“I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it” Mae West

“So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.” Ps.81.12 ESV

“Have it your way!” This slogan might sell hamburgers but we should hope that God never says these words to us, at least not in the sense that He is abandoning us to our own devises. When Jesus told us to ask for God to “deliver us” from temptation, the word may be translated, “drag us.” In other words, in sober moments when we are thinking clearly, we pray, “Lord I may want to give in to my sinful desires but I am asking you to not let me; to drag me away if You have to.” 5/28/2009 Conversations Within ts

“I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it” Mae West

“So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.” Ps.81.12 ESV

“Have it your way!” This slogan might sell hamburgers but we should hope that God never says these words to us, at least not in the sense that He is abandoning us to our own devises. When Jesus told us to ask for God to “deliver us” from temptation, the word may be translated, “drag us.” In other words, in sober moments when we are thinking clearly, we pray, “Lord I may want to give in to my sinful desires but I am asking you to not let me; to drag me away if You have to.” 5/28/2009 Conversations Within ts

“In love, He claims all. There is no bargaining with Him." C. S. Lewis

“Look down from heaven, and see; have regard for this vine.” Ps.80.14 ESV

I think most of us assume that God is involved in our life to one degree or another. I think most of us believe that we are not as involved in His concerns as much as we should be. We may be tempted to accept less involvement on His part especially if He will excuse less involvement on ours—a sort of live peacefully with your neighbor kind of thing. But He will have none of this if we understand the scriptures correctly. Jesus has revealed the Father as an “all or nothing” kind of person. He may work patiently with us but His goal is uncompromisingly clear. He wants it all. If that sound selfish to us, we have underestimated His commitment to our happiness. 5/27/2009 Conversations Within ts

“In love, He claims all. There is no bargaining with Him." C. S. Lewis

“Look down from heaven, and see; have regard for this vine.” Ps.80.14 ESV

I think most of us assume that God is involved in our life to one degree or another. I think most of us believe that we are not as involved in His concerns as much as we should be. We may be tempted to accept less involvement on His part especially if He will excuse less involvement on ours—a sort of live peacefully with your neighbor kind of thing. But He will have none of this if we understand the scriptures correctly. Jesus has revealed the Father as an “all or nothing” kind of person. He may work patiently with us but His goal is uncompromisingly clear. He wants it all. If that sound selfish to us, we have underestimated His commitment to our happiness. 5/27/2009 Conversations Within ts

“The reproduction of mankind is a great marvel and mystery..."

"Had God consulted me in the matter, I should have advised him to continue the generation of the species by fashioning them out of clay.” Martin Luther

“from generation to generation we will recount your praise.” Ps.79.13 ESV

Reproduction is fundamental to all living things. God created the living to pass on life. And, while physical children are one way we fulfill His mandate to be fruitful and multiply, spiritual children are just as significant, maybe more so. I know people who have no physical children but have hundreds of spiritual offspring. The influences of such people will bear fruit for generations. Jesus himself never took a bride in the traditional sense but His wedding will be the grandest of all. He never had any children but He has become the Father of nations. God may not give physical children to everyone, but may He give us all spiritual children and may our physical offspring, should we have any, be spiritual children as well. 5/26/2009 Conversations Within ts

“The reproduction of mankind is a great marvel and mystery..."

"Had God consulted me in the matter, I should have advised him to continue the generation of the species by fashioning them out of clay.” Martin Luther

“from generation to generation we will recount your praise.” Ps.79.13 ESV

Reproduction is fundamental to all living things. God created the living to pass on life. And, while physical children are one way we fulfill His mandate to be fruitful and multiply, spiritual children are just as significant, maybe more so. I know people who have no physical children but have hundreds of spiritual offspring. The influences of such people will bear fruit for generations. Jesus himself never took a bride in the traditional sense but His wedding will be the grandest of all. He never had any children but He has become the Father of nations. God may not give physical children to everyone, but may He give us all spiritual children and may our physical offspring, should we have any, be spiritual children as well. 5/26/2009 Conversations Within ts

