“But I have stilled and quieted my soul.” Ps.131.2 NIV
Here is a skill worth learning. We learn it when we train ourselves to be satisfied with all that God is for us in our present circumstances. It is to say, and often to sing, even in the face of the most difficult circumstances, “God is enough!” We may wonder that if God is enough, then why do we need to convince ourselves that He is. I know that in my own experience my feelings tend to follow my focus. Contentment is often just a matter of waking to what you have in Christ. But another side of contentment is learning to make peace with your present circumstances by giving thanks in them even when you don’t fully appreciate why God is allowing them. 7/29/2009 Conversations Within ts
Just me trying to be honest with God.
Friday, July 31, 2009
"Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have." - Unknown
“But I have stilled and quieted my soul.” Ps.131.2 NIV
Here is a skill worth learning. We learn it when we train ourselves to be satisfied with all that God is for us in our present circumstances. It is to say, and often to sing, even in the face of the most difficult circumstances, “God is enough!” We may wonder that if God is enough, then why do we need to convince ourselves that He is. I know that in my own experience my feelings tend to follow my focus. Contentment is often just a matter of waking to what you have in Christ. But another side of contentment is learning to make peace with your present circumstances by giving thanks in them even when you don’t fully appreciate why God is allowing them. 7/29/2009 Conversations Within ts
Here is a skill worth learning. We learn it when we train ourselves to be satisfied with all that God is for us in our present circumstances. It is to say, and often to sing, even in the face of the most difficult circumstances, “God is enough!” We may wonder that if God is enough, then why do we need to convince ourselves that He is. I know that in my own experience my feelings tend to follow my focus. Contentment is often just a matter of waking to what you have in Christ. But another side of contentment is learning to make peace with your present circumstances by giving thanks in them even when you don’t fully appreciate why God is allowing them. 7/29/2009 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, July 30, 2009
“Five miles out is five miles back.” Allen Roach
“Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD.” Ps.130.1
How easy it is to get in over your head in this place. We may be drowning in debt, overdrawn in our relationships, or have written checks our body cannot cash. No matter how deep we have fallen, we are never beyond the power of Christ to rescue us. This does not mean that the rescue will be easy. A friend of mine once said, “Five miles out is five miles back.” However deep we have fallen is the distance we will have to ascend to get out of the pit. But Jesus climbs with us, offering a hand up or pointing out the next handhold or foothold. Certainly, the way out of every pit is in our next decision or next choice. Am I following Him up or going my way down? 7/28/2009 Conversations Within ts
How easy it is to get in over your head in this place. We may be drowning in debt, overdrawn in our relationships, or have written checks our body cannot cash. No matter how deep we have fallen, we are never beyond the power of Christ to rescue us. This does not mean that the rescue will be easy. A friend of mine once said, “Five miles out is five miles back.” However deep we have fallen is the distance we will have to ascend to get out of the pit. But Jesus climbs with us, offering a hand up or pointing out the next handhold or foothold. Certainly, the way out of every pit is in our next decision or next choice. Am I following Him up or going my way down? 7/28/2009 Conversations Within ts
“Five miles out is five miles back.” Allen Roach
“Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD.” Ps.130.1
How easy it is to get in over your head in this place. We may be drowning in debt, overdrawn in our relationships, or have written checks our body cannot cash. No matter how deep we have fallen, we are never beyond the power of Christ to rescue us. This does not mean that the rescue will be easy. A friend of mine once said, “Five miles out is five miles back.” However deep we have fallen is the distance we will have to ascend to get out of the pit. But Jesus climbs with us, offering a hand up or pointing out the next handhold or foothold. Certainly, the way out of every pit is in our next decision or next choice. Am I following Him up or going my way down? 7/28/2009 Conversations Within ts
How easy it is to get in over your head in this place. We may be drowning in debt, overdrawn in our relationships, or have written checks our body cannot cash. No matter how deep we have fallen, we are never beyond the power of Christ to rescue us. This does not mean that the rescue will be easy. A friend of mine once said, “Five miles out is five miles back.” However deep we have fallen is the distance we will have to ascend to get out of the pit. But Jesus climbs with us, offering a hand up or pointing out the next handhold or foothold. Certainly, the way out of every pit is in our next decision or next choice. Am I following Him up or going my way down? 7/28/2009 Conversations Within ts
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
“If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you could possibly imagine.” Obi-Wan Kenobi
“They have greatly oppressed me…but they have not gained the victory over me.” Ps.129.2 NIV
There is great confidence when one is hard pressed but knows that they cannot be not crushed; or to be perplexed, but certain that they will be inwardly kept from despair. We are said to be persecuted but Christ will never abandon us and my personal favorite of Paul’s catalog of outward oppressions that sometime come to Christians, is that we may even be struck down, but we cannot be not destroyed.” Bring it on! Our victory is certain. 7/27/2009 Conversations Within ts
There is great confidence when one is hard pressed but knows that they cannot be not crushed; or to be perplexed, but certain that they will be inwardly kept from despair. We are said to be persecuted but Christ will never abandon us and my personal favorite of Paul’s catalog of outward oppressions that sometime come to Christians, is that we may even be struck down, but we cannot be not destroyed.” Bring it on! Our victory is certain. 7/27/2009 Conversations Within ts
“If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you could possibly imagine.” Obi-Wan Kenobi
“They have greatly oppressed me…but they have not gained the victory over me.” Ps.129.2 NIV
There is great confidence when one is hard pressed but knows that they cannot be not crushed; or to be perplexed, but certain that they will be inwardly kept from despair. We are said to be persecuted but Christ will never abandon us and my personal favorite of Paul’s catalog of outward oppressions that sometime come to Christians, is that we may even be struck down, but we cannot be not destroyed.” Bring it on! Our victory is certain. 7/27/2009 Conversations Within ts
There is great confidence when one is hard pressed but knows that they cannot be not crushed; or to be perplexed, but certain that they will be inwardly kept from despair. We are said to be persecuted but Christ will never abandon us and my personal favorite of Paul’s catalog of outward oppressions that sometime come to Christians, is that we may even be struck down, but we cannot be not destroyed.” Bring it on! Our victory is certain. 7/27/2009 Conversations Within ts
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
“Other things may change us, but we start and end with family” Anthony Brandt
“Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.” Ps128.4 NIV
So many things start at home. It is not surprising then to find, after one becomes a Christian, that the presence of Christ flows first into all that concerns one’s family. Family life is arena one in our struggle to experience the presence of Jesus. And as such, family is one of the first places where we see His blessed transformation. The blessed person becomes a blessed family. If Jesus teaches us anything, He teaches us that it is the very nature of His Father’s love to overflow. 7/25/2009 Conversations Within ts
So many things start at home. It is not surprising then to find, after one becomes a Christian, that the presence of Christ flows first into all that concerns one’s family. Family life is arena one in our struggle to experience the presence of Jesus. And as such, family is one of the first places where we see His blessed transformation. The blessed person becomes a blessed family. If Jesus teaches us anything, He teaches us that it is the very nature of His Father’s love to overflow. 7/25/2009 Conversations Within ts
