“Heaven offers nothing the mercenary soul desires.” C. S. Lewis

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”

The promise of reward lies hand in hand to all life with God. After all, “at His right hand are pleasures forever.” This does not mean that the rewards of glory are tainted with selfishness as rewards commonly are in this place that there are rewards on earth that have nothing to do with the activity that may bring them. Lewis cites marrying for money as one example and the services of a mercenary for another. The rewards of Heaven are always hand in hand with the service that offers them such as marrying for love, or fighting for freedom. If we are to lay up for ourselves treasure in Heaven it will be done by some service, in some manner and for some reason that naturally will yield them. God is not bribing His children. 12/29/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Heaven offers nothing the mercenary soul desires.” C. S. Lewis

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”

The promise of reward lies hand in hand to all life with God. After all, “at His right hand are pleasures forever.” This does not mean that the rewards of glory are tainted with selfishness as rewards commonly are in this place that there are rewards on earth that have nothing to do with the activity that may bring them. Lewis cites marrying for money as one example and the services of a mercenary for another. The rewards of Heaven are always hand in hand with the service that offers them such as marrying for love, or fighting for freedom. If we are to lay up for ourselves treasure in Heaven it will be done by some service, in some manner and for some reason that naturally will yield them. God is not bribing His children. 12/29/2009 Conversations Within ts

“The highest reward for a man's toil is not what he gets for it but what he becomes by it.” John Ruskin

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.” Mt.6.16 (Sermon on the Mount)

After Alexander the Great divided all the lands and riches of his conquest and gave them to his generals, it is said that someone asked him what he had left for himself. Alexander is reported to have simply said, “Hope!” It would be tragic to arrive before God and hear Him tell us that we have already received our reward on earth. Is anything reward worth having that we will not possess and enjoy in glory? To live for the Kingdom of God is to seek a reward beyond the trifles that this temporary life can give. 12/28/2009 Conversations Within ts

“The highest reward for a man's toil is not what he gets for it but what he becomes by it.” John Ruskin

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.” Mt.6.16 (Sermon on the Mount)

After Alexander the Great divided all the lands and riches of his conquest and gave them to his generals, it is said that someone asked him what he had left for himself. Alexander is reported to have simply said, “Hope!” It would be tragic to arrive before God and hear Him tell us that we have already received our reward on earth. Is anything reward worth having that we will not possess and enjoy in glory? To live for the Kingdom of God is to seek a reward beyond the trifles that this temporary life can give. 12/28/2009 Conversations Within ts

When receiving is giving.

When receiving is giving.

“Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” Mt.2.11 ESV

What gift would we give to God for the indescribable gift of Jesus? Of course, gifts are free so any thing we would offer to God would be simply to show our appreciation. When it comes to others Jesus told us that to give is to receive. But I think that when it comes to God, to receive from Him is to give to Him. What I mean is that the best gift we can offer to God is to receive His Son into our lives. Doing so will surely result in giving Him our very self. 12/25/2009 Conversations Within ts

When receiving is giving.

When receiving is giving.

“Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” Mt.2.11 ESV

What gift would we give to God for the indescribable gift of Jesus? Of course, gifts are free so any thing we would offer to God would be simply to show our appreciation. When it comes to others Jesus told us that to give is to receive. But I think that when it comes to God, to receive from Him is to give to Him. What I mean is that the best gift we can offer to God is to receive His Son into our lives. Doing so will surely result in giving Him our very self. 12/25/2009 Conversations Within ts

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

“And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Lk.2.10 ESV

Here is the offer of pardon, of peace, of promise-- God’s present to the world wrapped in a baby. In Christ all our sins are forgiven, every wrong forgotten, all debts paid in full. God has declared the hostilities over and our longing for eternal life answered. If we would know what God is like, we see Him in the face of Jesus Christ. He is a forgiving Father, a peace activist like no other, and the fountain of eternal youth to all who would come and drink. Merry Christmas 12/24/2009 Conversations Within ts

