“O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear.” Ps.10 ESV
Beyond our words, God hears the desires of our heart. This is especially true when affliction fine tunes the deepest longing in us. God hears, He doesn't just listen. When God hears us He does not listen like a spectator He hears as a participant. To hear is to understand. Jesus is perfectly suited to sympathize with our weakness; this is one reason He entered time and space and took to himself of body of flesh and blood. He understands suffering because He has suffered. He not only has suffered, He shares our suffering. “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.” Ps.68 NIV He does not lower a basket for us to climb out of the icy waters, He jumps into the sea with us and assures us that everything with be alright. 12/27/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
Just me trying to be honest with God.
Friday, December 31, 2010
“I'm here to help you.” The Guardian
“O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear.” Ps.10 ESV
Beyond our words, God hears the desires of our heart. This is especially true when affliction fine tunes the deepest longing in us. God hears, He doesn't just listen. When God hears us He does not listen like a spectator He hears as a participant. To hear is to understand. Jesus is perfectly suited to sympathize with our weakness; this is one reason He entered time and space and took to himself of body of flesh and blood. He understands suffering because He has suffered. He not only has suffered, He shares our suffering. “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.” Ps.68 NIV He does not lower a basket for us to climb out of the icy waters, He jumps into the sea with us and assures us that everything with be alright. 12/27/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
Beyond our words, God hears the desires of our heart. This is especially true when affliction fine tunes the deepest longing in us. God hears, He doesn't just listen. When God hears us He does not listen like a spectator He hears as a participant. To hear is to understand. Jesus is perfectly suited to sympathize with our weakness; this is one reason He entered time and space and took to himself of body of flesh and blood. He understands suffering because He has suffered. He not only has suffered, He shares our suffering. “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.” Ps.68 NIV He does not lower a basket for us to climb out of the icy waters, He jumps into the sea with us and assures us that everything with be alright. 12/27/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
Thursday, December 30, 2010
“I only went out for a walk... for going out, I found, was really going in.” John Muir
“I only went out for a walk... for going out, I found, was really going in.” John Muir
“And Enoch walked with God” Gen.5 ESV
I am grateful for all the walks and talks I take each day with God. I am amazed that He would make time for me and listen to my prayerful ramblings. He has never once failed to show up when I start walking. I am thankful for His patience, the quiet way He leads me to answers and how these conversations help to recenter me around that one thing that really matters. These times are my favorite in the day. I feel so alive when I am walking with Someone so alive. You rub off on me. I feel your pleasure praying for others, your joy in simple sights and sounds. I love how you call attention to all the little things that work in me a childish delight. I appreciate that you share my concerns for friends when I bring them for discussion. All my concerns look different after a walk with You. “Solvitur ambulando, It is solved by walking” St. Jerome 12/24/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between GA)
“And Enoch walked with God” Gen.5 ESV
I am grateful for all the walks and talks I take each day with God. I am amazed that He would make time for me and listen to my prayerful ramblings. He has never once failed to show up when I start walking. I am thankful for His patience, the quiet way He leads me to answers and how these conversations help to recenter me around that one thing that really matters. These times are my favorite in the day. I feel so alive when I am walking with Someone so alive. You rub off on me. I feel your pleasure praying for others, your joy in simple sights and sounds. I love how you call attention to all the little things that work in me a childish delight. I appreciate that you share my concerns for friends when I bring them for discussion. All my concerns look different after a walk with You. “Solvitur ambulando, It is solved by walking” St. Jerome 12/24/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between GA)
“I only went out for a walk... for going out, I found, was really going in.” John Muir
“I only went out for a walk... for going out, I found, was really going in.” John Muir
“And Enoch walked with God” Gen.5 ESV
I am grateful for all the walks and talks I take each day with God. I am amazed that He would make time for me and listen to my prayerful ramblings. He has never once failed to show up when I start walking. I am thankful for His patience, the quiet way He leads me to answers and how these conversations help to recenter me around that one thing that really matters. These times are my favorite in the day. I feel so alive when I am walking with Someone so alive. You rub off on me. I feel your pleasure praying for others, your joy in simple sights and sounds. I love how you call attention to all the little things that work in me a childish delight. I appreciate that you share my concerns for friends when I bring them for discussion. All my concerns look different after a walk with You. “Solvitur ambulando, It is solved by walking” St. Jerome 12/24/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between GA)
“And Enoch walked with God” Gen.5 ESV
I am grateful for all the walks and talks I take each day with God. I am amazed that He would make time for me and listen to my prayerful ramblings. He has never once failed to show up when I start walking. I am thankful for His patience, the quiet way He leads me to answers and how these conversations help to recenter me around that one thing that really matters. These times are my favorite in the day. I feel so alive when I am walking with Someone so alive. You rub off on me. I feel your pleasure praying for others, your joy in simple sights and sounds. I love how you call attention to all the little things that work in me a childish delight. I appreciate that you share my concerns for friends when I bring them for discussion. All my concerns look different after a walk with You. “Solvitur ambulando, It is solved by walking” St. Jerome 12/24/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between GA)
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
"Give us this day our daily bread" is probably the most perfectly constructed and useful sentence ever set down in the English language.” P.J. Wingate
“Give us this day...” Mt.5 ESV
Prayer expresses the proper relationship of creature to Creator. What do I need this day, not just to exist but to live for God? When we ask God for daily bread we are asking Him to give us whatever we need to live for His purposes. He will surely provide us nothing less than that. Jesus assures us over and over again, that if we need something to perform our duty, He will make sure we have it. When we make His cause our cause we can be certain that He will provide us anything that will serve us in performing it. Do I need health in the performance of my duties? Do I need wisdom, or guidance or something as practical as money? Do I need it to live for His cause in the world? We have but to ask for daily bread and He will serve it daily. 12/23/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between GA)
Prayer expresses the proper relationship of creature to Creator. What do I need this day, not just to exist but to live for God? When we ask God for daily bread we are asking Him to give us whatever we need to live for His purposes. He will surely provide us nothing less than that. Jesus assures us over and over again, that if we need something to perform our duty, He will make sure we have it. When we make His cause our cause we can be certain that He will provide us anything that will serve us in performing it. Do I need health in the performance of my duties? Do I need wisdom, or guidance or something as practical as money? Do I need it to live for His cause in the world? We have but to ask for daily bread and He will serve it daily. 12/23/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between GA)
