“If I have…plundered my enemy without cause, let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it…” Ps.7.4-5 ESV
It is natural for us to want justice when it is served in our favor. It is a rare moment to want justice served against us. But justice served against us when we are guilty is the right course of action. And, since it is consistent with our new nature in Christ to want what is right we find ourselves torn with a desire to get what we deserve or to be mercifully let off. In the judicial and eternal sense, justice was satisfied by Christ before God the Creator, but in character-building logic, the heavenly Father still hands it out to us. I should think the Father pleased when we humbly submit to justice served against for us for such. We might even say that this kind of justice is for us because its intent is to shape character. It then would be a measure of His grace in us to see this conflict played out when we accept a ticket from a state trooper for speeding. 2/26/2009 Conversation Within ts
Just me trying to be honest with God.
Friday, February 27, 2009
“A real patriot is the fellow who gets a parking ticket and rejoices that the system works.” ~Bill Vaughan
“If I have…plundered my enemy without cause, let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it…” Ps.7.4-5 ESV
It is natural for us to want justice when it is served in our favor. It is a rare moment to want justice served against us. But justice served against us when we are guilty is the right course of action. And, since it is consistent with our new nature in Christ to want what is right we find ourselves torn with a desire to get what we deserve or to be mercifully let off. In the judicial and eternal sense, justice was satisfied by Christ before God the Creator, but in character-building logic, the heavenly Father still hands it out to us. I should think the Father pleased when we humbly submit to justice served against for us for such. We might even say that this kind of justice is for us because its intent is to shape character. It then would be a measure of His grace in us to see this conflict played out when we accept a ticket from a state trooper for speeding. 2/26/2009 Conversation Within ts
It is natural for us to want justice when it is served in our favor. It is a rare moment to want justice served against us. But justice served against us when we are guilty is the right course of action. And, since it is consistent with our new nature in Christ to want what is right we find ourselves torn with a desire to get what we deserve or to be mercifully let off. In the judicial and eternal sense, justice was satisfied by Christ before God the Creator, but in character-building logic, the heavenly Father still hands it out to us. I should think the Father pleased when we humbly submit to justice served against for us for such. We might even say that this kind of justice is for us because its intent is to shape character. It then would be a measure of His grace in us to see this conflict played out when we accept a ticket from a state trooper for speeding. 2/26/2009 Conversation Within ts
Thursday, February 26, 2009
“But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings”
“But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings”
“Heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.” Ps.6.2 ESV
Lord, I have several friends who are facing health concerns. I have my own. Each one of us is Your child and each of us is trusting You with our life. We all know that we can’t live forever in this place, nor would we choose to do so; glory awaits us. But we look to You and to Your steadfast love for healing and to keep us in health. We know You do not need our tiny offerings, but there are some things we would like to do before we leave this place. Some of these things must be done here, if they are to be done at all. So, when we ask You for daily bread, we are also asking for the health and strength to serve the concerns of Your Kingdom this day. Make it so O King, for You are the only One who can. Heal us Lord, for the sake of your steadfast love and the promise of Your Word that by His stripes, we are healed. 2/25/2009 Conversations Within ts
“Heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.” Ps.6.2 ESV
Lord, I have several friends who are facing health concerns. I have my own. Each one of us is Your child and each of us is trusting You with our life. We all know that we can’t live forever in this place, nor would we choose to do so; glory awaits us. But we look to You and to Your steadfast love for healing and to keep us in health. We know You do not need our tiny offerings, but there are some things we would like to do before we leave this place. Some of these things must be done here, if they are to be done at all. So, when we ask You for daily bread, we are also asking for the health and strength to serve the concerns of Your Kingdom this day. Make it so O King, for You are the only One who can. Heal us Lord, for the sake of your steadfast love and the promise of Your Word that by His stripes, we are healed. 2/25/2009 Conversations Within ts
“But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings”
“But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings”
“Heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.” Ps.6.2 ESV
Lord, I have several friends who are facing health concerns. I have my own. Each one of us is Your child and each of us is trusting You with our life. We all know that we can’t live forever in this place, nor would we choose to do so; glory awaits us. But we look to You and to Your steadfast love for healing and to keep us in health. We know You do not need our tiny offerings, but there are some things we would like to do before we leave this place. Some of these things must be done here, if they are to be done at all. So, when we ask You for daily bread, we are also asking for the health and strength to serve the concerns of Your Kingdom this day. Make it so O King, for You are the only One who can. Heal us Lord, for the sake of your steadfast love and the promise of Your Word that by His stripes, we are healed. 2/25/2009 Conversations Within ts
“Heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.” Ps.6.2 ESV
Lord, I have several friends who are facing health concerns. I have my own. Each one of us is Your child and each of us is trusting You with our life. We all know that we can’t live forever in this place, nor would we choose to do so; glory awaits us. But we look to You and to Your steadfast love for healing and to keep us in health. We know You do not need our tiny offerings, but there are some things we would like to do before we leave this place. Some of these things must be done here, if they are to be done at all. So, when we ask You for daily bread, we are also asking for the health and strength to serve the concerns of Your Kingdom this day. Make it so O King, for You are the only One who can. Heal us Lord, for the sake of your steadfast love and the promise of Your Word that by His stripes, we are healed. 2/25/2009 Conversations Within ts
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
“The more we depend on God the more dependable we find He is.” Cliff Richard
But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. Ps.5.7 ESV
It is not so much that we hold on to God, as it is that He holds on to us. He does not love us because we trust in Christ, we trust in Christ because He loves us. It is steadfast love that will see us through to glory and we will enter His house through the abundance of it. Saints are saints because His steadfast love has set us apart. Saints persevere in faith because He is persistent in loving us. All that binds our hearts to Him flows first from the abundance of His proactive love. We love Him, yes, but only because He first loved us. 2/24/2009 Conversations Within ts
It is not so much that we hold on to God, as it is that He holds on to us. He does not love us because we trust in Christ, we trust in Christ because He loves us. It is steadfast love that will see us through to glory and we will enter His house through the abundance of it. Saints are saints because His steadfast love has set us apart. Saints persevere in faith because He is persistent in loving us. All that binds our hearts to Him flows first from the abundance of His proactive love. We love Him, yes, but only because He first loved us. 2/24/2009 Conversations Within ts
“The more we depend on God the more dependable we find He is.” Cliff Richard
But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. Ps.5.7 ESV
It is not so much that we hold on to God, as it is that He holds on to us. He does not love us because we trust in Christ, we trust in Christ because He loves us. It is steadfast love that will see us through to glory and we will enter His house through the abundance of it. Saints are saints because His steadfast love has set us apart. Saints persevere in faith because He is persistent in loving us. All that binds our hearts to Him flows first from the abundance of His proactive love. We love Him, yes, but only because He first loved us. 2/24/2009 Conversations Within ts
It is not so much that we hold on to God, as it is that He holds on to us. He does not love us because we trust in Christ, we trust in Christ because He loves us. It is steadfast love that will see us through to glory and we will enter His house through the abundance of it. Saints are saints because His steadfast love has set us apart. Saints persevere in faith because He is persistent in loving us. All that binds our hearts to Him flows first from the abundance of His proactive love. We love Him, yes, but only because He first loved us. 2/24/2009 Conversations Within ts
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
“Somewhere, over the rainbow, way up high, There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby” Lyman Frank Baum
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Ps.4.8 ESV
Talk show host, John Tesh, has been a talking a great deal about the value of sleep on his popular radio program, “Intelligence for Your Life.” Americans typically do not get enough sleep and the lack of it shows up at work, at home and in poor physical and emotional health. There is nothing quite like a good night’s sleep. I know that various worries can keep me awake, or they creep into my dreams, wake me and I can’t go back to sleep. Just as a small dime held in front of you can block out the brilliance of the sun, our worries, real or imagined, can block from our sight the greatness of our God. But each of us can choose where we focus our thoughts. The difference between a good nights sleep and tossing and turning may be decided by choosing to feed our worries or nurture our understanding of God’s love and power. When was the last time someone sung you a lullaby. Perhaps we need to sing one to ourselves each night as we lay down to sleep. “How Great Thou Art,” “Rock of Ages,” “How Great is our God,” any number of hymns and spiritual songs will do. Take your pick and serenade yourself to sleep. “God keeps in perfect peace the mind stayed on Him.” 2/23/2009 Conversations Within ts
