“Immediately they left their nets and followed him.” Mt.4.20 ESV
If we would incline our hearts to all that is good then let us make good decisions and make them straightway. None of this, “I’ll start Monday” stuff; do it, and do it now. Every decision to immediately act on what is good strengthens our inclination to do it every time. Live decisively, choose decisively and always choose joy. 3/26/2010 Conversations Within ts
Just me trying to be honest with God.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
“Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.” Pablo Picasso
“Immediately they left their nets and followed him.” Mt.4.20 ESV
If we would incline our hearts to all that is good then let us make good decisions and make them straightway. None of this, “I’ll start Monday” stuff; do it, and do it now. Every decision to immediately act on what is good strengthens our inclination to do it every time. Live decisively, choose decisively and always choose joy. 3/26/2010 Conversations Within ts
If we would incline our hearts to all that is good then let us make good decisions and make them straightway. None of this, “I’ll start Monday” stuff; do it, and do it now. Every decision to immediately act on what is good strengthens our inclination to do it every time. Live decisively, choose decisively and always choose joy. 3/26/2010 Conversations Within ts
Monday, March 29, 2010
,,,
... or copying Him… Christ is actually operating through [us]. C. S. Lewis
“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Ro.7.15
It would be silly to think that only Christians feel the dilemma of a divided self. I have non-Christian friends who want to make positive changes in their life and feel the same disgust whenever they act a certain way. But grace rests upon everyone who would do what is right, Christian or not. God works in the heart of those who do not know Him just as He sustains the physical processes, which keep them alive. The fundamental difference between the Christian and non-Christian is the actual presence of Christ living in those who have received Him. This does not mean that n0n-Christians cannot or will not see positive change; they may even have better marriages, and better mastery over their various appetites. But the life of Christ in the Christian holds the promise that He will finish what we cannot. He will continue the process after even after death, especially after death, indeed separation from this fallen body is essential if we are to be completely healed. 3/21/2010 Conversations Within ts
“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Ro.7.15
It would be silly to think that only Christians feel the dilemma of a divided self. I have non-Christian friends who want to make positive changes in their life and feel the same disgust whenever they act a certain way. But grace rests upon everyone who would do what is right, Christian or not. God works in the heart of those who do not know Him just as He sustains the physical processes, which keep them alive. The fundamental difference between the Christian and non-Christian is the actual presence of Christ living in those who have received Him. This does not mean that n0n-Christians cannot or will not see positive change; they may even have better marriages, and better mastery over their various appetites. But the life of Christ in the Christian holds the promise that He will finish what we cannot. He will continue the process after even after death, especially after death, indeed separation from this fallen body is essential if we are to be completely healed. 3/21/2010 Conversations Within ts
,,,
... or copying Him… Christ is actually operating through [us]. C. S. Lewis
“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Ro.7.15
It would be silly to think that only Christians feel the dilemma of a divided self. I have non-Christian friends who want to make positive changes in their life and feel the same disgust whenever they act a certain way. But grace rests upon everyone who would do what is right, Christian or not. God works in the heart of those who do not know Him just as He sustains the physical processes, which keep them alive. The fundamental difference between the Christian and non-Christian is the actual presence of Christ living in those who have received Him. This does not mean that n0n-Christians cannot or will not see positive change; they may even have better marriages, and better mastery over their various appetites. But the life of Christ in the Christian holds the promise that He will finish what we cannot. He will continue the process after even after death, especially after death, indeed separation from this fallen body is essential if we are to be completely healed. 3/21/2010 Conversations Within ts
“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Ro.7.15
It would be silly to think that only Christians feel the dilemma of a divided self. I have non-Christian friends who want to make positive changes in their life and feel the same disgust whenever they act a certain way. But grace rests upon everyone who would do what is right, Christian or not. God works in the heart of those who do not know Him just as He sustains the physical processes, which keep them alive. The fundamental difference between the Christian and non-Christian is the actual presence of Christ living in those who have received Him. This does not mean that n0n-Christians cannot or will not see positive change; they may even have better marriages, and better mastery over their various appetites. But the life of Christ in the Christian holds the promise that He will finish what we cannot. He will continue the process after even after death, especially after death, indeed separation from this fallen body is essential if we are to be completely healed. 3/21/2010 Conversations Within ts
Saturday, March 27, 2010
“Religion is as helpful as throwing a drowning man both ends of a rope” Anonymous
“If you do well, will you not be accepted?" Gen.4.7
Most of us are familiar with the story of Cain and Able. God reiterated to Cain the importance of his choices, a lesson clearly illustrated by his father Adam. Of course, Cain knew what He was supposed to do but chose instead to do what he wanted to do. He killed his brother. Human history, my history is the story knowing what is right, wanting what is wrong and the choice between them. If it is true and I assume that it is, that we always, when we are able, choose whatever desire is the strongest at the moment, then simply knowing what is right will never be enough. We need help with our desires. Jesus offers us more than a religion to follow. Religions excel on telling us what to do but offer no power to do it. Jesus offers us more than forgiveness. He offers nothing short of transformation. How, His very life is joined to our own and with it, a new set of desires. 3/20/2010 Conversations Within ts
Most of us are familiar with the story of Cain and Able. God reiterated to Cain the importance of his choices, a lesson clearly illustrated by his father Adam. Of course, Cain knew what He was supposed to do but chose instead to do what he wanted to do. He killed his brother. Human history, my history is the story knowing what is right, wanting what is wrong and the choice between them. If it is true and I assume that it is, that we always, when we are able, choose whatever desire is the strongest at the moment, then simply knowing what is right will never be enough. We need help with our desires. Jesus offers us more than a religion to follow. Religions excel on telling us what to do but offer no power to do it. Jesus offers us more than forgiveness. He offers nothing short of transformation. How, His very life is joined to our own and with it, a new set of desires. 3/20/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Religion is as helpful as throwing a drowning man both ends of a rope” Anonymous
“If you do well, will you not be accepted?" Gen.4.7
Most of us are familiar with the story of Cain and Able. God reiterated to Cain the importance of his choices, a lesson clearly illustrated by his father Adam. Of course, Cain knew what He was supposed to do but chose instead to do what he wanted to do. He killed his brother. Human history, my history is the story knowing what is right, wanting what is wrong and the choice between them. If it is true and I assume that it is, that we always, when we are able, choose whatever desire is the strongest at the moment, then simply knowing what is right will never be enough. We need help with our desires. Jesus offers us more than a religion to follow. Religions excel on telling us what to do but offer no power to do it. Jesus offers us more than forgiveness. He offers nothing short of transformation. How, His very life is joined to our own and with it, a new set of desires. 3/20/2010 Conversations Within ts
Most of us are familiar with the story of Cain and Able. God reiterated to Cain the importance of his choices, a lesson clearly illustrated by his father Adam. Of course, Cain knew what He was supposed to do but chose instead to do what he wanted to do. He killed his brother. Human history, my history is the story knowing what is right, wanting what is wrong and the choice between them. If it is true and I assume that it is, that we always, when we are able, choose whatever desire is the strongest at the moment, then simply knowing what is right will never be enough. We need help with our desires. Jesus offers us more than a religion to follow. Religions excel on telling us what to do but offer no power to do it. Jesus offers us more than forgiveness. He offers nothing short of transformation. How, His very life is joined to our own and with it, a new set of desires. 3/20/2010 Conversations Within ts
Friday, March 26, 2010
“When one bases his life on principle, 99 percent of his decisions are already made.” ~Author Unknown
“Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him and to which God has called him.” 1Co.7.17
There are times when it is best to remain where you are, just as there are times to abandon ship. The question that often plagues us is when to do which. Do I quit my job? Do trade cars? Do I pull the plug on a failed marriage? Sometimes the Bible give clear direction, sometimes it only provides us guidelines. When looking for advise we need to be careful of people who twist God’s clear direction into mere suggestion. We also need to be wary of people who turn guidelines into hard fast law. Knowing when to do what is often a wisdom question and where wisdom is concerned, we are given clear direction. Ask! Simply ask God to make the matter unquestionably clear and stay put until it is. 3/20/2010 Conversations Within ts
There are times when it is best to remain where you are, just as there are times to abandon ship. The question that often plagues us is when to do which. Do I quit my job? Do trade cars? Do I pull the plug on a failed marriage? Sometimes the Bible give clear direction, sometimes it only provides us guidelines. When looking for advise we need to be careful of people who twist God’s clear direction into mere suggestion. We also need to be wary of people who turn guidelines into hard fast law. Knowing when to do what is often a wisdom question and where wisdom is concerned, we are given clear direction. Ask! Simply ask God to make the matter unquestionably clear and stay put until it is. 3/20/2010 Conversations Within ts
“When one bases his life on principle, 99 percent of his decisions are already made.” ~Author Unknown
“Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him and to which God has called him.” 1Co.7.17
There are times when it is best to remain where you are, just as there are times to abandon ship. The question that often plagues us is when to do which. Do I quit my job? Do trade cars? Do I pull the plug on a failed marriage? Sometimes the Bible give clear direction, sometimes it only provides us guidelines. When looking for advise we need to be careful of people who twist God’s clear direction into mere suggestion. We also need to be wary of people who turn guidelines into hard fast law. Knowing when to do what is often a wisdom question and where wisdom is concerned, we are given clear direction. Ask! Simply ask God to make the matter unquestionably clear and stay put until it is. 3/20/2010 Conversations Within ts
There are times when it is best to remain where you are, just as there are times to abandon ship. The question that often plagues us is when to do which. Do I quit my job? Do trade cars? Do I pull the plug on a failed marriage? Sometimes the Bible give clear direction, sometimes it only provides us guidelines. When looking for advise we need to be careful of people who twist God’s clear direction into mere suggestion. We also need to be wary of people who turn guidelines into hard fast law. Knowing when to do what is often a wisdom question and where wisdom is concerned, we are given clear direction. Ask! Simply ask God to make the matter unquestionably clear and stay put until it is. 3/20/2010 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, March 25, 2010
"Most battles are won before they are fought" Sung Tu “The Art of War”
"Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! Ps.143.10
This prayer expresses a bit of wisdom from someone who was savvy in battle. The person praying isn’t asking for personal comfort but for firm footing when he comes face to face with his enemies. Most of my enemies are within. It seems to me that apart of asking God to lead me on level ground when I face them is asking Him to help me know what I want in life. Knowing what I want decides how level the ground will be when I face my enemies. If I don’t know what I want, I may easily loose my footing to any enemy that would challenge me. Ask anyone who has won the battle to loose weight or quit smoking. What do I want? The answer to that question is what makes me truly happy. But any kind of happy isn’t always a good thing. It may be that what I want is one of the enemies coming against me and so we ask that God’s spirit would teach us the difference between finding temporal happiness in pleasure and lasting happiness in joy. 3/18/2010 Conversations Within ts
This prayer expresses a bit of wisdom from someone who was savvy in battle. The person praying isn’t asking for personal comfort but for firm footing when he comes face to face with his enemies. Most of my enemies are within. It seems to me that apart of asking God to lead me on level ground when I face them is asking Him to help me know what I want in life. Knowing what I want decides how level the ground will be when I face my enemies. If I don’t know what I want, I may easily loose my footing to any enemy that would challenge me. Ask anyone who has won the battle to loose weight or quit smoking. What do I want? The answer to that question is what makes me truly happy. But any kind of happy isn’t always a good thing. It may be that what I want is one of the enemies coming against me and so we ask that God’s spirit would teach us the difference between finding temporal happiness in pleasure and lasting happiness in joy. 3/18/2010 Conversations Within ts
"Most battles are won before they are fought" Sung Tu “The Art of War”
"Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! Ps.143.10
This prayer expresses a bit of wisdom from someone who was savvy in battle. The person praying isn’t asking for personal comfort but for firm footing when he comes face to face with his enemies. Most of my enemies are within. It seems to me that apart of asking God to lead me on level ground when I face them is asking Him to help me know what I want in life. Knowing what I want decides how level the ground will be when I face my enemies. If I don’t know what I want, I may easily loose my footing to any enemy that would challenge me. Ask anyone who has won the battle to loose weight or quit smoking. What do I want? The answer to that question is what makes me truly happy. But any kind of happy isn’t always a good thing. It may be that what I want is one of the enemies coming against me and so we ask that God’s spirit would teach us the difference between finding temporal happiness in pleasure and lasting happiness in joy. 3/18/2010 Conversations Within ts
This prayer expresses a bit of wisdom from someone who was savvy in battle. The person praying isn’t asking for personal comfort but for firm footing when he comes face to face with his enemies. Most of my enemies are within. It seems to me that apart of asking God to lead me on level ground when I face them is asking Him to help me know what I want in life. Knowing what I want decides how level the ground will be when I face my enemies. If I don’t know what I want, I may easily loose my footing to any enemy that would challenge me. Ask anyone who has won the battle to loose weight or quit smoking. What do I want? The answer to that question is what makes me truly happy. But any kind of happy isn’t always a good thing. It may be that what I want is one of the enemies coming against me and so we ask that God’s spirit would teach us the difference between finding temporal happiness in pleasure and lasting happiness in joy. 3/18/2010 Conversations Within ts
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
“The shortest distance between two points isn’t the point.” Anonymous
God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. Ex.13.17
When God leads us, He has been know to take a longer trail even when a shorter God one exists simply because He needs more time to prepare us for something He has in store for us. One of my favorite quotes is, “The shortest distance between two points isn’t the point.” This is not only true when hiking for enjoyment; it is certainly true in the development of Christian character. 3/17/2010 Conversations Within ts
When God leads us, He has been know to take a longer trail even when a shorter God one exists simply because He needs more time to prepare us for something He has in store for us. One of my favorite quotes is, “The shortest distance between two points isn’t the point.” This is not only true when hiking for enjoyment; it is certainly true in the development of Christian character. 3/17/2010 Conversations Within ts
“The shortest distance between two points isn’t the point.” Anonymous
God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. Ex.13.17
When God leads us, He has been know to take a longer trail even when a shorter God one exists simply because He needs more time to prepare us for something He has in store for us. One of my favorite quotes is, “The shortest distance between two points isn’t the point.” This is not only true when hiking for enjoyment; it is certainly true in the development of Christian character. 3/17/2010 Conversations Within ts
When God leads us, He has been know to take a longer trail even when a shorter God one exists simply because He needs more time to prepare us for something He has in store for us. One of my favorite quotes is, “The shortest distance between two points isn’t the point.” This is not only true when hiking for enjoyment; it is certainly true in the development of Christian character. 3/17/2010 Conversations Within ts
Monday, March 22, 2010
“When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others.” Peace Pilgrim
“…the sunrise shall visit us from on high…to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Lk.1.79 ESV
