”I was wr. I was wrr. I was wrrrrro.” The Fonz

I was wrong! The ability to admit this is a powerful grace--not only to others, but to ourselves. People are usually good at seeing the faults of others, but often lack this skill when judging our own actions. If we cannot admit our faults, God cannot help us deal with them. Be honest, admit your wrongs; do so without excuse, and deal with them. I cannot think of a better place to begin than to ask for and accept God’s forgiveness, then ask for and hopefully receive the forgiveness of others.

Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.” Ps.51.6 Conversations Within” ts 9/5/2016

“The hardest person to be honest with is yourself.” Unknown

There is great value when one learns to admit and confront their own moral ugliness. The value of course is discovered when we seek to change it. The best way to do this is to ask for and appropriate grace. Learning to be honest with ourselves is a great skill because admitting who we are is the first step toward becoming who we want to be.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1Jo.1.9 Conversations Within” ts 9/4/2016

The big picture is often lost to those in the picture.

The big picture may very well mean that God is willing to sacrifice something temporal to accomplish something permanent. Christ is proof enough of that. Just as parents take small children to the doctor for shots, our Heavenly Father will sometimes allow things that hurt when He knows they will ultimately heal. We may ask, why pain is in the picture at all? The answer of course is one of those things seen in the big picture. For now we wait for Heaven’s gaze and trust that God knows what He is doing.

“The LORD looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men.. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.” Heb.4 Conversations Within” ts 9/2/2016

“I could never have embraced this many people with two arms.” Bethany Hamilton (surfer and shark attack survivor)

Bad stuff happens to us all. To acknowledge and accept this, with faith and gratitude, can create a positive and powerful attitude, one that enables us to looks to the bigger picture that God is working all things for good. Not everything that happens to us is good, but this does not stop God from working good from it when we look to Him in it.

“And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” Rom.8.28  Conversations Within” ts 9/1/2016

“God has a better plan for me than I have for myself.” Meme

Do I really believe that God has a plan for me? Actually we are told that He was making plans for us before He laid the foundations of the world. Both Father and Son  knew we would need help down the road, and so they made an agreement that He would come and provide it. And voila, we celebrate Christmas, Communion, and Easter. Surely if God made and executed these plans, He has others consistent with them. Our part is to cooperate by following what we already know He wants from us today.

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD.” Jer.29.11 Conversations Within” ts 8/31/2016