“Other things may change us, but we start and end with family” Anthony Brandt
“Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.” Ps128.4 NIV
So many things start at home. It is not surprising then to find, after one becomes a Christian, that the presence of Christ flows first into all that concerns one’s family. Family life is arena one in our struggle to experience the presence of Jesus. And as such, family is one of the first places where we see His blessed transformation. The blessed person becomes a blessed family. If Jesus teaches us anything, He teaches us that it is the very nature of His Father’s love to overflow. 7/25/2009 Conversations Within ts
So many things start at home. It is not surprising then to find, after one becomes a Christian, that the presence of Christ flows first into all that concerns one’s family. Family life is arena one in our struggle to experience the presence of Jesus. And as such, family is one of the first places where we see His blessed transformation. The blessed person becomes a blessed family. If Jesus teaches us anything, He teaches us that it is the very nature of His Father’s love to overflow. 7/25/2009 Conversations Within ts
Monday, July 27, 2009
“Be obedient to what is important, not to what is urgent.” Steve Dougherty
“It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; for He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.” Ps.127.2 NASB
One point these words make to us is that God cares for His own and not only by teaching us a good work ethic but a wise one. I do not think these words are meant to dissuade us from ever working long hours, but I should think that long seasons of this, spell burnout. Everyone has crisis to manage but if every day is a crisis then some root issue needs to be addressed. Imagine how silly it would be to bail water out of a sinking boat without taking time to first plug the hole. 7/24/2009 Conversations Within ts
One point these words make to us is that God cares for His own and not only by teaching us a good work ethic but a wise one. I do not think these words are meant to dissuade us from ever working long hours, but I should think that long seasons of this, spell burnout. Everyone has crisis to manage but if every day is a crisis then some root issue needs to be addressed. Imagine how silly it would be to bail water out of a sinking boat without taking time to first plug the hole. 7/24/2009 Conversations Within ts
“Be obedient to what is important, not to what is urgent.” Steve Dougherty
“It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; for He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.” Ps.127.2 NASB
One point these words make to us is that God cares for His own and not only by teaching us a good work ethic but a wise one. I do not think these words are meant to dissuade us from ever working long hours, but I should think that long seasons of this, spell burnout. Everyone has crisis to manage but if every day is a crisis then some root issue needs to be addressed. Imagine how silly it would be to bail water out of a sinking boat without taking time to first plug the hole. 7/24/2009 Conversations Within ts
One point these words make to us is that God cares for His own and not only by teaching us a good work ethic but a wise one. I do not think these words are meant to dissuade us from ever working long hours, but I should think that long seasons of this, spell burnout. Everyone has crisis to manage but if every day is a crisis then some root issue needs to be addressed. Imagine how silly it would be to bail water out of a sinking boat without taking time to first plug the hole. 7/24/2009 Conversations Within ts
Saturday, July 25, 2009
“Tears are words the heart can't express”
“He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.” Ps.126.6 NIV
There is often weeping in those times we must sow the seeds of faith. The prayers of parents for a wayward child or a man or woman for an unbelieving spouse are frequently bathed in tears of deepest concern. But such tears water the seeds we sow in faith and spiritual germination is sure to sprout in this moist soil. Before long, songs of joy will replace our labors of sorrow and the rewards of our faith will bring in the sheaves of blessing. “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.” 7/23/2009 Conversations Within ts
There is often weeping in those times we must sow the seeds of faith. The prayers of parents for a wayward child or a man or woman for an unbelieving spouse are frequently bathed in tears of deepest concern. But such tears water the seeds we sow in faith and spiritual germination is sure to sprout in this moist soil. Before long, songs of joy will replace our labors of sorrow and the rewards of our faith will bring in the sheaves of blessing. “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.” 7/23/2009 Conversations Within ts
“Tears are words the heart can't express”
“He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.” Ps.126.6 NIV
There is often weeping in those times we must sow the seeds of faith. The prayers of parents for a wayward child or a man or woman for an unbelieving spouse are frequently bathed in tears of deepest concern. But such tears water the seeds we sow in faith and spiritual germination is sure to sprout in this moist soil. Before long, songs of joy will replace our labors of sorrow and the rewards of our faith will bring in the sheaves of blessing. “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.” 7/23/2009 Conversations Within ts
There is often weeping in those times we must sow the seeds of faith. The prayers of parents for a wayward child or a man or woman for an unbelieving spouse are frequently bathed in tears of deepest concern. But such tears water the seeds we sow in faith and spiritual germination is sure to sprout in this moist soil. Before long, songs of joy will replace our labors of sorrow and the rewards of our faith will bring in the sheaves of blessing. “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.” 7/23/2009 Conversations Within ts
Friday, July 24, 2009
“The accomplice to the crime of corruption is frequently our own indifference” Bess Myerson
“The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil.” Ps.125.3 NIV
Back in the late sixties and seventies a number of people refused to pay certain taxes that were used to fund the Vietnam War. In our day, some feel this way about government-funded abortions. We walk a difficult line anytime someone in authority over us would have us join them in matters which defy our conscience. Imagine the dilemma of a teenager who is told to break some law by a parent. It happens, maybe not very often in heinous crimes but in things like lying at the theater about their age to get a cheaper ticket. Until God deals with corrupt leadership, we should hold true to what is right even if it becomes necessary to suffer for it. 7/22/2009 Conversations Within ts
Back in the late sixties and seventies a number of people refused to pay certain taxes that were used to fund the Vietnam War. In our day, some feel this way about government-funded abortions. We walk a difficult line anytime someone in authority over us would have us join them in matters which defy our conscience. Imagine the dilemma of a teenager who is told to break some law by a parent. It happens, maybe not very often in heinous crimes but in things like lying at the theater about their age to get a cheaper ticket. Until God deals with corrupt leadership, we should hold true to what is right even if it becomes necessary to suffer for it. 7/22/2009 Conversations Within ts
“The accomplice to the crime of corruption is frequently our own indifference” Bess Myerson
“The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil.” Ps.125.3 NIV
Back in the late sixties and seventies a number of people refused to pay certain taxes that were used to fund the Vietnam War. In our day, some feel this way about government-funded abortions. We walk a difficult line anytime someone in authority over us would have us join them in matters which defy our conscience. Imagine the dilemma of a teenager who is told to break some law by a parent. It happens, maybe not very often in heinous crimes but in things like lying at the theater about their age to get a cheaper ticket. Until God deals with corrupt leadership, we should hold true to what is right even if it becomes necessary to suffer for it. 7/22/2009 Conversations Within ts
Back in the late sixties and seventies a number of people refused to pay certain taxes that were used to fund the Vietnam War. In our day, some feel this way about government-funded abortions. We walk a difficult line anytime someone in authority over us would have us join them in matters which defy our conscience. Imagine the dilemma of a teenager who is told to break some law by a parent. It happens, maybe not very often in heinous crimes but in things like lying at the theater about their age to get a cheaper ticket. Until God deals with corrupt leadership, we should hold true to what is right even if it becomes necessary to suffer for it. 7/22/2009 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, July 23, 2009
