“Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.” Mt.5.1
How responsive is Christ to His flock. Let us be equally attentive to Him. He positions Himself to teach, to guide and give direction to our lives. Let us sit at His feet, to listen, learn and follow. He not only taught, He still teaches all who will listen. We not only study what He has said, we hear fresh words from Him each day. Our relationship with Him is not with a dead historical figure but we are coming to know and love the resurrected living Savior. 10/29/2009 Conversations Within ts
Just me trying to be honest with God.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
To believe in the resurrection means that our faith is not just in what Christ did, our faith is in a living person.
“Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.” Mt.5.1
How responsive is Christ to His flock. Let us be equally attentive to Him. He positions Himself to teach, to guide and give direction to our lives. Let us sit at His feet, to listen, learn and follow. He not only taught, He still teaches all who will listen. We not only study what He has said, we hear fresh words from Him each day. Our relationship with Him is not with a dead historical figure but we are coming to know and love the resurrected living Savior. 10/29/2009 Conversations Within ts
How responsive is Christ to His flock. Let us be equally attentive to Him. He positions Himself to teach, to guide and give direction to our lives. Let us sit at His feet, to listen, learn and follow. He not only taught, He still teaches all who will listen. We not only study what He has said, we hear fresh words from Him each day. Our relationship with Him is not with a dead historical figure but we are coming to know and love the resurrected living Savior. 10/29/2009 Conversations Within ts
Friday, October 30, 2009
“Credit you give yourself is not worth having.” Irving Thalberg
“In that day it shall be— “ The LORD is one, And His name one.” Zech.14.9
Religions divide the world; set the nations at odds against each other and for that reason some would do away with them. It is foolish to think that this could be done, at least by any human endeavor. When peace finally comes to the world, it will be a spiritual work brought about by the Spirit of God. It has been said that Christ did not come to establish Christendom, at least Christendom as it is portrayed in the world. Such is the work of man not God. The Lord commanded that no cut stones be used to build His altar and we may be sure that no mark of human accomplishment will be seen on the building of God. Each of us should consider the nature of our labor for Christ and by all means, we should lay down our engraving tools. 10/28/2009 Conversations Within ts
Religions divide the world; set the nations at odds against each other and for that reason some would do away with them. It is foolish to think that this could be done, at least by any human endeavor. When peace finally comes to the world, it will be a spiritual work brought about by the Spirit of God. It has been said that Christ did not come to establish Christendom, at least Christendom as it is portrayed in the world. Such is the work of man not God. The Lord commanded that no cut stones be used to build His altar and we may be sure that no mark of human accomplishment will be seen on the building of God. Each of us should consider the nature of our labor for Christ and by all means, we should lay down our engraving tools. 10/28/2009 Conversations Within ts
“Credit you give yourself is not worth having.” Irving Thalberg
“In that day it shall be— “ The LORD is one, And His name one.” Zech.14.9
Religions divide the world; set the nations at odds against each other and for that reason some would do away with them. It is foolish to think that this could be done, at least by any human endeavor. When peace finally comes to the world, it will be a spiritual work brought about by the Spirit of God. It has been said that Christ did not come to establish Christendom, at least Christendom as it is portrayed in the world. Such is the work of man not God. The Lord commanded that no cut stones be used to build His altar and we may be sure that no mark of human accomplishment will be seen on the building of God. Each of us should consider the nature of our labor for Christ and by all means, we should lay down our engraving tools. 10/28/2009 Conversations Within ts
Religions divide the world; set the nations at odds against each other and for that reason some would do away with them. It is foolish to think that this could be done, at least by any human endeavor. When peace finally comes to the world, it will be a spiritual work brought about by the Spirit of God. It has been said that Christ did not come to establish Christendom, at least Christendom as it is portrayed in the world. Such is the work of man not God. The Lord commanded that no cut stones be used to build His altar and we may be sure that no mark of human accomplishment will be seen on the building of God. Each of us should consider the nature of our labor for Christ and by all means, we should lay down our engraving tools. 10/28/2009 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, October 29, 2009
“You can safely assume that you've created God in your own image...
...when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.” Anne Lamott
They will call on My name, And I will answer them. Zech.13.9 NKJV
People in general make assumptions about God, some of them good, some bad. A bad assumption is bad simply because it is not true and, in the end in it may betray us. I think one reason Jesus came was to take the guesswork out of our relationship with God. He put it plainly when He told us to call on God using His name. We should not understand this as some magical incantation we append to the end of our prayers. To pray in His name is to appeal to all that is true about Him. It would be silly to ask for something we know is inconsistent with that. But, and this is an important contrast, we may confidently assume that every prayer offered up in the true spirit of the Name will move the Father to answer. 10/26/2009 Conversations Within ts
They will call on My name, And I will answer them. Zech.13.9 NKJV
People in general make assumptions about God, some of them good, some bad. A bad assumption is bad simply because it is not true and, in the end in it may betray us. I think one reason Jesus came was to take the guesswork out of our relationship with God. He put it plainly when He told us to call on God using His name. We should not understand this as some magical incantation we append to the end of our prayers. To pray in His name is to appeal to all that is true about Him. It would be silly to ask for something we know is inconsistent with that. But, and this is an important contrast, we may confidently assume that every prayer offered up in the true spirit of the Name will move the Father to answer. 10/26/2009 Conversations Within ts
“You can safely assume that you've created God in your own image...
...when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.” Anne Lamott
They will call on My name, And I will answer them. Zech.13.9 NKJV
People in general make assumptions about God, some of them good, some bad. A bad assumption is bad simply because it is not true and, in the end in it may betray us. I think one reason Jesus came was to take the guesswork out of our relationship with God. He put it plainly when He told us to call on God using His name. We should not understand this as some magical incantation we append to the end of our prayers. To pray in His name is to appeal to all that is true about Him. It would be silly to ask for something we know is inconsistent with that. But, and this is an important contrast, we may confidently assume that every prayer offered up in the true spirit of the Name will move the Father to answer. 10/26/2009 Conversations Within ts
They will call on My name, And I will answer them. Zech.13.9 NKJV
People in general make assumptions about God, some of them good, some bad. A bad assumption is bad simply because it is not true and, in the end in it may betray us. I think one reason Jesus came was to take the guesswork out of our relationship with God. He put it plainly when He told us to call on God using His name. We should not understand this as some magical incantation we append to the end of our prayers. To pray in His name is to appeal to all that is true about Him. It would be silly to ask for something we know is inconsistent with that. But, and this is an important contrast, we may confidently assume that every prayer offered up in the true spirit of the Name will move the Father to answer. 10/26/2009 Conversations Within ts
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
"At the deepest level of Being, you are one with all that is" Eckhart Tolle.
“Thus says the LORD, who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him…” Zech.12.1 NKJV
A friend recently asked me to read and review Eckhart Tolle ‘s book “A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose.” My first impression was really my only impression. I told my friend that Mr. Tolle had discovered his soul or to put it precisely, that he is a soul. Many religions not only believe this, they have somehow made the pursuit of experiencing it their Heaven so to speak and the oneness they seek does not refer to our connectedness to God but the “enlightenment” that all things are god. What falls short of life’s true purpose, at least from a Christian standpoint, happens when we make the experiencing of this awareness of soul our aim. There is indeed something wonderful about waking to one’s spiritual life even to our connectedness to everything else but our highest purpose is to know and love the God who forms the spirit of man. Before we can know oneness with Him, as Jesus prayed that we would, we must first understand God’s distinctiveness from us. We are the over flow of God but that does not make us God. 10/25/2009 Conversations Within ts
A friend recently asked me to read and review Eckhart Tolle ‘s book “A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose.” My first impression was really my only impression. I told my friend that Mr. Tolle had discovered his soul or to put it precisely, that he is a soul. Many religions not only believe this, they have somehow made the pursuit of experiencing it their Heaven so to speak and the oneness they seek does not refer to our connectedness to God but the “enlightenment” that all things are god. What falls short of life’s true purpose, at least from a Christian standpoint, happens when we make the experiencing of this awareness of soul our aim. There is indeed something wonderful about waking to one’s spiritual life even to our connectedness to everything else but our highest purpose is to know and love the God who forms the spirit of man. Before we can know oneness with Him, as Jesus prayed that we would, we must first understand God’s distinctiveness from us. We are the over flow of God but that does not make us God. 10/25/2009 Conversations Within ts
"At the deepest level of Being, you are one with all that is" Eckhart Tolle.