“One generation plants the trees, and another gets the shade” Chinese Proverbs

“tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord…” Ps.78.4 ESV

A person’s greatest witness to their children about the value of faith in Christ is their own personal relationship with Him. This can be easily misunderstood though if the focus of our witness is misdirected. We want our children and grandchildren to behold God’s goodness not our own. But people often encounter the goodness of Christ in our love for them. This is why words become necessary and so we tell the old, old story in the new story of our own experience of grace. 5/25/2009 Conversations Within ts

“One generation plants the trees, and another gets the shade” Chinese Proverbs

“tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord…” Ps.78.4 ESV

A person’s greatest witness to their children about the value of faith in Christ is their own personal relationship with Him. This can be easily misunderstood though if the focus of our witness is misdirected. We want our children and grandchildren to behold God’s goodness not our own. But people often encounter the goodness of Christ in our love for them. This is why words become necessary and so we tell the old, old story in the new story of our own experience of grace. 5/25/2009 Conversations Within ts

“He didn't teach us to swim to let us drown.” Phil Johnson

Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen. Ps.77.19 ESV

If you read the Psalms, it is hard not the notice the number of times the story of Israel’s redemption from Egypt is recounted and especially the part about passing safe through the waters of the sea. New Testament saints frequently revisit our deliverance from the waters of God’s wrath in the story of the crucifixion. These two points in our history lay the ground of all our interaction with God. They affirm for us that God is not only there but He is actively involved in loving us. They also affirm, and this is important, that if God has brought us this far, He will see us though to the other side. When God has led you through the sea, everything else is a mere creek crossing. 5/22/2009 Conversations Within ts

“He didn't teach us to swim to let us drown.” Phil Johnson

Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen. Ps.77.19 ESV

If you read the Psalms, it is hard not the notice the number of times the story of Israel’s redemption from Egypt is recounted and especially the part about passing safe through the waters of the sea. New Testament saints frequently revisit our deliverance from the waters of God’s wrath in the story of the crucifixion. These two points in our history lay the ground of all our interaction with God. They affirm for us that God is not only there but He is actively involved in loving us. They also affirm, and this is important, that if God has brought us this far, He will see us though to the other side. When God has led you through the sea, everything else is a mere creek crossing. 5/22/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Love knows no rules.” Virgil

God arose…to save all the humble of the earth. Ps.76.9 ESV

I have wasted too much time looking for loopholes where God forbids me to play when He invites me to romp and stomp where there is nothing to forbid. Where is such a place? There is no law against walking in love or joy or peace. There are no restrictions against patience or being kind, and good, no rules forbidding faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. In the footsteps of Jesus, we live on the positive side of life. And while there are no rules against playing in this orchard, the only way to get in is by humble faith. The doorway into the peaceful orchard of Christ is low and to enter in one must stoop. God doesn’t want to break our adventuresome spirits just our stubborn wills. 5/21/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Love knows no rules.” Virgil

God arose…to save all the humble of the earth. Ps.76.9 ESV

I have wasted too much time looking for loopholes where God forbids me to play when He invites me to romp and stomp where there is nothing to forbid. Where is such a place? There is no law against walking in love or joy or peace. There are no restrictions against patience or being kind, and good, no rules forbidding faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. In the footsteps of Jesus, we live on the positive side of life. And while there are no rules against playing in this orchard, the only way to get in is by humble faith. The doorway into the peaceful orchard of Christ is low and to enter in one must stoop. God doesn’t want to break our adventuresome spirits just our stubborn wills. 5/21/2009 Conversations Within ts

“We learn geology the morning after the earthquake.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars. Ps.75.3 ESV

I have never experienced an earthquake but the ground under my life has been shaken many times. If we come though these troublesome times and many have, it is because the Lord keeps steady the pillars. How firm is the foundation under those who believe in Jesus. Though the ground shakes around us underneath are His everlasting arms. How could we not give thanks for such grace, and how can we not pray for those who are tottering in trial. 5/20/2009 Conversations Within ts

