“A moment of patience in a moment of anger, saves a thousand moments of regret.” Unknown

Everyone has moments, you know, moments of passion or deep feeling or worry or anger or any one of a thousand emotions and desires. Before we turn these inclinations loose on the world, we need that moment of pause to ask if we really want what we want, or want to express what we are feeling. Never trade what may wind up being permanent for a temporary something or other.

“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. Prov. 25:28” “Conversations Within” ts 8/30/2019

"Self discipline begins with the mastery of your thoughts. If you don’t control what you think you can’t control what you do.” Unknown

Imagine the joy of always choosing what is good, and only what is good. Imagine never eating, or drinking more than you should, or being out of shape because you didn’t make time to exercise.  Imagine being disciplined, so much so, that you always say no to unhealthy temptations. Imagine it, because the battle is won or lost in your thoughts.

"The fruit of the Spirit is... self-control." Gal.5 “Conversations Within” ts 8/29/2019

“And now my lifesong sings.” Casting Crowns

I gratefully acknowledge that I am Yours, and overwhelmed by the promise that You are mine. With gratitude I wholeheartedly join You in the joy of this moment, and in faith lay hold of all that You are for me in Christ. I offer myself as an instrument of Your peace--to love and serve everyone we meet on this day’s journey. Help me to live humbly, simply, modestly and with compassion. I ask to be found doing these things when you come for me.

“I am my beloved, and my beloved is mine.” Song of Solomon 6.3 “Conversations Within” ts 8/28/2019

“Purity of heart is to will one thing.” Sören Kierkegaard

I want God’s will. The problem is that I also want things contrary to it. This inner conflict is a daily, and often a moment to moment battle. I am tempted to pass judgment, or be critical or angry or selfish or the many other “wrapped up in oneself” attitudes. But I also have the calming presence of Christ inside, calling me the other way. One is the path of peace, the other a path of turmoil. The peace comes from not only knowing what God wants, but in surrender to it.

“Your will be done.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 8/27/2019

“Your worst battle is between what you know and what you feel.” Unknown

We are all guilty of knowing what is good, but not doing it. Sometimes our feelings get in the way; other times our desires lead us in the wrong direction. A part of the healing that Christ works in us, is to merge what we know is good with a desire for it, and to let truth lead our actions. This is the new person Christ is creating in us. The first step is to believe that we need to take it, and the second is to take it with Him.

“For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” Rom.7.19 “Conversations Within” ts 8/26/2019