Suffering that comes as the result of sacrificial love is not loss, but gain. Not the suffering itself but the rewards of loving.

 Sometimes to follow Christ, is to deliberately choose a path of discomfort, even suffering. More often than not, we choose suffering simply because it places us in a better position to love and serve others.

“Moses chose to suffer oppression with God's people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin.” Heb.11 Conversations Within” ts Oct 26, 2026

“Personal peace means wanting to have my personal life pattern undisturbed in my lifetime, regardless of what the result will be in the lifetimes of my children and grandchildren.” Dr. Francis Schaeffer

I asked AI to read all my reflections, then to write one using my style. I was not only amazed that it matched my style, but that it selected peace as the topic. Just yesterday I realized that personal peace is a major theme in my reflections and was questioning if I think about it too much. Dr. Francis Schaeffer warned us about what he called, “The idol of personal peace.”

“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts Oct 25, 2026

“I’m silently correcting your grammar.” Meme

A good bit of the time, we just don’t know. This is reason enough to keep quiet. Because of this, it is often wise to stop our thoughts at the door of our mouth, but wiser still to dismiss every “i know more than you” thought.

“God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” Ecc.5 Conversations Within” ts Oct 24, 2026

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." Rom.13

 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 will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts Oct 31, 2026

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind!” Meme

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 Oct 23, 2026