“Thus says the LORD, who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him…” Zech.12.1 NKJV
A friend recently asked me to read and review Eckhart Tolle ‘s book “A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose.” My first impression was really my only impression. I told my friend that Mr. Tolle had discovered his soul or to put it precisely, that he is a soul. Many religions not only believe this, they have somehow made the pursuit of experiencing it their Heaven so to speak and the oneness they seek does not refer to our connectedness to God but the “enlightenment” that all things are god. What falls short of life’s true purpose, at least from a Christian standpoint, happens when we make the experiencing of this awareness of soul our aim. There is indeed something wonderful about waking to one’s spiritual life even to our connectedness to everything else but our highest purpose is to know and love the God who forms the spirit of man. Before we can know oneness with Him, as Jesus prayed that we would, we must first understand God’s distinctiveness from us. We are the over flow of God but that does not make us God. 10/25/2009 Conversations Within ts
A friend recently asked me to read and review Eckhart Tolle ‘s book “A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose.” My first impression was really my only impression. I told my friend that Mr. Tolle had discovered his soul or to put it precisely, that he is a soul. Many religions not only believe this, they have somehow made the pursuit of experiencing it their Heaven so to speak and the oneness they seek does not refer to our connectedness to God but the “enlightenment” that all things are god. What falls short of life’s true purpose, at least from a Christian standpoint, happens when we make the experiencing of this awareness of soul our aim. There is indeed something wonderful about waking to one’s spiritual life even to our connectedness to everything else but our highest purpose is to know and love the God who forms the spirit of man. Before we can know oneness with Him, as Jesus prayed that we would, we must first understand God’s distinctiveness from us. We are the over flow of God but that does not make us God. 10/25/2009 Conversations Within ts
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
“God has two dwellings: one in heaven, and the other in a meek and thankful heart” Izaak Walton
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4.8 KJV
People tell me all the time that they are not as close to the Lord as they would like to be. Some are intimidated by so-called “spiritual giants,” others tell me plainly that they just don’t know how to get close to Him. As for “giants,” well let’s just say God is big enough to be close to us all. As for the how, one thing is plain. “This is what the high and lofty One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit.” Is.57.15 NIV 10/24/2009 Conversations Within ts
People tell me all the time that they are not as close to the Lord as they would like to be. Some are intimidated by so-called “spiritual giants,” others tell me plainly that they just don’t know how to get close to Him. As for “giants,” well let’s just say God is big enough to be close to us all. As for the how, one thing is plain. “This is what the high and lofty One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit.” Is.57.15 NIV 10/24/2009 Conversations Within ts
“God has two dwellings: one in heaven, and the other in a meek and thankful heart” Izaak Walton
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4.8 KJV
People tell me all the time that they are not as close to the Lord as they would like to be. Some are intimidated by so-called “spiritual giants,” others tell me plainly that they just don’t know how to get close to Him. As for “giants,” well let’s just say God is big enough to be close to us all. As for the how, one thing is plain. “This is what the high and lofty One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit.” Is.57.15 NIV 10/24/2009 Conversations Within ts
People tell me all the time that they are not as close to the Lord as they would like to be. Some are intimidated by so-called “spiritual giants,” others tell me plainly that they just don’t know how to get close to Him. As for “giants,” well let’s just say God is big enough to be close to us all. As for the how, one thing is plain. “This is what the high and lofty One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit.” Is.57.15 NIV 10/24/2009 Conversations Within ts
Monday, October 26, 2009
“Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough...give the world the best you have anyway.” Mother Teresa
“And they weighed out as my wages thirty pieces of silver.” Zech.11.12 ESV
Some very ugly business is conducted every day in this “every man for himself” place. But though this is true, we should not let it discourage us from doing the beautiful business of helping and healing. One man throws down another picks up. Some cheat and swindle, others sacrifice for the good of an absolute stranger. The world is full of takers, but each of us can insure it also has its share of givers. 10/23/2009 Conversations Within ts
Some very ugly business is conducted every day in this “every man for himself” place. But though this is true, we should not let it discourage us from doing the beautiful business of helping and healing. One man throws down another picks up. Some cheat and swindle, others sacrifice for the good of an absolute stranger. The world is full of takers, but each of us can insure it also has its share of givers. 10/23/2009 Conversations Within ts
“Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough...give the world the best you have anyway.” Mother Teresa
“And they weighed out as my wages thirty pieces of silver.” Zech.11.12 ESV
Some very ugly business is conducted every day in this “every man for himself” place. But though this is true, we should not let it discourage us from doing the beautiful business of helping and healing. One man throws down another picks up. Some cheat and swindle, others sacrifice for the good of an absolute stranger. The world is full of takers, but each of us can insure it also has its share of givers. 10/23/2009 Conversations Within ts
Some very ugly business is conducted every day in this “every man for himself” place. But though this is true, we should not let it discourage us from doing the beautiful business of helping and healing. One man throws down another picks up. Some cheat and swindle, others sacrifice for the good of an absolute stranger. The world is full of takers, but each of us can insure it also has its share of givers. 10/23/2009 Conversations Within ts
Saturday, October 24, 2009
“There is no tragedy like getting your own way.” Anonymous
“…in far countries they shall remember me.” Zech.10.9 ESV
There are times when God lets us have our on way, just as a parent must do with a stubborn teenager. And, when we come to our senses, and realize how foolish we have behaved, the very thing that enticed us away from God becomes a powerful motivation to return to Him. I am referring not only to the misery that always follows when we get our own way but the memory of how good we had it when we were under God’s care and guidance. 10/22/2009 Conversations Within ts
There are times when God lets us have our on way, just as a parent must do with a stubborn teenager. And, when we come to our senses, and realize how foolish we have behaved, the very thing that enticed us away from God becomes a powerful motivation to return to Him. I am referring not only to the misery that always follows when we get our own way but the memory of how good we had it when we were under God’s care and guidance. 10/22/2009 Conversations Within ts
“There is no tragedy like getting your own way.” Anonymous
“…in far countries they shall remember me.” Zech.10.9 ESV
There are times when God lets us have our on way, just as a parent must do with a stubborn teenager. And, when we come to our senses, and realize how foolish we have behaved, the very thing that enticed us away from God becomes a powerful motivation to return to Him. I am referring not only to the misery that always follows when we get our own way but the memory of how good we had it when we were under God’s care and guidance. 10/22/2009 Conversations Within ts
There are times when God lets us have our on way, just as a parent must do with a stubborn teenager. And, when we come to our senses, and realize how foolish we have behaved, the very thing that enticed us away from God becomes a powerful motivation to return to Him. I am referring not only to the misery that always follows when we get our own way but the memory of how good we had it when we were under God’s care and guidance. 10/22/2009 Conversations Within ts
Friday, October 23, 2009
"Earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal." Sir Thomas Moore
“O prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.” Zech.9.12 NIV
Everything that was lost by Adam’s rebellion is promised to be restored by the obedience of Jesus, indeed doubly so! We can only imagine the beauty of life in Eden; we can hardly begin to imagine the glory of the world to come. One of the ways paradise regained will be superior to the paradise that was lost is in its permanence. Our first parents were created so that it was possible that they could sin and loose paradise but the paradise regained by Christ can never be lost. Somehow, and we don’t know exactly how, we will be kept by the power of grace, not against our will mind you, but through the healing of our will so that everlasting life will be everlasting indeed. 10/21/2009 Conversations Within ts
Everything that was lost by Adam’s rebellion is promised to be restored by the obedience of Jesus, indeed doubly so! We can only imagine the beauty of life in Eden; we can hardly begin to imagine the glory of the world to come. One of the ways paradise regained will be superior to the paradise that was lost is in its permanence. Our first parents were created so that it was possible that they could sin and loose paradise but the paradise regained by Christ can never be lost. Somehow, and we don’t know exactly how, we will be kept by the power of grace, not against our will mind you, but through the healing of our will so that everlasting life will be everlasting indeed. 10/21/2009 Conversations Within ts
"Earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal." Sir Thomas Moore
“O prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.” Zech.9.12 NIV
Everything that was lost by Adam’s rebellion is promised to be restored by the obedience of Jesus, indeed doubly so! We can only imagine the beauty of life in Eden; we can hardly begin to imagine the glory of the world to come. One of the ways paradise regained will be superior to the paradise that was lost is in its permanence. Our first parents were created so that it was possible that they could sin and loose paradise but the paradise regained by Christ can never be lost. Somehow, and we don’t know exactly how, we will be kept by the power of grace, not against our will mind you, but through the healing of our will so that everlasting life will be everlasting indeed. 10/21/2009 Conversations Within ts