"Give us this day our daily bread" is probably the most perfectly constructed and useful sentence ever set down in the English language.” P.J. Wingate
“Give us this day...” Mt.5 ESV
Prayer expresses the proper relationship of creature to Creator. What do I need this day, not just to exist but to live for God? When we ask God for daily bread we are asking Him to give us whatever we need to live for His purposes. He will surely provide us nothing less than that. Jesus assures us over and over again, that if we need something to perform our duty, He will make sure we have it. When we make His cause our cause we can be certain that He will provide us anything that will serve us in performing it. Do I need health in the performance of my duties? Do I need wisdom, or guidance or something as practical as money? Do I need it to live for His cause in the world? We have but to ask for daily bread and He will serve it daily. 12/23/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between GA)
Prayer expresses the proper relationship of creature to Creator. What do I need this day, not just to exist but to live for God? When we ask God for daily bread we are asking Him to give us whatever we need to live for His purposes. He will surely provide us nothing less than that. Jesus assures us over and over again, that if we need something to perform our duty, He will make sure we have it. When we make His cause our cause we can be certain that He will provide us anything that will serve us in performing it. Do I need health in the performance of my duties? Do I need wisdom, or guidance or something as practical as money? Do I need it to live for His cause in the world? We have but to ask for daily bread and He will serve it daily. 12/23/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between GA)
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
“I pray on the principle that wine knocks the cork out of a bottle. There is an inward fermentation, and there must be a vent.”~Henry Ward Beecher
“Pray without ceasing.” 1Thess.5 ESV
What moves me to pray? I think the best prayers are those that come from His promptings rather then my own. I seem to have more confidence when I am asking God for something He has clearly encouraged me to ask from Him. But prayer is so much more than asking. I am moved to pray all of the time. He tickles me with a sight or sound and I laugh in prayer. He points out some wonder and I respond with adoration and awe. I can't begin to number the times I have said things like, “You did a good job on that tree Lord or that sunset or that taste. Just about every interaction I have with the world outside me becomes some kind of prayer offering inside me. Of course I am also disturbed by some things in our world and they too are turned into prayers. I argue, accuse, question, complain but finally realize that I am apart of everything wrong in the world. 12/22/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between GA)
What moves me to pray? I think the best prayers are those that come from His promptings rather then my own. I seem to have more confidence when I am asking God for something He has clearly encouraged me to ask from Him. But prayer is so much more than asking. I am moved to pray all of the time. He tickles me with a sight or sound and I laugh in prayer. He points out some wonder and I respond with adoration and awe. I can't begin to number the times I have said things like, “You did a good job on that tree Lord or that sunset or that taste. Just about every interaction I have with the world outside me becomes some kind of prayer offering inside me. Of course I am also disturbed by some things in our world and they too are turned into prayers. I argue, accuse, question, complain but finally realize that I am apart of everything wrong in the world. 12/22/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between GA)
“I pray on the principle that wine knocks the cork out of a bottle. There is an inward fermentation, and there must be a vent.”~Henry Ward Beecher
“Pray without ceasing.” 1Thess.5 ESV
What moves me to pray? I think the best prayers are those that come from His promptings rather then my own. I seem to have more confidence when I am asking God for something He has clearly encouraged me to ask from Him. But prayer is so much more than asking. I am moved to pray all of the time. He tickles me with a sight or sound and I laugh in prayer. He points out some wonder and I respond with adoration and awe. I can't begin to number the times I have said things like, “You did a good job on that tree Lord or that sunset or that taste. Just about every interaction I have with the world outside me becomes some kind of prayer offering inside me. Of course I am also disturbed by some things in our world and they too are turned into prayers. I argue, accuse, question, complain but finally realize that I am apart of everything wrong in the world. 12/22/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between GA)
What moves me to pray? I think the best prayers are those that come from His promptings rather then my own. I seem to have more confidence when I am asking God for something He has clearly encouraged me to ask from Him. But prayer is so much more than asking. I am moved to pray all of the time. He tickles me with a sight or sound and I laugh in prayer. He points out some wonder and I respond with adoration and awe. I can't begin to number the times I have said things like, “You did a good job on that tree Lord or that sunset or that taste. Just about every interaction I have with the world outside me becomes some kind of prayer offering inside me. Of course I am also disturbed by some things in our world and they too are turned into prayers. I argue, accuse, question, complain but finally realize that I am apart of everything wrong in the world. 12/22/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between GA)
Monday, December 27, 2010
Don't listen to yourself, talk to yourself, and when you do, always tell yourself the truth.
Don't listen to yourself, talk to yourself, and when you do, always tell yourself the truth.
“Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” Ps.86 ESV
There are many different voices that compete for my attention. Various emotions vent within. A multitude of desires call me to satisfy inner cravings without. All the while common sense shouts out warnings. I, and I speak about the real me that person who desperately wants real happiness, I must unify my heart by talking even preaching truth to it. It is as J. I Packer puts it, “It is a matter of talking to oneself about God and oneself; it is, indeed, often a matter of arguing with oneself, reasoning oneself out of moods of doubt and unbelief in to a clear apprehension of God’s power and grace.” I must unify these many voices into a singular cry for truth, truth about life ,about God, about me, about my doubts, dreams, desires ,about the present fear or pleasure confronting me trying to steal my joy. 12/20/2010 Conversations Within ts (On the road to Between)
“Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” Ps.86 ESV
There are many different voices that compete for my attention. Various emotions vent within. A multitude of desires call me to satisfy inner cravings without. All the while common sense shouts out warnings. I, and I speak about the real me that person who desperately wants real happiness, I must unify my heart by talking even preaching truth to it. It is as J. I Packer puts it, “It is a matter of talking to oneself about God and oneself; it is, indeed, often a matter of arguing with oneself, reasoning oneself out of moods of doubt and unbelief in to a clear apprehension of God’s power and grace.” I must unify these many voices into a singular cry for truth, truth about life ,about God, about me, about my doubts, dreams, desires ,about the present fear or pleasure confronting me trying to steal my joy. 12/20/2010 Conversations Within ts (On the road to Between)
Don't listen to yourself, talk to yourself, and when you do, always tell yourself the truth.
Don't listen to yourself, talk to yourself, and when you do, always tell yourself the truth.
“Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” Ps.86 ESV
There are many different voices that compete for my attention. Various emotions vent within. A multitude of desires call me to satisfy inner cravings without. All the while common sense shouts out warnings. I, and I speak about the real me that person who desperately wants real happiness, I must unify my heart by talking even preaching truth to it. It is as J. I Packer puts it, “It is a matter of talking to oneself about God and oneself; it is, indeed, often a matter of arguing with oneself, reasoning oneself out of moods of doubt and unbelief in to a clear apprehension of God’s power and grace.” I must unify these many voices into a singular cry for truth, truth about life ,about God, about me, about my doubts, dreams, desires ,about the present fear or pleasure confronting me trying to steal my joy. 12/20/2010 Conversations Within ts (On the road to Between)
“Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” Ps.86 ESV
There are many different voices that compete for my attention. Various emotions vent within. A multitude of desires call me to satisfy inner cravings without. All the while common sense shouts out warnings. I, and I speak about the real me that person who desperately wants real happiness, I must unify my heart by talking even preaching truth to it. It is as J. I Packer puts it, “It is a matter of talking to oneself about God and oneself; it is, indeed, often a matter of arguing with oneself, reasoning oneself out of moods of doubt and unbelief in to a clear apprehension of God’s power and grace.” I must unify these many voices into a singular cry for truth, truth about life ,about God, about me, about my doubts, dreams, desires ,about the present fear or pleasure confronting me trying to steal my joy. 12/20/2010 Conversations Within ts (On the road to Between)
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” LK.2 ESV
The birth of Jesus is unique in many respects. He wasn't just born as all people are, He was born “unto you.” This is just another way of saying that He was born into the world for you and me. He was born for our advantage. His birth is the declaration that God is in the world forgiving our transgressions and offering peace to every man, woman and child. Unto you a child is born. Unto you a son is given. He comes into the world that we might come into the joy of the Most High. He was born that we might be born again. His birthday in history can be our birthday in glory. Unto You is born this day, a Savior who is Christ the Lord! 12/19/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
The birth of Jesus is unique in many respects. He wasn't just born as all people are, He was born “unto you.” This is just another way of saying that He was born into the world for you and me. He was born for our advantage. His birth is the declaration that God is in the world forgiving our transgressions and offering peace to every man, woman and child. Unto you a child is born. Unto you a son is given. He comes into the world that we might come into the joy of the Most High. He was born that we might be born again. His birthday in history can be our birthday in glory. Unto You is born this day, a Savior who is Christ the Lord! 12/19/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
Merry Christmas
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” LK.2 ESV
The birth of Jesus is unique in many respects. He wasn't just born as all people are, He was born “unto you.” This is just another way of saying that He was born into the world for you and me. He was born for our advantage. His birth is the declaration that God is in the world forgiving our transgressions and offering peace to every man, woman and child. Unto you a child is born. Unto you a son is given. He comes into the world that we might come into the joy of the Most High. He was born that we might be born again. His birthday in history can be our birthday in glory. Unto You is born this day, a Savior who is Christ the Lord! 12/19/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
The birth of Jesus is unique in many respects. He wasn't just born as all people are, He was born “unto you.” This is just another way of saying that He was born into the world for you and me. He was born for our advantage. His birth is the declaration that God is in the world forgiving our transgressions and offering peace to every man, woman and child. Unto you a child is born. Unto you a son is given. He comes into the world that we might come into the joy of the Most High. He was born that we might be born again. His birthday in history can be our birthday in glory. Unto You is born this day, a Savior who is Christ the Lord! 12/19/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
Friday, December 24, 2010
“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” Burton Hillis
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger...” Lk.2 ESV
Presents are wrapped. I think one reason for this is that it builds the anticipation of joy in both the giver and receiver; the unveiling not just the gift but the very act of sharing between friends. Gifts are given and they are also received. A gift that isn't received is no gift at all. It is the receiving of the gift that completes the joy of giving it. So it is with the greatest gift. What is God's offer of forgiveness if we do not accept it from Him. What is the gift of Jesus if men reject Him. The gift finds it highest value when people humbly receive it and discover its blessing. 12/18/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
Presents are wrapped. I think one reason for this is that it builds the anticipation of joy in both the giver and receiver; the unveiling not just the gift but the very act of sharing between friends. Gifts are given and they are also received. A gift that isn't received is no gift at all. It is the receiving of the gift that completes the joy of giving it. So it is with the greatest gift. What is God's offer of forgiveness if we do not accept it from Him. What is the gift of Jesus if men reject Him. The gift finds it highest value when people humbly receive it and discover its blessing. 12/18/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” Burton Hillis
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger...” Lk.2 ESV
Presents are wrapped. I think one reason for this is that it builds the anticipation of joy in both the giver and receiver; the unveiling not just the gift but the very act of sharing between friends. Gifts are given and they are also received. A gift that isn't received is no gift at all. It is the receiving of the gift that completes the joy of giving it. So it is with the greatest gift. What is God's offer of forgiveness if we do not accept it from Him. What is the gift of Jesus if men reject Him. The gift finds it highest value when people humbly receive it and discover its blessing. 12/18/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
Presents are wrapped. I think one reason for this is that it builds the anticipation of joy in both the giver and receiver; the unveiling not just the gift but the very act of sharing between friends. Gifts are given and they are also received. A gift that isn't received is no gift at all. It is the receiving of the gift that completes the joy of giving it. So it is with the greatest gift. What is God's offer of forgiveness if we do not accept it from Him. What is the gift of Jesus if men reject Him. The gift finds it highest value when people humbly receive it and discover its blessing. 12/18/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
Thursday, December 23, 2010
“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” Hamilton Wright Mabie
“This is my command, that you love one another as I have loved you. “Jo.15 ESV
Love is the gift we give to not only to others but also to ourselves. Jesus has proved this to us. Do we not love Him because He first loved us? His love for us has given birth to the gift to our love for Him. This is one reason why He is so keen on love. He wants us to share this joy. It seems no coincidence to me that His birth is the world's celebration of loving and gift giving. Even those who do not personally know Christ are caught up every year in the magic and beauty of what Jesus is creating. Tis His season. 12/17/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
Love is the gift we give to not only to others but also to ourselves. Jesus has proved this to us. Do we not love Him because He first loved us? His love for us has given birth to the gift to our love for Him. This is one reason why He is so keen on love. He wants us to share this joy. It seems no coincidence to me that His birth is the world's celebration of loving and gift giving. Even those who do not personally know Christ are caught up every year in the magic and beauty of what Jesus is creating. Tis His season. 12/17/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” Hamilton Wright Mabie
“This is my command, that you love one another as I have loved you. “Jo.15 ESV
Love is the gift we give to not only to others but also to ourselves. Jesus has proved this to us. Do we not love Him because He first loved us? His love for us has given birth to the gift to our love for Him. This is one reason why He is so keen on love. He wants us to share this joy. It seems no coincidence to me that His birth is the world's celebration of loving and gift giving. Even those who do not personally know Christ are caught up every year in the magic and beauty of what Jesus is creating. Tis His season. 12/17/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
Love is the gift we give to not only to others but also to ourselves. Jesus has proved this to us. Do we not love Him because He first loved us? His love for us has given birth to the gift to our love for Him. This is one reason why He is so keen on love. He wants us to share this joy. It seems no coincidence to me that His birth is the world's celebration of loving and gift giving. Even those who do not personally know Christ are caught up every year in the magic and beauty of what Jesus is creating. Tis His season. 12/17/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
“Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves.” Eric Sevar
“Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves.” Eric Sevareid
“...and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” 2Cor.5 ESV