“Better shun the bait, than struggle in the snare.” John Dryden
“We have escaped like a bird out of the fowler's snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped.” Ps.124.7 NIV
I my brief sojourn I have been snared by a number of inner enemies. Lying and lust were the notable sins of my youth. I look back and see that anger and insecurity plagued my mid life. Various worries and doubts lay siege my heart as I approach my autumn years. There were times when my Savior and Friend led me around the fowler’s snares. Other times He had to deliver me out of them. And, though all these struggles are still with me and continue to lay traps on the path ahead, I am confident the Companion of my soul will see me through. I pray, after all this time, that I may be delivered more by walking around these snares than needing to be delivered out of them. Bless the day when we cross into that place where snares are forbidden. 7/21/2009 Conversations Within ts
I my brief sojourn I have been snared by a number of inner enemies. Lying and lust were the notable sins of my youth. I look back and see that anger and insecurity plagued my mid life. Various worries and doubts lay siege my heart as I approach my autumn years. There were times when my Savior and Friend led me around the fowler’s snares. Other times He had to deliver me out of them. And, though all these struggles are still with me and continue to lay traps on the path ahead, I am confident the Companion of my soul will see me through. I pray, after all this time, that I may be delivered more by walking around these snares than needing to be delivered out of them. Bless the day when we cross into that place where snares are forbidden. 7/21/2009 Conversations Within ts
“Better shun the bait, than struggle in the snare.” John Dryden
“We have escaped like a bird out of the fowler's snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped.” Ps.124.7 NIV
I my brief sojourn I have been snared by a number of inner enemies. Lying and lust were the notable sins of my youth. I look back and see that anger and insecurity plagued my mid life. Various worries and doubts lay siege my heart as I approach my autumn years. There were times when my Savior and Friend led me around the fowler’s snares. Other times He had to deliver me out of them. And, though all these struggles are still with me and continue to lay traps on the path ahead, I am confident the Companion of my soul will see me through. I pray, after all this time, that I may be delivered more by walking around these snares than needing to be delivered out of them. Bless the day when we cross into that place where snares are forbidden. 7/21/2009 Conversations Within ts
I my brief sojourn I have been snared by a number of inner enemies. Lying and lust were the notable sins of my youth. I look back and see that anger and insecurity plagued my mid life. Various worries and doubts lay siege my heart as I approach my autumn years. There were times when my Savior and Friend led me around the fowler’s snares. Other times He had to deliver me out of them. And, though all these struggles are still with me and continue to lay traps on the path ahead, I am confident the Companion of my soul will see me through. I pray, after all this time, that I may be delivered more by walking around these snares than needing to be delivered out of them. Bless the day when we cross into that place where snares are forbidden. 7/21/2009 Conversations Within ts
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
“It is high time that the ideal of success should be replaced by the ideal of service” Albert Einstein
“I lift up my eyes to you.” Ps.123.1 NIV
When we look to God, we cannot help but look up to Him even when we with utter amazement are looking down to see Him washing our feet. God epitomizes what it means to reign and, as He desires from everyone who is over another, He stoops to serve His people. Jesus told us clearly and with no little astonishment to us, that He did not come to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. It should not surprise us then that as His life grows in us, we too will live in service to others. In this simple life, we experience the joy of God. 7/20/2009 Conversations Within ts
When we look to God, we cannot help but look up to Him even when we with utter amazement are looking down to see Him washing our feet. God epitomizes what it means to reign and, as He desires from everyone who is over another, He stoops to serve His people. Jesus told us clearly and with no little astonishment to us, that He did not come to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. It should not surprise us then that as His life grows in us, we too will live in service to others. In this simple life, we experience the joy of God. 7/20/2009 Conversations Within ts
“It is high time that the ideal of success should be replaced by the ideal of service” Albert Einstein
“I lift up my eyes to you.” Ps.123.1 NIV
When we look to God, we cannot help but look up to Him even when we with utter amazement are looking down to see Him washing our feet. God epitomizes what it means to reign and, as He desires from everyone who is over another, He stoops to serve His people. Jesus told us clearly and with no little astonishment to us, that He did not come to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. It should not surprise us then that as His life grows in us, we too will live in service to others. In this simple life, we experience the joy of God. 7/20/2009 Conversations Within ts
When we look to God, we cannot help but look up to Him even when we with utter amazement are looking down to see Him washing our feet. God epitomizes what it means to reign and, as He desires from everyone who is over another, He stoops to serve His people. Jesus told us clearly and with no little astonishment to us, that He did not come to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. It should not surprise us then that as His life grows in us, we too will live in service to others. In this simple life, we experience the joy of God. 7/20/2009 Conversations Within ts
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
“A man too busy to take care of his health is like a mechanic too busy to take care of his tools.” Spanish Proverb
“For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity.” Ps122.9 NIV
Since our bodies are temples, we have, as we may, the opportunity to work toward physical fitness for something other than self-centered vanity. Christians should take care of the body if for no other reason than for the Treasure living within us and that whatever we do we are to do for the Glory. Here is reason enough to eat and exercise for something other than the idolization of youthful looks. Our health like our wealth is a tool for living out all that God desires to be for us in Christ. 7/17/2009 Conversations Within ts
Since our bodies are temples, we have, as we may, the opportunity to work toward physical fitness for something other than self-centered vanity. Christians should take care of the body if for no other reason than for the Treasure living within us and that whatever we do we are to do for the Glory. Here is reason enough to eat and exercise for something other than the idolization of youthful looks. Our health like our wealth is a tool for living out all that God desires to be for us in Christ. 7/17/2009 Conversations Within ts
“A man too busy to take care of his health is like a mechanic too busy to take care of his tools.” Spanish Proverb
“For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity.” Ps122.9 NIV
Since our bodies are temples, we have, as we may, the opportunity to work toward physical fitness for something other than self-centered vanity. Christians should take care of the body if for no other reason than for the Treasure living within us and that whatever we do we are to do for the Glory. Here is reason enough to eat and exercise for something other than the idolization of youthful looks. Our health like our wealth is a tool for living out all that God desires to be for us in Christ. 7/17/2009 Conversations Within ts
Since our bodies are temples, we have, as we may, the opportunity to work toward physical fitness for something other than self-centered vanity. Christians should take care of the body if for no other reason than for the Treasure living within us and that whatever we do we are to do for the Glory. Here is reason enough to eat and exercise for something other than the idolization of youthful looks. Our health like our wealth is a tool for living out all that God desires to be for us in Christ. 7/17/2009 Conversations Within ts