“We learn geology the morning after the earthquake.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars. Ps.75.3 ESV

I have never experienced an earthquake but the ground under my life has been shaken many times. If we come though these troublesome times and many have, it is because the Lord keeps steady the pillars. How firm is the foundation under those who believe in Jesus. Though the ground shakes around us underneath are His everlasting arms. How could we not give thanks for such grace, and how can we not pray for those who are tottering in trial. 5/20/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Christ alone is the final end of tolerance, and therefore the present ground of tolerance.” John Piper

“They burned all the meeting places of God in the land.” Ps.74.8 ESV

Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek. God the Father does so every day. There is no way to measure His tolerance in the earth; He is patient every hour with man’s rebellious coup. Even while the Lord is tolerant, He is the Lord still. Christ commanded the very heartbeat of the soldiers who spat upon Him and holds together the molecular fabric of all who profane His name. Why is God tolerant of evil? Could it be that He is waiting for those yet unborn who will come to trust Him. If so, it says much about the value God places on our choice to return to Him when He allows others the freedom to go their way. There are limits to this of course, limits hidden in His perfect wisdom. And so, He waits and works and asks His children to do the same. It is never too much then, when Jesus asks us to be patient when wronged, to return kindness for injury and practice tolerance toward our enemies. As one brother puts it, “Christ alone, the Creator and Lord of history, has the right to wield the tolerance-ending sword, we dare not.” 5/20/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Christ alone is the final end of tolerance, and therefore the present ground of tolerance.” John Piper

“They burned all the meeting places of God in the land.” Ps.74.8 ESV

Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek. God the Father does so every day. There is no way to measure His tolerance in the earth; He is patient every hour with man’s rebellious coup. Even while the Lord is tolerant, He is the Lord still. Christ commanded the very heartbeat of the soldiers who spat upon Him and holds together the molecular fabric of all who profane His name. Why is God tolerant of evil? Could it be that He is waiting for those yet unborn who will come to trust Him. If so, it says much about the value God places on our choice to return to Him when He allows others the freedom to go their way. There are limits to this of course, limits hidden in His perfect wisdom. And so, He waits and works and asks His children to do the same. It is never too much then, when Jesus asks us to be patient when wronged, to return kindness for injury and practice tolerance toward our enemies. As one brother puts it, “Christ alone, the Creator and Lord of history, has the right to wield the tolerance-ending sword, we dare not.” 5/20/2009 Conversations Within ts

The real voyage of discovery consists of not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes. - Marcel Proust

"All in vain have I kept my heart clean…” Ps.73.13 ESV

There are days when I throw my hands up and think, “What’s the use in trying or trusting for that matter?” We might feel this way when God fails to answer what we consider a reasonable request. Or, maybe we know about some godless person living on easy street while a good and decent friend suffers sickness or financial hardship. We may feel exasperated after returning to a sin we thought conquered or after struggling for years with some shameful behavior with little progress. David felt this frustration until he went into the sanctuary of His God. There the light of Heaven gave him a fresh vision of the eternal perspective. Very few things in this world look the same when viewed from our seat in heavenly places. 5/19/2009 Conversations Within ts

The real voyage of discovery consists of not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes. - Marcel Proust

"All in vain have I kept my heart clean…” Ps.73.13 ESV

There are days when I throw my hands up and think, “What’s the use in trying or trusting for that matter?” We might feel this way when God fails to answer what we consider a reasonable request. Or, maybe we know about some godless person living on easy street while a good and decent friend suffers sickness or financial hardship. We may feel exasperated after returning to a sin we thought conquered or after struggling for years with some shameful behavior with little progress. David felt this frustration until he went into the sanctuary of His God. There the light of Heaven gave him a fresh vision of the eternal perspective. Very few things in this world look the same when viewed from our seat in heavenly places. 5/19/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Mirror, mirror on the wall who’s the fairest of them all?”