Talk show host, John Tesh, has been a talking a great deal about the value of sleep on his popular radio program, “Intelligence for Your Life.” Americans typically do not get enough sleep and the lack of it shows up at work, at home and in poor physical and emotional health. There is nothing quite like a good night’s sleep. I know that various worries can keep me awake, or they creep into my dreams, wake me and I can’t go back to sleep. Just as a small dime held in front of you can block out the brilliance of the sun, our worries, real or imagined, can block from our sight the greatness of our God. But each of us can choose where we focus our thoughts. The difference between a good nights sleep and tossing and turning may be decided by choosing to feed our worries or nurture our understanding of God’s love and power. When was the last time someone sung you a lullaby. Perhaps we need to sing one to ourselves each night as we lay down to sleep. “How Great Thou Art,” “Rock of Ages,” “How Great is our God,” any number of hymns and spiritual songs will do. Take your pick and serenade yourself to sleep. “God keeps in perfect peace the mind stayed on Him.” 2/23/2009 Conversations Within ts
“Somewhere, over the rainbow, way up high, There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby” Lyman Frank Baum
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Ps.4.8 ESV
Talk show host, John Tesh, has been a talking a great deal about the value of sleep on his popular radio program, “Intelligence for Your Life.” Americans typically do not get enough sleep and the lack of it shows up at work, at home and in poor physical and emotional health. There is nothing quite like a good night’s sleep. I know that various worries can keep me awake, or they creep into my dreams, wake me and I can’t go back to sleep. Just as a small dime held in front of you can block out the brilliance of the sun, our worries, real or imagined, can block from our sight the greatness of our God. But each of us can choose where we focus our thoughts. The difference between a good nights sleep and tossing and turning may be decided by choosing to feed our worries or nurture our understanding of God’s love and power. When was the last time someone sung you a lullaby. Perhaps we need to sing one to ourselves each night as we lay down to sleep. “How Great Thou Art,” “Rock of Ages,” “How Great is our God,” any number of hymns and spiritual songs will do. Take your pick and serenade yourself to sleep. “God keeps in perfect peace the mind stayed on Him.” 2/23/2009 Conversations Within ts
Talk show host, John Tesh, has been a talking a great deal about the value of sleep on his popular radio program, “Intelligence for Your Life.” Americans typically do not get enough sleep and the lack of it shows up at work, at home and in poor physical and emotional health. There is nothing quite like a good night’s sleep. I know that various worries can keep me awake, or they creep into my dreams, wake me and I can’t go back to sleep. Just as a small dime held in front of you can block out the brilliance of the sun, our worries, real or imagined, can block from our sight the greatness of our God. But each of us can choose where we focus our thoughts. The difference between a good nights sleep and tossing and turning may be decided by choosing to feed our worries or nurture our understanding of God’s love and power. When was the last time someone sung you a lullaby. Perhaps we need to sing one to ourselves each night as we lay down to sleep. “How Great Thou Art,” “Rock of Ages,” “How Great is our God,” any number of hymns and spiritual songs will do. Take your pick and serenade yourself to sleep. “God keeps in perfect peace the mind stayed on Him.” 2/23/2009 Conversations Within ts
Monday, February 23, 2009
“Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.”
“I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.” Ps.3.5 ESV
My mother never did like the prayer “Now I lay me down to sleep.” She told me once that she was afraid that the second line, “If I should die before I wake,” would make me afraid that I might die in my sleep. I know my mother was trying to protect me, but as an adult, I know that not thinking about dying in my sleep will hardly prevent it from happening. If there is any security to be had, it is to be had in God. One prayer I often whisper on my pillow is for the Lord to watch over my love ones as we sleep. That feeling of venerability we sometimes have just before we drift off at night, only expresses a host of real security issues, all of which, are outside our control. Actually, that safe feeling we have when we believe something to be in our hands is only an illusion. I have no control over drunk drivers, criminal minds, or rough cells in my body. I woke this morning because the Lord sustained me. If I survive this day, it will be because of His gracious hand. Only in glory will we know all that ways that God protected us in this place. 2/21/2009 Conversations Within ts
My mother never did like the prayer “Now I lay me down to sleep.” She told me once that she was afraid that the second line, “If I should die before I wake,” would make me afraid that I might die in my sleep. I know my mother was trying to protect me, but as an adult, I know that not thinking about dying in my sleep will hardly prevent it from happening. If there is any security to be had, it is to be had in God. One prayer I often whisper on my pillow is for the Lord to watch over my love ones as we sleep. That feeling of venerability we sometimes have just before we drift off at night, only expresses a host of real security issues, all of which, are outside our control. Actually, that safe feeling we have when we believe something to be in our hands is only an illusion. I have no control over drunk drivers, criminal minds, or rough cells in my body. I woke this morning because the Lord sustained me. If I survive this day, it will be because of His gracious hand. Only in glory will we know all that ways that God protected us in this place. 2/21/2009 Conversations Within ts
“Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.”
“I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.” Ps.3.5 ESV
My mother never did like the prayer “Now I lay me down to sleep.” She told me once that she was afraid that the second line, “If I should die before I wake,” would make me afraid that I might die in my sleep. I know my mother was trying to protect me, but as an adult, I know that not thinking about dying in my sleep will hardly prevent it from happening. If there is any security to be had, it is to be had in God. One prayer I often whisper on my pillow is for the Lord to watch over my love ones as we sleep. That feeling of venerability we sometimes have just before we drift off at night, only expresses a host of real security issues, all of which, are outside our control. Actually, that safe feeling we have when we believe something to be in our hands is only an illusion. I have no control over drunk drivers, criminal minds, or rough cells in my body. I woke this morning because the Lord sustained me. If I survive this day, it will be because of His gracious hand. Only in glory will we know all that ways that God protected us in this place. 2/21/2009 Conversations Within ts
My mother never did like the prayer “Now I lay me down to sleep.” She told me once that she was afraid that the second line, “If I should die before I wake,” would make me afraid that I might die in my sleep. I know my mother was trying to protect me, but as an adult, I know that not thinking about dying in my sleep will hardly prevent it from happening. If there is any security to be had, it is to be had in God. One prayer I often whisper on my pillow is for the Lord to watch over my love ones as we sleep. That feeling of venerability we sometimes have just before we drift off at night, only expresses a host of real security issues, all of which, are outside our control. Actually, that safe feeling we have when we believe something to be in our hands is only an illusion. I have no control over drunk drivers, criminal minds, or rough cells in my body. I woke this morning because the Lord sustained me. If I survive this day, it will be because of His gracious hand. Only in glory will we know all that ways that God protected us in this place. 2/21/2009 Conversations Within ts
Saturday, February 21, 2009
“Don't pray for things as if you were making wishes at a wishing well.” Anonymous
“Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.” Ps.2.8 ESV
What makes you think that God will answer your prayer? I have heard these words many times interrupting the flow of my prayers. These distractions are expressed any number of ways but I have come to realize they all seek to do one thing and that is to create doubt in my asking. The weapon that Christ gives us against such attacks is to pray in His name. By this, I don’t think He means that we should tack on some magic incantation to the end of our prayers. I think He means that we are to approach God with confidence, not because we are sincere, or deserving, or that we’ve offered good reasons for why He should grant us our request. Our confidence is the singular trust that Jesus has agreed to represent our petition and to ask the Father for it as a personal favor to Him. When we are confident that Jesus is willing to pray with us, we may be just as certain the Father will be willing to answer. All the promises of God are “Yes,” in Christ. 2/20/2009 Conversations Within ts
What makes you think that God will answer your prayer? I have heard these words many times interrupting the flow of my prayers. These distractions are expressed any number of ways but I have come to realize they all seek to do one thing and that is to create doubt in my asking. The weapon that Christ gives us against such attacks is to pray in His name. By this, I don’t think He means that we should tack on some magic incantation to the end of our prayers. I think He means that we are to approach God with confidence, not because we are sincere, or deserving, or that we’ve offered good reasons for why He should grant us our request. Our confidence is the singular trust that Jesus has agreed to represent our petition and to ask the Father for it as a personal favor to Him. When we are confident that Jesus is willing to pray with us, we may be just as certain the Father will be willing to answer. All the promises of God are “Yes,” in Christ. 2/20/2009 Conversations Within ts
“Don't pray for things as if you were making wishes at a wishing well.” Anonymous
“Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.” Ps.2.8 ESV