Am I at peace, not that warm fuzzy feeling people often associate with it? Rather, is there wholeness to my life, to my affairs? Am I gracefully reconciled to my work, my relationships, my resources? As a follower of the Prince, I am promised direction into the way of peace. And peace is a way, a path, a manner of living that brings wholeness to all that is fragmented in our lives. Let my feet willingly fall into the footprints of his sandaled feet. He will lead me find joy in my work, to take pleasure in family and friends even my enemies. His footsteps will lead me beside the lonely, the oppressed, the homeless. He will often lead us not so much to peaceful places but to be peacemakers wherever we go. May the waters of peace flow down and fill our cup until it overflows and brings refreshment to our dehydrated world. 3/15/2010 Conversations Within ts
Am I at peace, not that warm fuzzy feeling people often associate with it? Rather, is there wholeness to my life, to my affairs? Am I gracefully reconciled to my work, my relationships, my resources? As a follower of the Prince, I am promised direction into the way of peace. And peace is a way, a path, a manner of living that brings wholeness to all that is fragmented in our lives. Let my feet willingly fall into the footprints of his sandaled feet. He will lead me find joy in my work, to take pleasure in family and friends even my enemies. His footsteps will lead me beside the lonely, the oppressed, the homeless. He will often lead us not so much to peaceful places but to be peacemakers wherever we go. May the waters of peace flow down and fill our cup until it overflows and brings refreshment to our dehydrated world. 3/15/2010 Conversations Within ts
“When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others.” Peace Pilgrim
“…the sunrise shall visit us from on high…to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Lk.1.79 ESV
Am I at peace, not that warm fuzzy feeling people often associate with it? Rather, is there wholeness to my life, to my affairs? Am I gracefully reconciled to my work, my relationships, my resources? As a follower of the Prince, I am promised direction into the way of peace. And peace is a way, a path, a manner of living that brings wholeness to all that is fragmented in our lives. Let my feet willingly fall into the footprints of his sandaled feet. He will lead me find joy in my work, to take pleasure in family and friends even my enemies. His footsteps will lead me beside the lonely, the oppressed, the homeless. He will often lead us not so much to peaceful places but to be peacemakers wherever we go. May the waters of peace flow down and fill our cup until it overflows and brings refreshment to our dehydrated world. 3/15/2010 Conversations Within ts
Am I at peace, not that warm fuzzy feeling people often associate with it? Rather, is there wholeness to my life, to my affairs? Am I gracefully reconciled to my work, my relationships, my resources? As a follower of the Prince, I am promised direction into the way of peace. And peace is a way, a path, a manner of living that brings wholeness to all that is fragmented in our lives. Let my feet willingly fall into the footprints of his sandaled feet. He will lead me find joy in my work, to take pleasure in family and friends even my enemies. His footsteps will lead me beside the lonely, the oppressed, the homeless. He will often lead us not so much to peaceful places but to be peacemakers wherever we go. May the waters of peace flow down and fill our cup until it overflows and brings refreshment to our dehydrated world. 3/15/2010 Conversations Within ts
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand. --Chinese proverb
“You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.” Ps.73.24 ESV
I am grateful for every kind word even when it was veiled in rebuke, every encouragement even when it was a kick in the butt, every time you shined a light on the path even when it was in the opposite direction from where I wanted to go and every instance when you stood in my way even when I argued that I was right. I appreciate that you teach me freedom by setting boundaries and sometime by tearing down others I have erected in error. I’m glad you know where you’re going even when I don’t and that your counsel always seeks to involve me to be where I am in sprit and in truth. 3/14/2010 Conversations Within ts
I am grateful for every kind word even when it was veiled in rebuke, every encouragement even when it was a kick in the butt, every time you shined a light on the path even when it was in the opposite direction from where I wanted to go and every instance when you stood in my way even when I argued that I was right. I appreciate that you teach me freedom by setting boundaries and sometime by tearing down others I have erected in error. I’m glad you know where you’re going even when I don’t and that your counsel always seeks to involve me to be where I am in sprit and in truth. 3/14/2010 Conversations Within ts
Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand. --Chinese proverb
“You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.” Ps.73.24 ESV
I am grateful for every kind word even when it was veiled in rebuke, every encouragement even when it was a kick in the butt, every time you shined a light on the path even when it was in the opposite direction from where I wanted to go and every instance when you stood in my way even when I argued that I was right. I appreciate that you teach me freedom by setting boundaries and sometime by tearing down others I have erected in error. I’m glad you know where you’re going even when I don’t and that your counsel always seeks to involve me to be where I am in sprit and in truth. 3/14/2010 Conversations Within ts
I am grateful for every kind word even when it was veiled in rebuke, every encouragement even when it was a kick in the butt, every time you shined a light on the path even when it was in the opposite direction from where I wanted to go and every instance when you stood in my way even when I argued that I was right. I appreciate that you teach me freedom by setting boundaries and sometime by tearing down others I have erected in error. I’m glad you know where you’re going even when I don’t and that your counsel always seeks to involve me to be where I am in sprit and in truth. 3/14/2010 Conversations Within ts
Friday, March 19, 2010
“God is the one being in the universe for whom the highest virtue is self-exaltation.” John Piper
“For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me.” Ps.31.3 ESV
Your good name is reason enough to believe that you’re guiding us on our journey. It has taken me along time to realize that when you do everything for the sake of your name, you do so for the benefit of those who trust you. How can you give us any gift greater than the gift of yourself? To lead us for the glory of your name is to lead us to our highest good. I believe it now in these quiet moments. Help me trust this when I get a flat tire. 3/13/2010 Conversations Within ts
Your good name is reason enough to believe that you’re guiding us on our journey. It has taken me along time to realize that when you do everything for the sake of your name, you do so for the benefit of those who trust you. How can you give us any gift greater than the gift of yourself? To lead us for the glory of your name is to lead us to our highest good. I believe it now in these quiet moments. Help me trust this when I get a flat tire. 3/13/2010 Conversations Within ts
“God is the one being in the universe for whom the highest virtue is self-exaltation.” John Piper
“For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me.” Ps.31.3 ESV
Your good name is reason enough to believe that you’re guiding us on our journey. It has taken me along time to realize that when you do everything for the sake of your name, you do so for the benefit of those who trust you. How can you give us any gift greater than the gift of yourself? To lead us for the glory of your name is to lead us to our highest good. I believe it now in these quiet moments. Help me trust this when I get a flat tire. 3/13/2010 Conversations Within ts
Your good name is reason enough to believe that you’re guiding us on our journey. It has taken me along time to realize that when you do everything for the sake of your name, you do so for the benefit of those who trust you. How can you give us any gift greater than the gift of yourself? To lead us for the glory of your name is to lead us to our highest good. I believe it now in these quiet moments. Help me trust this when I get a flat tire. 3/13/2010 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, March 18, 2010
“Destiny… is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.” William Jennings Bryan
“And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way…” Ex.13.21 ESV
“I wish God would just tell me what to do instead of playing this guessing game.” Sound familiar? I hear this all the time from people who sincerely want God’s will for their life but don’t have a clue what that will is. Why can’t He just write it in the sky, “Go to nursing school in Timbuktu;” “Marry this person.” I used to think that God had some detailed plan spelled out and that we should wait on him to reveal it to us. And, while I do believe He does assign specific tasks to us, He seems to have given us a great deal of latitude to choose many things for ourselves. Remember His encouragement to David, “Go, do all that is in your heart;” --safe words to a surrendered heart. Perhaps instead of waiting on God, God is waiting on us, ready to bless what whatever would like to do to serve His cause in the world. 3/12/2010 Conversations Within ts