Monday, July 20, 2009
“Weed 'um and reap!” Anonymous
“The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Ps.121.8 NIV
A friend jokingly asked me the other day if I had had enough “loving” from the Lord. He was referring to the long delays in our house closing knowing the trial it places on me. I jested back that I could use a season where the Lord didn’t “love” on me so much. According to Jesus, at least one-way God watches over our comings and goings is as a gardener. He sometimes comes to us with pruning shears in hand. And, though pruning may not be a pleasant season, every gardener knows when to stop and give the plant a rest. 7/16/2009 Conversations Within ts
A friend jokingly asked me the other day if I had had enough “loving” from the Lord. He was referring to the long delays in our house closing knowing the trial it places on me. I jested back that I could use a season where the Lord didn’t “love” on me so much. According to Jesus, at least one-way God watches over our comings and goings is as a gardener. He sometimes comes to us with pruning shears in hand. And, though pruning may not be a pleasant season, every gardener knows when to stop and give the plant a rest. 7/16/2009 Conversations Within ts
“Weed 'um and reap!” Anonymous
“The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Ps.121.8 NIV
A friend jokingly asked me the other day if I had had enough “loving” from the Lord. He was referring to the long delays in our house closing knowing the trial it places on me. I jested back that I could use a season where the Lord didn’t “love” on me so much. According to Jesus, at least one-way God watches over our comings and goings is as a gardener. He sometimes comes to us with pruning shears in hand. And, though pruning may not be a pleasant season, every gardener knows when to stop and give the plant a rest. 7/16/2009 Conversations Within ts
A friend jokingly asked me the other day if I had had enough “loving” from the Lord. He was referring to the long delays in our house closing knowing the trial it places on me. I jested back that I could use a season where the Lord didn’t “love” on me so much. According to Jesus, at least one-way God watches over our comings and goings is as a gardener. He sometimes comes to us with pruning shears in hand. And, though pruning may not be a pleasant season, every gardener knows when to stop and give the plant a rest. 7/16/2009 Conversations Within ts
Saturday, July 18, 2009
There is more to life than increasing its speed. ~Mohandas K. Gandhi
“I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me.” Ps.120.1 NIV
One thing I do not like about myself is that I tend to be stressed out any time I am required to wait. Waiting on the house to close, waiting in line at the store, waiting in traffic, waiting for not so fast, fast food or one that really gets to me, waiting on the phone listening to all the automated menu options before I can speak to a customer service representative. I hate waiting but I also hate the fact that I hate waiting so much. When I cried out to the Lord in this distress He answered and said, “What do you have to be distressed about, waiting?” When I consider people who have real reasons to be distressed…well it stresses me to think it. Address my distress Lord, that I may call on You for those who are truly distressed. 7/15/2009 Conversations Within ts
One thing I do not like about myself is that I tend to be stressed out any time I am required to wait. Waiting on the house to close, waiting in line at the store, waiting in traffic, waiting for not so fast, fast food or one that really gets to me, waiting on the phone listening to all the automated menu options before I can speak to a customer service representative. I hate waiting but I also hate the fact that I hate waiting so much. When I cried out to the Lord in this distress He answered and said, “What do you have to be distressed about, waiting?” When I consider people who have real reasons to be distressed…well it stresses me to think it. Address my distress Lord, that I may call on You for those who are truly distressed. 7/15/2009 Conversations Within ts
There is more to life than increasing its speed. ~Mohandas K. Gandhi
“I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me.” Ps.120.1 NIV
One thing I do not like about myself is that I tend to be stressed out any time I am required to wait. Waiting on the house to close, waiting in line at the store, waiting in traffic, waiting for not so fast, fast food or one that really gets to me, waiting on the phone listening to all the automated menu options before I can speak to a customer service representative. I hate waiting but I also hate the fact that I hate waiting so much. When I cried out to the Lord in this distress He answered and said, “What do you have to be distressed about, waiting?” When I consider people who have real reasons to be distressed…well it stresses me to think it. Address my distress Lord, that I may call on You for those who are truly distressed. 7/15/2009 Conversations Within ts
One thing I do not like about myself is that I tend to be stressed out any time I am required to wait. Waiting on the house to close, waiting in line at the store, waiting in traffic, waiting for not so fast, fast food or one that really gets to me, waiting on the phone listening to all the automated menu options before I can speak to a customer service representative. I hate waiting but I also hate the fact that I hate waiting so much. When I cried out to the Lord in this distress He answered and said, “What do you have to be distressed about, waiting?” When I consider people who have real reasons to be distressed…well it stresses me to think it. Address my distress Lord, that I may call on You for those who are truly distressed. 7/15/2009 Conversations Within ts
Friday, July 17, 2009
"Be comfortable being uncomfortable. " Peter McWilliams
It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. Ps.119.71 NIV
We may be tempted to believe the silly notion that when God is on your side everything will go your way. Actually, hardship comes to us for exact reason that He is working His way in us. Holiness is His way. This old fashioned word may conjure notions about puritanical rigor and strictness when all it really means is greater devotion to God. And, any personal disciplines, which strengthen our fidelity to Christ, are good and to be desired.
On another note, it is probably a good thing to remember that discipline is often a personal matter. My brother may not need the particular lesson being taught to me, nor the particular rigors needed to teach it. We best leave lessons of holiness in Father’s hand and quit meddling in the discipline of others. 7/14/2009 Conversations Within ts
We may be tempted to believe the silly notion that when God is on your side everything will go your way. Actually, hardship comes to us for exact reason that He is working His way in us. Holiness is His way. This old fashioned word may conjure notions about puritanical rigor and strictness when all it really means is greater devotion to God. And, any personal disciplines, which strengthen our fidelity to Christ, are good and to be desired.
On another note, it is probably a good thing to remember that discipline is often a personal matter. My brother may not need the particular lesson being taught to me, nor the particular rigors needed to teach it. We best leave lessons of holiness in Father’s hand and quit meddling in the discipline of others. 7/14/2009 Conversations Within ts
"Be comfortable being uncomfortable. " Peter McWilliams
It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. Ps.119.71 NIV
We may be tempted to believe the silly notion that when God is on your side everything will go your way. Actually, hardship comes to us for exact reason that He is working His way in us. Holiness is His way. This old fashioned word may conjure notions about puritanical rigor and strictness when all it really means is greater devotion to God. And, any personal disciplines, which strengthen our fidelity to Christ, are good and to be desired.
On another note, it is probably a good thing to remember that discipline is often a personal matter. My brother may not need the particular lesson being taught to me, nor the particular rigors needed to teach it. We best leave lessons of holiness in Father’s hand and quit meddling in the discipline of others. 7/14/2009 Conversations Within ts
We may be tempted to believe the silly notion that when God is on your side everything will go your way. Actually, hardship comes to us for exact reason that He is working His way in us. Holiness is His way. This old fashioned word may conjure notions about puritanical rigor and strictness when all it really means is greater devotion to God. And, any personal disciplines, which strengthen our fidelity to Christ, are good and to be desired.