What makes you think that God will answer your prayer? I have heard these words many times interrupting the flow of my prayers. These distractions are expressed any number of ways but I have come to realize they all seek to do one thing and that is to create doubt in my asking. The weapon that Christ gives us against such attacks is to pray in His name. By this, I don’t think He means that we should tack on some magic incantation to the end of our prayers. I think He means that we are to approach God with confidence, not because we are sincere, or deserving, or that we’ve offered good reasons for why He should grant us our request. Our confidence is the singular trust that Jesus has agreed to represent our petition and to ask the Father for it as a personal favor to Him. When we are confident that Jesus is willing to pray with us, we may be just as certain the Father will be willing to answer. All the promises of God are “Yes,” in Christ. 2/20/2009 Conversations Within ts
What makes you think that God will answer your prayer? I have heard these words many times interrupting the flow of my prayers. These distractions are expressed any number of ways but I have come to realize they all seek to do one thing and that is to create doubt in my asking. The weapon that Christ gives us against such attacks is to pray in His name. By this, I don’t think He means that we should tack on some magic incantation to the end of our prayers. I think He means that we are to approach God with confidence, not because we are sincere, or deserving, or that we’ve offered good reasons for why He should grant us our request. Our confidence is the singular trust that Jesus has agreed to represent our petition and to ask the Father for it as a personal favor to Him. When we are confident that Jesus is willing to pray with us, we may be just as certain the Father will be willing to answer. All the promises of God are “Yes,” in Christ. 2/20/2009 Conversations Within ts
Friday, February 20, 2009
“My life belongs to the community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.” George Bernard Shaw
“In all that he does, he prospers.” Ps.1.3 ESV
When we live our lives under the direction of God, He promises to touch all that concerns us. Does this mean, as some have proposed, that God will make the obedient abundantly wealthy? Well, prosperity is certainly promised but we should never understand this in such a way that contradicts the life of Jesus. Christ was certainly blessed by God but He possessed none of the trappings of what we ordinarily think about when we think of wealth. Jesus was blessed by His Father to the degree that He became the greatest blessing. Whatever is meant by God’s promise to proper, I think it is safe to assume that He will bless us in such a manner as to make us a blessing as well. This may look different according to God’s design for each of us. To some He may give money, to another talent, and another position or influence. It may very well be that our connectedness to each other is the means whereby He intends to prosper the whole of us. If my house is yours, your talent is mine, and all that God has entrusted to each of His children is shared with the whole, then God has certainly prospered us beyond measure. Perhaps the wealth that is promised to us from reading and reflecting on the Scripture is its power to waken us to the real community that exists in His blessed Son. 2/19/2009 Conversations Within ts
When we live our lives under the direction of God, He promises to touch all that concerns us. Does this mean, as some have proposed, that God will make the obedient abundantly wealthy? Well, prosperity is certainly promised but we should never understand this in such a way that contradicts the life of Jesus. Christ was certainly blessed by God but He possessed none of the trappings of what we ordinarily think about when we think of wealth. Jesus was blessed by His Father to the degree that He became the greatest blessing. Whatever is meant by God’s promise to proper, I think it is safe to assume that He will bless us in such a manner as to make us a blessing as well. This may look different according to God’s design for each of us. To some He may give money, to another talent, and another position or influence. It may very well be that our connectedness to each other is the means whereby He intends to prosper the whole of us. If my house is yours, your talent is mine, and all that God has entrusted to each of His children is shared with the whole, then God has certainly prospered us beyond measure. Perhaps the wealth that is promised to us from reading and reflecting on the Scripture is its power to waken us to the real community that exists in His blessed Son. 2/19/2009 Conversations Within ts
“My life belongs to the community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.” George Bernard Shaw
“In all that he does, he prospers.” Ps.1.3 ESV
When we live our lives under the direction of God, He promises to touch all that concerns us. Does this mean, as some have proposed, that God will make the obedient abundantly wealthy? Well, prosperity is certainly promised but we should never understand this in such a way that contradicts the life of Jesus. Christ was certainly blessed by God but He possessed none of the trappings of what we ordinarily think about when we think of wealth. Jesus was blessed by His Father to the degree that He became the greatest blessing. Whatever is meant by God’s promise to proper, I think it is safe to assume that He will bless us in such a manner as to make us a blessing as well. This may look different according to God’s design for each of us. To some He may give money, to another talent, and another position or influence. It may very well be that our connectedness to each other is the means whereby He intends to prosper the whole of us. If my house is yours, your talent is mine, and all that God has entrusted to each of His children is shared with the whole, then God has certainly prospered us beyond measure. Perhaps the wealth that is promised to us from reading and reflecting on the Scripture is its power to waken us to the real community that exists in His blessed Son. 2/19/2009 Conversations Within ts
When we live our lives under the direction of God, He promises to touch all that concerns us. Does this mean, as some have proposed, that God will make the obedient abundantly wealthy? Well, prosperity is certainly promised but we should never understand this in such a way that contradicts the life of Jesus. Christ was certainly blessed by God but He possessed none of the trappings of what we ordinarily think about when we think of wealth. Jesus was blessed by His Father to the degree that He became the greatest blessing. Whatever is meant by God’s promise to proper, I think it is safe to assume that He will bless us in such a manner as to make us a blessing as well. This may look different according to God’s design for each of us. To some He may give money, to another talent, and another position or influence. It may very well be that our connectedness to each other is the means whereby He intends to prosper the whole of us. If my house is yours, your talent is mine, and all that God has entrusted to each of His children is shared with the whole, then God has certainly prospered us beyond measure. Perhaps the wealth that is promised to us from reading and reflecting on the Scripture is its power to waken us to the real community that exists in His blessed Son. 2/19/2009 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, February 19, 2009
“Forgiving what we cannot forget creates a new way to remember.” Beverly Flanigan
“But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry…” Jonah 4.1 ESV
Most of Jonah’s troubles stemmed from his bitter hatred of the Ninevites who had terribly oppressed his own people. The prophet knew that God would forgive them if they repented and was sorely disappointed when they did. Jonah wanted fire and vengeance from heaven. Personal injury can work bitterness in our soul if we do not practice forgiveness. I say practice forgiveness because depending on the severity of injuries we’ve incurred; we sometimes must forgive a person a number of times for the same offense. The first time is always the hardest. Most of us have tendencies to revisit the injustices against us, if only in our thoughts. We shouldn’t be concerned that we keep bringing the offense up to ourselves, any more than a bruise keeps bringing up the fall off our bike last week. We should be concerned that we don’t keep bringing the offense back up to the offender and that we remind ourselves that though the tower bell of injury is still ringing, we have let go of the rope of the offense. 2/18/2009 Conversations Within ts
Most of Jonah’s troubles stemmed from his bitter hatred of the Ninevites who had terribly oppressed his own people. The prophet knew that God would forgive them if they repented and was sorely disappointed when they did. Jonah wanted fire and vengeance from heaven. Personal injury can work bitterness in our soul if we do not practice forgiveness. I say practice forgiveness because depending on the severity of injuries we’ve incurred; we sometimes must forgive a person a number of times for the same offense. The first time is always the hardest. Most of us have tendencies to revisit the injustices against us, if only in our thoughts. We shouldn’t be concerned that we keep bringing the offense up to ourselves, any more than a bruise keeps bringing up the fall off our bike last week. We should be concerned that we don’t keep bringing the offense back up to the offender and that we remind ourselves that though the tower bell of injury is still ringing, we have let go of the rope of the offense. 2/18/2009 Conversations Within ts
“Forgiving what we cannot forget creates a new way to remember.” Beverly Flanigan
“But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry…” Jonah 4.1 ESV
Most of Jonah’s troubles stemmed from his bitter hatred of the Ninevites who had terribly oppressed his own people. The prophet knew that God would forgive them if they repented and was sorely disappointed when they did. Jonah wanted fire and vengeance from heaven. Personal injury can work bitterness in our soul if we do not practice forgiveness. I say practice forgiveness because depending on the severity of injuries we’ve incurred; we sometimes must forgive a person a number of times for the same offense. The first time is always the hardest. Most of us have tendencies to revisit the injustices against us, if only in our thoughts. We shouldn’t be concerned that we keep bringing the offense up to ourselves, any more than a bruise keeps bringing up the fall off our bike last week. We should be concerned that we don’t keep bringing the offense back up to the offender and that we remind ourselves that though the tower bell of injury is still ringing, we have let go of the rope of the offense. 2/18/2009 Conversations Within ts