“May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth!” Ps.72.6 ESV

Here is the prayer of the Servant King. Do we dare look in the mirror each morning and pray these words about our own worth to the world? If we really believe the fairest among men has come to live in our heart, why not? Our King has shown us that the noble life resides in refreshing others. We reign in life as true kings and queens among our neighbors when we live to serve them. Water the earth O Lord, and let your people be the sprinkler. 5/18/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Mirror, mirror on the wall who’s the fairest of them all?”

“May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth!” Ps.72.6 ESV

Here is the prayer of the Servant King. Do we dare look in the mirror each morning and pray these words about our own worth to the world? If we really believe the fairest among men has come to live in our heart, why not? Our King has shown us that the noble life resides in refreshing others. We reign in life as true kings and queens among our neighbors when we live to serve them. Water the earth O Lord, and let your people be the sprinkler. 5/18/2009 Conversations Within ts

Expectation

“Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.” Martin Luther

From the depths of the earth you will bring me up again. Ps.71.20 ESV

Christians do not hope for the resurrection in the same way a person hopes it will rain. Our hope is more akin to the expectation of someone looking forward to spring. Nor is our hope just the survival of the spirit after death. No, in our flesh we shall see God, body and soul united in promised wholeness, raised in the glory of His eternal spring. 5/16/2009 Conversations Within ts

Expectation

“Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.” Martin Luther

From the depths of the earth you will bring me up again. Ps.71.20 ESV

Christians do not hope for the resurrection in the same way a person hopes it will rain. Our hope is more akin to the expectation of someone looking forward to spring. Nor is our hope just the survival of the spirit after death. No, in our flesh we shall see God, body and soul united in promised wholeness, raised in the glory of His eternal spring. 5/16/2009 Conversations Within ts

“You never know God is all you need until God is all you have.” Rick Warren

O Lord, do not delay! Ps.70.5 ESV

There are many reasons we might utter these words in prayer. There are probably just as many reasons why God may be holding back. Perhaps He delays simply because He wants to feel someone tugging on the other end of the rope. In other words, “Is there anyone there?” Jesus told us to be persistent in prayer and then asked, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” It just might be that Father allows us to suffer want to show us that He is what we really need. 5/15/2009 Conversations Within ts

“You never know God is all you need until God is all you have.” Rick Warren

O Lord, do not delay! Ps.70.5 ESV

There are many reasons we might utter these words in prayer. There are probably just as many reasons why God may be holding back. Perhaps He delays simply because He wants to feel someone tugging on the other end of the rope. In other words, “Is there anyone there?” Jesus told us to be persistent in prayer and then asked, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” It just might be that Father allows us to suffer want to show us that He is what we really need. 5/15/2009 Conversations Within ts

“The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge.” Jer.31

“For my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink.” Ps.69.21 ESV

Sour grapes, no one likes to eat them. Honestly, most of the time when they are served we have had a hand in it. But why should Christ drink the bitter wine we have brewed? The gospel tells us that He came to trade cups with us. He drank our sour grapes and to give us the cup of sweet redemption. Why hold the cup of resentment when He offers the intoxicating wine of joy? May Jesus turn our bitter waters into the wine of delicious communion. 5/14/2009 Conversations Within ts

“The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge.” Jer.31

“For my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink.” Ps.69.21 ESV

Sour grapes, no one likes to eat them. Honestly, most of the time when they are served we have had a hand in it. But why should Christ drink the bitter wine we have brewed? The gospel tells us that He came to trade cups with us. He drank our sour grapes and to give us the cup of sweet redemption. Why hold the cup of resentment when He offers the intoxicating wine of joy? May Jesus turn our bitter waters into the wine of delicious communion. 5/14/2009 Conversations Within ts

We cannot fully appreciate the warmth of fire without respecting that it also burns.