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

“And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Lk.2.10 ESV

Here is the offer of pardon, of peace, of promise-- God’s present to the world wrapped in a baby. In Christ all our sins are forgiven, every wrong forgotten, all debts paid in full. God has declared the hostilities over and our longing for eternal life answered. If we would know what God is like, we see Him in the face of Jesus Christ. He is a forgiving Father, a peace activist like no other, and the fountain of eternal youth to all who would come and drink. Merry Christmas 12/24/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Christmas began in the heart of God. It is complete only when it reaches the heart of man.” Anonymous

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Jo.1.14 ESV

We are a people drawn to power, so it is no wonder that the miraculous catches our attention. But the miracle of Christmas isn’t so much a demonstration of God’s power as it is an expression of His grace and truth. Jesus once asked which was the greater challenge, for God to heal lame legs or forgive sins. The incarnation is a wondrous miracle but it is made wondrous because of the reason Christ became a man not because God is powerful enough to turn Himself into one. The Word became a man, to forgive our sins and to make possible all the other expressions of God’s grace. 12/23/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Christmas began in the heart of God. It is complete only when it reaches the heart of man.” Anonymous

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Jo.1.14 ESV

We are a people drawn to power, so it is no wonder that the miraculous catches our attention. But the miracle of Christmas isn’t so much a demonstration of God’s power as it is an expression of His grace and truth. Jesus once asked which was the greater challenge, for God to heal lame legs or forgive sins. The incarnation is a wondrous miracle but it is made wondrous because of the reason Christ became a man not because God is powerful enough to turn Himself into one. The Word became a man, to forgive our sins and to make possible all the other expressions of God’s grace. 12/23/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Miracles are a retelling in small letters...

“Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see.” C.S. Lewis

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way.”

The virgin birth of Christ is one of many miracles cherished by Christians. Miracles are not fabricated amendments to the stories about the life of Jesus added by fanatical followers. The miracles surrounding Christ are the story. God coming to dwell with us is nothing less than miraculous. 12/22/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Miracles are a retelling in small letters...

“Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see.” C.S. Lewis

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way.”

The virgin birth of Christ is one of many miracles cherished by Christians. Miracles are not fabricated amendments to the stories about the life of Jesus added by fanatical followers. The miracles surrounding Christ are the story. God coming to dwell with us is nothing less than miraculous. 12/22/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.” Paul Boese

“and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Mt.6.12 ESV

It is rightly said that prayers do not change God, but they surely change us. When we ask God to forgive us our debts, “as” we have forgiven those indebted to us, Jesus hopes to teach us the grace of forgiveness. Jesus reminds us that the forgiveness we receive is tied to the forgiveness we offer. Do I forgive but not forget. Do I forgive but refuse the relationship any further progress. What we offer to others when we forgive them is a mere reflection on what we are able to receive when we ask forgiveness from God. Christ said to give is to receive. This is just as true in forgiveness as it is in all giving. Those who sow sparingly receive sparingly and those who sow bountifully receive bountifully. Bountifully give; bountifully forgive. 12/18/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.” Paul Boese

“and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Mt.6.12 ESV

It is rightly said that prayers do not change God, but they surely change us. When we ask God to forgive us our debts, “as” we have forgiven those indebted to us, Jesus hopes to teach us the grace of forgiveness. Jesus reminds us that the forgiveness we receive is tied to the forgiveness we offer. Do I forgive but not forget. Do I forgive but refuse the relationship any further progress. What we offer to others when we forgive them is a mere reflection on what we are able to receive when we ask forgiveness from God. Christ said to give is to receive. This is just as true in forgiveness as it is in all giving. Those who sow sparingly receive sparingly and those who sow bountifully receive bountifully. Bountifully give; bountifully forgive. 12/18/2009 Conversations Within ts

Jesus told us to pray for daily bread because it is the only kind of bread He offers.

Jesus told us to pray for daily bread because it is the only kind of bread He offers.