Everything that was lost by Adam’s rebellion is promised to be restored by the obedience of Jesus, indeed doubly so! We can only imagine the beauty of life in Eden; we can hardly begin to imagine the glory of the world to come. One of the ways paradise regained will be superior to the paradise that was lost is in its permanence. Our first parents were created so that it was possible that they could sin and loose paradise but the paradise regained by Christ can never be lost. Somehow, and we don’t know exactly how, we will be kept by the power of grace, not against our will mind you, but through the healing of our will so that everlasting life will be everlasting indeed. 10/21/2009 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, October 22, 2009
“We admitted we were powerless--that our lives had become unmanageable…
that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” Twelve Steps
“Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” Zech.8.23 NKJV
Here is one of the most desirable forecasts that anyone could wish about his or her faith in God. “In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jew and say, ‘“Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” Is God with me? Do others see His hand on my life? Do I see His favorable hand in my life? I am convinced that an abundant life is what Jesus offers every single person who comes to Him. If the favorable presence of God is the blessing of only a few, it is because only a few take advantage of all that God is for us in Christ. The only condition I know to receive the riches of God presence is to realize that in and of ourselves we are poor and then to cash the check offered to us by Christ. 10/20/2009 Conversations Within ts
“Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” Zech.8.23 NKJV
Here is one of the most desirable forecasts that anyone could wish about his or her faith in God. “In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jew and say, ‘“Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” Is God with me? Do others see His hand on my life? Do I see His favorable hand in my life? I am convinced that an abundant life is what Jesus offers every single person who comes to Him. If the favorable presence of God is the blessing of only a few, it is because only a few take advantage of all that God is for us in Christ. The only condition I know to receive the riches of God presence is to realize that in and of ourselves we are poor and then to cash the check offered to us by Christ. 10/20/2009 Conversations Within ts
“We admitted we were powerless--that our lives had become unmanageable…
that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” Twelve Steps
“Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” Zech.8.23 NKJV
Here is one of the most desirable forecasts that anyone could wish about his or her faith in God. “In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jew and say, ‘“Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” Is God with me? Do others see His hand on my life? Do I see His favorable hand in my life? I am convinced that an abundant life is what Jesus offers every single person who comes to Him. If the favorable presence of God is the blessing of only a few, it is because only a few take advantage of all that God is for us in Christ. The only condition I know to receive the riches of God presence is to realize that in and of ourselves we are poor and then to cash the check offered to us by Christ. 10/20/2009 Conversations Within ts
“Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” Zech.8.23 NKJV
Here is one of the most desirable forecasts that anyone could wish about his or her faith in God. “In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jew and say, ‘“Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” Is God with me? Do others see His hand on my life? Do I see His favorable hand in my life? I am convinced that an abundant life is what Jesus offers every single person who comes to Him. If the favorable presence of God is the blessing of only a few, it is because only a few take advantage of all that God is for us in Christ. The only condition I know to receive the riches of God presence is to realize that in and of ourselves we are poor and then to cash the check offered to us by Christ. 10/20/2009 Conversations Within ts
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
I cannot seem to escape the pull of my own gravity.
“When you fasted and mourned…was it for me that you fasted?” Zech.7.5. ESV
Lord, you tell me plainly that selfish prayers are a waste of time but I cannot seem to escape the pull of my own gravity. You have promised to look after me and that I should look after the concerns of Your Kingdom. As far as I can tell, You have kept Your side of things even though I fudge on my side all the time. How I want to be different. But, I am not sure if my desire to change is for You or for me. It seems I need more fuel Lord if I am to reach escape velocity, break free from my self-centered life and find myself and my concerns orbiting Yours. 10/20/2009 Conversations Within ts
Lord, you tell me plainly that selfish prayers are a waste of time but I cannot seem to escape the pull of my own gravity. You have promised to look after me and that I should look after the concerns of Your Kingdom. As far as I can tell, You have kept Your side of things even though I fudge on my side all the time. How I want to be different. But, I am not sure if my desire to change is for You or for me. It seems I need more fuel Lord if I am to reach escape velocity, break free from my self-centered life and find myself and my concerns orbiting Yours. 10/20/2009 Conversations Within ts
I cannot seem to escape the pull of my own gravity.
“When you fasted and mourned…was it for me that you fasted?” Zech.7.5. ESV
Lord, you tell me plainly that selfish prayers are a waste of time but I cannot seem to escape the pull of my own gravity. You have promised to look after me and that I should look after the concerns of Your Kingdom. As far as I can tell, You have kept Your side of things even though I fudge on my side all the time. How I want to be different. But, I am not sure if my desire to change is for You or for me. It seems I need more fuel Lord if I am to reach escape velocity, break free from my self-centered life and find myself and my concerns orbiting Yours. 10/20/2009 Conversations Within ts
Lord, you tell me plainly that selfish prayers are a waste of time but I cannot seem to escape the pull of my own gravity. You have promised to look after me and that I should look after the concerns of Your Kingdom. As far as I can tell, You have kept Your side of things even though I fudge on my side all the time. How I want to be different. But, I am not sure if my desire to change is for You or for me. It seems I need more fuel Lord if I am to reach escape velocity, break free from my self-centered life and find myself and my concerns orbiting Yours. 10/20/2009 Conversations Within ts
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
"The happiness which God designs for His higher creatures is the happiness of being freely and voluntarily united to Him." C.S. Lewis
“And this shall come to pass if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.” Zech.6.15 NKJV
God has put some matters into our hands. And, considering the weakness of human character this at first may be a scary thought. Scary, until we realize that everything God does, He does from the standpoint of His wisdom and love. We may then assume that when God made human choice apart of the certain equations, He was designing the best possible route for us to experience His goodness and love. This does not mean that we can’t blow it. Choice is always makes that possible. The nation of Israel was offered the opportunity to share His value with the nations and blew it. That task has now passed to the others. The question for each of us is will we chose to be the vehicle of blessing or will He pass us by to find someone who will? 10/18/2009 Conversations Within ts
God has put some matters into our hands. And, considering the weakness of human character this at first may be a scary thought. Scary, until we realize that everything God does, He does from the standpoint of His wisdom and love. We may then assume that when God made human choice apart of the certain equations, He was designing the best possible route for us to experience His goodness and love. This does not mean that we can’t blow it. Choice is always makes that possible. The nation of Israel was offered the opportunity to share His value with the nations and blew it. That task has now passed to the others. The question for each of us is will we chose to be the vehicle of blessing or will He pass us by to find someone who will? 10/18/2009 Conversations Within ts
"The happiness which God designs for His higher creatures is the happiness of being freely and voluntarily united to Him." C.S. Lewis
“And this shall come to pass if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.” Zech.6.15 NKJV
God has put some matters into our hands. And, considering the weakness of human character this at first may be a scary thought. Scary, until we realize that everything God does, He does from the standpoint of His wisdom and love. We may then assume that when God made human choice apart of the certain equations, He was designing the best possible route for us to experience His goodness and love. This does not mean that we can’t blow it. Choice is always makes that possible. The nation of Israel was offered the opportunity to share His value with the nations and blew it. That task has now passed to the others. The question for each of us is will we chose to be the vehicle of blessing or will He pass us by to find someone who will? 10/18/2009 Conversations Within ts
God has put some matters into our hands. And, considering the weakness of human character this at first may be a scary thought. Scary, until we realize that everything God does, He does from the standpoint of His wisdom and love. We may then assume that when God made human choice apart of the certain equations, He was designing the best possible route for us to experience His goodness and love. This does not mean that we can’t blow it. Choice is always makes that possible. The nation of Israel was offered the opportunity to share His value with the nations and blew it. That task has now passed to the others. The question for each of us is will we chose to be the vehicle of blessing or will He pass us by to find someone who will? 10/18/2009 Conversations Within ts
Monday, October 19, 2009
"God not only sends special angels into our lives...