The Holy Spirit is all of the time encouraging people to wake to a life beyond ourselves. Jesus does not come to start a religion with us but make us partners in the family business. That business in nothing less than to restore all things on earth as they are in Heaven, beginning of course with our hearts. When we pray for God's Kingdom to come and that His will be done we must first see it in our own life. I think each of us must not only ask this from God but also ask ourselves what it means in day to day practical ways to live for Him. 12/16/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
“...and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” 2Cor.5 ESV
The Holy Spirit is all of the time encouraging people to wake to a life beyond ourselves. Jesus does not come to start a religion with us but make us partners in the family business. That business in nothing less than to restore all things on earth as they are in Heaven, beginning of course with our hearts. When we pray for God's Kingdom to come and that His will be done we must first see it in our own life. I think each of us must not only ask this from God but also ask ourselves what it means in day to day practical ways to live for Him. 12/16/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
“Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves.” Eric Sevar
“Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves.” Eric Sevareid
“...and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” 2Cor.5 ESV
The Holy Spirit is all of the time encouraging people to wake to a life beyond ourselves. Jesus does not come to start a religion with us but make us partners in the family business. That business in nothing less than to restore all things on earth as they are in Heaven, beginning of course with our hearts. When we pray for God's Kingdom to come and that His will be done we must first see it in our own life. I think each of us must not only ask this from God but also ask ourselves what it means in day to day practical ways to live for Him. 12/16/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
“...and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” 2Cor.5 ESV
The Holy Spirit is all of the time encouraging people to wake to a life beyond ourselves. Jesus does not come to start a religion with us but make us partners in the family business. That business in nothing less than to restore all things on earth as they are in Heaven, beginning of course with our hearts. When we pray for God's Kingdom to come and that His will be done we must first see it in our own life. I think each of us must not only ask this from God but also ask ourselves what it means in day to day practical ways to live for Him. 12/16/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
“Here is the test to find whether your mission on earth is finished. If you're alive, it isn't.” Richard Bach
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...” Mt.28 ESV
Jesus teaches us to live for something greater than ourselves. He calls us to a simple life of loving others. My life is to be more than acquiring stuff. It is to be more than chocking up new experiences. Everyday is an opportunity to improve the lives of people and in doing so, enrich our own lives. Christians call this the “Great Commission” I am coming to realize that our task isn't so much to talk about God's love as it is to show God's love—to make disciples of Christ by being disciples of Christ. “You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget that errand." --Woodrow Wilson 12/15/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)
Jesus teaches us to live for something greater than ourselves. He calls us to a simple life of loving others. My life is to be more than acquiring stuff. It is to be more than chocking up new experiences. Everyday is an opportunity to improve the lives of people and in doing so, enrich our own lives. Christians call this the “Great Commission” I am coming to realize that our task isn't so much to talk about God's love as it is to show God's love—to make disciples of Christ by being disciples of Christ. “You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget that errand." --Woodrow Wilson 12/15/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)
“Here is the test to find whether your mission on earth is finished. If you're alive, it isn't.” Richard Bach
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...” Mt.28 ESV
Jesus teaches us to live for something greater than ourselves. He calls us to a simple life of loving others. My life is to be more than acquiring stuff. It is to be more than chocking up new experiences. Everyday is an opportunity to improve the lives of people and in doing so, enrich our own lives. Christians call this the “Great Commission” I am coming to realize that our task isn't so much to talk about God's love as it is to show God's love—to make disciples of Christ by being disciples of Christ. “You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget that errand." --Woodrow Wilson 12/15/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)
Jesus teaches us to live for something greater than ourselves. He calls us to a simple life of loving others. My life is to be more than acquiring stuff. It is to be more than chocking up new experiences. Everyday is an opportunity to improve the lives of people and in doing so, enrich our own lives. Christians call this the “Great Commission” I am coming to realize that our task isn't so much to talk about God's love as it is to show God's love—to make disciples of Christ by being disciples of Christ. “You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget that errand." --Woodrow Wilson 12/15/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)
Monday, December 20, 2010
“Sunday clears away the rust of the whole week.” Joseph Addison
"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Ex.20 ESV
Sweet rest! We need it, and God commands it. It may seem strange that God commands us to rest until we realize that every good parent commands their children to eat their greens. People often need to be told what is good for them and every commandment of God is just that; they are good for us. He is always telling us what is good for us because He is good. In our present state most of us don't like being told what to do. God of course knows this and also knows that it is in our best interest to suck it up and get over our rebellious streak and do what we are told. My Dad used to say, “Eat this boy; its good for you.” God is telling us, “Rest! Its good for you.” 12/14/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)
Sweet rest! We need it, and God commands it. It may seem strange that God commands us to rest until we realize that every good parent commands their children to eat their greens. People often need to be told what is good for them and every commandment of God is just that; they are good for us. He is always telling us what is good for us because He is good. In our present state most of us don't like being told what to do. God of course knows this and also knows that it is in our best interest to suck it up and get over our rebellious streak and do what we are told. My Dad used to say, “Eat this boy; its good for you.” God is telling us, “Rest! Its good for you.” 12/14/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)
“Sunday clears away the rust of the whole week.” Joseph Addison
"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Ex.20 ESV
Sweet rest! We need it, and God commands it. It may seem strange that God commands us to rest until we realize that every good parent commands their children to eat their greens. People often need to be told what is good for them and every commandment of God is just that; they are good for us. He is always telling us what is good for us because He is good. In our present state most of us don't like being told what to do. God of course knows this and also knows that it is in our best interest to suck it up and get over our rebellious streak and do what we are told. My Dad used to say, “Eat this boy; its good for you.” God is telling us, “Rest! Its good for you.” 12/14/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)
Sweet rest! We need it, and God commands it. It may seem strange that God commands us to rest until we realize that every good parent commands their children to eat their greens. People often need to be told what is good for them and every commandment of God is just that; they are good for us. He is always telling us what is good for us because He is good. In our present state most of us don't like being told what to do. God of course knows this and also knows that it is in our best interest to suck it up and get over our rebellious streak and do what we are told. My Dad used to say, “Eat this boy; its good for you.” God is telling us, “Rest! Its good for you.” 12/14/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)
Saturday, December 18, 2010
“Human life is purely a matter of deciding what's important to you.” Anonymous
"Which commandment is the most important of all?" Mk.12 ESV
A good many people would agree with Jesus that loving God and loving your neighbor are the most important tasks in life. But it is deciding to do this every moment that makes it real. There is little value in saying these two commandments are primary but then allow lesser concerns to rob our energy and make them secondary. Slow leaks can drain large things. I can add so many things to my schedule that have nothing to do with loving God or loving people that I wind up with no time and no energy to do either of them. If first things aren't deliberately kept first they are easily bumped by things which have little or no value at all. 12/13/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)
A good many people would agree with Jesus that loving God and loving your neighbor are the most important tasks in life. But it is deciding to do this every moment that makes it real. There is little value in saying these two commandments are primary but then allow lesser concerns to rob our energy and make them secondary. Slow leaks can drain large things. I can add so many things to my schedule that have nothing to do with loving God or loving people that I wind up with no time and no energy to do either of them. If first things aren't deliberately kept first they are easily bumped by things which have little or no value at all. 12/13/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)
“Human life is purely a matter of deciding what's important to you.” Anonymous
"Which commandment is the most important of all?" Mk.12 ESV
A good many people would agree with Jesus that loving God and loving your neighbor are the most important tasks in life. But it is deciding to do this every moment that makes it real. There is little value in saying these two commandments are primary but then allow lesser concerns to rob our energy and make them secondary. Slow leaks can drain large things. I can add so many things to my schedule that have nothing to do with loving God or loving people that I wind up with no time and no energy to do either of them. If first things aren't deliberately kept first they are easily bumped by things which have little or no value at all. 12/13/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)