On another note, it is probably a good thing to remember that discipline is often a personal matter. My brother may not need the particular lesson being taught to me, nor the particular rigors needed to teach it. We best leave lessons of holiness in Father’s hand and quit meddling in the discipline of others. 7/14/2009 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, July 16, 2009
What would it be to taste at the fountain-head that stream of which even these lower reaches prove so intoxicating? C. S. Lewis
"His love endures forever." Ps.118.4 NIV
How sad it would be if this is all there is to life. I think it would be like tasting the most delicious dessert you’ve ever eaten and then being told there is no more or like going to Disney World and being told you have only thirty minutes to enjoy it. One reason, not the only reason mind you, but one important reason I have chosen to follow Jesus is simply because life is so good I want to live forever. And, of all the beliefs I have investigated in the world, His claims and character seem to make the most sense to me. Jesus’ words and actions and the words and actions of those who were eyewitnesses of His resurrection, seem to come from the kind of people you could trust. 7/13/2009 Conversations Within ts
How sad it would be if this is all there is to life. I think it would be like tasting the most delicious dessert you’ve ever eaten and then being told there is no more or like going to Disney World and being told you have only thirty minutes to enjoy it. One reason, not the only reason mind you, but one important reason I have chosen to follow Jesus is simply because life is so good I want to live forever. And, of all the beliefs I have investigated in the world, His claims and character seem to make the most sense to me. Jesus’ words and actions and the words and actions of those who were eyewitnesses of His resurrection, seem to come from the kind of people you could trust. 7/13/2009 Conversations Within ts
What would it be to taste at the fountain-head that stream of which even these lower reaches prove so intoxicating? C. S. Lewis
"His love endures forever." Ps.118.4 NIV
How sad it would be if this is all there is to life. I think it would be like tasting the most delicious dessert you’ve ever eaten and then being told there is no more or like going to Disney World and being told you have only thirty minutes to enjoy it. One reason, not the only reason mind you, but one important reason I have chosen to follow Jesus is simply because life is so good I want to live forever. And, of all the beliefs I have investigated in the world, His claims and character seem to make the most sense to me. Jesus’ words and actions and the words and actions of those who were eyewitnesses of His resurrection, seem to come from the kind of people you could trust. 7/13/2009 Conversations Within ts
How sad it would be if this is all there is to life. I think it would be like tasting the most delicious dessert you’ve ever eaten and then being told there is no more or like going to Disney World and being told you have only thirty minutes to enjoy it. One reason, not the only reason mind you, but one important reason I have chosen to follow Jesus is simply because life is so good I want to live forever. And, of all the beliefs I have investigated in the world, His claims and character seem to make the most sense to me. Jesus’ words and actions and the words and actions of those who were eyewitnesses of His resurrection, seem to come from the kind of people you could trust. 7/13/2009 Conversations Within ts
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
"Empty your cup so that it may be filled…" Bruce Lee
“For great is his love toward us.” Ps.117.2 NIV
If God’s love for us is so very great, we may wonder why we many times don’t feel loved by Him at all. Well, it is not so much God’s affections but His actions, not His feeling but His doings that describe the His love for us. The greatness of God’s love is not to be measured by our ability to grasp it but certainly our acceptance of it will determine whether we experience the benefits of His love or not. This is probably what Jesus meant when He said abide in my love. God’s love is often expressed in what He tells us to do. The benefit then, would be derived in the doing. This explains why some people are very unhappy even though God’s love for them is great. 7/11/2009 Conversations Within ts
If God’s love for us is so very great, we may wonder why we many times don’t feel loved by Him at all. Well, it is not so much God’s affections but His actions, not His feeling but His doings that describe the His love for us. The greatness of God’s love is not to be measured by our ability to grasp it but certainly our acceptance of it will determine whether we experience the benefits of His love or not. This is probably what Jesus meant when He said abide in my love. God’s love is often expressed in what He tells us to do. The benefit then, would be derived in the doing. This explains why some people are very unhappy even though God’s love for them is great. 7/11/2009 Conversations Within ts
"Empty your cup so that it may be filled…" Bruce Lee
“For great is his love toward us.” Ps.117.2 NIV
If God’s love for us is so very great, we may wonder why we many times don’t feel loved by Him at all. Well, it is not so much God’s affections but His actions, not His feeling but His doings that describe the His love for us. The greatness of God’s love is not to be measured by our ability to grasp it but certainly our acceptance of it will determine whether we experience the benefits of His love or not. This is probably what Jesus meant when He said abide in my love. God’s love is often expressed in what He tells us to do. The benefit then, would be derived in the doing. This explains why some people are very unhappy even though God’s love for them is great. 7/11/2009 Conversations Within ts
If God’s love for us is so very great, we may wonder why we many times don’t feel loved by Him at all. Well, it is not so much God’s affections but His actions, not His feeling but His doings that describe the His love for us. The greatness of God’s love is not to be measured by our ability to grasp it but certainly our acceptance of it will determine whether we experience the benefits of His love or not. This is probably what Jesus meant when He said abide in my love. God’s love is often expressed in what He tells us to do. The benefit then, would be derived in the doing. This explains why some people are very unhappy even though God’s love for them is great. 7/11/2009 Conversations Within ts
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
“One advantage of talking to yourself is that you know at least somebody's listening.” Franklin P. Jones
”Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.” Ps.116.7 NIV
Learning how to talk to our self seems a valuable skill. I’m not referring to those times we rehearse to ourselves some gripe we have with someone but rather a deliberate and purposeful speaking to the heart. We often do this, to remind ourselves of what we know is good and right and true. Sometimes we chide our selves and say something like, “You know better than this,” or utter the challenge, “You can do this!” Of course, one way to speak truth to the heart is to ask it a question. The other day, after giving our Labrador some ice cream, Brenda asked her, “Maggie do you know how good you’ve got it?” I should think this a very good question for my heart. 7/10/2009 Conversations Within ts
Learning how to talk to our self seems a valuable skill. I’m not referring to those times we rehearse to ourselves some gripe we have with someone but rather a deliberate and purposeful speaking to the heart. We often do this, to remind ourselves of what we know is good and right and true. Sometimes we chide our selves and say something like, “You know better than this,” or utter the challenge, “You can do this!” Of course, one way to speak truth to the heart is to ask it a question. The other day, after giving our Labrador some ice cream, Brenda asked her, “Maggie do you know how good you’ve got it?” I should think this a very good question for my heart. 7/10/2009 Conversations Within ts
“One advantage of talking to yourself is that you know at least somebody's listening.” Franklin P. Jones
”Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.” Ps.116.7 NIV
Learning how to talk to our self seems a valuable skill. I’m not referring to those times we rehearse to ourselves some gripe we have with someone but rather a deliberate and purposeful speaking to the heart. We often do this, to remind ourselves of what we know is good and right and true. Sometimes we chide our selves and say something like, “You know better than this,” or utter the challenge, “You can do this!” Of course, one way to speak truth to the heart is to ask it a question. The other day, after giving our Labrador some ice cream, Brenda asked her, “Maggie do you know how good you’ve got it?” I should think this a very good question for my heart. 7/10/2009 Conversations Within ts
Learning how to talk to our self seems a valuable skill. I’m not referring to those times we rehearse to ourselves some gripe we have with someone but rather a deliberate and purposeful speaking to the heart. We often do this, to remind ourselves of what we know is good and right and true. Sometimes we chide our selves and say something like, “You know better than this,” or utter the challenge, “You can do this!” Of course, one way to speak truth to the heart is to ask it a question. The other day, after giving our Labrador some ice cream, Brenda asked her, “Maggie do you know how good you’ve got it?” I should think this a very good question for my heart. 7/10/2009 Conversations Within ts
Monday, July 13, 2009
“The buck stops here!” Anonymous
“The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to man.” Ps.115.16 NIV
To believe that God has given the earth to man explains a lot. Our mismanagement has produced a great deal of human suffering and even the animals and the environment groan. And, in keeping with our irresponsible behavior, many have sought to blame God for the many things wrong in our world. Did He not make it abundantly clear from day one that we our responsible for the choices we make. It is not surprising then to hear us rant against judgment. Abraham Lincoln once commented, “He reminds me of the man who murdered both his parents, and then when sentence was about to be pronounced pleaded for mercy on the grounds that he was an orphan.” 7/9/2009 Conversations Within ts