...but sometimes He even sends them back again if we forget to take notes the first time!" Eileen Elias Freeman, 1994
“Then I turned and raised my eyes, and saw there a flying scroll.” Zech5.1 NKJV
The vision of the flying scroll is one of many revelations in the Scriptures that assure us that there are decisions being made in heaven that affect affairs here on earth. The abode of angels is not a static place. Every glimpse we are given in God’s word, describes Heaven as a place of bustling business and its chief export, the directives of God’s will on earth. Not surprisingly, many times these directives are in answer to the prayers of God’s people. 10/17/2009 Conversations Within ts
“Then I turned and raised my eyes, and saw there a flying scroll.” Zech5.1 NKJV
The vision of the flying scroll is one of many revelations in the Scriptures that assure us that there are decisions being made in heaven that affect affairs here on earth. The abode of angels is not a static place. Every glimpse we are given in God’s word, describes Heaven as a place of bustling business and its chief export, the directives of God’s will on earth. Not surprisingly, many times these directives are in answer to the prayers of God’s people. 10/17/2009 Conversations Within ts
"God not only sends special angels into our lives...
...but sometimes He even sends them back again if we forget to take notes the first time!" Eileen Elias Freeman, 1994
“Then I turned and raised my eyes, and saw there a flying scroll.” Zech5.1 NKJV
The vision of the flying scroll is one of many revelations in the Scriptures that assure us that there are decisions being made in heaven that affect affairs here on earth. The abode of angels is not a static place. Every glimpse we are given in God’s word, describes Heaven as a place of bustling business and its chief export, the directives of God’s will on earth. Not surprisingly, many times these directives are in answer to the prayers of God’s people. 10/17/2009 Conversations Within ts
“Then I turned and raised my eyes, and saw there a flying scroll.” Zech5.1 NKJV
The vision of the flying scroll is one of many revelations in the Scriptures that assure us that there are decisions being made in heaven that affect affairs here on earth. The abode of angels is not a static place. Every glimpse we are given in God’s word, describes Heaven as a place of bustling business and its chief export, the directives of God’s will on earth. Not surprisingly, many times these directives are in answer to the prayers of God’s people. 10/17/2009 Conversations Within ts
Saturday, October 17, 2009
“Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.” Mother Teresa
"Who despises the day of small things?” Zech.4.10 NIV
Ordinary moments are made magical when life is seen through healed eyes. Our smallest actions are made to bear lasting fruit when His life fills our own. The life of Jesus within us will transform the quality of our interactions so that reading a book; conversing with a friend or eating a sandwich, become a means of worship and life itself a sanctuary. 10/15/2009 Conversations Within ts
Ordinary moments are made magical when life is seen through healed eyes. Our smallest actions are made to bear lasting fruit when His life fills our own. The life of Jesus within us will transform the quality of our interactions so that reading a book; conversing with a friend or eating a sandwich, become a means of worship and life itself a sanctuary. 10/15/2009 Conversations Within ts
“Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.” Mother Teresa
"Who despises the day of small things?” Zech.4.10 NIV
Ordinary moments are made magical when life is seen through healed eyes. Our smallest actions are made to bear lasting fruit when His life fills our own. The life of Jesus within us will transform the quality of our interactions so that reading a book; conversing with a friend or eating a sandwich, become a means of worship and life itself a sanctuary. 10/15/2009 Conversations Within ts
Ordinary moments are made magical when life is seen through healed eyes. Our smallest actions are made to bear lasting fruit when His life fills our own. The life of Jesus within us will transform the quality of our interactions so that reading a book; conversing with a friend or eating a sandwich, become a means of worship and life itself a sanctuary. 10/15/2009 Conversations Within ts
Friday, October 16, 2009
Humility isn’t a virtue we attain but something we realize.
"Remove the filthy garments from him." Zech.3.4 ESV
If we live in each moment, savor and give ourselves to it, then those moments where we have sought and found forgiveness can be a continuing means of grace. I mean the next time we face the temptation to return to that sin we have confessed, that sin which God has graciously forgiven, the remembered forgiveness may serve to put out the fire of our desire to do it again. The key then is to remember, and the key to remembering is to be continually thankful and the key to thanksgiving is humility. The humble soul, is a needful soul, is a grateful soul, is a soul made powerful to utter the words, “How could I do this thing and sin against my God?” 10/13/2009 Conversations Within ts
If we live in each moment, savor and give ourselves to it, then those moments where we have sought and found forgiveness can be a continuing means of grace. I mean the next time we face the temptation to return to that sin we have confessed, that sin which God has graciously forgiven, the remembered forgiveness may serve to put out the fire of our desire to do it again. The key then is to remember, and the key to remembering is to be continually thankful and the key to thanksgiving is humility. The humble soul, is a needful soul, is a grateful soul, is a soul made powerful to utter the words, “How could I do this thing and sin against my God?” 10/13/2009 Conversations Within ts
Humility isn’t a virtue we attain but something we realize.