A good many people would agree with Jesus that loving God and loving your neighbor are the most important tasks in life. But it is deciding to do this every moment that makes it real. There is little value in saying these two commandments are primary but then allow lesser concerns to rob our energy and make them secondary. Slow leaks can drain large things. I can add so many things to my schedule that have nothing to do with loving God or loving people that I wind up with no time and no energy to do either of them. If first things aren't deliberately kept first they are easily bumped by things which have little or no value at all. 12/13/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)
Friday, December 17, 2010
“I say, if your knees aren't green by the end of the day, you ought to seriously re-examine your life.” Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes
“He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Ps.23
I love to play! It doesn't matter if its a game of tennis, or scrambling over rocks with Brenda or rappelling down them. We might wonder about the importance of play when the Bible says so little about it. Or does it? If we understand sabbath as a form of play and play as one expression of sabbath then play becomes one of the chief actions in life. I need to play as I need to rest as I need to eat. Recreation re-creates. Play not only replenishes energy ,it is one of the reasons for it. People don't just eat for nourishment nor do we play only for exercise. If life is devoid of play, life is devoid of life. “We can play as we can eat to the glory of God.” C. S. Lewis 12/11/2010 Conversations Within ts (Shenandoah AL)
I love to play! It doesn't matter if its a game of tennis, or scrambling over rocks with Brenda or rappelling down them. We might wonder about the importance of play when the Bible says so little about it. Or does it? If we understand sabbath as a form of play and play as one expression of sabbath then play becomes one of the chief actions in life. I need to play as I need to rest as I need to eat. Recreation re-creates. Play not only replenishes energy ,it is one of the reasons for it. People don't just eat for nourishment nor do we play only for exercise. If life is devoid of play, life is devoid of life. “We can play as we can eat to the glory of God.” C. S. Lewis 12/11/2010 Conversations Within ts (Shenandoah AL)
“I say, if your knees aren't green by the end of the day, you ought to seriously re-examine your life.” Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes
“He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Ps.23
I love to play! It doesn't matter if its a game of tennis, or scrambling over rocks with Brenda or rappelling down them. We might wonder about the importance of play when the Bible says so little about it. Or does it? If we understand sabbath as a form of play and play as one expression of sabbath then play becomes one of the chief actions in life. I need to play as I need to rest as I need to eat. Recreation re-creates. Play not only replenishes energy ,it is one of the reasons for it. People don't just eat for nourishment nor do we play only for exercise. If life is devoid of play, life is devoid of life. “We can play as we can eat to the glory of God.” C. S. Lewis 12/11/2010 Conversations Within ts (Shenandoah AL)
I love to play! It doesn't matter if its a game of tennis, or scrambling over rocks with Brenda or rappelling down them. We might wonder about the importance of play when the Bible says so little about it. Or does it? If we understand sabbath as a form of play and play as one expression of sabbath then play becomes one of the chief actions in life. I need to play as I need to rest as I need to eat. Recreation re-creates. Play not only replenishes energy ,it is one of the reasons for it. People don't just eat for nourishment nor do we play only for exercise. If life is devoid of play, life is devoid of life. “We can play as we can eat to the glory of God.” C. S. Lewis 12/11/2010 Conversations Within ts (Shenandoah AL)
Thursday, December 16, 2010
“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” Henry David Thoreau, Walden
“He restores my soul.” Ps.23.3
If my life is like “too little butter spread over too much bread,” it is probably because I expect Christ to follow me into my rushed and hurried life rather than following Him when He leads me “beside still waters.” This is not to say that I am to spend all my time in quiet contemplation but only that Jesus would have me sharpen my ax before setting off to chop wood.
I think we must reach a point of decision where we commit and tenaciously commit to come to the quiet everyday and refuse anything that would rob us of knowing God. If I want a better life than “quiet desperation” then let me come to the quiet of personal communion with God 12/9/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)
If my life is like “too little butter spread over too much bread,” it is probably because I expect Christ to follow me into my rushed and hurried life rather than following Him when He leads me “beside still waters.” This is not to say that I am to spend all my time in quiet contemplation but only that Jesus would have me sharpen my ax before setting off to chop wood.
I think we must reach a point of decision where we commit and tenaciously commit to come to the quiet everyday and refuse anything that would rob us of knowing God. If I want a better life than “quiet desperation” then let me come to the quiet of personal communion with God 12/9/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)
“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” Henry David Thoreau, Walden
“He restores my soul.” Ps.23.3
If my life is like “too little butter spread over too much bread,” it is probably because I expect Christ to follow me into my rushed and hurried life rather than following Him when He leads me “beside still waters.” This is not to say that I am to spend all my time in quiet contemplation but only that Jesus would have me sharpen my ax before setting off to chop wood.
I think we must reach a point of decision where we commit and tenaciously commit to come to the quiet everyday and refuse anything that would rob us of knowing God. If I want a better life than “quiet desperation” then let me come to the quiet of personal communion with God 12/9/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)
If my life is like “too little butter spread over too much bread,” it is probably because I expect Christ to follow me into my rushed and hurried life rather than following Him when He leads me “beside still waters.” This is not to say that I am to spend all my time in quiet contemplation but only that Jesus would have me sharpen my ax before setting off to chop wood.
I think we must reach a point of decision where we commit and tenaciously commit to come to the quiet everyday and refuse anything that would rob us of knowing God. If I want a better life than “quiet desperation” then let me come to the quiet of personal communion with God 12/9/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
“Any idiot can face a crisis - it's day to day living that wears you out.” Anton Chekhov
`“I am weary, O God, and worn out.” Prov.31 ESV
Living doesn't wear people out, living without margin does. “Margin is the space that once existed between ourselves and our limits”. So says Richard A. Swenson, M.D., who also writes, “Overload is not having time to finish the book you are reading on stress. Margin is having time to read it twice.” From the very beginning, God gave us a bit of wisdom when He told us to build rhythms of work and rest into our lives. Even beyond quiet reflection which is vital enough, everyone who would wants to live a fruitful life should set aside time every day for “Il dolce far niente,” which is Italian for “the sweetness of doing nothing.” 12/8/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)
Living doesn't wear people out, living without margin does. “Margin is the space that once existed between ourselves and our limits”. So says Richard A. Swenson, M.D., who also writes, “Overload is not having time to finish the book you are reading on stress. Margin is having time to read it twice.” From the very beginning, God gave us a bit of wisdom when He told us to build rhythms of work and rest into our lives. Even beyond quiet reflection which is vital enough, everyone who would wants to live a fruitful life should set aside time every day for “Il dolce far niente,” which is Italian for “the sweetness of doing nothing.” 12/8/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)
“Any idiot can face a crisis - it's day to day living that wears you out.” Anton Chekhov
`“I am weary, O God, and worn out.” Prov.31 ESV
Living doesn't wear people out, living without margin does. “Margin is the space that once existed between ourselves and our limits”. So says Richard A. Swenson, M.D., who also writes, “Overload is not having time to finish the book you are reading on stress. Margin is having time to read it twice.” From the very beginning, God gave us a bit of wisdom when He told us to build rhythms of work and rest into our lives. Even beyond quiet reflection which is vital enough, everyone who would wants to live a fruitful life should set aside time every day for “Il dolce far niente,” which is Italian for “the sweetness of doing nothing.” 12/8/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)
Living doesn't wear people out, living without margin does. “Margin is the space that once existed between ourselves and our limits”. So says Richard A. Swenson, M.D., who also writes, “Overload is not having time to finish the book you are reading on stress. Margin is having time to read it twice.” From the very beginning, God gave us a bit of wisdom when He told us to build rhythms of work and rest into our lives. Even beyond quiet reflection which is vital enough, everyone who would wants to live a fruitful life should set aside time every day for “Il dolce far niente,” which is Italian for “the sweetness of doing nothing.” 12/8/2010 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain AL)
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
“Life is like a beautiful melody, only the lyrics are messed up.” Author Unknown
“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned...” Rom.5 ESV