“As wax melts before fire, so the wicked shall perish before God!” Ps.68.2 ESV

I would rather reflect on God’s goodness than His anger. But to do so is to dangerously ignore one aspect of His goodness. We appreciate the value of fire when cooks our food and comforts us with warmth and light. But fire will also burn us if we transgress it. To ignore this will not change the nature of fire, one goes with the other and truthfully, we cannot have the one without the other. Because God is not only good, but wholly good, He abhors all that is bad. If we think about it, it would be foolish to think otherwise. Let me value God as much for His hatred of evil as for His love of goodness. Let us especially value Christ who shields us by His sacrifice from the Fire that consumes and brings us instead the comforts of God’s warmth and light. 5/13/2009 Conversations Within ts

We cannot fully appreciate the warmth of fire without respecting that it also burns.

“As wax melts before fire, so the wicked shall perish before God!” Ps.68.2 ESV

I would rather reflect on God’s goodness than His anger. But to do so is to dangerously ignore one aspect of His goodness. We appreciate the value of fire when cooks our food and comforts us with warmth and light. But fire will also burn us if we transgress it. To ignore this will not change the nature of fire, one goes with the other and truthfully, we cannot have the one without the other. Because God is not only good, but wholly good, He abhors all that is bad. If we think about it, it would be foolish to think otherwise. Let me value God as much for His hatred of evil as for His love of goodness. Let us especially value Christ who shields us by His sacrifice from the Fire that consumes and brings us instead the comforts of God’s warmth and light. 5/13/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Even as a coin attains its full value when it is spent,

so life attains its supreme value when one knows how to forfeit it with grace when the time comes.” Felix Marti-Ibanez

“…that your way may be known on earth.” Ps.67.1-2 ESV

We praise God not so much by our words as by our life. If I am to declare the value of God in Christ, let it be first in my personal enjoyment of His fellowship in all things. What value are my words about God if there is no joy in my life. Of equal strength, what can be said of our value to others because of Christ? How are the people in our life to know the value of Jesus if His presence in us is of no practical value to them? 5/13/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Even as a coin attains its full value when it is spent,

so life attains its supreme value when one knows how to forfeit it with grace when the time comes.” Felix Marti-Ibanez

“…that your way may be known on earth.” Ps.67.1-2 ESV

We praise God not so much by our words as by our life. If I am to declare the value of God in Christ, let it be first in my personal enjoyment of His fellowship in all things. What value are my words about God if there is no joy in my life. Of equal strength, what can be said of our value to others because of Christ? How are the people in our life to know the value of Jesus if His presence in us is of no practical value to them? 5/13/2009 Conversations Within ts

By the power of faith every enduring work is accomplished. James Allen

“He turned the sea into dry land.” Ps.66.6 ESV

God has the reputation of providing a way, even where one does not exist. He creates a highway in the desert and a path through the sea. He has done this many times for people who have looked to Him. I don’t think we doubt that God can open impossible doors but we might wonder whether He will open them for us. Jesus encourages us to believe that He will. One thing is certainly clear; the trusting heart is simply irresistible for God to ignore. It is the nature of water to seek the lowest place; it is the nature of grace to flow down into humble trusting hearts. We should never forget the words that moved the hand of Jesus even after He refused the Gentile mother’s request, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” How could He refuse that? He of course didn’t. 5/12/2009 Conversations Within ts

By the power of faith every enduring work is accomplished. James Allen

“He turned the sea into dry land.” Ps.66.6 ESV

God has the reputation of providing a way, even where one does not exist. He creates a highway in the desert and a path through the sea. He has done this many times for people who have looked to Him. I don’t think we doubt that God can open impossible doors but we might wonder whether He will open them for us. Jesus encourages us to believe that He will. One thing is certainly clear; the trusting heart is simply irresistible for God to ignore. It is the nature of water to seek the lowest place; it is the nature of grace to flow down into humble trusting hearts. We should never forget the words that moved the hand of Jesus even after He refused the Gentile mother’s request, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” How could He refuse that? He of course didn’t. 5/12/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee.” Saint Augustine