“I wish God would just tell me what to do instead of playing this guessing game.” Sound familiar? I hear this all the time from people who sincerely want God’s will for their life but don’t have a clue what that will is. Why can’t He just write it in the sky, “Go to nursing school in Timbuktu;” “Marry this person.” I used to think that God had some detailed plan spelled out and that we should wait on him to reveal it to us. And, while I do believe He does assign specific tasks to us, He seems to have given us a great deal of latitude to choose many things for ourselves. Remember His encouragement to David, “Go, do all that is in your heart;” --safe words to a surrendered heart. Perhaps instead of waiting on God, God is waiting on us, ready to bless what whatever would like to do to serve His cause in the world. 3/12/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Destiny… is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.” William Jennings Bryan
“And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way…” Ex.13.21 ESV
“I wish God would just tell me what to do instead of playing this guessing game.” Sound familiar? I hear this all the time from people who sincerely want God’s will for their life but don’t have a clue what that will is. Why can’t He just write it in the sky, “Go to nursing school in Timbuktu;” “Marry this person.” I used to think that God had some detailed plan spelled out and that we should wait on him to reveal it to us. And, while I do believe He does assign specific tasks to us, He seems to have given us a great deal of latitude to choose many things for ourselves. Remember His encouragement to David, “Go, do all that is in your heart;” --safe words to a surrendered heart. Perhaps instead of waiting on God, God is waiting on us, ready to bless what whatever would like to do to serve His cause in the world. 3/12/2010 Conversations Within ts
“I wish God would just tell me what to do instead of playing this guessing game.” Sound familiar? I hear this all the time from people who sincerely want God’s will for their life but don’t have a clue what that will is. Why can’t He just write it in the sky, “Go to nursing school in Timbuktu;” “Marry this person.” I used to think that God had some detailed plan spelled out and that we should wait on him to reveal it to us. And, while I do believe He does assign specific tasks to us, He seems to have given us a great deal of latitude to choose many things for ourselves. Remember His encouragement to David, “Go, do all that is in your heart;” --safe words to a surrendered heart. Perhaps instead of waiting on God, God is waiting on us, ready to bless what whatever would like to do to serve His cause in the world. 3/12/2010 Conversations Within ts
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
" Good news to a hungry person is bread.” Bishop Desmond Tutu
" Good news to a hungry person is bread.” Bishop Desmond Tutu
"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" Ro.10.15
I once listened to a young man preaching his trial sermon for ordination to the ministry. If I remember correct, he had a good message but it was overshadowed because of the angry look on his face. His delivery was almost vicious even when he was making a positive. The way we say something is nearly as important as what we say. Good news is after all good news; it should be presented in such a manner that complements its goodness. I certainly have botched the job a few times. Lord let my life’s music complement your sweet lyrics. 3/11/2010 Conversations Within ts
"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" Ro.10.15
I once listened to a young man preaching his trial sermon for ordination to the ministry. If I remember correct, he had a good message but it was overshadowed because of the angry look on his face. His delivery was almost vicious even when he was making a positive. The way we say something is nearly as important as what we say. Good news is after all good news; it should be presented in such a manner that complements its goodness. I certainly have botched the job a few times. Lord let my life’s music complement your sweet lyrics. 3/11/2010 Conversations Within ts
" Good news to a hungry person is bread.” Bishop Desmond Tutu
" Good news to a hungry person is bread.” Bishop Desmond Tutu
"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" Ro.10.15
I once listened to a young man preaching his trial sermon for ordination to the ministry. If I remember correct, he had a good message but it was overshadowed because of the angry look on his face. His delivery was almost vicious even when he was making a positive. The way we say something is nearly as important as what we say. Good news is after all good news; it should be presented in such a manner that complements its goodness. I certainly have botched the job a few times. Lord let my life’s music complement your sweet lyrics. 3/11/2010 Conversations Within ts
"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" Ro.10.15
I once listened to a young man preaching his trial sermon for ordination to the ministry. If I remember correct, he had a good message but it was overshadowed because of the angry look on his face. His delivery was almost vicious even when he was making a positive. The way we say something is nearly as important as what we say. Good news is after all good news; it should be presented in such a manner that complements its goodness. I certainly have botched the job a few times. Lord let my life’s music complement your sweet lyrics. 3/11/2010 Conversations Within ts
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
“You complete me.” Jerry McGuire (the movie)
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Ecc.3.11 ESV
My brother once said to me, “There is nothing like a flower in bloom.” He was referring to individuals who finally come into their own, doing what they were fashioned to do. Some of the most beautiful moments in life come to us like the seasons-- endlessly but purposefully passing one into the other. Christ graciously creates the magic in these moments. He is summit of every mountain, the last page of every good book, the birth of every new born and safe arrival after every long journey. He is every graduation and every retirement, the completion of every joyful thing under the sun. 3/10/2010 Conversations Within ts
My brother once said to me, “There is nothing like a flower in bloom.” He was referring to individuals who finally come into their own, doing what they were fashioned to do. Some of the most beautiful moments in life come to us like the seasons-- endlessly but purposefully passing one into the other. Christ graciously creates the magic in these moments. He is summit of every mountain, the last page of every good book, the birth of every new born and safe arrival after every long journey. He is every graduation and every retirement, the completion of every joyful thing under the sun. 3/10/2010 Conversations Within ts
“You complete me.” Jerry McGuire (the movie)
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Ecc.3.11 ESV
My brother once said to me, “There is nothing like a flower in bloom.” He was referring to individuals who finally come into their own, doing what they were fashioned to do. Some of the most beautiful moments in life come to us like the seasons-- endlessly but purposefully passing one into the other. Christ graciously creates the magic in these moments. He is summit of every mountain, the last page of every good book, the birth of every new born and safe arrival after every long journey. He is every graduation and every retirement, the completion of every joyful thing under the sun. 3/10/2010 Conversations Within ts
My brother once said to me, “There is nothing like a flower in bloom.” He was referring to individuals who finally come into their own, doing what they were fashioned to do. Some of the most beautiful moments in life come to us like the seasons-- endlessly but purposefully passing one into the other. Christ graciously creates the magic in these moments. He is summit of every mountain, the last page of every good book, the birth of every new born and safe arrival after every long journey. He is every graduation and every retirement, the completion of every joyful thing under the sun. 3/10/2010 Conversations Within ts
Monday, March 15, 2010
Beauty is not only in the eye of the beholder; the beholder is beautifully designed to notice it.
“All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field.” Is.40.6 ESV
I once, with tongue and cheek, told my twenty-year-old daughter that she probably looked better right now than she would ever look in this brief life and to enjoy it while she could. On the other hand, I of course, think my wife’s beauty only improves with age. There are things about beauty that transcend physical attraction. Consider the beauty of aging hands or the appreciation of beauty at all. I think this says much about the human soul, not only that we have one, but also because in the appreciation of beauty we step outside being mere animals. We are poets, and musicians, artist and writers. That we do not see these qualities in other creatures bespeaks something of our uniqueness. And, to truly see this uniqueness is to believe that we are more than a cosmic accident, but the work of another Artist. 3/9/2010 Conversations Within ts
I once, with tongue and cheek, told my twenty-year-old daughter that she probably looked better right now than she would ever look in this brief life and to enjoy it while she could. On the other hand, I of course, think my wife’s beauty only improves with age. There are things about beauty that transcend physical attraction. Consider the beauty of aging hands or the appreciation of beauty at all. I think this says much about the human soul, not only that we have one, but also because in the appreciation of beauty we step outside being mere animals. We are poets, and musicians, artist and writers. That we do not see these qualities in other creatures bespeaks something of our uniqueness. And, to truly see this uniqueness is to believe that we are more than a cosmic accident, but the work of another Artist. 3/9/2010 Conversations Within ts
Beauty is not only in the eye of the beholder; the beholder is beautifully designed to notice it.