Most of Jonah’s troubles stemmed from his bitter hatred of the Ninevites who had terribly oppressed his own people. The prophet knew that God would forgive them if they repented and was sorely disappointed when they did. Jonah wanted fire and vengeance from heaven. Personal injury can work bitterness in our soul if we do not practice forgiveness. I say practice forgiveness because depending on the severity of injuries we’ve incurred; we sometimes must forgive a person a number of times for the same offense. The first time is always the hardest. Most of us have tendencies to revisit the injustices against us, if only in our thoughts. We shouldn’t be concerned that we keep bringing the offense up to ourselves, any more than a bruise keeps bringing up the fall off our bike last week. We should be concerned that we don’t keep bringing the offense back up to the offender and that we remind ourselves that though the tower bell of injury is still ringing, we have let go of the rope of the offense. 2/18/2009 Conversations Within ts
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
“We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a second chance.” Harrison Ford
“Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time…” Jonah 3.1 ESV
One of the sweetest prayers that I have ever heard was spoken by a prodigal but repentant teenage girl. Her precious prayer said volumes, “God, I thank you for second chances.” I think most people feel this way and truthfully, we might as well give thanks for third, fourth and fifth chances. I read that on average that it takes a smoker eight to eleven times to quit smoking. Try, try again is often the common denominator of every one who would see real change. One quality of redeeming love is its enduring patience. Love does whatever is needed for as long as it is needed. Thank God for His redeeming love. No matter how many times or how bad we blow it; God always forgives the returning sinner. Jesus told us to forgive seventy times seven, in other words, every time we are asked. God will forgive every person who humbly and truly asks for it, and every time he or she asks for it. The reason we are given these many second chances is not that we deserve them, but that Jesus secured them. 2/17/2009 Conversations Within ts
One of the sweetest prayers that I have ever heard was spoken by a prodigal but repentant teenage girl. Her precious prayer said volumes, “God, I thank you for second chances.” I think most people feel this way and truthfully, we might as well give thanks for third, fourth and fifth chances. I read that on average that it takes a smoker eight to eleven times to quit smoking. Try, try again is often the common denominator of every one who would see real change. One quality of redeeming love is its enduring patience. Love does whatever is needed for as long as it is needed. Thank God for His redeeming love. No matter how many times or how bad we blow it; God always forgives the returning sinner. Jesus told us to forgive seventy times seven, in other words, every time we are asked. God will forgive every person who humbly and truly asks for it, and every time he or she asks for it. The reason we are given these many second chances is not that we deserve them, but that Jesus secured them. 2/17/2009 Conversations Within ts
“We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a second chance.” Harrison Ford
“Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time…” Jonah 3.1 ESV
One of the sweetest prayers that I have ever heard was spoken by a prodigal but repentant teenage girl. Her precious prayer said volumes, “God, I thank you for second chances.” I think most people feel this way and truthfully, we might as well give thanks for third, fourth and fifth chances. I read that on average that it takes a smoker eight to eleven times to quit smoking. Try, try again is often the common denominator of every one who would see real change. One quality of redeeming love is its enduring patience. Love does whatever is needed for as long as it is needed. Thank God for His redeeming love. No matter how many times or how bad we blow it; God always forgives the returning sinner. Jesus told us to forgive seventy times seven, in other words, every time we are asked. God will forgive every person who humbly and truly asks for it, and every time he or she asks for it. The reason we are given these many second chances is not that we deserve them, but that Jesus secured them. 2/17/2009 Conversations Within ts
One of the sweetest prayers that I have ever heard was spoken by a prodigal but repentant teenage girl. Her precious prayer said volumes, “God, I thank you for second chances.” I think most people feel this way and truthfully, we might as well give thanks for third, fourth and fifth chances. I read that on average that it takes a smoker eight to eleven times to quit smoking. Try, try again is often the common denominator of every one who would see real change. One quality of redeeming love is its enduring patience. Love does whatever is needed for as long as it is needed. Thank God for His redeeming love. No matter how many times or how bad we blow it; God always forgives the returning sinner. Jesus told us to forgive seventy times seven, in other words, every time we are asked. God will forgive every person who humbly and truly asks for it, and every time he or she asks for it. The reason we are given these many second chances is not that we deserve them, but that Jesus secured them. 2/17/2009 Conversations Within ts
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
“How are you this fine day in the E.A.C.?” Finding Nemo
“And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land.” Jonah 2.10 ESV
If God spoke to Jonah’s fish, He is certainly able to speak to the circumstances surrounding me. We all find ourselves in tight spots from time to time. But even our tight spots are prepared and under God’s direction and care. It is good to remind ourselves that every law in nature is a law written by His hand. This means of course that God ordinarily works His will for us using these laws even if they at times show up an adversary. And, God is just as able to work above natural means, just as He is also able to work against and without them. Planets stay their course; fish ride the East Australian Current but God directs them as He wills. Our Father uses natural currents to help us find our way but He is free to answer our cries for help and alter even the natural course of things to accomplish His good purposes for us. 2/13/2009 Conversations Within ts
If God spoke to Jonah’s fish, He is certainly able to speak to the circumstances surrounding me. We all find ourselves in tight spots from time to time. But even our tight spots are prepared and under God’s direction and care. It is good to remind ourselves that every law in nature is a law written by His hand. This means of course that God ordinarily works His will for us using these laws even if they at times show up an adversary. And, God is just as able to work above natural means, just as He is also able to work against and without them. Planets stay their course; fish ride the East Australian Current but God directs them as He wills. Our Father uses natural currents to help us find our way but He is free to answer our cries for help and alter even the natural course of things to accomplish His good purposes for us. 2/13/2009 Conversations Within ts
“How are you this fine day in the E.A.C.?” Finding Nemo
“And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land.” Jonah 2.10 ESV
If God spoke to Jonah’s fish, He is certainly able to speak to the circumstances surrounding me. We all find ourselves in tight spots from time to time. But even our tight spots are prepared and under God’s direction and care. It is good to remind ourselves that every law in nature is a law written by His hand. This means of course that God ordinarily works His will for us using these laws even if they at times show up an adversary. And, God is just as able to work above natural means, just as He is also able to work against and without them. Planets stay their course; fish ride the East Australian Current but God directs them as He wills. Our Father uses natural currents to help us find our way but He is free to answer our cries for help and alter even the natural course of things to accomplish His good purposes for us. 2/13/2009 Conversations Within ts
If God spoke to Jonah’s fish, He is certainly able to speak to the circumstances surrounding me. We all find ourselves in tight spots from time to time. But even our tight spots are prepared and under God’s direction and care. It is good to remind ourselves that every law in nature is a law written by His hand. This means of course that God ordinarily works His will for us using these laws even if they at times show up an adversary. And, God is just as able to work above natural means, just as He is also able to work against and without them. Planets stay their course; fish ride the East Australian Current but God directs them as He wills. Our Father uses natural currents to help us find our way but He is free to answer our cries for help and alter even the natural course of things to accomplish His good purposes for us. 2/13/2009 Conversations Within ts
Monday, February 16, 2009
“What are you gonna do, Walt?”…“Whatever it is, they won't have a chance.” Gran Torino
So they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. Jonah1.15 ESV
Have you ever watched a movie, or read a book or heard short story, that captured your soul and you realized that the reason you liked it so much was that it somehow reminded you of Jesus. Have you noticed that most of the best movies or stories produced always portray some theme about redemption or sacrificial love? Brenda and I recently watched the new Clint Eastwood movie, Gran Torino and could not help but notice how its main character, so unlike Jesus ends up being so much like Jesus. Many unlikely characters end up being so very much like Christ and all by some unselfish act where they offer themselves for the welfare of another. Its almost like God is telling us the same story over and over again, illustrated in the tales of a thousand of cultures. If we ever given the opportunity, may we not hesitate to add our brushstroke to this grand portrait of love. Try as they may, the devil and his angels don’t have a chance against the power of redeeming love. 2/12/2009 Conversations Within ts
Have you ever watched a movie, or read a book or heard short story, that captured your soul and you realized that the reason you liked it so much was that it somehow reminded you of Jesus. Have you noticed that most of the best movies or stories produced always portray some theme about redemption or sacrificial love? Brenda and I recently watched the new Clint Eastwood movie, Gran Torino and could not help but notice how its main character, so unlike Jesus ends up being so much like Jesus. Many unlikely characters end up being so very much like Christ and all by some unselfish act where they offer themselves for the welfare of another. Its almost like God is telling us the same story over and over again, illustrated in the tales of a thousand of cultures. If we ever given the opportunity, may we not hesitate to add our brushstroke to this grand portrait of love. Try as they may, the devil and his angels don’t have a chance against the power of redeeming love. 2/12/2009 Conversations Within ts