To believe that God has given the earth to man explains a lot. Our mismanagement has produced a great deal of human suffering and even the animals and the environment groan. And, in keeping with our irresponsible behavior, many have sought to blame God for the many things wrong in our world. Did He not make it abundantly clear from day one that we our responsible for the choices we make. It is not surprising then to hear us rant against judgment. Abraham Lincoln once commented, “He reminds me of the man who murdered both his parents, and then when sentence was about to be pronounced pleaded for mercy on the grounds that he was an orphan.” 7/9/2009 Conversations Within ts
“The buck stops here!” Anonymous
“The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to man.” Ps.115.16 NIV
To believe that God has given the earth to man explains a lot. Our mismanagement has produced a great deal of human suffering and even the animals and the environment groan. And, in keeping with our irresponsible behavior, many have sought to blame God for the many things wrong in our world. Did He not make it abundantly clear from day one that we our responsible for the choices we make. It is not surprising then to hear us rant against judgment. Abraham Lincoln once commented, “He reminds me of the man who murdered both his parents, and then when sentence was about to be pronounced pleaded for mercy on the grounds that he was an orphan.” 7/9/2009 Conversations Within ts
To believe that God has given the earth to man explains a lot. Our mismanagement has produced a great deal of human suffering and even the animals and the environment groan. And, in keeping with our irresponsible behavior, many have sought to blame God for the many things wrong in our world. Did He not make it abundantly clear from day one that we our responsible for the choices we make. It is not surprising then to hear us rant against judgment. Abraham Lincoln once commented, “He reminds me of the man who murdered both his parents, and then when sentence was about to be pronounced pleaded for mercy on the grounds that he was an orphan.” 7/9/2009 Conversations Within ts
Saturday, July 11, 2009
“It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.” J.R.R. Tolkien
“The Lord…turned the rock into a pool, the hard rock into springs of water.” Ps.114.8
Trial and tribulation are built into the very fabric of our lives. Can you think of a single story, be it fairy tale or true, where there isn’t some difficulty to overcome? There is always a dragon to be slain, an enemy to be conquered, or a crisis to be solved. It seems in our present state, that we need trial to refocus our energies on the grace found in Christ. We often require the thirst of the desert before we fully appreciate water from the Rock. Whatever trial we face this day, we may be sure that Father has allowed it, perhaps even brought it about to strengthen our vision and experience of Jesus. Believing this is often the turning point where our Champion slays the dragon in our story. 7/8/2009 Conversations Within ts
Trial and tribulation are built into the very fabric of our lives. Can you think of a single story, be it fairy tale or true, where there isn’t some difficulty to overcome? There is always a dragon to be slain, an enemy to be conquered, or a crisis to be solved. It seems in our present state, that we need trial to refocus our energies on the grace found in Christ. We often require the thirst of the desert before we fully appreciate water from the Rock. Whatever trial we face this day, we may be sure that Father has allowed it, perhaps even brought it about to strengthen our vision and experience of Jesus. Believing this is often the turning point where our Champion slays the dragon in our story. 7/8/2009 Conversations Within ts
“It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.” J.R.R. Tolkien
“The Lord…turned the rock into a pool, the hard rock into springs of water.” Ps.114.8
Trial and tribulation are built into the very fabric of our lives. Can you think of a single story, be it fairy tale or true, where there isn’t some difficulty to overcome? There is always a dragon to be slain, an enemy to be conquered, or a crisis to be solved. It seems in our present state, that we need trial to refocus our energies on the grace found in Christ. We often require the thirst of the desert before we fully appreciate water from the Rock. Whatever trial we face this day, we may be sure that Father has allowed it, perhaps even brought it about to strengthen our vision and experience of Jesus. Believing this is often the turning point where our Champion slays the dragon in our story. 7/8/2009 Conversations Within ts
Trial and tribulation are built into the very fabric of our lives. Can you think of a single story, be it fairy tale or true, where there isn’t some difficulty to overcome? There is always a dragon to be slain, an enemy to be conquered, or a crisis to be solved. It seems in our present state, that we need trial to refocus our energies on the grace found in Christ. We often require the thirst of the desert before we fully appreciate water from the Rock. Whatever trial we face this day, we may be sure that Father has allowed it, perhaps even brought it about to strengthen our vision and experience of Jesus. Believing this is often the turning point where our Champion slays the dragon in our story. 7/8/2009 Conversations Within ts
Friday, July 10, 2009
“I’m King of the world!” Jack Dawson (Titanic)
“He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children.” Ps.113.9 NIV
God has sprinkled the world with a particularly stunning grace; one that is seen in some remarkable individuals whether they are Christian or not. Some are blind yet manage to see the world with greater clarity than those with sight. Others are crippled yet climb mountains. Then there are the poor who despite having little, approach life like a prince or the woman who cannot bear children but whose industrious love has created a wonderful family. Isn’t it true that such spiritual graces have a ring of authenticity, which some times is greater than their material counterparts. Perhaps what we call disadvantage is merely a canvas for some of Christ’s most beautiful works of art. 7/7/2009 Conversations Within ts
God has sprinkled the world with a particularly stunning grace; one that is seen in some remarkable individuals whether they are Christian or not. Some are blind yet manage to see the world with greater clarity than those with sight. Others are crippled yet climb mountains. Then there are the poor who despite having little, approach life like a prince or the woman who cannot bear children but whose industrious love has created a wonderful family. Isn’t it true that such spiritual graces have a ring of authenticity, which some times is greater than their material counterparts. Perhaps what we call disadvantage is merely a canvas for some of Christ’s most beautiful works of art. 7/7/2009 Conversations Within ts
“I’m King of the world!” Jack Dawson (Titanic)
“He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children.” Ps.113.9 NIV
God has sprinkled the world with a particularly stunning grace; one that is seen in some remarkable individuals whether they are Christian or not. Some are blind yet manage to see the world with greater clarity than those with sight. Others are crippled yet climb mountains. Then there are the poor who despite having little, approach life like a prince or the woman who cannot bear children but whose industrious love has created a wonderful family. Isn’t it true that such spiritual graces have a ring of authenticity, which some times is greater than their material counterparts. Perhaps what we call disadvantage is merely a canvas for some of Christ’s most beautiful works of art. 7/7/2009 Conversations Within ts
God has sprinkled the world with a particularly stunning grace; one that is seen in some remarkable individuals whether they are Christian or not. Some are blind yet manage to see the world with greater clarity than those with sight. Others are crippled yet climb mountains. Then there are the poor who despite having little, approach life like a prince or the woman who cannot bear children but whose industrious love has created a wonderful family. Isn’t it true that such spiritual graces have a ring of authenticity, which some times is greater than their material counterparts. Perhaps what we call disadvantage is merely a canvas for some of Christ’s most beautiful works of art. 7/7/2009 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, July 9, 2009
"My whole world lies waiting behind door number three." Jimmy Buffett
“…in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.” Ps.112
A good bit of life could be summarized by the simple words, “Wait and see.” Most of us do not blindly hope things will turn out for the better but often we must wait for it. Redemptive history, tells us that the bear and lion will be given over to our hands, Goliath will fall, angels will descend and all who look to God will know victory over all that threatens. Now we wait, not as those who place hope in empty promises but as those who trust in the empty tomb! 7/6/2009 Conversations Within ts
A good bit of life could be summarized by the simple words, “Wait and see.” Most of us do not blindly hope things will turn out for the better but often we must wait for it. Redemptive history, tells us that the bear and lion will be given over to our hands, Goliath will fall, angels will descend and all who look to God will know victory over all that threatens. Now we wait, not as those who place hope in empty promises but as those who trust in the empty tomb! 7/6/2009 Conversations Within ts
"My whole world lies waiting behind door number three." Jimmy Buffett
“…in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.” Ps.112
A good bit of life could be summarized by the simple words, “Wait and see.” Most of us do not blindly hope things will turn out for the better but often we must wait for it. Redemptive history, tells us that the bear and lion will be given over to our hands, Goliath will fall, angels will descend and all who look to God will know victory over all that threatens. Now we wait, not as those who place hope in empty promises but as those who trust in the empty tomb! 7/6/2009 Conversations Within ts
A good bit of life could be summarized by the simple words, “Wait and see.” Most of us do not blindly hope things will turn out for the better but often we must wait for it. Redemptive history, tells us that the bear and lion will be given over to our hands, Goliath will fall, angels will descend and all who look to God will know victory over all that threatens. Now we wait, not as those who place hope in empty promises but as those who trust in the empty tomb! 7/6/2009 Conversations Within ts
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
”You are justified when You speak and blameless when You judge.”