“All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field.” Is.40.6 ESV
I once, with tongue and cheek, told my twenty-year-old daughter that she probably looked better right now than she would ever look in this brief life and to enjoy it while she could. On the other hand, I of course, think my wife’s beauty only improves with age. There are things about beauty that transcend physical attraction. Consider the beauty of aging hands or the appreciation of beauty at all. I think this says much about the human soul, not only that we have one, but also because in the appreciation of beauty we step outside being mere animals. We are poets, and musicians, artist and writers. That we do not see these qualities in other creatures bespeaks something of our uniqueness. And, to truly see this uniqueness is to believe that we are more than a cosmic accident, but the work of another Artist. 3/9/2010 Conversations Within ts
I once, with tongue and cheek, told my twenty-year-old daughter that she probably looked better right now than she would ever look in this brief life and to enjoy it while she could. On the other hand, I of course, think my wife’s beauty only improves with age. There are things about beauty that transcend physical attraction. Consider the beauty of aging hands or the appreciation of beauty at all. I think this says much about the human soul, not only that we have one, but also because in the appreciation of beauty we step outside being mere animals. We are poets, and musicians, artist and writers. That we do not see these qualities in other creatures bespeaks something of our uniqueness. And, to truly see this uniqueness is to believe that we are more than a cosmic accident, but the work of another Artist. 3/9/2010 Conversations Within ts
Friday, March 12, 2010
“Adult supervision required!”
“With great delight I sat in his shadow, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.” SoS.2.3 ESV
One of my favorite toys as a child was a chemistry set. Despite the warning to not mix certain chemicals together, the first thing I did was mix them just to see what would happen. I needed supervision when I was a child and though I hate to admit it, I still do, not with chemistry sets but with simple pleasures. Pleasures can ensnare and endanger the soul but with the fellowship of Christ, they only add to joy. It may seem strange that God would make a world full of pleasures, each potentially dangerous, until we realize that the danger only occurs in the present order, a world in rebellion. Expecting God to make pleasure where this kind of danger doesn’t exist is to ask Him to create a world without voluntary love. Choice along with its many dangers seems to be the only possible design that enables such love to exist. 3/6/2010 Conversations Within ts
One of my favorite toys as a child was a chemistry set. Despite the warning to not mix certain chemicals together, the first thing I did was mix them just to see what would happen. I needed supervision when I was a child and though I hate to admit it, I still do, not with chemistry sets but with simple pleasures. Pleasures can ensnare and endanger the soul but with the fellowship of Christ, they only add to joy. It may seem strange that God would make a world full of pleasures, each potentially dangerous, until we realize that the danger only occurs in the present order, a world in rebellion. Expecting God to make pleasure where this kind of danger doesn’t exist is to ask Him to create a world without voluntary love. Choice along with its many dangers seems to be the only possible design that enables such love to exist. 3/6/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Adult supervision required!”
“With great delight I sat in his shadow, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.” SoS.2.3 ESV
One of my favorite toys as a child was a chemistry set. Despite the warning to not mix certain chemicals together, the first thing I did was mix them just to see what would happen. I needed supervision when I was a child and though I hate to admit it, I still do, not with chemistry sets but with simple pleasures. Pleasures can ensnare and endanger the soul but with the fellowship of Christ, they only add to joy. It may seem strange that God would make a world full of pleasures, each potentially dangerous, until we realize that the danger only occurs in the present order, a world in rebellion. Expecting God to make pleasure where this kind of danger doesn’t exist is to ask Him to create a world without voluntary love. Choice along with its many dangers seems to be the only possible design that enables such love to exist. 3/6/2010 Conversations Within ts
One of my favorite toys as a child was a chemistry set. Despite the warning to not mix certain chemicals together, the first thing I did was mix them just to see what would happen. I needed supervision when I was a child and though I hate to admit it, I still do, not with chemistry sets but with simple pleasures. Pleasures can ensnare and endanger the soul but with the fellowship of Christ, they only add to joy. It may seem strange that God would make a world full of pleasures, each potentially dangerous, until we realize that the danger only occurs in the present order, a world in rebellion. Expecting God to make pleasure where this kind of danger doesn’t exist is to ask Him to create a world without voluntary love. Choice along with its many dangers seems to be the only possible design that enables such love to exist. 3/6/2010 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, March 11, 2010
"I have discovered that just because we grow weaker physically as we age...
"I have discovered that just because we grow weaker physically as we age, it doesn't mean that we must grow weaker spiritually," Billy Graham--turning 90
“They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green…” Ps.92.14 ESV
Age is no impairment to bearing lasting fruit. A 90-year-old women lying infirm in a nursing home, prayed for my salvation, my calling to the ministry and even the school I would attend to prepare for it. She recorded these prayers in a journal when I was but a boy. She died before she saw the answer to her prayers but her 64 year old daughter met me years later studying for the ministry at the very school mentioned in her journal. Until then, I did not know she had prayed for these things. Fruit is promised to all who abide in Christ. A person’s position, age, health, or financial status need not restrict the flow of His sap in us. There are no limitations of power for those who purposefully abide in Christ. His sap coursing in every surrendered heart is sure to yield fruit, much fruit, lasting fruit. 3/5/2010 Conversations Within ts
“They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green…” Ps.92.14 ESV
Age is no impairment to bearing lasting fruit. A 90-year-old women lying infirm in a nursing home, prayed for my salvation, my calling to the ministry and even the school I would attend to prepare for it. She recorded these prayers in a journal when I was but a boy. She died before she saw the answer to her prayers but her 64 year old daughter met me years later studying for the ministry at the very school mentioned in her journal. Until then, I did not know she had prayed for these things. Fruit is promised to all who abide in Christ. A person’s position, age, health, or financial status need not restrict the flow of His sap in us. There are no limitations of power for those who purposefully abide in Christ. His sap coursing in every surrendered heart is sure to yield fruit, much fruit, lasting fruit. 3/5/2010 Conversations Within ts
"I have discovered that just because we grow weaker physically as we age...
"I have discovered that just because we grow weaker physically as we age, it doesn't mean that we must grow weaker spiritually," Billy Graham--turning 90
“They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green…” Ps.92.14 ESV
Age is no impairment to bearing lasting fruit. A 90-year-old women lying infirm in a nursing home, prayed for my salvation, my calling to the ministry and even the school I would attend to prepare for it. She recorded these prayers in a journal when I was but a boy. She died before she saw the answer to her prayers but her 64 year old daughter met me years later studying for the ministry at the very school mentioned in her journal. Until then, I did not know she had prayed for these things. Fruit is promised to all who abide in Christ. A person’s position, age, health, or financial status need not restrict the flow of His sap in us. There are no limitations of power for those who purposefully abide in Christ. His sap coursing in every surrendered heart is sure to yield fruit, much fruit, lasting fruit. 3/5/2010 Conversations Within ts
“They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green…” Ps.92.14 ESV
Age is no impairment to bearing lasting fruit. A 90-year-old women lying infirm in a nursing home, prayed for my salvation, my calling to the ministry and even the school I would attend to prepare for it. She recorded these prayers in a journal when I was but a boy. She died before she saw the answer to her prayers but her 64 year old daughter met me years later studying for the ministry at the very school mentioned in her journal. Until then, I did not know she had prayed for these things. Fruit is promised to all who abide in Christ. A person’s position, age, health, or financial status need not restrict the flow of His sap in us. There are no limitations of power for those who purposefully abide in Christ. His sap coursing in every surrendered heart is sure to yield fruit, much fruit, lasting fruit. 3/5/2010 Conversations Within ts
"I have discovered that just because we grow weaker physically as we age...