"Remove the filthy garments from him." Zech.3.4 ESV
If we live in each moment, savor and give ourselves to it, then those moments where we have sought and found forgiveness can be a continuing means of grace. I mean the next time we face the temptation to return to that sin we have confessed, that sin which God has graciously forgiven, the remembered forgiveness may serve to put out the fire of our desire to do it again. The key then is to remember, and the key to remembering is to be continually thankful and the key to thanksgiving is humility. The humble soul, is a needful soul, is a grateful soul, is a soul made powerful to utter the words, “How could I do this thing and sin against my God?” 10/13/2009 Conversations Within ts
If we live in each moment, savor and give ourselves to it, then those moments where we have sought and found forgiveness can be a continuing means of grace. I mean the next time we face the temptation to return to that sin we have confessed, that sin which God has graciously forgiven, the remembered forgiveness may serve to put out the fire of our desire to do it again. The key then is to remember, and the key to remembering is to be continually thankful and the key to thanksgiving is humility. The humble soul, is a needful soul, is a grateful soul, is a soul made powerful to utter the words, “How could I do this thing and sin against my God?” 10/13/2009 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, October 15, 2009
“Before we can pray, "Lord, Thy Kingdom come," we must be willing to pray, "My Kingdom go."” Alan Redpath
“Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls…” Zech.2.4 NKJV
Surely, the Church is the fulfillment of these words. The citizens of the New Jerusalem are now one vast people from every nation who name the Name of Christ and look to Him as Lord and Savior. Jerusalem in this sense is a city without walls. God clearly has a global focus and so should those who are citizens of His Kingdom. We pray for one world government but not in the liberal sense of modern politics. We pray that men come under the government of Christ. The Kingdom of Christ is no more the Jewish state of Israel than it is the steepled buildings that dot the world. Jesus told us plainly that His Kingdom is not of this world. This does not mean there will be no physical expressions of His kingdom but we should not confuse states and steeples with the hearts of men. 10/12/2009 Conversations Within ts
Surely, the Church is the fulfillment of these words. The citizens of the New Jerusalem are now one vast people from every nation who name the Name of Christ and look to Him as Lord and Savior. Jerusalem in this sense is a city without walls. God clearly has a global focus and so should those who are citizens of His Kingdom. We pray for one world government but not in the liberal sense of modern politics. We pray that men come under the government of Christ. The Kingdom of Christ is no more the Jewish state of Israel than it is the steepled buildings that dot the world. Jesus told us plainly that His Kingdom is not of this world. This does not mean there will be no physical expressions of His kingdom but we should not confuse states and steeples with the hearts of men. 10/12/2009 Conversations Within ts
“Before we can pray, "Lord, Thy Kingdom come," we must be willing to pray, "My Kingdom go."” Alan Redpath
“Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls…” Zech.2.4 NKJV
Surely, the Church is the fulfillment of these words. The citizens of the New Jerusalem are now one vast people from every nation who name the Name of Christ and look to Him as Lord and Savior. Jerusalem in this sense is a city without walls. God clearly has a global focus and so should those who are citizens of His Kingdom. We pray for one world government but not in the liberal sense of modern politics. We pray that men come under the government of Christ. The Kingdom of Christ is no more the Jewish state of Israel than it is the steepled buildings that dot the world. Jesus told us plainly that His Kingdom is not of this world. This does not mean there will be no physical expressions of His kingdom but we should not confuse states and steeples with the hearts of men. 10/12/2009 Conversations Within ts
Surely, the Church is the fulfillment of these words. The citizens of the New Jerusalem are now one vast people from every nation who name the Name of Christ and look to Him as Lord and Savior. Jerusalem in this sense is a city without walls. God clearly has a global focus and so should those who are citizens of His Kingdom. We pray for one world government but not in the liberal sense of modern politics. We pray that men come under the government of Christ. The Kingdom of Christ is no more the Jewish state of Israel than it is the steepled buildings that dot the world. Jesus told us plainly that His Kingdom is not of this world. This does not mean there will be no physical expressions of His kingdom but we should not confuse states and steeples with the hearts of men. 10/12/2009 Conversations Within ts
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
“The purpose of influence is to speak up for those who have no influence”. Rick Warren
“I am exceedingly angry with the nations that are at ease.” Zech.1.15 ESV
I remember being sorely displeased whenever my children refused to share their toys. But I also have wonderful memories of times when each of them not only gave to meet another’s need, but also sacrificed to do it. It is abundantly clear that God expects us to not only share but also to sacrifice if necessary to help our neighbors. He is not happy when we sit around in the ease of wealth while millions suffer starvation and oppression. But where can we begin when even Jesus told us “the poor you have with you always?” Mother Theresa offered us a great place to start. “If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” 10/11/2009 Conversations Within ts
I remember being sorely displeased whenever my children refused to share their toys. But I also have wonderful memories of times when each of them not only gave to meet another’s need, but also sacrificed to do it. It is abundantly clear that God expects us to not only share but also to sacrifice if necessary to help our neighbors. He is not happy when we sit around in the ease of wealth while millions suffer starvation and oppression. But where can we begin when even Jesus told us “the poor you have with you always?” Mother Theresa offered us a great place to start. “If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” 10/11/2009 Conversations Within ts
“The purpose of influence is to speak up for those who have no influence”. Rick Warren
“I am exceedingly angry with the nations that are at ease.” Zech.1.15 ESV
I remember being sorely displeased whenever my children refused to share their toys. But I also have wonderful memories of times when each of them not only gave to meet another’s need, but also sacrificed to do it. It is abundantly clear that God expects us to not only share but also to sacrifice if necessary to help our neighbors. He is not happy when we sit around in the ease of wealth while millions suffer starvation and oppression. But where can we begin when even Jesus told us “the poor you have with you always?” Mother Theresa offered us a great place to start. “If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” 10/11/2009 Conversations Within ts
I remember being sorely displeased whenever my children refused to share their toys. But I also have wonderful memories of times when each of them not only gave to meet another’s need, but also sacrificed to do it. It is abundantly clear that God expects us to not only share but also to sacrifice if necessary to help our neighbors. He is not happy when we sit around in the ease of wealth while millions suffer starvation and oppression. But where can we begin when even Jesus told us “the poor you have with you always?” Mother Theresa offered us a great place to start. “If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” 10/11/2009 Conversations Within ts
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
A person who won't read has no advantage over one who can't read. Mark Twain
“but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2Pt.3.18 NKJV
I feel confident that grace is given to us for every circumstance. The question is do we appropriate it. There must be moments where grace is given to us and whether we receive it or not, we have its benefit. An example may be God protecting us from some danger we do not know about. But there also must be moments when God gives us grace and if we don’t take advantage of it, we miss its benefit. Perhaps He gives us grace to hold our tongue in an argument but we refuse it, lash out, and escalate the conflict. Give us an eye for Your grace Lord, to lay hold of it throughout each day and glory in Your goodness. 10/10/2009 Conversations Within ts
I feel confident that grace is given to us for every circumstance. The question is do we appropriate it. There must be moments where grace is given to us and whether we receive it or not, we have its benefit. An example may be God protecting us from some danger we do not know about. But there also must be moments when God gives us grace and if we don’t take advantage of it, we miss its benefit. Perhaps He gives us grace to hold our tongue in an argument but we refuse it, lash out, and escalate the conflict. Give us an eye for Your grace Lord, to lay hold of it throughout each day and glory in Your goodness. 10/10/2009 Conversations Within ts
A person who won't read has no advantage over one who can't read. Mark Twain
“but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2Pt.3.18 NKJV
I feel confident that grace is given to us for every circumstance. The question is do we appropriate it. There must be moments where grace is given to us and whether we receive it or not, we have its benefit. An example may be God protecting us from some danger we do not know about. But there also must be moments when God gives us grace and if we don’t take advantage of it, we miss its benefit. Perhaps He gives us grace to hold our tongue in an argument but we refuse it, lash out, and escalate the conflict. Give us an eye for Your grace Lord, to lay hold of it throughout each day and glory in Your goodness. 10/10/2009 Conversations Within ts
I feel confident that grace is given to us for every circumstance. The question is do we appropriate it. There must be moments where grace is given to us and whether we receive it or not, we have its benefit. An example may be God protecting us from some danger we do not know about. But there also must be moments when God gives us grace and if we don’t take advantage of it, we miss its benefit. Perhaps He gives us grace to hold our tongue in an argument but we refuse it, lash out, and escalate the conflict. Give us an eye for Your grace Lord, to lay hold of it throughout each day and glory in Your goodness. 10/10/2009 Conversations Within ts
Monday, October 12, 2009
Osmosis (biology)
Osmosis (biology)-the passage of molecules through a membrane from a place of higher concentration to a place of lower concentration until both sides are equal.