“What are you gonna do, Walt?”…“Whatever it is, they won't have a chance.” Gran Torino
So they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. Jonah1.15 ESV
Have you ever watched a movie, or read a book or heard short story, that captured your soul and you realized that the reason you liked it so much was that it somehow reminded you of Jesus. Have you noticed that most of the best movies or stories produced always portray some theme about redemption or sacrificial love? Brenda and I recently watched the new Clint Eastwood movie, Gran Torino and could not help but notice how its main character, so unlike Jesus ends up being so much like Jesus. Many unlikely characters end up being so very much like Christ and all by some unselfish act where they offer themselves for the welfare of another. Its almost like God is telling us the same story over and over again, illustrated in the tales of a thousand of cultures. If we ever given the opportunity, may we not hesitate to add our brushstroke to this grand portrait of love. Try as they may, the devil and his angels don’t have a chance against the power of redeeming love. 2/12/2009 Conversations Within ts
Have you ever watched a movie, or read a book or heard short story, that captured your soul and you realized that the reason you liked it so much was that it somehow reminded you of Jesus. Have you noticed that most of the best movies or stories produced always portray some theme about redemption or sacrificial love? Brenda and I recently watched the new Clint Eastwood movie, Gran Torino and could not help but notice how its main character, so unlike Jesus ends up being so much like Jesus. Many unlikely characters end up being so very much like Christ and all by some unselfish act where they offer themselves for the welfare of another. Its almost like God is telling us the same story over and over again, illustrated in the tales of a thousand of cultures. If we ever given the opportunity, may we not hesitate to add our brushstroke to this grand portrait of love. Try as they may, the devil and his angels don’t have a chance against the power of redeeming love. 2/12/2009 Conversations Within ts
Friday, February 13, 2009
"The true measure of your character is what you do when nobody's watching" -Charles Caleb Colton
“But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.” Is.66.2 ESV
I must confess that I still need my fear of God’s discipline to keep me from doing certain wrongs. I wish that my love for Him were enough but it is not. The way of escape from certain temptations is still lit up by memories of past spankings I’ve received. Bruises received in His gracious woodshed are still a needed reminder that God is serious about my obedience. But this kind of obedience is also not enough. It is not enough to satisfy my desire for a more mature expression of faith. I want that change of character where I can trust myself to do what is right. And, I don’t refer to knowing I will do right in some prideful sense, just confident that I will take the hand He offers me when temptations come. No of us are sufficient in ourselves to keep ourselves for messing up. Even angels are held by the sustaining grace of Jesus. 2/11/2009 Conversations Within ts
I must confess that I still need my fear of God’s discipline to keep me from doing certain wrongs. I wish that my love for Him were enough but it is not. The way of escape from certain temptations is still lit up by memories of past spankings I’ve received. Bruises received in His gracious woodshed are still a needed reminder that God is serious about my obedience. But this kind of obedience is also not enough. It is not enough to satisfy my desire for a more mature expression of faith. I want that change of character where I can trust myself to do what is right. And, I don’t refer to knowing I will do right in some prideful sense, just confident that I will take the hand He offers me when temptations come. No of us are sufficient in ourselves to keep ourselves for messing up. Even angels are held by the sustaining grace of Jesus. 2/11/2009 Conversations Within ts
"The true measure of your character is what you do when nobody's watching" -Charles Caleb Colton
“But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.” Is.66.2 ESV
I must confess that I still need my fear of God’s discipline to keep me from doing certain wrongs. I wish that my love for Him were enough but it is not. The way of escape from certain temptations is still lit up by memories of past spankings I’ve received. Bruises received in His gracious woodshed are still a needed reminder that God is serious about my obedience. But this kind of obedience is also not enough. It is not enough to satisfy my desire for a more mature expression of faith. I want that change of character where I can trust myself to do what is right. And, I don’t refer to knowing I will do right in some prideful sense, just confident that I will take the hand He offers me when temptations come. No of us are sufficient in ourselves to keep ourselves for messing up. Even angels are held by the sustaining grace of Jesus. 2/11/2009 Conversations Within ts
I must confess that I still need my fear of God’s discipline to keep me from doing certain wrongs. I wish that my love for Him were enough but it is not. The way of escape from certain temptations is still lit up by memories of past spankings I’ve received. Bruises received in His gracious woodshed are still a needed reminder that God is serious about my obedience. But this kind of obedience is also not enough. It is not enough to satisfy my desire for a more mature expression of faith. I want that change of character where I can trust myself to do what is right. And, I don’t refer to knowing I will do right in some prideful sense, just confident that I will take the hand He offers me when temptations come. No of us are sufficient in ourselves to keep ourselves for messing up. Even angels are held by the sustaining grace of Jesus. 2/11/2009 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, February 12, 2009
“One of the best hearing aids a man can have is an attentive wife.” Groucho Marx
Before they call I will answer…Is.65.24 ESV
There is something special when two people have lived so long with one another that they anticipate each other’s needs and wants before a word is said. Years of attentiveness create this beautiful interaction. It is humbling to be known and served by another. Our Father knows each of us well beyond the understanding our closest companion and He anticipates all that we could ever want or need. His attentiveness to us is expressed in the smallest detail before we call to Him. Does it not astound and humble the soul to realize that the Lord is intimately acquainted with our most personal preferences. He knows my favorite food, song, color, movie, my favorite time of the day, most cherished memory, number one past time, and all that delights my heart. There is nothing we may ask of God that He doesn’t already appreciate-no detail beyond His attention. Would it not also be beautiful if we gave ourselves each day to all that delights His heart and that He would find us doing it even before He asked? 2/10/2009 Conversations Within ts
Before they call I will answer…Is.65.24 ESV
There is something special when two people have lived so long with one another that they anticipate each other’s needs and wants before a word is said. Years of attentiveness create this beautiful interaction. It is humbling to be known and served by another. Our Father knows each of us well beyond the understanding our closest companion and He anticipates all that we could ever want or need. His attentiveness to us is expressed in the smallest detail before we call to Him. Does it not astound and humble the soul to realize that the Lord is intimately acquainted with our most personal preferences. He knows my favorite food, song, color, movie, my favorite time of the day, most cherished memory, number one past time, and all that delights my heart. There is nothing we may ask of God that He doesn’t already appreciate-no detail beyond His attention. Would it not also be beautiful if we gave ourselves each day to all that delights His heart and that He would find us doing it even before He asked? 2/10/2009 Conversations Within ts
“One of the best hearing aids a man can have is an attentive wife.” Groucho Marx
Before they call I will answer…Is.65.24 ESV
There is something special when two people have lived so long with one another that they anticipate each other’s needs and wants before a word is said. Years of attentiveness create this beautiful interaction. It is humbling to be known and served by another. Our Father knows each of us well beyond the understanding our closest companion and He anticipates all that we could ever want or need. His attentiveness to us is expressed in the smallest detail before we call to Him. Does it not astound and humble the soul to realize that the Lord is intimately acquainted with our most personal preferences. He knows my favorite food, song, color, movie, my favorite time of the day, most cherished memory, number one past time, and all that delights my heart. There is nothing we may ask of God that He doesn’t already appreciate-no detail beyond His attention. Would it not also be beautiful if we gave ourselves each day to all that delights His heart and that He would find us doing it even before He asked? 2/10/2009 Conversations Within ts
Before they call I will answer…Is.65.24 ESV
There is something special when two people have lived so long with one another that they anticipate each other’s needs and wants before a word is said. Years of attentiveness create this beautiful interaction. It is humbling to be known and served by another. Our Father knows each of us well beyond the understanding our closest companion and He anticipates all that we could ever want or need. His attentiveness to us is expressed in the smallest detail before we call to Him. Does it not astound and humble the soul to realize that the Lord is intimately acquainted with our most personal preferences. He knows my favorite food, song, color, movie, my favorite time of the day, most cherished memory, number one past time, and all that delights my heart. There is nothing we may ask of God that He doesn’t already appreciate-no detail beyond His attention. Would it not also be beautiful if we gave ourselves each day to all that delights His heart and that He would find us doing it even before He asked? 2/10/2009 Conversations Within ts