The world is filled with staggering beauty as it is with unimaginable ugliness. Do we not reflect this when have feelings a awe and adoration looking at a beautiful snow draped mountain and recoil in bitterness when someone freezes to death on it. Just about everybody knows that despite all the beauty in the world, something is terribly wrong. Nature reflects it, relationships reflect it even our divided self tells us something has gone horribly awry. I think people pretty much agree that we are apart of what's wrong with the world. Creation is cursed beauty, cursed because we became self centered rather than God centered. The Creator wrote a beautiful melody with beautiful lyrics but we changed the words. The loveliness is still there, its the new lyrics that don't fit the melody. Jesus has come to teach us the original words to the song. 12/7/2010 Conversations Within ts (Stone Mountain GA)
The world is filled with staggering beauty as it is with unimaginable ugliness. Do we not reflect this when have feelings a awe and adoration looking at a beautiful snow draped mountain and recoil in bitterness when someone freezes to death on it. Just about everybody knows that despite all the beauty in the world, something is terribly wrong. Nature reflects it, relationships reflect it even our divided self tells us something has gone horribly awry. I think people pretty much agree that we are apart of what's wrong with the world. Creation is cursed beauty, cursed because we became self centered rather than God centered. The Creator wrote a beautiful melody with beautiful lyrics but we changed the words. The loveliness is still there, its the new lyrics that don't fit the melody. Jesus has come to teach us the original words to the song. 12/7/2010 Conversations Within ts (Stone Mountain GA)
“Life is like a beautiful melody, only the lyrics are messed up.” Author Unknown
“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned...” Rom.5 ESV
The world is filled with staggering beauty as it is with unimaginable ugliness. Do we not reflect this when have feelings a awe and adoration looking at a beautiful snow draped mountain and recoil in bitterness when someone freezes to death on it. Just about everybody knows that despite all the beauty in the world, something is terribly wrong. Nature reflects it, relationships reflect it even our divided self tells us something has gone horribly awry. I think people pretty much agree that we are apart of what's wrong with the world. Creation is cursed beauty, cursed because we became self centered rather than God centered. The Creator wrote a beautiful melody with beautiful lyrics but we changed the words. The loveliness is still there, its the new lyrics that don't fit the melody. Jesus has come to teach us the original words to the song. 12/7/2010 Conversations Within ts (Stone Mountain GA)
The world is filled with staggering beauty as it is with unimaginable ugliness. Do we not reflect this when have feelings a awe and adoration looking at a beautiful snow draped mountain and recoil in bitterness when someone freezes to death on it. Just about everybody knows that despite all the beauty in the world, something is terribly wrong. Nature reflects it, relationships reflect it even our divided self tells us something has gone horribly awry. I think people pretty much agree that we are apart of what's wrong with the world. Creation is cursed beauty, cursed because we became self centered rather than God centered. The Creator wrote a beautiful melody with beautiful lyrics but we changed the words. The loveliness is still there, its the new lyrics that don't fit the melody. Jesus has come to teach us the original words to the song. 12/7/2010 Conversations Within ts (Stone Mountain GA)
Friday, December 10, 2010
“If the grass is greener on the other side, maybe that’s because you’re not taking good care of your grass.” Anonymous
“Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.” Prov28 ESV
Economics is far more than the management of money or possessions, it is deciding what will be the principle focus of my time. Time is the seed of life. How and where we sow it will determine if we live a fruitful life. A man may have plenty of money but live an impoverished life. History is also replete with people who lived marvelously rich lives but had little or no money. It is interesting that people can pursue money and find it a worthless pursuit. This is true for those who make money and those who never do. Many a life has been wasted chasing it.
What seed do I sow in the fields entrusted to me. The best use of my life is loving people, finding joy in simple things like working for enjoyment rather than money then of course using my money and my possessions to accomplish the first. 12/3/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta GA)
Economics is far more than the management of money or possessions, it is deciding what will be the principle focus of my time. Time is the seed of life. How and where we sow it will determine if we live a fruitful life. A man may have plenty of money but live an impoverished life. History is also replete with people who lived marvelously rich lives but had little or no money. It is interesting that people can pursue money and find it a worthless pursuit. This is true for those who make money and those who never do. Many a life has been wasted chasing it.
What seed do I sow in the fields entrusted to me. The best use of my life is loving people, finding joy in simple things like working for enjoyment rather than money then of course using my money and my possessions to accomplish the first. 12/3/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta GA)
“If the grass is greener on the other side, maybe that’s because you’re not taking good care of your grass.” Anonymous
“Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.” Prov28 ESV
Economics is far more than the management of money or possessions, it is deciding what will be the principle focus of my time. Time is the seed of life. How and where we sow it will determine if we live a fruitful life. A man may have plenty of money but live an impoverished life. History is also replete with people who lived marvelously rich lives but had little or no money. It is interesting that people can pursue money and find it a worthless pursuit. This is true for those who make money and those who never do. Many a life has been wasted chasing it.
What seed do I sow in the fields entrusted to me. The best use of my life is loving people, finding joy in simple things like working for enjoyment rather than money then of course using my money and my possessions to accomplish the first. 12/3/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta GA)
Economics is far more than the management of money or possessions, it is deciding what will be the principle focus of my time. Time is the seed of life. How and where we sow it will determine if we live a fruitful life. A man may have plenty of money but live an impoverished life. History is also replete with people who lived marvelously rich lives but had little or no money. It is interesting that people can pursue money and find it a worthless pursuit. This is true for those who make money and those who never do. Many a life has been wasted chasing it.
What seed do I sow in the fields entrusted to me. The best use of my life is loving people, finding joy in simple things like working for enjoyment rather than money then of course using my money and my possessions to accomplish the first. 12/3/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta GA)
Thursday, December 9, 2010
“When you can’t change the direction of the wind — adjust your sails.” H. Jackson Brown
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” Pro.21 ESV
Knowing when to throw in the towel can be a valuable skill just as knowing when to stay the course can be. I suppose wisdom is knowing when to do what. We are told to commit our plans to the Lord and He will direct and establish our ways. This is as much an attitude as it is an action. To commit something to God is to be willing for Him to tweak it. Whether we stay the course or change direction seems so pivotal to us; but if we really want God's will and ask for it, He is more than able to lead us to it regardless of any decisions we make. Once we have boarded the plane, it makes little difference where we choose to sit. 12/3/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta GA)
Knowing when to throw in the towel can be a valuable skill just as knowing when to stay the course can be. I suppose wisdom is knowing when to do what. We are told to commit our plans to the Lord and He will direct and establish our ways. This is as much an attitude as it is an action. To commit something to God is to be willing for Him to tweak it. Whether we stay the course or change direction seems so pivotal to us; but if we really want God's will and ask for it, He is more than able to lead us to it regardless of any decisions we make. Once we have boarded the plane, it makes little difference where we choose to sit. 12/3/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta GA)
“When you can’t change the direction of the wind — adjust your sails.” H. Jackson Brown
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” Pro.21 ESV
Knowing when to throw in the towel can be a valuable skill just as knowing when to stay the course can be. I suppose wisdom is knowing when to do what. We are told to commit our plans to the Lord and He will direct and establish our ways. This is as much an attitude as it is an action. To commit something to God is to be willing for Him to tweak it. Whether we stay the course or change direction seems so pivotal to us; but if we really want God's will and ask for it, He is more than able to lead us to it regardless of any decisions we make. Once we have boarded the plane, it makes little difference where we choose to sit. 12/3/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta GA)
Knowing when to throw in the towel can be a valuable skill just as knowing when to stay the course can be. I suppose wisdom is knowing when to do what. We are told to commit our plans to the Lord and He will direct and establish our ways. This is as much an attitude as it is an action. To commit something to God is to be willing for Him to tweak it. Whether we stay the course or change direction seems so pivotal to us; but if we really want God's will and ask for it, He is more than able to lead us to it regardless of any decisions we make. Once we have boarded the plane, it makes little difference where we choose to sit. 12/3/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta GA)
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
“Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words...
“Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.” —Lao-Tze
“Endurance produces character, and character produces hope...” Rom.5 ESV
We become what we do and do and do. It is as simple as that. Just because grace forgives our shortcomings it does nullify our need to work for change. Grace comes to enable it. God knows that we fall short and has made provision for it in the death of Christ. It would be silly to think that God makes this provision only to forgive us. He does this so that He may come to live in us and help us become all we were originally created to become. God's forgiveness is instant. Our transformation is not. There are no shortcuts to godliness, we become what we do and do and do. 12/2/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta GA)
“Endurance produces character, and character produces hope...” Rom.5 ESV
We become what we do and do and do. It is as simple as that. Just because grace forgives our shortcomings it does nullify our need to work for change. Grace comes to enable it. God knows that we fall short and has made provision for it in the death of Christ. It would be silly to think that God makes this provision only to forgive us. He does this so that He may come to live in us and help us become all we were originally created to become. God's forgiveness is instant. Our transformation is not. There are no shortcuts to godliness, we become what we do and do and do. 12/2/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta GA)
“Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words...
“Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.” —Lao-Tze
“Endurance produces character, and character produces hope...” Rom.5 ESV
We become what we do and do and do. It is as simple as that. Just because grace forgives our shortcomings it does nullify our need to work for change. Grace comes to enable it. God knows that we fall short and has made provision for it in the death of Christ. It would be silly to think that God makes this provision only to forgive us. He does this so that He may come to live in us and help us become all we were originally created to become. God's forgiveness is instant. Our transformation is not. There are no shortcuts to godliness, we become what we do and do and do. 12/2/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta GA)
“Endurance produces character, and character produces hope...” Rom.5 ESV
We become what we do and do and do. It is as simple as that. Just because grace forgives our shortcomings it does nullify our need to work for change. Grace comes to enable it. God knows that we fall short and has made provision for it in the death of Christ. It would be silly to think that God makes this provision only to forgive us. He does this so that He may come to live in us and help us become all we were originally created to become. God's forgiveness is instant. Our transformation is not. There are no shortcuts to godliness, we become what we do and do and do. 12/2/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta GA)
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” Winston Churchill
“But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, "Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it." Num.13 ESV
We often have little or no control over people or events that come our way. We do however have control over the attitude that we adopt towards them. In our positive attitude generation just about everybody knows the importance of attitude, yet we still hold on to negative ways of thinking. Until I admit that I am choosing my disposition I will never change it. Unless I grow tired of breathing the foul air of negative thinking I will not come outside and inhale the fresh air of living joyously. The power to choose is mine. Choose the superior delights of joy! 12/1/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta GA)
We often have little or no control over people or events that come our way. We do however have control over the attitude that we adopt towards them. In our positive attitude generation just about everybody knows the importance of attitude, yet we still hold on to negative ways of thinking. Until I admit that I am choosing my disposition I will never change it. Unless I grow tired of breathing the foul air of negative thinking I will not come outside and inhale the fresh air of living joyously. The power to choose is mine. Choose the superior delights of joy! 12/1/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta GA)
“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” Winston Churchill
“But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, "Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it." Num.13 ESV
We often have little or no control over people or events that come our way. We do however have control over the attitude that we adopt towards them. In our positive attitude generation just about everybody knows the importance of attitude, yet we still hold on to negative ways of thinking. Until I admit that I am choosing my disposition I will never change it. Unless I grow tired of breathing the foul air of negative thinking I will not come outside and inhale the fresh air of living joyously. The power to choose is mine. Choose the superior delights of joy! 12/1/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta GA)
We often have little or no control over people or events that come our way. We do however have control over the attitude that we adopt towards them. In our positive attitude generation just about everybody knows the importance of attitude, yet we still hold on to negative ways of thinking. Until I admit that I am choosing my disposition I will never change it. Unless I grow tired of breathing the foul air of negative thinking I will not come outside and inhale the fresh air of living joyously. The power to choose is mine. Choose the superior delights of joy! 12/1/2010 Conversations Within ts (Augusta GA)
Monday, December 6, 2010
“Faith can move mountains, but don't be surprised if God hands you a shovel.” Author Unknown
“So take heart, men, for I have faith in God... He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land...Acts 27 ESV
Although faith has moved God to work miracles without natural means, God ordinarily chooses to use them. When God promised Paul that He would rescue everyone on the boat from a violent storm, they still had to swim for their lives after being grounded on a reef. We should make no mistake, God saved them, and He used the natural means of swimming to do so. Faith understands that natural law is just as much the hand of God working in the world as any miracle. When an open wound heals it is God's power closing it. We should not be surprised that when we pray for health, God may encourage us to change our eating habits or if we pray for provision He may put us to different work. 11/30/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between GA)
Although faith has moved God to work miracles without natural means, God ordinarily chooses to use them. When God promised Paul that He would rescue everyone on the boat from a violent storm, they still had to swim for their lives after being grounded on a reef. We should make no mistake, God saved them, and He used the natural means of swimming to do so. Faith understands that natural law is just as much the hand of God working in the world as any miracle. When an open wound heals it is God's power closing it. We should not be surprised that when we pray for health, God may encourage us to change our eating habits or if we pray for provision He may put us to different work. 11/30/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between GA)
“Faith can move mountains, but don't be surprised if God hands you a shovel.” Author Unknown
“So take heart, men, for I have faith in God... He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land...Acts 27 ESV
Although faith has moved God to work miracles without natural means, God ordinarily chooses to use them. When God promised Paul that He would rescue everyone on the boat from a violent storm, they still had to swim for their lives after being grounded on a reef. We should make no mistake, God saved them, and He used the natural means of swimming to do so. Faith understands that natural law is just as much the hand of God working in the world as any miracle. When an open wound heals it is God's power closing it. We should not be surprised that when we pray for health, God may encourage us to change our eating habits or if we pray for provision He may put us to different work. 11/30/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between GA)
Although faith has moved God to work miracles without natural means, God ordinarily chooses to use them. When God promised Paul that He would rescue everyone on the boat from a violent storm, they still had to swim for their lives after being grounded on a reef. We should make no mistake, God saved them, and He used the natural means of swimming to do so. Faith understands that natural law is just as much the hand of God working in the world as any miracle. When an open wound heals it is God's power closing it. We should not be surprised that when we pray for health, God may encourage us to change our eating habits or if we pray for provision He may put us to different work. 11/30/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between GA)
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Faith is the bird that sings when the dawn is still dark. Rabindranath Tagore
“Set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1Pt.3 ESV