“be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless…” 2Pt.3.14
People often have unrealistic expectations about life. But even though most will never reach the level of perfection they have envisioned, the diligent press on anyway. We may strive to be like Christ in every respect, and though we may never reach His perfect oneness with God in this life, it is still a worthwhile goal. Why? Well certainly not to merit salvation but simply to experience more of it. This means of course, that the how is as important as the why. Our effort to be like Christ is somewhat like a spiritual osmosis rather than earning a merit badge. The higher concentration of God’s presence in Christ is flowing into the lower consecration of His presence in us, until both solutions are the same. The difference is that flowing into us takes nothing from Him. What is the condition, the membrane if you will, that allows this osmosis? That would be simple humility and faith. Christians receive grace they don’t earn it. 10/9/2009 Conversations Within ts
“be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless…” 2Pt.3.14
People often have unrealistic expectations about life. But even though most will never reach the level of perfection they have envisioned, the diligent press on anyway. We may strive to be like Christ in every respect, and though we may never reach His perfect oneness with God in this life, it is still a worthwhile goal. Why? Well certainly not to merit salvation but simply to experience more of it. This means of course, that the how is as important as the why. Our effort to be like Christ is somewhat like a spiritual osmosis rather than earning a merit badge. The higher concentration of God’s presence in Christ is flowing into the lower consecration of His presence in us, until both solutions are the same. The difference is that flowing into us takes nothing from Him. What is the condition, the membrane if you will, that allows this osmosis? That would be simple humility and faith. Christians receive grace they don’t earn it. 10/9/2009 Conversations Within ts
Osmosis (biology)
Osmosis (biology)-the passage of molecules through a membrane from a place of higher concentration to a place of lower concentration until both sides are equal.
“be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless…” 2Pt.3.14
People often have unrealistic expectations about life. But even though most will never reach the level of perfection they have envisioned, the diligent press on anyway. We may strive to be like Christ in every respect, and though we may never reach His perfect oneness with God in this life, it is still a worthwhile goal. Why? Well certainly not to merit salvation but simply to experience more of it. This means of course, that the how is as important as the why. Our effort to be like Christ is somewhat like a spiritual osmosis rather than earning a merit badge. The higher concentration of God’s presence in Christ is flowing into the lower consecration of His presence in us, until both solutions are the same. The difference is that flowing into us takes nothing from Him. What is the condition, the membrane if you will, that allows this osmosis? That would be simple humility and faith. Christians receive grace they don’t earn it. 10/9/2009 Conversations Within ts
“be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless…” 2Pt.3.14
People often have unrealistic expectations about life. But even though most will never reach the level of perfection they have envisioned, the diligent press on anyway. We may strive to be like Christ in every respect, and though we may never reach His perfect oneness with God in this life, it is still a worthwhile goal. Why? Well certainly not to merit salvation but simply to experience more of it. This means of course, that the how is as important as the why. Our effort to be like Christ is somewhat like a spiritual osmosis rather than earning a merit badge. The higher concentration of God’s presence in Christ is flowing into the lower consecration of His presence in us, until both solutions are the same. The difference is that flowing into us takes nothing from Him. What is the condition, the membrane if you will, that allows this osmosis? That would be simple humility and faith. Christians receive grace they don’t earn it. 10/9/2009 Conversations Within ts
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Duh!
“looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God.” 2Pt.3.12 NJKV
These words tell us that we may not only look for Christ to return but that our holy conduct, may actually hasten His coming. How so? I mean if the Father already knows the date He has assigned for the Son to return, is there really anything we can do to hasten it. Well certainly, if the date that God has assigned is not so much a circle drawn on a calendar, as it is when the task He has assigned to the Church is complete. And what task is that? Jesus told us plainly, “Go and make disciples of all the nations.” Are we holding up the train? 10/9/2009 Conversations Within ts
These words tell us that we may not only look for Christ to return but that our holy conduct, may actually hasten His coming. How so? I mean if the Father already knows the date He has assigned for the Son to return, is there really anything we can do to hasten it. Well certainly, if the date that God has assigned is not so much a circle drawn on a calendar, as it is when the task He has assigned to the Church is complete. And what task is that? Jesus told us plainly, “Go and make disciples of all the nations.” Are we holding up the train? 10/9/2009 Conversations Within ts
Duh!
“looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God.” 2Pt.3.12 NJKV
These words tell us that we may not only look for Christ to return but that our holy conduct, may actually hasten His coming. How so? I mean if the Father already knows the date He has assigned for the Son to return, is there really anything we can do to hasten it. Well certainly, if the date that God has assigned is not so much a circle drawn on a calendar, as it is when the task He has assigned to the Church is complete. And what task is that? Jesus told us plainly, “Go and make disciples of all the nations.” Are we holding up the train? 10/9/2009 Conversations Within ts
These words tell us that we may not only look for Christ to return but that our holy conduct, may actually hasten His coming. How so? I mean if the Father already knows the date He has assigned for the Son to return, is there really anything we can do to hasten it. Well certainly, if the date that God has assigned is not so much a circle drawn on a calendar, as it is when the task He has assigned to the Church is complete. And what task is that? Jesus told us plainly, “Go and make disciples of all the nations.” Are we holding up the train? 10/9/2009 Conversations Within ts
Friday, October 9, 2009
God waited even for the snail to reach the ark.
“but is longsuffering toward us…” 2Pt.3.9 NKJV
How can we possibly relate to the longsuffering of God? The word captures an aspect of God’s patience that is nothing less than overwhelming. God suffers! The All Mighty is experiencing degrees of anguish that only a God can know. His distress, if we can call it such, is over the misery and danger that men and women have brought upon themselves. He suffers over us. And, He suffers long over us. What is equally amazing is that we can also be a source of great joy to Him. It staggers me to realize His emotional attachment to mere creatures, not emotions as we know them, but whatever divine attributes spilled over and birthed ours. This of course does not take into account all that Jesus took up of our own distresses when He became flesh. 10/8/2009 Conversations Within ts
How can we possibly relate to the longsuffering of God? The word captures an aspect of God’s patience that is nothing less than overwhelming. God suffers! The All Mighty is experiencing degrees of anguish that only a God can know. His distress, if we can call it such, is over the misery and danger that men and women have brought upon themselves. He suffers over us. And, He suffers long over us. What is equally amazing is that we can also be a source of great joy to Him. It staggers me to realize His emotional attachment to mere creatures, not emotions as we know them, but whatever divine attributes spilled over and birthed ours. This of course does not take into account all that Jesus took up of our own distresses when He became flesh. 10/8/2009 Conversations Within ts
God waited even for the snail to reach the ark.
“but is longsuffering toward us…” 2Pt.3.9 NKJV
How can we possibly relate to the longsuffering of God? The word captures an aspect of God’s patience that is nothing less than overwhelming. God suffers! The All Mighty is experiencing degrees of anguish that only a God can know. His distress, if we can call it such, is over the misery and danger that men and women have brought upon themselves. He suffers over us. And, He suffers long over us. What is equally amazing is that we can also be a source of great joy to Him. It staggers me to realize His emotional attachment to mere creatures, not emotions as we know them, but whatever divine attributes spilled over and birthed ours. This of course does not take into account all that Jesus took up of our own distresses when He became flesh. 10/8/2009 Conversations Within ts
How can we possibly relate to the longsuffering of God? The word captures an aspect of God’s patience that is nothing less than overwhelming. God suffers! The All Mighty is experiencing degrees of anguish that only a God can know. His distress, if we can call it such, is over the misery and danger that men and women have brought upon themselves. He suffers over us. And, He suffers long over us. What is equally amazing is that we can also be a source of great joy to Him. It staggers me to realize His emotional attachment to mere creatures, not emotions as we know them, but whatever divine attributes spilled over and birthed ours. This of course does not take into account all that Jesus took up of our own distresses when He became flesh. 10/8/2009 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Christ doesn't want to renovate our house, he wants to tear it down and start again.
“A dog returns to his own vomit, and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”
If these words are true, is there any chance of lasting reform? We’ve all seen or heard of sinner turned saint but sadly, we’ve also seen or heard of saint return to sinner. The great reformer Martin Luther understood it this way. The Christian, in this life, is simultaneously saint and sinner. We are at any given moment capable of powerful expressions in each direction, terrible brutality or gracious compassion. But I suppose the real question is whether the changes in us are because of Christ or simply some prideful attempt at self-improvement. If the changes in us are because of Christ, we may be sure they will continue. If they sprout from pride, well, the seed becomes the plant that sowed it. 10/7/2009 Conversations Within ts
If these words are true, is there any chance of lasting reform? We’ve all seen or heard of sinner turned saint but sadly, we’ve also seen or heard of saint return to sinner. The great reformer Martin Luther understood it this way. The Christian, in this life, is simultaneously saint and sinner. We are at any given moment capable of powerful expressions in each direction, terrible brutality or gracious compassion. But I suppose the real question is whether the changes in us are because of Christ or simply some prideful attempt at self-improvement. If the changes in us are because of Christ, we may be sure they will continue. If they sprout from pride, well, the seed becomes the plant that sowed it. 10/7/2009 Conversations Within ts
Christ doesn't want to renovate our house, he wants to tear it down and start again.