“Who stills the roaring of the seas.” Ps.65.7 ESV

I am discontent with my discontent. Strange as it may sound, I am learning to be content with my discontented state; “c'est la vie” as they say. And, such is life, at least life as a Christian. Making peace with the fact that you will never be at peace with your anger or lust or pride is one of the steps toward true and lasting peace. Still the roaring of the seas within sweet Lord and let your peace flow like a river. 5/11/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee.” Saint Augustine

“Who stills the roaring of the seas.” Ps.65.7 ESV

I am discontent with my discontent. Strange as it may sound, I am learning to be content with my discontented state; “c'est la vie” as they say. And, such is life, at least life as a Christian. Making peace with the fact that you will never be at peace with your anger or lust or pride is one of the steps toward true and lasting peace. Still the roaring of the seas within sweet Lord and let your peace flow like a river. 5/11/2009 Conversations Within ts

“It is better to read a little and ponder a lot than to read a lot and ponder a little” Denis Parsons

“It is better to read a little and ponder a lot than to read a lot and ponder a little” Denis Parsons

“Ponder what he has done.” Ps.64.9 ESV

I can think of several reasons why we are told to ponder what God has done. First, we may consider what He has done, so that we would give thanks for it, because gratitude is the proper attire of those who would enter His courts. Second, we contemplate what He has done, to awaken us to all that He is presently doing. Sometimes to appreciate where we are we must look back and see where we were. Third, we ponder what He has done, to strengthen our hope in all that He will do, for He has promised to do much in the grace of Christ. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Let me do it now! Oh my soul ponder what God has done, is doing and all that He has promised to do, indeed will do, for He has given us Christ. 5/8/2009 Conversations Within ts

“It is better to read a little and ponder a lot than to read a lot and ponder a little” Denis Parsons

“It is better to read a little and ponder a lot than to read a lot and ponder a little” Denis Parsons

“Ponder what he has done.” Ps.64.9 ESV

I can think of several reasons why we are told to ponder what God has done. First, we may consider what He has done, so that we would give thanks for it, because gratitude is the proper attire of those who would enter His courts. Second, we contemplate what He has done, to awaken us to all that He is presently doing. Sometimes to appreciate where we are we must look back and see where we were. Third, we ponder what He has done, to strengthen our hope in all that He will do, for He has promised to do much in the grace of Christ. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Let me do it now! Oh my soul ponder what God has done, is doing and all that He has promised to do, indeed will do, for He has given us Christ. 5/8/2009 Conversations Within ts

“The seeking is the goal and the search is the answer” Anonymous

“Earnestly I seek you.” Ps.63.1 ESV

This earnestness in prayer translates the Hebrew word for blackness. To put it another way it would read, “In the darkness I seek you.” David has been driven out into the wilderness of Judah. He seeks His God in the darkest part of the night just before dawn. He rises early to drink the sweet nectar of God’s fellowship and to strengthen his soul in the refreshing dew of His presence. Sometimes we must be driven out into the wilderness to learn the value of our fellowship with God. It is in these parched places of human frailty where thirsty souls come and drink the refreshment of Christ. Dark times stir us to seek God earnestly, early, and in the blackness of night. We may rejoice in trials, which wake us in the night if only that we may see the dawning light of His morning. 5/7/2009 Conversations Within ts

“The seeking is the goal and the search is the answer” Anonymous

“Earnestly I seek you.” Ps.63.1 ESV

This earnestness in prayer translates the Hebrew word for blackness. To put it another way it would read, “In the darkness I seek you.” David has been driven out into the wilderness of Judah. He seeks His God in the darkest part of the night just before dawn. He rises early to drink the sweet nectar of God’s fellowship and to strengthen his soul in the refreshing dew of His presence. Sometimes we must be driven out into the wilderness to learn the value of our fellowship with God. It is in these parched places of human frailty where thirsty souls come and drink the refreshment of Christ. Dark times stir us to seek God earnestly, early, and in the blackness of night. We may rejoice in trials, which wake us in the night if only that we may see the dawning light of His morning. 5/7/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” Helen Keller

