“One of the best things we can do for anyone is to speak to God on their behalf.” Unknown

If Jesus told us to pray for others, we can be certain that doing so will make a positive difference in their lives and in our own. Jesus repeatedly invites us to taste the pure joy of loving and serving and the absolute impossibility of bringing refreshment to others without it splashing over on us. What better way to serve someone than to draw blessings from the well of God’s grace and wisdom with our prayers.

“...and pray one for another…” James 5.16 “Conversations Within” ts 4/30/2019

Don’t forget to say your prayers.

It is said that C.S.Lewis knelt beside his bed every night, just like a child,  to say his prayers. There are some habits that we should never grow out of and truthfully, we should only grow deeper into them as we get older. Bedtime prayers are one of them. What better way the close out the day than to speak with God. In is said that Daniel set aside three times a day to pray. Whatever rhythm we choose, speak often with the One “from whom all blessing flow.”

“I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers.” Philemon 4 “Conversations Within” ts 4/29/2019

Live humbly, simply, and in the peace of a gentle and quiet spirit.

Humility often begins with an honest appraisal of one’s personal shortcomings. But if we are not careful, we can get stuck on feelings of personal shame and never truly repent and do something about them. Take your sins to the cross, ask for and accept God’s forgiveness, then move forward in the wonderful peace that comes on the path of submission to His will. To sit in shame is just another expression of a self-centered focus and wounded pride. Mourn your sins, but forsake them not bake them in the oven of your hurt pride.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit...those who mourn...the meek--the broken.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 4/27/2019

“Accept what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be.” Unknown

Gentle hearts do not inwardly fight against what God is allowing to come their way; they learn from it. Hard times are like the goads that farmers of old used to prick the sides of an ox to guide them while plowing a field. In the same way, God uses such times to instruct us in spiritual maturity. Don’t fight what is. Change what is in your power to change if it needs changing, and trust God with the rest. By all means learn the value of God’s discipline.

“It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” Jesus to Paul on His Damascus Road deliverance. “Conversations Within” ts 4/26/2019

“Carve upon the contours of my heart the forbearance of your love, for it in only your love that I seek, nothing else.” Farhan Shabir

Gentleness is often expressed in forbearance. In other words, it puts up with a lot where circumstances and people are concerned. Such forbearance is properly embraced with people because of  compassion and humility. To put up with others for any other reason may sow seed of bitterness and resentment in our heart. Forbearance looks to God to make the final decision on all matters.

“Let your forbearance be made known to all men. The Lord is near.” Phil.4.5 “Conversations Within” ts 4/25/2019