“A dog returns to his own vomit, and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”
If these words are true, is there any chance of lasting reform? We’ve all seen or heard of sinner turned saint but sadly, we’ve also seen or heard of saint return to sinner. The great reformer Martin Luther understood it this way. The Christian, in this life, is simultaneously saint and sinner. We are at any given moment capable of powerful expressions in each direction, terrible brutality or gracious compassion. But I suppose the real question is whether the changes in us are because of Christ or simply some prideful attempt at self-improvement. If the changes in us are because of Christ, we may be sure they will continue. If they sprout from pride, well, the seed becomes the plant that sowed it. 10/7/2009 Conversations Within ts
If these words are true, is there any chance of lasting reform? We’ve all seen or heard of sinner turned saint but sadly, we’ve also seen or heard of saint return to sinner. The great reformer Martin Luther understood it this way. The Christian, in this life, is simultaneously saint and sinner. We are at any given moment capable of powerful expressions in each direction, terrible brutality or gracious compassion. But I suppose the real question is whether the changes in us are because of Christ or simply some prideful attempt at self-improvement. If the changes in us are because of Christ, we may be sure they will continue. If they sprout from pride, well, the seed becomes the plant that sowed it. 10/7/2009 Conversations Within ts
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Hogwash: 1. Worthless, false, or ridiculous speech or writing; nonsense; 2.Garbage fed to hogs.
“These are wells without water…” 2Pt.2.17 NKJV
I never liked being called “Preacher.” Who wants to be known as a mouth? The problem is that if you are called to it, there is little choice in the matter. The encouragement of Christ to pastors is to feed His sheep. Preachers and teachers like other professions have their own share of embarrassing moments but far worse and far more serious is a false teacher or preacher, who is likened to a well without water. How tragic to serve food that has no nutritional value or worse becomes poison when people feed on it. The harshest words of Jesus were to religious leaders—white washed sepulchers he called them. It may be uncomfortable even embarrassing to be called a mouth, but of far worse consequence, if your mouth is a grave. God save us from such! 10/6/2009 Conversations Within ts
I never liked being called “Preacher.” Who wants to be known as a mouth? The problem is that if you are called to it, there is little choice in the matter. The encouragement of Christ to pastors is to feed His sheep. Preachers and teachers like other professions have their own share of embarrassing moments but far worse and far more serious is a false teacher or preacher, who is likened to a well without water. How tragic to serve food that has no nutritional value or worse becomes poison when people feed on it. The harshest words of Jesus were to religious leaders—white washed sepulchers he called them. It may be uncomfortable even embarrassing to be called a mouth, but of far worse consequence, if your mouth is a grave. God save us from such! 10/6/2009 Conversations Within ts
Hogwash: 1. Worthless, false, or ridiculous speech or writing; nonsense; 2.Garbage fed to hogs.
“These are wells without water…” 2Pt.2.17 NKJV
I never liked being called “Preacher.” Who wants to be known as a mouth? The problem is that if you are called to it, there is little choice in the matter. The encouragement of Christ to pastors is to feed His sheep. Preachers and teachers like other professions have their own share of embarrassing moments but far worse and far more serious is a false teacher or preacher, who is likened to a well without water. How tragic to serve food that has no nutritional value or worse becomes poison when people feed on it. The harshest words of Jesus were to religious leaders—white washed sepulchers he called them. It may be uncomfortable even embarrassing to be called a mouth, but of far worse consequence, if your mouth is a grave. God save us from such! 10/6/2009 Conversations Within ts
I never liked being called “Preacher.” Who wants to be known as a mouth? The problem is that if you are called to it, there is little choice in the matter. The encouragement of Christ to pastors is to feed His sheep. Preachers and teachers like other professions have their own share of embarrassing moments but far worse and far more serious is a false teacher or preacher, who is likened to a well without water. How tragic to serve food that has no nutritional value or worse becomes poison when people feed on it. The harshest words of Jesus were to religious leaders—white washed sepulchers he called them. It may be uncomfortable even embarrassing to be called a mouth, but of far worse consequence, if your mouth is a grave. God save us from such! 10/6/2009 Conversations Within ts
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
“A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line.” C. S. Lewis
“For if God did not spare the angels who sinned…” 2Pt.2.4 NKJV
If society holds the wicked to account we call it justice, but if God holds the wicked to account He is accused of being petty, at least by those who reject His right to govern. Yet, God above all, has every right to hold people to account. He has endowed us, with not only life and stewardship of the earth, but instilled within us an undeniable sense of right and wrong. Even those who accuse God of injustice do so with that sense of fairness created in them, even if selfishness has warped it. It is incredible that people reject their obligation to return to God the honor that is due Him. Such are rebellious children who have somehow convinced themselves that they were born without a Parent. 10/5/2009 Conversations Within ts
If society holds the wicked to account we call it justice, but if God holds the wicked to account He is accused of being petty, at least by those who reject His right to govern. Yet, God above all, has every right to hold people to account. He has endowed us, with not only life and stewardship of the earth, but instilled within us an undeniable sense of right and wrong. Even those who accuse God of injustice do so with that sense of fairness created in them, even if selfishness has warped it. It is incredible that people reject their obligation to return to God the honor that is due Him. Such are rebellious children who have somehow convinced themselves that they were born without a Parent. 10/5/2009 Conversations Within ts
“A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line.” C. S. Lewis
“For if God did not spare the angels who sinned…” 2Pt.2.4 NKJV
If society holds the wicked to account we call it justice, but if God holds the wicked to account He is accused of being petty, at least by those who reject His right to govern. Yet, God above all, has every right to hold people to account. He has endowed us, with not only life and stewardship of the earth, but instilled within us an undeniable sense of right and wrong. Even those who accuse God of injustice do so with that sense of fairness created in them, even if selfishness has warped it. It is incredible that people reject their obligation to return to God the honor that is due Him. Such are rebellious children who have somehow convinced themselves that they were born without a Parent. 10/5/2009 Conversations Within ts
If society holds the wicked to account we call it justice, but if God holds the wicked to account He is accused of being petty, at least by those who reject His right to govern. Yet, God above all, has every right to hold people to account. He has endowed us, with not only life and stewardship of the earth, but instilled within us an undeniable sense of right and wrong. Even those who accuse God of injustice do so with that sense of fairness created in them, even if selfishness has warped it. It is incredible that people reject their obligation to return to God the honor that is due Him. Such are rebellious children who have somehow convinced themselves that they were born without a Parent. 10/5/2009 Conversations Within ts
Monday, October 5, 2009
“Here is my beloved Son, Listen to Him!” Words from Mount of Transfiguration
“who will secretly bring in destructive heresies…” 2Pt.2.1 NKJV
If humans are so prone to error and misjudgment, can anyone say with assurance that everything they believe and practice is without heresy? Probably not. I think there is one core heresy that gives birth to all the others. This would mean of course that there is one truth, which will remedy them all. Jesus named the heresy the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit and said it was the only unforgivable sin. The prima donna heresy of all others is to reject the living testimony of Jesus as it comes to us through the Holy Spirit. Conversely, we may be mistaken about any number of things but listening to Jesus is that “one thing which is needed” and which will lead us into all truth. 10/3/2009 Conversations Within ts
If humans are so prone to error and misjudgment, can anyone say with assurance that everything they believe and practice is without heresy? Probably not. I think there is one core heresy that gives birth to all the others. This would mean of course that there is one truth, which will remedy them all. Jesus named the heresy the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit and said it was the only unforgivable sin. The prima donna heresy of all others is to reject the living testimony of Jesus as it comes to us through the Holy Spirit. Conversely, we may be mistaken about any number of things but listening to Jesus is that “one thing which is needed” and which will lead us into all truth. 10/3/2009 Conversations Within ts
“Here is my beloved Son, Listen to Him!” Words from Mount of Transfiguration
“who will secretly bring in destructive heresies…” 2Pt.2.1 NKJV
If humans are so prone to error and misjudgment, can anyone say with assurance that everything they believe and practice is without heresy? Probably not. I think there is one core heresy that gives birth to all the others. This would mean of course that there is one truth, which will remedy them all. Jesus named the heresy the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit and said it was the only unforgivable sin. The prima donna heresy of all others is to reject the living testimony of Jesus as it comes to us through the Holy Spirit. Conversely, we may be mistaken about any number of things but listening to Jesus is that “one thing which is needed” and which will lead us into all truth. 10/3/2009 Conversations Within ts
If humans are so prone to error and misjudgment, can anyone say with assurance that everything they believe and practice is without heresy? Probably not. I think there is one core heresy that gives birth to all the others. This would mean of course that there is one truth, which will remedy them all. Jesus named the heresy the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit and said it was the only unforgivable sin. The prima donna heresy of all others is to reject the living testimony of Jesus as it comes to us through the Holy Spirit. Conversely, we may be mistaken about any number of things but listening to Jesus is that “one thing which is needed” and which will lead us into all truth. 10/3/2009 Conversations Within ts
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Dear Jesus, thou hast made the grave but a chrysalis.