"I have discovered that just because we grow weaker physically as we age, it doesn't mean that we must grow weaker spiritually," Billy Graham--turning 90
“They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green…” Ps.92.14 ESV
Age is no impairment to bearing lasting fruit. A 90-year-old women lying infirm in a nursing home, prayed for my salvation, my calling to the ministry and even the school I would attend to prepare for it. She recorded these prayers in a journal when I was but a boy. She died before she saw the answer to her prayers but her 64 year old daughter met me years later studying for the ministry at the very school mentioned in her journal. Until then, I did not know she had prayed for these things. Fruit is promised to all who abide in Christ. A person’s position, age, health, or financial status need not restrict the flow of His sap in us. There are no limitations of power for those who purposefully abide in Christ. His sap coursing in every surrendered heart is sure to yield fruit, much fruit, lasting fruit. 3/5/2010 Conversations Within ts
“They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green…” Ps.92.14 ESV
Age is no impairment to bearing lasting fruit. A 90-year-old women lying infirm in a nursing home, prayed for my salvation, my calling to the ministry and even the school I would attend to prepare for it. She recorded these prayers in a journal when I was but a boy. She died before she saw the answer to her prayers but her 64 year old daughter met me years later studying for the ministry at the very school mentioned in her journal. Until then, I did not know she had prayed for these things. Fruit is promised to all who abide in Christ. A person’s position, age, health, or financial status need not restrict the flow of His sap in us. There are no limitations of power for those who purposefully abide in Christ. His sap coursing in every surrendered heart is sure to yield fruit, much fruit, lasting fruit. 3/5/2010 Conversations Within ts
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
“What goes around comes around.”
“Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who guards his master will be honored.” Pr.27.18 ESV
“What goes around comes around,” seems to me a fitting description of both heaven and hell. Those who live under the positive influences of love already seem live in the lower reaches of Heaven. Those shackled by selfishness and hate seem to live in upper reaches of hell. But why live in hell when heaven is equally within our reach. Every good deed, act of compassion, or kind word is rewarded with the same. Love begets love and those who dwell in love dwell in God. Heaven’s fruit is there for the picking if we would but tend to its trees. 3/4/2010 Conversations Within ts
“What goes around comes around,” seems to me a fitting description of both heaven and hell. Those who live under the positive influences of love already seem live in the lower reaches of Heaven. Those shackled by selfishness and hate seem to live in upper reaches of hell. But why live in hell when heaven is equally within our reach. Every good deed, act of compassion, or kind word is rewarded with the same. Love begets love and those who dwell in love dwell in God. Heaven’s fruit is there for the picking if we would but tend to its trees. 3/4/2010 Conversations Within ts
“What goes around comes around.”
“Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who guards his master will be honored.” Pr.27.18 ESV
“What goes around comes around,” seems to me a fitting description of both heaven and hell. Those who live under the positive influences of love already seem live in the lower reaches of Heaven. Those shackled by selfishness and hate seem to live in upper reaches of hell. But why live in hell when heaven is equally within our reach. Every good deed, act of compassion, or kind word is rewarded with the same. Love begets love and those who dwell in love dwell in God. Heaven’s fruit is there for the picking if we would but tend to its trees. 3/4/2010 Conversations Within ts
“What goes around comes around,” seems to me a fitting description of both heaven and hell. Those who live under the positive influences of love already seem live in the lower reaches of Heaven. Those shackled by selfishness and hate seem to live in upper reaches of hell. But why live in hell when heaven is equally within our reach. Every good deed, act of compassion, or kind word is rewarded with the same. Love begets love and those who dwell in love dwell in God. Heaven’s fruit is there for the picking if we would but tend to its trees. 3/4/2010 Conversations Within ts
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Hurried prayers are like fast food; occasionally required but a steady diet will languish one’s soul.
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.” Ps.1.3 ESV
I have found very little profit to a sporadic and hurried prayer life. Patchy prayers usually involve more chatter than meaningful conversation. Little is learned. When the roots of our inner life grow in shallow soil, there is neither depth to our faith nor quality to our fruit and the joy of life is diminished. The soul must be “planted” beside the streams of His blessed presence not occasionally watered like some dust-covered plant in the corner of a seldom-visited room. Is there a yellowing of the leaves and a layer of dust on my quiet times with Christ? Jesus desires to sit down with me in a garden of delights not hand me a banana on my way out the door. 3/3/2010 Conversations Within ts
I have found very little profit to a sporadic and hurried prayer life. Patchy prayers usually involve more chatter than meaningful conversation. Little is learned. When the roots of our inner life grow in shallow soil, there is neither depth to our faith nor quality to our fruit and the joy of life is diminished. The soul must be “planted” beside the streams of His blessed presence not occasionally watered like some dust-covered plant in the corner of a seldom-visited room. Is there a yellowing of the leaves and a layer of dust on my quiet times with Christ? Jesus desires to sit down with me in a garden of delights not hand me a banana on my way out the door. 3/3/2010 Conversations Within ts
Hurried prayers are like fast food; occasionally required but a steady diet will languish one’s soul.
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.” Ps.1.3 ESV
I have found very little profit to a sporadic and hurried prayer life. Patchy prayers usually involve more chatter than meaningful conversation. Little is learned. When the roots of our inner life grow in shallow soil, there is neither depth to our faith nor quality to our fruit and the joy of life is diminished. The soul must be “planted” beside the streams of His blessed presence not occasionally watered like some dust-covered plant in the corner of a seldom-visited room. Is there a yellowing of the leaves and a layer of dust on my quiet times with Christ? Jesus desires to sit down with me in a garden of delights not hand me a banana on my way out the door. 3/3/2010 Conversations Within ts
I have found very little profit to a sporadic and hurried prayer life. Patchy prayers usually involve more chatter than meaningful conversation. Little is learned. When the roots of our inner life grow in shallow soil, there is neither depth to our faith nor quality to our fruit and the joy of life is diminished. The soul must be “planted” beside the streams of His blessed presence not occasionally watered like some dust-covered plant in the corner of a seldom-visited room. Is there a yellowing of the leaves and a layer of dust on my quiet times with Christ? Jesus desires to sit down with me in a garden of delights not hand me a banana on my way out the door. 3/3/2010 Conversations Within ts
Monday, March 8, 2010
"We need a witness to our lives.” Shall We Dance (the Movie)
“Be fruitful and multiply.” Gen.1.22 ESV
God appears to me as goodness overflowing. When I look at creation it seems to me that part of this essence spilled over into everything He made. “Be fruitful and multiply” is the watchword of all living things. And, though selfishness has fragmented this wonder, there is still in each of us the instinct to live fruitful lives. I do not mean mere physical procreation; people innately possess the drive for significance or to put it another way, to spill over. We are fruit needing to drop from the tree, lives wanting to be harvested, enjoyed and increased in sharing. We seem to be designed to enjoy and to be enjoyed; to love and to be loved; I can think of no better reason to explain why we are here. 3/2/2010 Conversations Within ts
God appears to me as goodness overflowing. When I look at creation it seems to me that part of this essence spilled over into everything He made. “Be fruitful and multiply” is the watchword of all living things. And, though selfishness has fragmented this wonder, there is still in each of us the instinct to live fruitful lives. I do not mean mere physical procreation; people innately possess the drive for significance or to put it another way, to spill over. We are fruit needing to drop from the tree, lives wanting to be harvested, enjoyed and increased in sharing. We seem to be designed to enjoy and to be enjoyed; to love and to be loved; I can think of no better reason to explain why we are here. 3/2/2010 Conversations Within ts
"We need a witness to our lives.” Shall We Dance (the Movie)
“Be fruitful and multiply.” Gen.1.22 ESV
God appears to me as goodness overflowing. When I look at creation it seems to me that part of this essence spilled over into everything He made. “Be fruitful and multiply” is the watchword of all living things. And, though selfishness has fragmented this wonder, there is still in each of us the instinct to live fruitful lives. I do not mean mere physical procreation; people innately possess the drive for significance or to put it another way, to spill over. We are fruit needing to drop from the tree, lives wanting to be harvested, enjoyed and increased in sharing. We seem to be designed to enjoy and to be enjoyed; to love and to be loved; I can think of no better reason to explain why we are here. 3/2/2010 Conversations Within ts
God appears to me as goodness overflowing. When I look at creation it seems to me that part of this essence spilled over into everything He made. “Be fruitful and multiply” is the watchword of all living things. And, though selfishness has fragmented this wonder, there is still in each of us the instinct to live fruitful lives. I do not mean mere physical procreation; people innately possess the drive for significance or to put it another way, to spill over. We are fruit needing to drop from the tree, lives wanting to be harvested, enjoyed and increased in sharing. We seem to be designed to enjoy and to be enjoyed; to love and to be loved; I can think of no better reason to explain why we are here. 3/2/2010 Conversations Within ts
Saturday, March 6, 2010
“Balance, peace, and joy are the fruit of a successful life.