“Give us this day our daily bread.” Mt.6.11 ESV

By telling us to pray for daily bread, Jesus is helping us wake to a simple life lesson. Be where you are, live in the present moment and trust God for it. Worrying about tomorrow is to worry about something that may not happen. Life comes to us a moment at a time and God promises to provide for it. To ask is to partake of His provision. It is no use asking God for tomorrow’s bread; God will not give us anything that will lead us away from another opportunity to trust Him. 12/16/2009 Conversations Within ts

Jesus told us to pray for daily bread because it is the only kind of bread He offers.

Jesus told us to pray for daily bread because it is the only kind of bread He offers.

“Give us this day our daily bread.” Mt.6.11 ESV

By telling us to pray for daily bread, Jesus is helping us wake to a simple life lesson. Be where you are, live in the present moment and trust God for it. Worrying about tomorrow is to worry about something that may not happen. Life comes to us a moment at a time and God promises to provide for it. To ask is to partake of His provision. It is no use asking God for tomorrow’s bread; God will not give us anything that will lead us away from another opportunity to trust Him. 12/16/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Purity of heart is to will one thing.” Sören Kierkegaard

“…your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Mt.6.10

Is it not our core belief that when everything is as God desires, everything will be as it should be? God’s will is surely done on earth, even to the degree that it is His will, at least for the present that humans are allowed to resist it. And so we pray, as we may, that our Father’s will be done here as it is in Heaven. In glory, all are freely and happily joined to Him in perfect love. All of Heaven wills one will. We may know moments of it here in this place, but only as the sky knows an un-cloudy day. Praying these words at the beginning of every new task, may project a clear forecast for the day. 12/15/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Purity of heart is to will one thing.” Sören Kierkegaard

“…your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Mt.6.10

Is it not our core belief that when everything is as God desires, everything will be as it should be? God’s will is surely done on earth, even to the degree that it is His will, at least for the present that humans are allowed to resist it. And so we pray, as we may, that our Father’s will be done here as it is in Heaven. In glory, all are freely and happily joined to Him in perfect love. All of Heaven wills one will. We may know moments of it here in this place, but only as the sky knows an un-cloudy day. Praying these words at the beginning of every new task, may project a clear forecast for the day. 12/15/2009 Conversations Within ts

"Look children to the eastern sky" Anberlin

Your kingdom come…Mt.6.10

When we pray for the Kingdom to come, we ask first and foremost that Christ come reign in our own heart, for surely the Kingdom of Heaven is this before it is anything else. This means that His Kingdom comes to earth at least in us. But in another sense, we also ask that our King return to earth as He promised to do, so that the peace He brings within us may rule around us. Many prayers in Scripture express and could be summed up in this single request, "Come, Lord Jesus!" 12/14/2009 Conversations Within ts

"Look children to the eastern sky" Anberlin

Your kingdom come…Mt.6.10

When we pray for the Kingdom to come, we ask first and foremost that Christ come reign in our own heart, for surely the Kingdom of Heaven is this before it is anything else. This means that His Kingdom comes to earth at least in us. But in another sense, we also ask that our King return to earth as He promised to do, so that the peace He brings within us may rule around us. Many prayers in Scripture express and could be summed up in this single request, "Come, Lord Jesus!" 12/14/2009 Conversations Within ts

"Hallowed be thy name" means: understand what you're talking about when you're talking about God””. Rowan Williams

“…hallowed be your name.” Mt.6.9

I suppose there are many ways we may hallow our Father’s name. We do so when we see to it that His reputation is never tainted by our own. Certainly, the conduct of people who name His name shapes the opinion that others have of Him. We hallow our Father’s good name when we represent Him well. We hallow His name by setting Christ apart, as Lord in our heart not in some religious sense mind you, but in speech, in conduct, even in our simplest thoughts. 12/13/2009 Conversations Within ts

"Hallowed be thy name" means: understand what you're talking about when you're talking about God””. Rowan Williams

“…hallowed be your name.” Mt.6.9

I suppose there are many ways we may hallow our Father’s name. We do so when we see to it that His reputation is never tainted by our own. Certainly, the conduct of people who name His name shapes the opinion that others have of Him. We hallow our Father’s good name when we represent Him well. We hallow His name by setting Christ apart, as Lord in our heart not in some religious sense mind you, but in speech, in conduct, even in our simplest thoughts. 12/13/2009 Conversations Within ts