“For you will render to a man according to his work.” Ps.62.12 ESV

When I read that God is going to make sure I get all that is coming to me, I am somewhat nervous. Now I know that Christ has died for my sins, and I do not expect to be condemned at judgment for there is no judgment that condemns in Christ. Still, this verse means something, and something of real importance. If I am nervous, it is my own fault. I should be excited that God is taking into account my works of faith and that my life will not pass into the void of vanity. Each day is an opportunity to add something of worth to the enterprise of life in Christ. There is no need to be nervous if we are engaged in activities of faith, hope and love. I find great comfort in the words of Jesus. “I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should last, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” 5/6/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” Helen Keller

“For you will render to a man according to his work.” Ps.62.12 ESV

When I read that God is going to make sure I get all that is coming to me, I am somewhat nervous. Now I know that Christ has died for my sins, and I do not expect to be condemned at judgment for there is no judgment that condemns in Christ. Still, this verse means something, and something of real importance. If I am nervous, it is my own fault. I should be excited that God is taking into account my works of faith and that my life will not pass into the void of vanity. Each day is an opportunity to add something of worth to the enterprise of life in Christ. There is no need to be nervous if we are engaged in activities of faith, hope and love. I find great comfort in the words of Jesus. “I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should last, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” 5/6/2009 Conversations Within ts

“In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.” Jose Narosky

“Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Ps.61.2 ESV

If there is any safety in this world, it is to be had in the grace of God and that, because of Christ. But our Father is known to send His own into harms way for the cause of the coming Kingdom. Is there then any safe haven where we are sure to avoid injury? Well, God certainly protects us and in ways well beyond our knowing. Only in the Day of Christ will we know the dangers averted us by His strong hand. But we do live in hostile territory and until the Kingdom has come, we should expect the soldier’s life, the soldier in battle. Only when our Commander pulls us from the fray will we be completely and forever safe from all harm. Death of course is His usual way of bringing us home from the fight. The challenge is to teach our heart to not be afraid of what He deems precious. Conversations Within ts

“In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.” Jose Narosky

“Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Ps.61.2 ESV

If there is any safety in this world, it is to be had in the grace of God and that, because of Christ. But our Father is known to send His own into harms way for the cause of the coming Kingdom. Is there then any safe haven where we are sure to avoid injury? Well, God certainly protects us and in ways well beyond our knowing. Only in the Day of Christ will we know the dangers averted us by His strong hand. But we do live in hostile territory and until the Kingdom has come, we should expect the soldier’s life, the soldier in battle. Only when our Commander pulls us from the fray will we be completely and forever safe from all harm. Death of course is His usual way of bringing us home from the fight. The challenge is to teach our heart to not be afraid of what He deems precious. Conversations Within ts

“We must lay before God what is in us, not what ought to be in us.” C. S. Lewis

“O God, you have rejected us…” Ps.60.1 ESV

What do we do when we feel that God has abandoned us? We tell Him how we feel about it of course. But just because we feel that He has forgotten us, and all of us do from time to time, doesn’t mean that He has. I think it is important to pray honestly. If we doubt God, we should tell Him. Sincere prayer is one place Christ can meet with us, shape us, and change us. There are times when I feel like my conversations with Him are more like a wrestling match. But I felt the same way when my earthy dad was teaching me how to swim and ride a bike. 5/5/2009 Conversations Within ts

“We must lay before God what is in us, not what ought to be in us.” C. S. Lewis

“O God, you have rejected us…” Ps.60.1 ESV

What do we do when we feel that God has abandoned us? We tell Him how we feel about it of course. But just because we feel that He has forgotten us, and all of us do from time to time, doesn’t mean that He has. I think it is important to pray honestly. If we doubt God, we should tell Him. Sincere prayer is one place Christ can meet with us, shape us, and change us. There are times when I feel like my conversations with Him are more like a wrestling match. But I felt the same way when my earthy dad was teaching me how to swim and ride a bike. 5/5/2009 Conversations Within ts

