind of person I would grow up to be, and created me anyway. This is not only a testament to His intimate knowledge of every person formed in the womb, but His infinite and patient love for each of us.
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you" Jer.1.5 Conversations Within”
Let others say their peace without losing yours. Do not get drawn into the war of words, where no one wins. Refuse to get drawn into an argument. Keep the peace, by keeping your peace.
“Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you
There are many wonderful coping mechanisms that help us deal with the tensions of living. Often when we find one that works, we simply need to repeat it. Stick with what works and it will continue to work.
“Continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2Tim.3 Conversations
It is a common notion that everyone has a right to their opinion. I believe I gave up this right when I gave my heart to Jesus. As a Christian, I have the responsibility to seek out His view on everything and make it my own. If He is the way, the truth and the life, like He said He is, why would I want it any other
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father apart from me.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts Oct 8, 2026
I am inspired by animals who never feel sorry for themselves, or complain. In fact I have seen a blind dog playing joyfully in a rain puddle. I can choose gratitude over grumbling. I can choose to patiently endure the suffering of this life as I wait with all creation for the parting of the clouds.
“For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God…in hope that the creation itself will be set free…and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” Rom.8 Conversations Within” ts
If I want to manage my disappointments, I should probably reconcile myself with the fact that things in this place never stay the same. What was once a great place to visit, or a great place to eat may not be so the next time I go. Sometimes the experience is different simply because I am the difference. I have changed. I am glad for those things that never change.
"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever" Is.40.8 Conversations Within” ts
If I question the wisdom of doing something, it would be wise not to do it, and wait until my uncertainties are gone. If I question an activity, the fact that I am questioning it may be the only answer I need to stop doing it.
“Whatever's not of faith is sin.” Rom.14 Conversations Within” ts
The light of God’s presence is so very precious. His light helps me see what is good, right and true. Light is self-evident. Goodness, rightness and truth all attest to life as the Father
“How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O LORD, they walk in the light of Your countenance.” Ps. 89.15 Conversations Within” ts Oct 4, 2026
To believe in the miraculous is an act of faith only if I was not there to witness it. This in no way means I am casting reason aside and trusting a blind faith. My faith can be rooted in the reliability of those who were eye witnesses to an historical event. Did Jesus actually walk on water? Well if I am to trust Him as the lifeguard of my soul, I believe He did.
“At about four o'clock in the morning,
If we live fully right now, we will be ready when it is our time at bat later. Embrace what is now, be faithful to what is required of you this moment, no matter
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." Jesus Conversations Within” ts Oct 1, 2026