“To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that God is God.” Theopedia

“Our Father in heaven.” Mt.6.9 ESV

That our God is in Heaven, should help us with a number of earthly struggles. One, is that we remind our heart of His absolute sovereignty. Our Father is above all things and our prayers are directed to the One who is able, who alone can move that impossible mountain facing us. Second, to acknowledge that our Father is in Heaven helps to set our love on the place where our Lover lives. Our treasure is in Heaven and all our energies are directed to pursuits which cannot rust and which no thief can steal. Third, to confess that our Father is in Heaven will give each of us greater grace to let go of all earthly bonds. As beautiful as life may be, we go to a place where beauty is unfading--home at last in our Father’s house. 12/12/2009 Conversations Within ts

“To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that God is God.” Theopedia

“Our Father in heaven.” Mt.6.9 ESV

That our God is in Heaven, should help us with a number of earthly struggles. One, is that we remind our heart of His absolute sovereignty. Our Father is above all things and our prayers are directed to the One who is able, who alone can move that impossible mountain facing us. Second, to acknowledge that our Father is in Heaven helps to set our love on the place where our Lover lives. Our treasure is in Heaven and all our energies are directed to pursuits which cannot rust and which no thief can steal. Third, to confess that our Father is in Heaven will give each of us greater grace to let go of all earthly bonds. As beautiful as life may be, we go to a place where beauty is unfading--home at last in our Father’s house. 12/12/2009 Conversations Within ts

“The surest way to happiness is to lose yourself in a cause greater than yourself”. Anonymous

“Our Father…” Mt.6.9 ESV

By telling us to pray “our Father,” not “my Father,” Jesus directs us to wake to our connectedness to one another. As it is often asserted, we’re all in this together. When one of us is in need, all of us are in need. Christ wants us to know the joy of living for something beyond our own concerns by seeking the welfare of the greater community. The proper perspective and proper prayer is always, “Our Father, give us, forgive us, lead us, deliver us. 12/11/2009 Conversations Within ts

“The surest way to happiness is to lose yourself in a cause greater than yourself”. Anonymous

“Our Father…” Mt.6.9 ESV

By telling us to pray “our Father,” not “my Father,” Jesus directs us to wake to our connectedness to one another. As it is often asserted, we’re all in this together. When one of us is in need, all of us are in need. Christ wants us to know the joy of living for something beyond our own concerns by seeking the welfare of the greater community. The proper perspective and proper prayer is always, “Our Father, give us, forgive us, lead us, deliver us. 12/11/2009 Conversations Within ts

“The Lord's Prayer may be committed to memory quickly, but it is slowly learnt by heart.” Frederick Denison Maurice

“Pray then like this…” Mt.6.9 ESV

Some teachers emphasize that Christ did not tell us to pray the Lord’s Prayer but to pray “like” it. What they suggest is that we should only use it as a model for others prayer. They often believe that one mark of a sincere prayer is that it is heart felt, therefore spontaneous. I used to feel this way and thought that recited prayers were impersonal and possibly even an insult to God. I no longer believe this. In fact, I pray the Lord’s Prayer most every day. When I do, it is anything but a recitation; rather it provides confident direction to the rest of my prayers. And, just because a prayer is sincere does not mean it is good prayer. A person may pray sincerely that they would win the lottery. Jesus offers us a good prayer; we can bring along the sincerity part by putting our heart into it. 12/10/2009 Conversations Within ts

“The Lord's Prayer may be committed to memory quickly, but it is slowly learnt by heart.” Frederick Denison Maurice

“Pray then like this…” Mt.6.9 ESV

Some teachers emphasize that Christ did not tell us to pray the Lord’s Prayer but to pray “like” it. What they suggest is that we should only use it as a model for others prayer. They often believe that one mark of a sincere prayer is that it is heart felt, therefore spontaneous. I used to feel this way and thought that recited prayers were impersonal and possibly even an insult to God. I no longer believe this. In fact, I pray the Lord’s Prayer most every day. When I do, it is anything but a recitation; rather it provides confident direction to the rest of my prayers. And, just because a prayer is sincere does not mean it is good prayer. A person may pray sincerely that they would win the lottery. Jesus offers us a good prayer; we can bring along the sincerity part by putting our heart into it. 12/10/2009 Conversations Within ts