...It starts with recognizing your talents and finding ways to serve others by using them.” Thomas Kinkade
“.…bear fruit with patience.” Lk.8.15 ESV
God intends that His children live fruitful lives. The Scriptures tell us at least three ways we should be bearing fruit. First, there is the fruit of His Spirit working in us the transformations of love, joy, peace patience and so on. Second, there is the fruit of answered prayer as we begin to center our life on all things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. And third, there is the fruit of our labor as we share in the work of Christ in the world. We should not only expect to see these things if Christ lives in us, their presence or absence may be used to measure the progress of our growth in grace. Is my lust turning to love? Are my prayers directed increasingly on behalf of others rather than for me? Are the influences of my love observed in the people around me? 3/1/2010 Conversations Within ts
“.…bear fruit with patience.” Lk.8.15 ESV
God intends that His children live fruitful lives. The Scriptures tell us at least three ways we should be bearing fruit. First, there is the fruit of His Spirit working in us the transformations of love, joy, peace patience and so on. Second, there is the fruit of answered prayer as we begin to center our life on all things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. And third, there is the fruit of our labor as we share in the work of Christ in the world. We should not only expect to see these things if Christ lives in us, their presence or absence may be used to measure the progress of our growth in grace. Is my lust turning to love? Are my prayers directed increasingly on behalf of others rather than for me? Are the influences of my love observed in the people around me? 3/1/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Balance, peace, and joy are the fruit of a successful life.
...It starts with recognizing your talents and finding ways to serve others by using them.” Thomas Kinkade
“.…bear fruit with patience.” Lk.8.15 ESV
God intends that His children live fruitful lives. The Scriptures tell us at least three ways we should be bearing fruit. First, there is the fruit of His Spirit working in us the transformations of love, joy, peace patience and so on. Second, there is the fruit of answered prayer as we begin to center our life on all things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. And third, there is the fruit of our labor as we share in the work of Christ in the world. We should not only expect to see these things if Christ lives in us, their presence or absence may be used to measure the progress of our growth in grace. Is my lust turning to love? Are my prayers directed increasingly on behalf of others rather than for me? Are the influences of my love observed in the people around me? 3/1/2010 Conversations Within ts
“.…bear fruit with patience.” Lk.8.15 ESV
God intends that His children live fruitful lives. The Scriptures tell us at least three ways we should be bearing fruit. First, there is the fruit of His Spirit working in us the transformations of love, joy, peace patience and so on. Second, there is the fruit of answered prayer as we begin to center our life on all things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. And third, there is the fruit of our labor as we share in the work of Christ in the world. We should not only expect to see these things if Christ lives in us, their presence or absence may be used to measure the progress of our growth in grace. Is my lust turning to love? Are my prayers directed increasingly on behalf of others rather than for me? Are the influences of my love observed in the people around me? 3/1/2010 Conversations Within ts
Friday, March 5, 2010
“Patience is the companion of wisdom.” St. Augustine
“And count the patience of our Lord as salvation…” 2Pt.3.15 ESV
I am glad Christ did not return when I was a young man; I now have a grandson to enjoy. I am sure that God waits to close up shop for some of the same reasons. He patiently waits for new relationships when those He has given to Christ come to Him. That patience is my own salvation; He waited for me. We have the saying that "hindsight is always better than foresight." This is only true as far as humans are concerned but never where God is concerned. I find great comfort that what God foreknows He brings to pass. God is a sculptor not a scientist. He doesn’t experiment as in a laboratory He fashions as an artist in His studio. He doesn’t wait to see if something will happen, He patiently works to see the completion of His masterpiece. 2/27/2010 Conversations Within ts
I am glad Christ did not return when I was a young man; I now have a grandson to enjoy. I am sure that God waits to close up shop for some of the same reasons. He patiently waits for new relationships when those He has given to Christ come to Him. That patience is my own salvation; He waited for me. We have the saying that "hindsight is always better than foresight." This is only true as far as humans are concerned but never where God is concerned. I find great comfort that what God foreknows He brings to pass. God is a sculptor not a scientist. He doesn’t experiment as in a laboratory He fashions as an artist in His studio. He doesn’t wait to see if something will happen, He patiently works to see the completion of His masterpiece. 2/27/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Patience is the companion of wisdom.” St. Augustine
“And count the patience of our Lord as salvation…” 2Pt.3.15 ESV
I am glad Christ did not return when I was a young man; I now have a grandson to enjoy. I am sure that God waits to close up shop for some of the same reasons. He patiently waits for new relationships when those He has given to Christ come to Him. That patience is my own salvation; He waited for me. We have the saying that "hindsight is always better than foresight." This is only true as far as humans are concerned but never where God is concerned. I find great comfort that what God foreknows He brings to pass. God is a sculptor not a scientist. He doesn’t experiment as in a laboratory He fashions as an artist in His studio. He doesn’t wait to see if something will happen, He patiently works to see the completion of His masterpiece. 2/27/2010 Conversations Within ts
I am glad Christ did not return when I was a young man; I now have a grandson to enjoy. I am sure that God waits to close up shop for some of the same reasons. He patiently waits for new relationships when those He has given to Christ come to Him. That patience is my own salvation; He waited for me. We have the saying that "hindsight is always better than foresight." This is only true as far as humans are concerned but never where God is concerned. I find great comfort that what God foreknows He brings to pass. God is a sculptor not a scientist. He doesn’t experiment as in a laboratory He fashions as an artist in His studio. He doesn’t wait to see if something will happen, He patiently works to see the completion of His masterpiece. 2/27/2010 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Blessed are those who have silently eaten the burnt toast.
“to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.” Ro.2.7 ESV
Lord, encourage all the quiet people who pick up after others, who serve without notice or appreciation, who love without pause and take little thought for self. They wait upon others without complaint, are the first in line to be last in line, put up with less to give more, and have eyes only for Your smile. Bless these quiet servants dear Lord, and shape my heart so that I one day will add to their number. 2/26/2010 Conversations Within ts
Lord, encourage all the quiet people who pick up after others, who serve without notice or appreciation, who love without pause and take little thought for self. They wait upon others without complaint, are the first in line to be last in line, put up with less to give more, and have eyes only for Your smile. Bless these quiet servants dear Lord, and shape my heart so that I one day will add to their number. 2/26/2010 Conversations Within ts
Blessed are those who have silently eaten the burnt toast.