“He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations.” Ps.111.6 NIV
God explained to Abraham that his descendants would have to wait four centuries before He would give them the Promised Land. The reason was that the nations occupying the land in Abraham’s time were not evil enough to be driven out in judgment. Centuries beyond those centuries, God removed Israel from the land of promise because of their wickedness. There are certainly plenty of examples of God’s righteous judgments to quiet the soul when He chooses not explain a particular ruling to us. 7/4/2009 Conversations Within ts
God explained to Abraham that his descendants would have to wait four centuries before He would give them the Promised Land. The reason was that the nations occupying the land in Abraham’s time were not evil enough to be driven out in judgment. Centuries beyond those centuries, God removed Israel from the land of promise because of their wickedness. There are certainly plenty of examples of God’s righteous judgments to quiet the soul when He chooses not explain a particular ruling to us. 7/4/2009 Conversations Within ts
”You are justified when You speak and blameless when You judge.”
“He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations.” Ps.111.6 NIV
God explained to Abraham that his descendants would have to wait four centuries before He would give them the Promised Land. The reason was that the nations occupying the land in Abraham’s time were not evil enough to be driven out in judgment. Centuries beyond those centuries, God removed Israel from the land of promise because of their wickedness. There are certainly plenty of examples of God’s righteous judgments to quiet the soul when He chooses not explain a particular ruling to us. 7/4/2009 Conversations Within ts
God explained to Abraham that his descendants would have to wait four centuries before He would give them the Promised Land. The reason was that the nations occupying the land in Abraham’s time were not evil enough to be driven out in judgment. Centuries beyond those centuries, God removed Israel from the land of promise because of their wickedness. There are certainly plenty of examples of God’s righteous judgments to quiet the soul when He chooses not explain a particular ruling to us. 7/4/2009 Conversations Within ts
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
It is quite useless knocking at the door of heaven for earthly comfort....
It's not the sort of comfort they supply there. - C. S. Lewis
"Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." Ps.110.1 NIV
Whatever mystical union we have with the Son of God it implies that we are seated with Him in the seat of favor. We are told that every spiritual blessing in Heaven is ours. What does this mean to us on earth? Well these blessings haven’t speeded the closing of my house but they have moved me to give thanks in my circumstances. And, which is better? Do I prefer circumstances to make me happy or to be happy no matter what my circumstances? If the enemy within is defeated, why do I need to fear enemies without? 7/3/2009 Conversations Within ts
"Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." Ps.110.1 NIV
Whatever mystical union we have with the Son of God it implies that we are seated with Him in the seat of favor. We are told that every spiritual blessing in Heaven is ours. What does this mean to us on earth? Well these blessings haven’t speeded the closing of my house but they have moved me to give thanks in my circumstances. And, which is better? Do I prefer circumstances to make me happy or to be happy no matter what my circumstances? If the enemy within is defeated, why do I need to fear enemies without? 7/3/2009 Conversations Within ts
It is quite useless knocking at the door of heaven for earthly comfort....
It's not the sort of comfort they supply there. - C. S. Lewis
"Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." Ps.110.1 NIV
Whatever mystical union we have with the Son of God it implies that we are seated with Him in the seat of favor. We are told that every spiritual blessing in Heaven is ours. What does this mean to us on earth? Well these blessings haven’t speeded the closing of my house but they have moved me to give thanks in my circumstances. And, which is better? Do I prefer circumstances to make me happy or to be happy no matter what my circumstances? If the enemy within is defeated, why do I need to fear enemies without? 7/3/2009 Conversations Within ts
"Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." Ps.110.1 NIV
Whatever mystical union we have with the Son of God it implies that we are seated with Him in the seat of favor. We are told that every spiritual blessing in Heaven is ours. What does this mean to us on earth? Well these blessings haven’t speeded the closing of my house but they have moved me to give thanks in my circumstances. And, which is better? Do I prefer circumstances to make me happy or to be happy no matter what my circumstances? If the enemy within is defeated, why do I need to fear enemies without? 7/3/2009 Conversations Within ts
Monday, July 6, 2009
“Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” Amos 3
“…but I am a man of prayer.” Ps.109.4 NIV
I realize that some of my prayers are mere prattle or when I am not blathering about, I’m usually complaining about something. Even my asking often reflects doubt rather than confident trust. But there are those moments when I am quieted by the presence of Christ within, and my prayers see a kind of transformation. Prattle becomes praise, complaint confession and asking is simply requisitioning supplies to do what Father has instructed. We need Christ as much in our prayers as we do for the things for which we are praying. A person can pray a great deal but have powerless prayers. This is the “nothing” that Jesus spoke of in John 15. Christ transforms the impotent prayer into an effectual prayer. Our first effort in prayer should be oneness with Christ, in that agreement nothing is impossible. 7/2/2009 Conversations Within ts
I realize that some of my prayers are mere prattle or when I am not blathering about, I’m usually complaining about something. Even my asking often reflects doubt rather than confident trust. But there are those moments when I am quieted by the presence of Christ within, and my prayers see a kind of transformation. Prattle becomes praise, complaint confession and asking is simply requisitioning supplies to do what Father has instructed. We need Christ as much in our prayers as we do for the things for which we are praying. A person can pray a great deal but have powerless prayers. This is the “nothing” that Jesus spoke of in John 15. Christ transforms the impotent prayer into an effectual prayer. Our first effort in prayer should be oneness with Christ, in that agreement nothing is impossible. 7/2/2009 Conversations Within ts
“Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” Amos 3
“…but I am a man of prayer.” Ps.109.4 NIV
I realize that some of my prayers are mere prattle or when I am not blathering about, I’m usually complaining about something. Even my asking often reflects doubt rather than confident trust. But there are those moments when I am quieted by the presence of Christ within, and my prayers see a kind of transformation. Prattle becomes praise, complaint confession and asking is simply requisitioning supplies to do what Father has instructed. We need Christ as much in our prayers as we do for the things for which we are praying. A person can pray a great deal but have powerless prayers. This is the “nothing” that Jesus spoke of in John 15. Christ transforms the impotent prayer into an effectual prayer. Our first effort in prayer should be oneness with Christ, in that agreement nothing is impossible. 7/2/2009 Conversations Within ts
I realize that some of my prayers are mere prattle or when I am not blathering about, I’m usually complaining about something. Even my asking often reflects doubt rather than confident trust. But there are those moments when I am quieted by the presence of Christ within, and my prayers see a kind of transformation. Prattle becomes praise, complaint confession and asking is simply requisitioning supplies to do what Father has instructed. We need Christ as much in our prayers as we do for the things for which we are praying. A person can pray a great deal but have powerless prayers. This is the “nothing” that Jesus spoke of in John 15. Christ transforms the impotent prayer into an effectual prayer. Our first effort in prayer should be oneness with Christ, in that agreement nothing is impossible. 7/2/2009 Conversations Within ts
Friday, July 3, 2009
“No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helps you.” Wilma Rudolph
"In triumph I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the Valley of Succoth. Ps.108.7 NIV