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
"The father is always a Republican toward his son, and his mother's always a Democrat." Robert Frost
“But now, O Lord, you are our Father.” Is.64.8 ESV
Even a father may grow weary of a foolish child. And though he will always love them, he may be willing to see bad things happen to them, especially if he believes that it will turn them to the right. This often means that God will let his children wander away as did the father in the story of the prodigal son. What else can He do, if His aim is for His children to freely love all that He values? God is not raising slaves but sons and daughters. And, like every good father, God patiently waits with the front porch light on. Jesus also tells us that He runs to embrace us when we finally come to our senses and return to Him. 2/9/2009 Conversations Within ts
“But now, O Lord, you are our Father.” Is.64.8 ESV
Even a father may grow weary of a foolish child. And though he will always love them, he may be willing to see bad things happen to them, especially if he believes that it will turn them to the right. This often means that God will let his children wander away as did the father in the story of the prodigal son. What else can He do, if His aim is for His children to freely love all that He values? God is not raising slaves but sons and daughters. And, like every good father, God patiently waits with the front porch light on. Jesus also tells us that He runs to embrace us when we finally come to our senses and return to Him. 2/9/2009 Conversations Within ts
"The father is always a Republican toward his son, and his mother's always a Democrat." Robert Frost
“But now, O Lord, you are our Father.” Is.64.8 ESV
Even a father may grow weary of a foolish child. And though he will always love them, he may be willing to see bad things happen to them, especially if he believes that it will turn them to the right. This often means that God will let his children wander away as did the father in the story of the prodigal son. What else can He do, if His aim is for His children to freely love all that He values? God is not raising slaves but sons and daughters. And, like every good father, God patiently waits with the front porch light on. Jesus also tells us that He runs to embrace us when we finally come to our senses and return to Him. 2/9/2009 Conversations Within ts
“But now, O Lord, you are our Father.” Is.64.8 ESV
Even a father may grow weary of a foolish child. And though he will always love them, he may be willing to see bad things happen to them, especially if he believes that it will turn them to the right. This often means that God will let his children wander away as did the father in the story of the prodigal son. What else can He do, if His aim is for His children to freely love all that He values? God is not raising slaves but sons and daughters. And, like every good father, God patiently waits with the front porch light on. Jesus also tells us that He runs to embrace us when we finally come to our senses and return to Him. 2/9/2009 Conversations Within ts
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Experience has taught us that men will not adopt and carry into execution measures best calculated for their own good without the intervention of a coercive power” George Washington
O Lord, why do you make us wander from your ways and harden our heart, so that we fear you not? Is.63.17 ESV
We may as well ask why God has given us choice at all when He knows that we will many times choose unwisely. Some explain that though choice makes evil possible it also creates potential for genuine love. What is love if it is not freely given? I understand this but I also know that I struggle with conflicting desires and that choice alone is not enough to keep me true. I need help to make the right choices and until I am mature enough to do so, I would prefer that God keep me from making stupid ones. Did I just ask God to restrict my freedom? I believe that I did and I believe that He does as any good parent must do from time to time for developing children. 2/8/2009 Conversations Within ts
O Lord, why do you make us wander from your ways and harden our heart, so that we fear you not? Is.63.17 ESV
We may as well ask why God has given us choice at all when He knows that we will many times choose unwisely. Some explain that though choice makes evil possible it also creates potential for genuine love. What is love if it is not freely given? I understand this but I also know that I struggle with conflicting desires and that choice alone is not enough to keep me true. I need help to make the right choices and until I am mature enough to do so, I would prefer that God keep me from making stupid ones. Did I just ask God to restrict my freedom? I believe that I did and I believe that He does as any good parent must do from time to time for developing children. 2/8/2009 Conversations Within ts
Experience has taught us that men will not adopt and carry into execution measures best calculated for their own good without the intervention of a coercive power” George Washington
O Lord, why do you make us wander from your ways and harden our heart, so that we fear you not? Is.63.17 ESV
We may as well ask why God has given us choice at all when He knows that we will many times choose unwisely. Some explain that though choice makes evil possible it also creates potential for genuine love. What is love if it is not freely given? I understand this but I also know that I struggle with conflicting desires and that choice alone is not enough to keep me true. I need help to make the right choices and until I am mature enough to do so, I would prefer that God keep me from making stupid ones. Did I just ask God to restrict my freedom? I believe that I did and I believe that He does as any good parent must do from time to time for developing children. 2/8/2009 Conversations Within ts
O Lord, why do you make us wander from your ways and harden our heart, so that we fear you not? Is.63.17 ESV
We may as well ask why God has given us choice at all when He knows that we will many times choose unwisely. Some explain that though choice makes evil possible it also creates potential for genuine love. What is love if it is not freely given? I understand this but I also know that I struggle with conflicting desires and that choice alone is not enough to keep me true. I need help to make the right choices and until I am mature enough to do so, I would prefer that God keep me from making stupid ones. Did I just ask God to restrict my freedom? I believe that I did and I believe that He does as any good parent must do from time to time for developing children. 2/8/2009 Conversations Within ts
Monday, February 9, 2009
“But love don't feel like a ball and chain to me. When I'm close to you my heart feels wild and free.” Paul Overstreet
“…but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married…” Is.62.4 ESV
I am married, off the market, taken as we say. This is just as true in my relationship with Christ, as it is with my wife of thirty-three years. When a man and woman pledge themselves to one another in holy matrimony they leave behind all other romantic pursuits. And, when we pledge ourselves to Christ, we leave behind all other pursuits that do not grow out of our love for Him. This is why we may love God with all of our heart and still love other people. A proper love of others, of a pet, or of life, need not compete with our love for God. Our love of God completes all other loves. If I find myself pursuing anyone or anything that has nothing to do with my love for Christ I have forgotten my marriage vows to Him. Augustine once confessed to God, “We love You too little, when we love anything together with You, that we don’t love because of You.” 2/7/2009 Conversations Within ts
“…but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married…” Is.62.4 ESV
I am married, off the market, taken as we say. This is just as true in my relationship with Christ, as it is with my wife of thirty-three years. When a man and woman pledge themselves to one another in holy matrimony they leave behind all other romantic pursuits. And, when we pledge ourselves to Christ, we leave behind all other pursuits that do not grow out of our love for Him. This is why we may love God with all of our heart and still love other people. A proper love of others, of a pet, or of life, need not compete with our love for God. Our love of God completes all other loves. If I find myself pursuing anyone or anything that has nothing to do with my love for Christ I have forgotten my marriage vows to Him. Augustine once confessed to God, “We love You too little, when we love anything together with You, that we don’t love because of You.” 2/7/2009 Conversations Within ts
“But love don't feel like a ball and chain to me. When I'm close to you my heart feels wild and free.” Paul Overstreet
“…but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married…” Is.62.4 ESV
I am married, off the market, taken as we say. This is just as true in my relationship with Christ, as it is with my wife of thirty-three years. When a man and woman pledge themselves to one another in holy matrimony they leave behind all other romantic pursuits. And, when we pledge ourselves to Christ, we leave behind all other pursuits that do not grow out of our love for Him. This is why we may love God with all of our heart and still love other people. A proper love of others, of a pet, or of life, need not compete with our love for God. Our love of God completes all other loves. If I find myself pursuing anyone or anything that has nothing to do with my love for Christ I have forgotten my marriage vows to Him. Augustine once confessed to God, “We love You too little, when we love anything together with You, that we don’t love because of You.” 2/7/2009 Conversations Within ts
“…but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married…” Is.62.4 ESV
I am married, off the market, taken as we say. This is just as true in my relationship with Christ, as it is with my wife of thirty-three years. When a man and woman pledge themselves to one another in holy matrimony they leave behind all other romantic pursuits. And, when we pledge ourselves to Christ, we leave behind all other pursuits that do not grow out of our love for Him. This is why we may love God with all of our heart and still love other people. A proper love of others, of a pet, or of life, need not compete with our love for God. Our love of God completes all other loves. If I find myself pursuing anyone or anything that has nothing to do with my love for Christ I have forgotten my marriage vows to Him. Augustine once confessed to God, “We love You too little, when we love anything together with You, that we don’t love because of You.” 2/7/2009 Conversations Within ts
Saturday, February 7, 2009
“An authentic life is the most personal form of worship.” Sarah Ban Breathnach