“The longer I live, the more faith I have in Providence, and the less faith in my interpretation of Providence” Jeremiah Day

“I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning.” Ps.59.16 ESV

God expresses love to us in acts of providence. Not long ago, people actually referred to God using the word “Providence.” They would say things like, “If Providence permits,” or “as Providence decides” and by it they would mean, “If God permits or decides.” Actually, the word “providence” comes from the word “provide.” God is a provider; He is the Provider. Jesus tells us to see God as a Father, not as some impersonal Fate. As a Father, He steadfastly provides all that is needed to know and love Him. Jesus told us that to know and love God is life. Indeed, to trust in Providence is eternal life because it will take an eternal life to know such a God. 5/4/2009 Conversations Within ts

“The longer I live, the more faith I have in Providence, and the less faith in my interpretation of Providence” Jeremiah Day

“I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning.” Ps.59.16 ESV

God expresses love to us in acts of providence. Not long ago, people actually referred to God using the word “Providence.” They would say things like, “If Providence permits,” or “as Providence decides” and by it they would mean, “If God permits or decides.” Actually, the word “providence” comes from the word “provide.” God is a provider; He is the Provider. Jesus tells us to see God as a Father, not as some impersonal Fate. As a Father, He steadfastly provides all that is needed to know and love Him. Jesus told us that to know and love God is life. Indeed, to trust in Providence is eternal life because it will take an eternal life to know such a God. 5/4/2009 Conversations Within ts

“When you don’t fear God, you fear everything else." - Oswald Chambers.

Do you judge the children of man uprightly? Ps.58.1 ESV

Whenever we pass judgment on God’s judgments, we do so, not only with erring judgment but also with arrogance. The angels ask, “Who are you O man to reply back to God?” But our generation seems to have no problem asking God to justify His actions. We ask Him to answer for the suffering in the world, why certain sins are wrong, and how everlasting punishment is just. I think we forget that we borrow the very air we breathe to make our complaints. I think we need, I think I need, some good ole fashion “fear of God” put back into our attitudes before Him. 5/1/2009 Conversations Within ts

“When you don’t fear God, you fear everything else." - Oswald Chambers.

Do you judge the children of man uprightly? Ps.58.1 ESV

Whenever we pass judgment on God’s judgments, we do so, not only with erring judgment but also with arrogance. The angels ask, “Who are you O man to reply back to God?” But our generation seems to have no problem asking God to justify His actions. We ask Him to answer for the suffering in the world, why certain sins are wrong, and how everlasting punishment is just. I think we forget that we borrow the very air we breathe to make our complaints. I think we need, I think I need, some good ole fashion “fear of God” put back into our attitudes before Him. 5/1/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Some days there won't be a song in your heart. Sing anyway.” Emory Austin

“My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast!” Ps.57.7 ESV

Here is an argument in song, beautiful to behold. Young David argues himself out of doubt and fear. He does so with harp and lyre. It is good to surround yourself with songs of thanksgiving and melodies of praise. “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast!” And where does future king sing his song? He was in a cave fleeing from his enemies. He echoes his own echo off the cavern walls and declares his faith in God though following Him means, hiding in a cave. Are you in a cave? Does darkness surround? If there is no light then fill the darkness with the sound of your praise. Awaken the dawn and the light within you shall brighten the darkest caves. 5/1/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Some days there won't be a song in your heart. Sing anyway.” Emory Austin

“My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast!” Ps.57.7 ESV

Here is an argument in song, beautiful to behold. Young David argues himself out of doubt and fear. He does so with harp and lyre. It is good to surround yourself with songs of thanksgiving and melodies of praise. “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast!” And where does future king sing his song? He was in a cave fleeing from his enemies. He echoes his own echo off the cavern walls and declares his faith in God though following Him means, hiding in a cave. Are you in a cave? Does darkness surround? If there is no light then fill the darkness with the sound of your praise. Awaken the dawn and the light within you shall brighten the darkest caves. 5/1/2009 Conversations Within ts