"Many a Christian prays faintly lest God might really hear him." C. S. Lewis

“…your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Mt.6.8 ESV

There are many occasions when I do not know what I need to ask from God. Other times I am concerned that I may ask for the wrong thing. The words of Jesus are a great comfort to us in these moments. He assures us that God knows what we need before we ask. I should think this would also apply to prayers for guidance. Sometimes the only thing we can do is to commit ourselves to God’s care, head off in the direction we think best and trust that Father will make any necessary course adjustments. Christ assures us that He will, if we really want Him to. 12/9/2009 Conversations Within ts

"Many a Christian prays faintly lest God might really hear him." C. S. Lewis

“…your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Mt.6.8 ESV

There are many occasions when I do not know what I need to ask from God. Other times I am concerned that I may ask for the wrong thing. The words of Jesus are a great comfort to us in these moments. He assures us that God knows what we need before we ask. I should think this would also apply to prayers for guidance. Sometimes the only thing we can do is to commit ourselves to God’s care, head off in the direction we think best and trust that Father will make any necessary course adjustments. Christ assures us that He will, if we really want Him to. 12/9/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Love comes when manipulation stops; when you think more about the other person than about his or her reactions to you.” Joyce Brothers

"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.” Mt.6.7 ESV

Jesus tells us that His Father isn’t impressed by the number of words we use when we pray. Meaningless repetition carries no rapport with Him. If this is true, why does Jesus tell us to ask the Father for daily bread and I assume to do this daily? What is the difference between asking God for bread every day and asking Him for it ten times a day? Well, I think the first, expresses simple dependence; but to do the latter we may be trying to manipulate God as a child does to a parent when he wants his own way. The purpose of prayer isn’t to convince God but to trust Him. 12/8/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Love comes when manipulation stops; when you think more about the other person than about his or her reactions to you.” Joyce Brothers

"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.” Mt.6.7 ESV

Jesus tells us that His Father isn’t impressed by the number of words we use when we pray. Meaningless repetition carries no rapport with Him. If this is true, why does Jesus tell us to ask the Father for daily bread and I assume to do this daily? What is the difference between asking God for bread every day and asking Him for it ten times a day? Well, I think the first, expresses simple dependence; but to do the latter we may be trying to manipulate God as a child does to a parent when he wants his own way. The purpose of prayer isn’t to convince God but to trust Him. 12/8/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the and the blind can see” – Mark Twain

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others.” Mt.6.5 ESV

Marketing strategists, in recent years, are testing the veiled advertisement. You may have noticed the Pepsi product in the hand of a great actor while playing some great role in a great movie. If they drink Pepsi, it must be great too. Or, better yet, wouldn’t I look great if people saw me with this cool product. Doing something for show seldom projects anything of real substance and I should think this just as true of one’s faith. Wearing your faith on your sleeve rarely attracts others to it. Better is a genuine enjoyment of life in God. The best witness to one’s faith is not when we try to be witness but when we simply are and simply because the personal pleasure we find in God naturally overflows. 12/7/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the and the blind can see” – Mark Twain

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others.” Mt.6.5 ESV

Marketing strategists, in recent years, are testing the veiled advertisement. You may have noticed the Pepsi product in the hand of a great actor while playing some great role in a great movie. If they drink Pepsi, it must be great too. Or, better yet, wouldn’t I look great if people saw me with this cool product. Doing something for show seldom projects anything of real substance and I should think this just as true of one’s faith. Wearing your faith on your sleeve rarely attracts others to it. Better is a genuine enjoyment of life in God. The best witness to one’s faith is not when we try to be witness but when we simply are and simply because the personal pleasure we find in God naturally overflows. 12/7/2009 Conversations Within ts

One true secret to giving is to give in secret.

“Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Mat 6:4 ESV

When we do some good work in secret, God who sees in secret will often bring such works to light. I suppose He chooses to do this not to draw attention to giver but to the value of love itself. He of course, is love. I recently found out that a dear friend has been quietly caring for an indigent person for years without telling a soul. Perhaps Father chose to bring her actions to light as a clear demonstration of His presence in her life and at a time when she needs the support of others. 12/6/2009 Conversations Within ts

One true secret to giving is to give in secret.

“Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Mat 6:4 ESV

When we do some good work in secret, God who sees in secret will often bring such works to light. I suppose He chooses to do this not to draw attention to giver but to the value of love itself. He of course, is love. I recently found out that a dear friend has been quietly caring for an indigent person for years without telling a soul. Perhaps Father chose to bring her actions to light as a clear demonstration of His presence in her life and at a time when she needs the support of others. 12/6/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Did you hear about the guy who got an award for being humble but they took it back when he accepted it.” Anonymous

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them…” Mt.6.1 RSV

There is a difference between calling attention to our actions and having actions, which call attention to God’s work in our life. When we call attention to our own actions, we want everyone to appreciate our own worth. When we live as the latter, we want others know the worth of God. But in our messed up world, people will always have problems giving credit where credit is due. I sometimes become enamored with people who are so “Christ like” in character. I need to remind myself that what really impresses me is Christ working grace in that person. In that sense, we come to realize that we are only the container; Jesus is the elixir of life. 12/5/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Did you hear about the guy who got an award for being humble but they took it back when he accepted it.” Anonymous

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them…” Mt.6.1 RSV

There is a difference between calling attention to our actions and having actions, which call attention to God’s work in our life. When we call attention to our own actions, we want everyone to appreciate our own worth. When we live as the latter, we want others know the worth of God. But in our messed up world, people will always have problems giving credit where credit is due. I sometimes become enamored with people who are so “Christ like” in character. I need to remind myself that what really impresses me is Christ working grace in that person. In that sense, we come to realize that we are only the container; Jesus is the elixir of life. 12/5/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Do more than is required.” Gary Ryan Blair

“And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? “Mat.5.47

If we take the words, “what more are you doing than others” as addressing more than just salutary greetings and I think that we should, then Jesus clearly expects more from His followers than just an run of the mill performance. God wants us to grow up into all things befitting an image bearer. Because we are made in His likeness, our labor is to be more than just another day at the job, our relationships more than just putting up with people, even our play and relaxation is to be more than ordinary. Jesus tells us that we give God the proper place in our life, He will improve the quality of life’s interactions and we will come to live in the joy of the extraordinary. 12/4/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Do more than is required.” Gary Ryan Blair

“And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? “Mat.5.47

If we take the words, “what more are you doing than others” as addressing more than just salutary greetings and I think that we should, then Jesus clearly expects more from His followers than just an run of the mill performance. God wants us to grow up into all things befitting an image bearer. Because we are made in His likeness, our labor is to be more than just another day at the job, our relationships more than just putting up with people, even our play and relaxation is to be more than ordinary. Jesus tells us that we give God the proper place in our life, He will improve the quality of life’s interactions and we will come to live in the joy of the extraordinary. 12/4/2009 Conversations Within ts

“The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend.” Abraham Lincoln

Love your enemies…so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.

When Jesus tells us to love our enemies, he is not saying that we should have warm feeling about them but we are to act in a beneficial manner towards them. This is not to say that we help them in the way they think will benefit them, but we do what will actually be in their best interest. This may mean in war that we defeat them as we did Japan and then rebuild their economy around peaceful purposes. How we would accomplish this with personal enemies may look different but it will nonetheless always come down to seeking their highest good. For Christians, that goodness is Christ. 12/3/2009 Conversations Within ts

“The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend.” Abraham Lincoln

Love your enemies…so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.