To say that God will parcel out these places in Israel is to acknowledge that God decides the boundary lines of the nations. I think it important to recognize that He does this for individual accomplishment as well. This is part of what Jesus meant when He told Pilate that he had no power over him but what was granted by Heaven. All that we accomplish on earth must first be approved by Heaven. One night, after a season of moral defeat, I told the Lord that I felt that my life and ministry were over. As clear as any words spoken to me, I heard this response within, “It is to my Father’s glory that you bear much fruit and show yourself to be my disciple.” Here is God’s approved plan for all who are in Christ. What are we waiting for? 7/1/2009 Conversations Within ts
To say that God will parcel out these places in Israel is to acknowledge that God decides the boundary lines of the nations. I think it important to recognize that He does this for individual accomplishment as well. This is part of what Jesus meant when He told Pilate that he had no power over him but what was granted by Heaven. All that we accomplish on earth must first be approved by Heaven. One night, after a season of moral defeat, I told the Lord that I felt that my life and ministry were over. As clear as any words spoken to me, I heard this response within, “It is to my Father’s glory that you bear much fruit and show yourself to be my disciple.” Here is God’s approved plan for all who are in Christ. What are we waiting for? 7/1/2009 Conversations Within ts
“No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helps you.” Wilma Rudolph
"In triumph I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the Valley of Succoth. Ps.108.7 NIV
To say that God will parcel out these places in Israel is to acknowledge that God decides the boundary lines of the nations. I think it important to recognize that He does this for individual accomplishment as well. This is part of what Jesus meant when He told Pilate that he had no power over him but what was granted by Heaven. All that we accomplish on earth must first be approved by Heaven. One night, after a season of moral defeat, I told the Lord that I felt that my life and ministry were over. As clear as any words spoken to me, I heard this response within, “It is to my Father’s glory that you bear much fruit and show yourself to be my disciple.” Here is God’s approved plan for all who are in Christ. What are we waiting for? 7/1/2009 Conversations Within ts
To say that God will parcel out these places in Israel is to acknowledge that God decides the boundary lines of the nations. I think it important to recognize that He does this for individual accomplishment as well. This is part of what Jesus meant when He told Pilate that he had no power over him but what was granted by Heaven. All that we accomplish on earth must first be approved by Heaven. One night, after a season of moral defeat, I told the Lord that I felt that my life and ministry were over. As clear as any words spoken to me, I heard this response within, “It is to my Father’s glory that you bear much fruit and show yourself to be my disciple.” Here is God’s approved plan for all who are in Christ. What are we waiting for? 7/1/2009 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, July 2, 2009
There is a difference in being narrow-minded and in narrowing our focus to make the right choice.
Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the LORD. Ps.107.43 NIV
It is generally considered wise to keep an open mind but the Spirit often calls us to walk the narrow way. This is one meaning of the Hebrew word for “heed.” Now this is not to deny the value of trying to be objective but once objectivity has led you to the truth, it is wise to hold to it. We might say that it is good the keep and open mind except when it is better to dismiss distractions, which keep us from walking in His truth. 6/30/2009 Conversations Within ts
It is generally considered wise to keep an open mind but the Spirit often calls us to walk the narrow way. This is one meaning of the Hebrew word for “heed.” Now this is not to deny the value of trying to be objective but once objectivity has led you to the truth, it is wise to hold to it. We might say that it is good the keep and open mind except when it is better to dismiss distractions, which keep us from walking in His truth. 6/30/2009 Conversations Within ts
There is a difference in being narrow-minded and in narrowing our focus to make the right choice.
Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the LORD. Ps.107.43 NIV
It is generally considered wise to keep an open mind but the Spirit often calls us to walk the narrow way. This is one meaning of the Hebrew word for “heed.” Now this is not to deny the value of trying to be objective but once objectivity has led you to the truth, it is wise to hold to it. We might say that it is good the keep and open mind except when it is better to dismiss distractions, which keep us from walking in His truth. 6/30/2009 Conversations Within ts
It is generally considered wise to keep an open mind but the Spirit often calls us to walk the narrow way. This is one meaning of the Hebrew word for “heed.” Now this is not to deny the value of trying to be objective but once objectivity has led you to the truth, it is wise to hold to it. We might say that it is good the keep and open mind except when it is better to dismiss distractions, which keep us from walking in His truth. 6/30/2009 Conversations Within ts
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
“If you believe there is a heaven and hell..."
...and you think it’s not worth telling someone about it, how much do you have to hate him to not proselytize?” Penn Jillette-Atheist (Penn & Teller)
“They mingled with the nations and adopted their customs.” Ps.106.35 NIV
I heard that it takes a new Christian about a year to lose contact with their non-Christian associations. It is one thing to forgo one’s past sins and another to forsake your friends. If we never spend time with non-Christians, how can we bear witness to them of the beauty of Christ? If all we do is assemble in churches, how are those outside the faith to know His love? I think one key is to remind ourselves that though we are no longer of the world Jesus fully intends that we be in it. A simple test to determine our witness to those outside might be to see how many non-Christian friends are on your phone speed dial list. 6/30/2009 Conversations Within ts
“They mingled with the nations and adopted their customs.” Ps.106.35 NIV
I heard that it takes a new Christian about a year to lose contact with their non-Christian associations. It is one thing to forgo one’s past sins and another to forsake your friends. If we never spend time with non-Christians, how can we bear witness to them of the beauty of Christ? If all we do is assemble in churches, how are those outside the faith to know His love? I think one key is to remind ourselves that though we are no longer of the world Jesus fully intends that we be in it. A simple test to determine our witness to those outside might be to see how many non-Christian friends are on your phone speed dial list. 6/30/2009 Conversations Within ts
“If you believe there is a heaven and hell..."
...and you think it’s not worth telling someone about it, how much do you have to hate him to not proselytize?” Penn Jillette-Atheist (Penn & Teller)
“They mingled with the nations and adopted their customs.” Ps.106.35 NIV
I heard that it takes a new Christian about a year to lose contact with their non-Christian associations. It is one thing to forgo one’s past sins and another to forsake your friends. If we never spend time with non-Christians, how can we bear witness to them of the beauty of Christ? If all we do is assemble in churches, how are those outside the faith to know His love? I think one key is to remind ourselves that though we are no longer of the world Jesus fully intends that we be in it. A simple test to determine our witness to those outside might be to see how many non-Christian friends are on your phone speed dial list. 6/30/2009 Conversations Within ts
“They mingled with the nations and adopted their customs.” Ps.106.35 NIV
I heard that it takes a new Christian about a year to lose contact with their non-Christian associations. It is one thing to forgo one’s past sins and another to forsake your friends. If we never spend time with non-Christians, how can we bear witness to them of the beauty of Christ? If all we do is assemble in churches, how are those outside the faith to know His love? I think one key is to remind ourselves that though we are no longer of the world Jesus fully intends that we be in it. A simple test to determine our witness to those outside might be to see how many non-Christian friends are on your phone speed dial list. 6/30/2009 Conversations Within ts
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