“until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts…” 2Pt.1.19 NKJV
Who would believe, apart from seeing it, that the caterpillar is the beginning of the butterfly? Delicately woven in nature, by the kind wisdom of God, is the magic assurance of transformation, even the very promise that staggering beauty may rise from rotting flesh. His Easter morning is the promise of ours. He became that we might become--He the worm with us and we, winged beauty with Him. 10/2/2009 Conversations Within ts
Who would believe, apart from seeing it, that the caterpillar is the beginning of the butterfly? Delicately woven in nature, by the kind wisdom of God, is the magic assurance of transformation, even the very promise that staggering beauty may rise from rotting flesh. His Easter morning is the promise of ours. He became that we might become--He the worm with us and we, winged beauty with Him. 10/2/2009 Conversations Within ts
Dear Jesus, thou hast made the grave but a chrysalis.
“until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts…” 2Pt.1.19 NKJV
Who would believe, apart from seeing it, that the caterpillar is the beginning of the butterfly? Delicately woven in nature, by the kind wisdom of God, is the magic assurance of transformation, even the very promise that staggering beauty may rise from rotting flesh. His Easter morning is the promise of ours. He became that we might become--He the worm with us and we, winged beauty with Him. 10/2/2009 Conversations Within ts
Who would believe, apart from seeing it, that the caterpillar is the beginning of the butterfly? Delicately woven in nature, by the kind wisdom of God, is the magic assurance of transformation, even the very promise that staggering beauty may rise from rotting flesh. His Easter morning is the promise of ours. He became that we might become--He the worm with us and we, winged beauty with Him. 10/2/2009 Conversations Within ts
Friday, October 2, 2009
“One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching.” Anonymous
“knowing that shortly I must put off my tent…” 2Pt.1.14
There is an interesting application on the social networking website Facebook. It supposedly tells you the date and manner of your death. Jesus gave Peter a few insights into his own death. Church tradition tells us the apostle was crucified upside down. Most of us are spared such details. Very few people, if any know the day they will die or how it will come about. I vividly remember my mother telling me after they found a spot on her lung that she had two years to live. I knew she was speaking from her experience as a nurse. People pretty much know that we live in a temporal tent. But the truth is that each of us will survive death; the real question is will we survive judgment. The good news is that Jesus offers His services as Advocate. I for one would not think of coming to Judgment without Him. 10/1/2009 Conversations Within ts
There is an interesting application on the social networking website Facebook. It supposedly tells you the date and manner of your death. Jesus gave Peter a few insights into his own death. Church tradition tells us the apostle was crucified upside down. Most of us are spared such details. Very few people, if any know the day they will die or how it will come about. I vividly remember my mother telling me after they found a spot on her lung that she had two years to live. I knew she was speaking from her experience as a nurse. People pretty much know that we live in a temporal tent. But the truth is that each of us will survive death; the real question is will we survive judgment. The good news is that Jesus offers His services as Advocate. I for one would not think of coming to Judgment without Him. 10/1/2009 Conversations Within ts
“One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching.” Anonymous
“knowing that shortly I must put off my tent…” 2Pt.1.14
There is an interesting application on the social networking website Facebook. It supposedly tells you the date and manner of your death. Jesus gave Peter a few insights into his own death. Church tradition tells us the apostle was crucified upside down. Most of us are spared such details. Very few people, if any know the day they will die or how it will come about. I vividly remember my mother telling me after they found a spot on her lung that she had two years to live. I knew she was speaking from her experience as a nurse. People pretty much know that we live in a temporal tent. But the truth is that each of us will survive death; the real question is will we survive judgment. The good news is that Jesus offers His services as Advocate. I for one would not think of coming to Judgment without Him. 10/1/2009 Conversations Within ts
There is an interesting application on the social networking website Facebook. It supposedly tells you the date and manner of your death. Jesus gave Peter a few insights into his own death. Church tradition tells us the apostle was crucified upside down. Most of us are spared such details. Very few people, if any know the day they will die or how it will come about. I vividly remember my mother telling me after they found a spot on her lung that she had two years to live. I knew she was speaking from her experience as a nurse. People pretty much know that we live in a temporal tent. But the truth is that each of us will survive death; the real question is will we survive judgment. The good news is that Jesus offers His services as Advocate. I for one would not think of coming to Judgment without Him. 10/1/2009 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, October 1, 2009
“The greatest virtues are those which are most useful to other persons” Aristotle
“add to your faith virtue…” 2Pt.1.5 NKJV
Have you every told some one to be good or has someone ever encouraged you to be. I think it both a wish and an encouragement when someone tells us to be good. It is desirable for good to come to us and at the same time that we would bring good to others. Jesus teaches us that the two are related. Good certainly comes to those who are good and good to others. The virtuous life is the life that brings benefit to those around it, not those silly religious notions of abstaining from this or that. 9/30/2009 Conversations Within ts
Have you every told some one to be good or has someone ever encouraged you to be. I think it both a wish and an encouragement when someone tells us to be good. It is desirable for good to come to us and at the same time that we would bring good to others. Jesus teaches us that the two are related. Good certainly comes to those who are good and good to others. The virtuous life is the life that brings benefit to those around it, not those silly religious notions of abstaining from this or that. 9/30/2009 Conversations Within ts
“The greatest virtues are those which are most useful to other persons” Aristotle
“add to your faith virtue…” 2Pt.1.5 NKJV
Have you every told some one to be good or has someone ever encouraged you to be. I think it both a wish and an encouragement when someone tells us to be good. It is desirable for good to come to us and at the same time that we would bring good to others. Jesus teaches us that the two are related. Good certainly comes to those who are good and good to others. The virtuous life is the life that brings benefit to those around it, not those silly religious notions of abstaining from this or that. 9/30/2009 Conversations Within ts
Have you every told some one to be good or has someone ever encouraged you to be. I think it both a wish and an encouragement when someone tells us to be good. It is desirable for good to come to us and at the same time that we would bring good to others. Jesus teaches us that the two are related. Good certainly comes to those who are good and good to others. The virtuous life is the life that brings benefit to those around it, not those silly religious notions of abstaining from this or that. 9/30/2009 Conversations Within ts
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)