“all who see them shall acknowledge them, that they are an offspring the Lord has blessed. Is.61.9 ESV
The richest Christian witness isn’t so much when we try to be a witness as it is when the life of Jesus in us has transformed us into one. The best kind of witness isn’t advertised in sermons or slogans, in fact it isn’t an advertisement at all. God does not need us to sell Him, sadly, we often sound like we are. The quality of contributions we make in the lives of others, those that grow out of our love for the Father, a love worked in us by Christ is its own attraction. If by loving God I become a better husband, father, friend, and worker, these things give testimony of the value of inviting Jesus into my heart. Don’t advertise faith just be authentic in expressing it. 2/6/2009 Conversations Within ts
“all who see them shall acknowledge them, that they are an offspring the Lord has blessed. Is.61.9 ESV
The richest Christian witness isn’t so much when we try to be a witness as it is when the life of Jesus in us has transformed us into one. The best kind of witness isn’t advertised in sermons or slogans, in fact it isn’t an advertisement at all. God does not need us to sell Him, sadly, we often sound like we are. The quality of contributions we make in the lives of others, those that grow out of our love for the Father, a love worked in us by Christ is its own attraction. If by loving God I become a better husband, father, friend, and worker, these things give testimony of the value of inviting Jesus into my heart. Don’t advertise faith just be authentic in expressing it. 2/6/2009 Conversations Within ts
“An authentic life is the most personal form of worship.” Sarah Ban Breathnach
“all who see them shall acknowledge them, that they are an offspring the Lord has blessed. Is.61.9 ESV
The richest Christian witness isn’t so much when we try to be a witness as it is when the life of Jesus in us has transformed us into one. The best kind of witness isn’t advertised in sermons or slogans, in fact it isn’t an advertisement at all. God does not need us to sell Him, sadly, we often sound like we are. The quality of contributions we make in the lives of others, those that grow out of our love for the Father, a love worked in us by Christ is its own attraction. If by loving God I become a better husband, father, friend, and worker, these things give testimony of the value of inviting Jesus into my heart. Don’t advertise faith just be authentic in expressing it. 2/6/2009 Conversations Within ts
“all who see them shall acknowledge them, that they are an offspring the Lord has blessed. Is.61.9 ESV
The richest Christian witness isn’t so much when we try to be a witness as it is when the life of Jesus in us has transformed us into one. The best kind of witness isn’t advertised in sermons or slogans, in fact it isn’t an advertisement at all. God does not need us to sell Him, sadly, we often sound like we are. The quality of contributions we make in the lives of others, those that grow out of our love for the Father, a love worked in us by Christ is its own attraction. If by loving God I become a better husband, father, friend, and worker, these things give testimony of the value of inviting Jesus into my heart. Don’t advertise faith just be authentic in expressing it. 2/6/2009 Conversations Within ts
Friday, February 6, 2009
“America, America, God shed His grace on thee…”
“…the wealth of the nations shall come to you.” Is.60.5 ESV
I cannot help but think of America when I read these words. We make up only six percent of the worlds population and yet we are unsurpassed in wealth and military power. We are so few, yet blessed with so much. I cannot help but think that only the God of the Old and New Testament has blessed our nation with so much and made it shine as a light of His glory to the nations. Although we have been given such a rich heritage of faith in the God of Christ, our generation is turning away to pluralism. The nations are still coming to us, but the poison of humanism has polluted our streams and the God who made us great is now called “god of our many understandings.” I’m pretty sure the “God in your face” witness of our bumper sticker generation will not return America back to her Christian roots. I fear that the dim flashlights of modern faith are unable to light the way and must be replaced with torches relit by the fires of deep trial or even good old-fashioned persecution. 2/5/2009 Conversations Within ts
“…the wealth of the nations shall come to you.” Is.60.5 ESV
I cannot help but think of America when I read these words. We make up only six percent of the worlds population and yet we are unsurpassed in wealth and military power. We are so few, yet blessed with so much. I cannot help but think that only the God of the Old and New Testament has blessed our nation with so much and made it shine as a light of His glory to the nations. Although we have been given such a rich heritage of faith in the God of Christ, our generation is turning away to pluralism. The nations are still coming to us, but the poison of humanism has polluted our streams and the God who made us great is now called “god of our many understandings.” I’m pretty sure the “God in your face” witness of our bumper sticker generation will not return America back to her Christian roots. I fear that the dim flashlights of modern faith are unable to light the way and must be replaced with torches relit by the fires of deep trial or even good old-fashioned persecution. 2/5/2009 Conversations Within ts
“America, America, God shed His grace on thee…”
“…the wealth of the nations shall come to you.” Is.60.5 ESV
I cannot help but think of America when I read these words. We make up only six percent of the worlds population and yet we are unsurpassed in wealth and military power. We are so few, yet blessed with so much. I cannot help but think that only the God of the Old and New Testament has blessed our nation with so much and made it shine as a light of His glory to the nations. Although we have been given such a rich heritage of faith in the God of Christ, our generation is turning away to pluralism. The nations are still coming to us, but the poison of humanism has polluted our streams and the God who made us great is now called “god of our many understandings.” I’m pretty sure the “God in your face” witness of our bumper sticker generation will not return America back to her Christian roots. I fear that the dim flashlights of modern faith are unable to light the way and must be replaced with torches relit by the fires of deep trial or even good old-fashioned persecution. 2/5/2009 Conversations Within ts
“…the wealth of the nations shall come to you.” Is.60.5 ESV
I cannot help but think of America when I read these words. We make up only six percent of the worlds population and yet we are unsurpassed in wealth and military power. We are so few, yet blessed with so much. I cannot help but think that only the God of the Old and New Testament has blessed our nation with so much and made it shine as a light of His glory to the nations. Although we have been given such a rich heritage of faith in the God of Christ, our generation is turning away to pluralism. The nations are still coming to us, but the poison of humanism has polluted our streams and the God who made us great is now called “god of our many understandings.” I’m pretty sure the “God in your face” witness of our bumper sticker generation will not return America back to her Christian roots. I fear that the dim flashlights of modern faith are unable to light the way and must be replaced with torches relit by the fires of deep trial or even good old-fashioned persecution. 2/5/2009 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, February 5, 2009
"Hunger is caused by decisions made by human beings, and can be ended by making different decisions" Anonymous
“If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.” Is.58.10 ESV
When I hear these words, my thoughts run in many different directions. I think about the homeless, you know, those who are homeless because they don’t want to work. I also think of starving children in Africa and hesitate giving to organizations that promise to feed them and have a CEO pulling a six-figure salary. I think of Mother Teresa and wonder if anything I do could be described as “pouring myself out for the hungry.” The truth is that I don’t want to give out of a sense of guilt nor do I want to wait until everything is perfect before I do. I sense in my soul the overflowing spring of Your generous presence, joyfully giving even hilariously giving. I know you don’t want my money or my time, just my heart. So let me address the needs of the world by giving You my heart and as I give you mine give me Yours in return. 2/4/2009 Conversations Within ts
“If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.” Is.58.10 ESV
When I hear these words, my thoughts run in many different directions. I think about the homeless, you know, those who are homeless because they don’t want to work. I also think of starving children in Africa and hesitate giving to organizations that promise to feed them and have a CEO pulling a six-figure salary. I think of Mother Teresa and wonder if anything I do could be described as “pouring myself out for the hungry.” The truth is that I don’t want to give out of a sense of guilt nor do I want to wait until everything is perfect before I do. I sense in my soul the overflowing spring of Your generous presence, joyfully giving even hilariously giving. I know you don’t want my money or my time, just my heart. So let me address the needs of the world by giving You my heart and as I give you mine give me Yours in return. 2/4/2009 Conversations Within ts
"Hunger is caused by decisions made by human beings, and can be ended by making different decisions" Anonymous
“If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.” Is.58.10 ESV
When I hear these words, my thoughts run in many different directions. I think about the homeless, you know, those who are homeless because they don’t want to work. I also think of starving children in Africa and hesitate giving to organizations that promise to feed them and have a CEO pulling a six-figure salary. I think of Mother Teresa and wonder if anything I do could be described as “pouring myself out for the hungry.” The truth is that I don’t want to give out of a sense of guilt nor do I want to wait until everything is perfect before I do. I sense in my soul the overflowing spring of Your generous presence, joyfully giving even hilariously giving. I know you don’t want my money or my time, just my heart. So let me address the needs of the world by giving You my heart and as I give you mine give me Yours in return. 2/4/2009 Conversations Within ts
“If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.” Is.58.10 ESV