“to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.” Ro.2.7 ESV
Lord, encourage all the quiet people who pick up after others, who serve without notice or appreciation, who love without pause and take little thought for self. They wait upon others without complaint, are the first in line to be last in line, put up with less to give more, and have eyes only for Your smile. Bless these quiet servants dear Lord, and shape my heart so that I one day will add to their number. 2/26/2010 Conversations Within ts
Lord, encourage all the quiet people who pick up after others, who serve without notice or appreciation, who love without pause and take little thought for self. They wait upon others without complaint, are the first in line to be last in line, put up with less to give more, and have eyes only for Your smile. Bless these quiet servants dear Lord, and shape my heart so that I one day will add to their number. 2/26/2010 Conversations Within ts
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Jesus you make the prospect of death like a child waking to Christmas morning!
“May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.” Co.1.11 ESV
Who likes to wait? I mean I have heard people say that they don’t mind waiting but to wait with joy, that seems something else. Of course, Jesus knew joy in suffering. I don’t think God want us so much to enjoy waiting or suffering, but that we experience joy from knowing, from focusing on those things for which we wait and suffer very much like the mother in labor for her child. Joy produces a patient patience, one that isn’t fidgety or fretful but quiet, restful. This is not to say that there isn’t a growing enthusiasm to our expectant joy. As the day draws near, excitement has been seen on the face of dying saints, very much like the child waking to Christmas morning. 2/25/2010 Conversations Within ts
Who likes to wait? I mean I have heard people say that they don’t mind waiting but to wait with joy, that seems something else. Of course, Jesus knew joy in suffering. I don’t think God want us so much to enjoy waiting or suffering, but that we experience joy from knowing, from focusing on those things for which we wait and suffer very much like the mother in labor for her child. Joy produces a patient patience, one that isn’t fidgety or fretful but quiet, restful. This is not to say that there isn’t a growing enthusiasm to our expectant joy. As the day draws near, excitement has been seen on the face of dying saints, very much like the child waking to Christmas morning. 2/25/2010 Conversations Within ts
Jesus you make the prospect of death like a child waking to Christmas morning!
“May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.” Co.1.11 ESV
Who likes to wait? I mean I have heard people say that they don’t mind waiting but to wait with joy, that seems something else. Of course, Jesus knew joy in suffering. I don’t think God want us so much to enjoy waiting or suffering, but that we experience joy from knowing, from focusing on those things for which we wait and suffer very much like the mother in labor for her child. Joy produces a patient patience, one that isn’t fidgety or fretful but quiet, restful. This is not to say that there isn’t a growing enthusiasm to our expectant joy. As the day draws near, excitement has been seen on the face of dying saints, very much like the child waking to Christmas morning. 2/25/2010 Conversations Within ts
Who likes to wait? I mean I have heard people say that they don’t mind waiting but to wait with joy, that seems something else. Of course, Jesus knew joy in suffering. I don’t think God want us so much to enjoy waiting or suffering, but that we experience joy from knowing, from focusing on those things for which we wait and suffer very much like the mother in labor for her child. Joy produces a patient patience, one that isn’t fidgety or fretful but quiet, restful. This is not to say that there isn’t a growing enthusiasm to our expectant joy. As the day draws near, excitement has been seen on the face of dying saints, very much like the child waking to Christmas morning. 2/25/2010 Conversations Within ts
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Love never settles though it must often wait!
“Love is patient.” 1Co.13 ESV
I think that patience is needed with people far more than with circumstances. I mean it is hard to justify irritation at a red light when it takes too long to turn green; it is far easier to rationalize my anger at that “idiot” who just cut me off in traffic. The reason love is patient, must be patient, is because of its commitment to the very best in those we love and, those we are told to love. Love never settles though it must often wait! What do we wait for? Well, we patiently wait for others grow up into Christ as we wait for the same thing in ourselves. This means a great many prayers will be said, a great deal of forgiveness offered and certainly asked. 2/24/2010 Conversations Within ts
I think that patience is needed with people far more than with circumstances. I mean it is hard to justify irritation at a red light when it takes too long to turn green; it is far easier to rationalize my anger at that “idiot” who just cut me off in traffic. The reason love is patient, must be patient, is because of its commitment to the very best in those we love and, those we are told to love. Love never settles though it must often wait! What do we wait for? Well, we patiently wait for others grow up into Christ as we wait for the same thing in ourselves. This means a great many prayers will be said, a great deal of forgiveness offered and certainly asked. 2/24/2010 Conversations Within ts
Love never settles though it must often wait!
“Love is patient.” 1Co.13 ESV
I think that patience is needed with people far more than with circumstances. I mean it is hard to justify irritation at a red light when it takes too long to turn green; it is far easier to rationalize my anger at that “idiot” who just cut me off in traffic. The reason love is patient, must be patient, is because of its commitment to the very best in those we love and, those we are told to love. Love never settles though it must often wait! What do we wait for? Well, we patiently wait for others grow up into Christ as we wait for the same thing in ourselves. This means a great many prayers will be said, a great deal of forgiveness offered and certainly asked. 2/24/2010 Conversations Within ts
I think that patience is needed with people far more than with circumstances. I mean it is hard to justify irritation at a red light when it takes too long to turn green; it is far easier to rationalize my anger at that “idiot” who just cut me off in traffic. The reason love is patient, must be patient, is because of its commitment to the very best in those we love and, those we are told to love. Love never settles though it must often wait! What do we wait for? Well, we patiently wait for others grow up into Christ as we wait for the same thing in ourselves. This means a great many prayers will be said, a great deal of forgiveness offered and certainly asked. 2/24/2010 Conversations Within ts
Monday, March 1, 2010
“Try not to do too many things at once. Know what you want, the number one thing today and tomorrow.” George Allen
“With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.” Pro.25.15 ESV
Who has not been fascinated by the little plant that breaks through a rock by nothing more than persistence? Great tasks are often accomplished by small actions--directed energy simply repeated over a long period. This is the proactive side of patience. I once had a professor who was given the enormous task not only of writing a book but a series of books. He once explained to me that he accomplished this not by focusing on the whole series but by writing one page a day. When it comes to the final translation of being made into the image of Christ, it may be too much to think about the final chapter, let me focus instead on the page being written today--on the decision facing me now. 2/23/2010 Conversations Within ts
Who has not been fascinated by the little plant that breaks through a rock by nothing more than persistence? Great tasks are often accomplished by small actions--directed energy simply repeated over a long period. This is the proactive side of patience. I once had a professor who was given the enormous task not only of writing a book but a series of books. He once explained to me that he accomplished this not by focusing on the whole series but by writing one page a day. When it comes to the final translation of being made into the image of Christ, it may be too much to think about the final chapter, let me focus instead on the page being written today--on the decision facing me now. 2/23/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Try not to do too many things at once. Know what you want, the number one thing today and tomorrow.” George Allen
“With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.” Pro.25.15 ESV
Who has not been fascinated by the little plant that breaks through a rock by nothing more than persistence? Great tasks are often accomplished by small actions--directed energy simply repeated over a long period. This is the proactive side of patience. I once had a professor who was given the enormous task not only of writing a book but a series of books. He once explained to me that he accomplished this not by focusing on the whole series but by writing one page a day. When it comes to the final translation of being made into the image of Christ, it may be too much to think about the final chapter, let me focus instead on the page being written today--on the decision facing me now. 2/23/2010 Conversations Within ts
Who has not been fascinated by the little plant that breaks through a rock by nothing more than persistence? Great tasks are often accomplished by small actions--directed energy simply repeated over a long period. This is the proactive side of patience. I once had a professor who was given the enormous task not only of writing a book but a series of books. He once explained to me that he accomplished this not by focusing on the whole series but by writing one page a day. When it comes to the final translation of being made into the image of Christ, it may be too much to think about the final chapter, let me focus instead on the page being written today--on the decision facing me now. 2/23/2010 Conversations Within ts
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