When Jesus tells us to love our enemies, he is not saying that we should have warm feeling about them but we are to act in a beneficial manner towards them. This is not to say that we help them in the way they think will benefit them, but we do what will actually be in their best interest. This may mean in war that we defeat them as we did Japan and then rebuild their economy around peaceful purposes. How we would accomplish this with personal enemies may look different but it will nonetheless always come down to seeking their highest good. For Christians, that goodness is Christ. 12/3/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much.” Oscar Wilde

“And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” Jesus

I do not believe Jesus is telling us to tolerate corruption when we can do something about it but I do believe he is offering us a way to respond to people who would take advantage of us as an individual. In short, he is describing how to turn disadvantage into advantage. He is suggesting that we conquer the opposition by acting as their friend. 12/2/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much.” Oscar Wilde

“And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” Jesus

I do not believe Jesus is telling us to tolerate corruption when we can do something about it but I do believe he is offering us a way to respond to people who would take advantage of us as an individual. In short, he is describing how to turn disadvantage into advantage. He is suggesting that we conquer the opposition by acting as their friend. 12/2/2009 Conversations Within ts

“I don't deserve any credit for turning the other cheek as my tongue is always in it.” Flannery O'Connor

“But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Jesus

I read recently where one popular ministry was encouraging Christians to boycott purchases from any store that substituted “Happy Holidays” for “Merry Christmas.” I am wondering how this stick it to um in the name of the Lord attitude matches up with the prominent words of Jesus to turn the other cheek. If the unbelieving say, “Happy Holidays, “ nothing prohibits us from replying, “Merry Christmas.” If we return kindness for their insult, they may come to know the Christ of Christmas. 12/1/2009 Conversations Within ts

“I don't deserve any credit for turning the other cheek as my tongue is always in it.” Flannery O'Connor

“But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Jesus

I read recently where one popular ministry was encouraging Christians to boycott purchases from any store that substituted “Happy Holidays” for “Merry Christmas.” I am wondering how this stick it to um in the name of the Lord attitude matches up with the prominent words of Jesus to turn the other cheek. If the unbelieving say, “Happy Holidays, “ nothing prohibits us from replying, “Merry Christmas.” If we return kindness for their insult, they may come to know the Christ of Christmas. 12/1/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Say what you mean and mean what you say.” The Cheshire Cat

“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’” Mt.5.37 NKJV

Lord, help me, to be passionate without being overdramatic; to speak honestly without exaggeration and to never punctuate with words what would be better punctuated by example. Lead me thus that I will be as a gentle rain not a torrential downpour; a quiet faith that resonates Your worth, a testimony that speaks volumes of Your goodness but with fewer words. 12/1/2009 Conversations Within ts

“Say what you mean and mean what you say.” The Cheshire Cat

“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’” Mt.5.37 NKJV

Lord, help me, to be passionate without being overdramatic; to speak honestly without exaggeration and to never punctuate with words what would be better punctuated by example. Lead me thus that I will be as a gentle rain not a torrential downpour; a quiet faith that resonates Your worth, a testimony that speaks volumes of Your goodness but with fewer words. 12/1/2009 Conversations Within ts

“This is the air I breathe, your holy presence living in me.” Michael W. Smith

“And if your right hand leads you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose a part of your body than to have all of it go into hell. ” Mt.5.30

I remember watching some movie where a man had to cut off his hand in order to keep from drowning and wondered if I would be able do something like that. A good friend, who happens also to be my doctor, assured me that I would do whatever it took if I was deprived of air. I suppose the question that Jesus would have us ask ourselves, is will we do whatever it takes to escape hell. To put it another way, is life with God the air of my soul? Is there anything I would not sacrifice if keeping it meant living without Him? 11/30/2009 Conversations Within ts

“This is the air I breathe, your holy presence living in me.” Michael W. Smith

“And if your right hand leads you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose a part of your body than to have all of it go into hell. ” Mt.5.30

I remember watching some movie where a man had to cut off his hand in order to keep from drowning and wondered if I would be able do something like that. A good friend, who happens also to be my doctor, assured me that I would do whatever it took if I was deprived of air. I suppose the question that Jesus would have us ask ourselves, is will we do whatever it takes to escape hell. To put it another way, is life with God the air of my soul? Is there anything I would not sacrifice if keeping it meant living without Him? 11/30/2009 Conversations Within ts