When I hear these words, my thoughts run in many different directions. I think about the homeless, you know, those who are homeless because they don’t want to work. I also think of starving children in Africa and hesitate giving to organizations that promise to feed them and have a CEO pulling a six-figure salary. I think of Mother Teresa and wonder if anything I do could be described as “pouring myself out for the hungry.” The truth is that I don’t want to give out of a sense of guilt nor do I want to wait until everything is perfect before I do. I sense in my soul the overflowing spring of Your generous presence, joyfully giving even hilariously giving. I know you don’t want my money or my time, just my heart. So let me address the needs of the world by giving You my heart and as I give you mine give me Yours in return. 2/4/2009 Conversations Within ts
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
"Now, say you're sorry...and MEAN it!" Momisms
“I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit…” Is 57.15 ESV
Am I truly sorry for my sins, or just ashamed that I would think, say and do some of the things I think, say and do? Honestly, a great deal of my shame comes from believing that I am a better man than that or at least I want others to believe that I am. It would seem that my sorrow Lord isn’t always about You, so much as it is about me. It shames me now to confess this. Its nice to know and, not so nice, to be reminded that my contrition many times is nothing more than wounded pride. At the same time, I cannot help but be impressed by kindness when my self-centeredness must be so insulting to You. But, watching You, not thinking about You but thinking about me, makes me want to be like You. Let me say it while I’m able, I am sorry for the pain I cause You Lord. Conversations Within 2/3/2009 ts
“I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit…” Is 57.15 ESV
Am I truly sorry for my sins, or just ashamed that I would think, say and do some of the things I think, say and do? Honestly, a great deal of my shame comes from believing that I am a better man than that or at least I want others to believe that I am. It would seem that my sorrow Lord isn’t always about You, so much as it is about me. It shames me now to confess this. Its nice to know and, not so nice, to be reminded that my contrition many times is nothing more than wounded pride. At the same time, I cannot help but be impressed by kindness when my self-centeredness must be so insulting to You. But, watching You, not thinking about You but thinking about me, makes me want to be like You. Let me say it while I’m able, I am sorry for the pain I cause You Lord. Conversations Within 2/3/2009 ts
"Now, say you're sorry...and MEAN it!" Momisms
“I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit…” Is 57.15 ESV
Am I truly sorry for my sins, or just ashamed that I would think, say and do some of the things I think, say and do? Honestly, a great deal of my shame comes from believing that I am a better man than that or at least I want others to believe that I am. It would seem that my sorrow Lord isn’t always about You, so much as it is about me. It shames me now to confess this. Its nice to know and, not so nice, to be reminded that my contrition many times is nothing more than wounded pride. At the same time, I cannot help but be impressed by kindness when my self-centeredness must be so insulting to You. But, watching You, not thinking about You but thinking about me, makes me want to be like You. Let me say it while I’m able, I am sorry for the pain I cause You Lord. Conversations Within 2/3/2009 ts
“I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit…” Is 57.15 ESV
Am I truly sorry for my sins, or just ashamed that I would think, say and do some of the things I think, say and do? Honestly, a great deal of my shame comes from believing that I am a better man than that or at least I want others to believe that I am. It would seem that my sorrow Lord isn’t always about You, so much as it is about me. It shames me now to confess this. Its nice to know and, not so nice, to be reminded that my contrition many times is nothing more than wounded pride. At the same time, I cannot help but be impressed by kindness when my self-centeredness must be so insulting to You. But, watching You, not thinking about You but thinking about me, makes me want to be like You. Let me say it while I’m able, I am sorry for the pain I cause You Lord. Conversations Within 2/3/2009 ts
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
“Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith.” Henry Beecher
“…tomorrow will be like this day, great beyond measure. Is.56.12 ESV
David prayed that God would keep him from presumptuous sins, and we are cautioned a number of time about making presumptions about tomorrow when we don’t even know what is coming our way in the next half hour. Jesus also encouraged us to not worry about tomorrow. And though we should not make presumptions about tomorrow but we certainly may make presumptions about God’s promises to us for it. We may not know what is coming in the next half hour, but every child of God may safely assume that Father has made provision for it. 2/2/2009 ts
David prayed that God would keep him from presumptuous sins, and we are cautioned a number of time about making presumptions about tomorrow when we don’t even know what is coming our way in the next half hour. Jesus also encouraged us to not worry about tomorrow. And though we should not make presumptions about tomorrow but we certainly may make presumptions about God’s promises to us for it. We may not know what is coming in the next half hour, but every child of God may safely assume that Father has made provision for it. 2/2/2009 ts
“Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith.” Henry Beecher
“…tomorrow will be like this day, great beyond measure. Is.56.12 ESV
David prayed that God would keep him from presumptuous sins, and we are cautioned a number of time about making presumptions about tomorrow when we don’t even know what is coming our way in the next half hour. Jesus also encouraged us to not worry about tomorrow. And though we should not make presumptions about tomorrow but we certainly may make presumptions about God’s promises to us for it. We may not know what is coming in the next half hour, but every child of God may safely assume that Father has made provision for it. 2/2/2009 ts
David prayed that God would keep him from presumptuous sins, and we are cautioned a number of time about making presumptions about tomorrow when we don’t even know what is coming our way in the next half hour. Jesus also encouraged us to not worry about tomorrow. And though we should not make presumptions about tomorrow but we certainly may make presumptions about God’s promises to us for it. We may not know what is coming in the next half hour, but every child of God may safely assume that Father has made provision for it. 2/2/2009 ts
Monday, February 2, 2009
“I sometimes wonder whether all pleasures are not substitutes for joy.” C.S. Lewis
“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; Is.55.12 ESV
Some of most comforting words ever spoken in me by the Lord Jesus also excite me, “You are not yet as happy as I intend for you to be.” It enlivens me to realize that the Father has made our happiness His concern. Yet, when I think about it, all I ultimately want for my children is for them to be happy. It makes perfect sense that our Father in heaven would want the same for His children. But God wants more for us than just moments of passing happiness, the kind that is found in pleasures or outward circumstances. The joy that Christ would give to us flows from within and is the result of our relationship with Him. When all is well with God, all is well. When we seek happiness in things, we tend to live selfishly only doing what we enjoy. On the other hand, the joy of Jesus enables us to enjoy whatever we do. And, which is the better, to chase happiness, or create it and carry it with wherever we go. 1/30/2009 ts
Some of most comforting words ever spoken in me by the Lord Jesus also excite me, “You are not yet as happy as I intend for you to be.” It enlivens me to realize that the Father has made our happiness His concern. Yet, when I think about it, all I ultimately want for my children is for them to be happy. It makes perfect sense that our Father in heaven would want the same for His children. But God wants more for us than just moments of passing happiness, the kind that is found in pleasures or outward circumstances. The joy that Christ would give to us flows from within and is the result of our relationship with Him. When all is well with God, all is well. When we seek happiness in things, we tend to live selfishly only doing what we enjoy. On the other hand, the joy of Jesus enables us to enjoy whatever we do. And, which is the better, to chase happiness, or create it and carry it with wherever we go. 1/30/2009 ts
“I sometimes wonder whether all pleasures are not substitutes for joy.” C.S. Lewis
“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; Is.55.12 ESV
Some of most comforting words ever spoken in me by the Lord Jesus also excite me, “You are not yet as happy as I intend for you to be.” It enlivens me to realize that the Father has made our happiness His concern. Yet, when I think about it, all I ultimately want for my children is for them to be happy. It makes perfect sense that our Father in heaven would want the same for His children. But God wants more for us than just moments of passing happiness, the kind that is found in pleasures or outward circumstances. The joy that Christ would give to us flows from within and is the result of our relationship with Him. When all is well with God, all is well. When we seek happiness in things, we tend to live selfishly only doing what we enjoy. On the other hand, the joy of Jesus enables us to enjoy whatever we do. And, which is the better, to chase happiness, or create it and carry it with wherever we go. 1/30/2009 ts
Some of most comforting words ever spoken in me by the Lord Jesus also excite me, “You are not yet as happy as I intend for you to be.” It enlivens me to realize that the Father has made our happiness His concern. Yet, when I think about it, all I ultimately want for my children is for them to be happy. It makes perfect sense that our Father in heaven would want the same for His children. But God wants more for us than just moments of passing happiness, the kind that is found in pleasures or outward circumstances. The joy that Christ would give to us flows from within and is the result of our relationship with Him. When all is well with God, all is well. When we seek happiness in things, we tend to live selfishly only doing what we enjoy. On the other hand, the joy of Jesus enables us to enjoy whatever we do. And, which is the better, to chase happiness, or create it and carry it with wherever we go. 1/30/2009 ts
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