Faith expects! Faith confidently hopes for a coming reality, it doesn't wistfully hope things will turn out for the best. Expressions of faith are more like the expectant mother waiting patiently for the life in her to arrive, than it is like a child hoping it doesn't rain over the holidays. We are told to set our hope entirely on the grace coming to us. Here is one instance where we are encouraged to “put all our eggs in one basket.” We leave ourself nothing where this world is concerned, we sell it all for that one pearl of great price, that one field full of treasure. Faith is not a half-hearted affair. 11/29/2010 Conversations Within ts (On the road to Between)
Faith expects! Faith confidently hopes for a coming reality, it doesn't wistfully hope things will turn out for the best. Expressions of faith are more like the expectant mother waiting patiently for the life in her to arrive, than it is like a child hoping it doesn't rain over the holidays. We are told to set our hope entirely on the grace coming to us. Here is one instance where we are encouraged to “put all our eggs in one basket.” We leave ourself nothing where this world is concerned, we sell it all for that one pearl of great price, that one field full of treasure. Faith is not a half-hearted affair. 11/29/2010 Conversations Within ts (On the road to Between)
Faith is the bird that sings when the dawn is still dark. Rabindranath Tagore
“Set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1Pt.3 ESV
Faith expects! Faith confidently hopes for a coming reality, it doesn't wistfully hope things will turn out for the best. Expressions of faith are more like the expectant mother waiting patiently for the life in her to arrive, than it is like a child hoping it doesn't rain over the holidays. We are told to set our hope entirely on the grace coming to us. Here is one instance where we are encouraged to “put all our eggs in one basket.” We leave ourself nothing where this world is concerned, we sell it all for that one pearl of great price, that one field full of treasure. Faith is not a half-hearted affair. 11/29/2010 Conversations Within ts (On the road to Between)
Faith expects! Faith confidently hopes for a coming reality, it doesn't wistfully hope things will turn out for the best. Expressions of faith are more like the expectant mother waiting patiently for the life in her to arrive, than it is like a child hoping it doesn't rain over the holidays. We are told to set our hope entirely on the grace coming to us. Here is one instance where we are encouraged to “put all our eggs in one basket.” We leave ourself nothing where this world is concerned, we sell it all for that one pearl of great price, that one field full of treasure. Faith is not a half-hearted affair. 11/29/2010 Conversations Within ts (On the road to Between)
Friday, December 3, 2010
“Faith is like radar that sees through the fog.” Corrie Ten Boom
“Faith is like radar that sees through the fog.” Corrie Ten Boom
“By faith he went to live in the land of promise,” Heb.11 ESV
So much of faith is learning to ignore the fog not only of our feelings but many times our circumstances. We learn to trust God's promises even when everything around us points otherwise. This is not to say that we throw reason aside because it was reason which led us to trust God in the first place. One brother put it this way. “Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted in spite of your changing moods.” 11/27/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
“By faith he went to live in the land of promise,” Heb.11 ESV
So much of faith is learning to ignore the fog not only of our feelings but many times our circumstances. We learn to trust God's promises even when everything around us points otherwise. This is not to say that we throw reason aside because it was reason which led us to trust God in the first place. One brother put it this way. “Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted in spite of your changing moods.” 11/27/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
“Faith is like radar that sees through the fog.” Corrie Ten Boom
“Faith is like radar that sees through the fog.” Corrie Ten Boom
“By faith he went to live in the land of promise,” Heb.11 ESV
So much of faith is learning to ignore the fog not only of our feelings but many times our circumstances. We learn to trust God's promises even when everything around us points otherwise. This is not to say that we throw reason aside because it was reason which led us to trust God in the first place. One brother put it this way. “Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted in spite of your changing moods.” 11/27/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
“By faith he went to live in the land of promise,” Heb.11 ESV
So much of faith is learning to ignore the fog not only of our feelings but many times our circumstances. We learn to trust God's promises even when everything around us points otherwise. This is not to say that we throw reason aside because it was reason which led us to trust God in the first place. One brother put it this way. “Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted in spite of your changing moods.” 11/27/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
Thursday, December 2, 2010
“Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death.” Author Unknown
"Do not be afraid any longer, only believe." Mk.5
I'm at that age where you wonder if every new ache or pain is some kind of cancer. It is a frightful thing to believe that your own body is trying to kill you. Of course death doesn't always announce his coming; sometimes he comes suddenly. I have cancer on one side of the family and heart disease on the other. I suppose it is a matter of time before one or the other arrives at my door. This doesn't take into account of course the danger we face just driving down the road. When Jesus traveled our diseased and dangerous roads He must have noticed the worry on our faces. On several occasions He pointedly said, “Do not be afraid.” He always followed this by telling us trust in Him. I suppose the difficulty lies in wondering what He will do when we do trust Him. You would think that we would make our peace with His permanent solution instead of pleading for the temporary ones. It seems a little silly asking for more time when He has already given us everlasting life. 11/26/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
I'm at that age where you wonder if every new ache or pain is some kind of cancer. It is a frightful thing to believe that your own body is trying to kill you. Of course death doesn't always announce his coming; sometimes he comes suddenly. I have cancer on one side of the family and heart disease on the other. I suppose it is a matter of time before one or the other arrives at my door. This doesn't take into account of course the danger we face just driving down the road. When Jesus traveled our diseased and dangerous roads He must have noticed the worry on our faces. On several occasions He pointedly said, “Do not be afraid.” He always followed this by telling us trust in Him. I suppose the difficulty lies in wondering what He will do when we do trust Him. You would think that we would make our peace with His permanent solution instead of pleading for the temporary ones. It seems a little silly asking for more time when He has already given us everlasting life. 11/26/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
“Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death.” Author Unknown
"Do not be afraid any longer, only believe." Mk.5
I'm at that age where you wonder if every new ache or pain is some kind of cancer. It is a frightful thing to believe that your own body is trying to kill you. Of course death doesn't always announce his coming; sometimes he comes suddenly. I have cancer on one side of the family and heart disease on the other. I suppose it is a matter of time before one or the other arrives at my door. This doesn't take into account of course the danger we face just driving down the road. When Jesus traveled our diseased and dangerous roads He must have noticed the worry on our faces. On several occasions He pointedly said, “Do not be afraid.” He always followed this by telling us trust in Him. I suppose the difficulty lies in wondering what He will do when we do trust Him. You would think that we would make our peace with His permanent solution instead of pleading for the temporary ones. It seems a little silly asking for more time when He has already given us everlasting life. 11/26/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
I'm at that age where you wonder if every new ache or pain is some kind of cancer. It is a frightful thing to believe that your own body is trying to kill you. Of course death doesn't always announce his coming; sometimes he comes suddenly. I have cancer on one side of the family and heart disease on the other. I suppose it is a matter of time before one or the other arrives at my door. This doesn't take into account of course the danger we face just driving down the road. When Jesus traveled our diseased and dangerous roads He must have noticed the worry on our faces. On several occasions He pointedly said, “Do not be afraid.” He always followed this by telling us trust in Him. I suppose the difficulty lies in wondering what He will do when we do trust Him. You would think that we would make our peace with His permanent solution instead of pleading for the temporary ones. It seems a little silly asking for more time when He has already given us everlasting life. 11/26/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill AL)
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
“Faith is reason grown courageous.” Sherwood Eddy
“And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." Mt.14 ESV
You would think that if I am trusting God for my everlasting salvation that I could trust Him for anything. I suppose I do trust Him but I still move in and out of trust into moments of doubt. I seem to walk on water one minute and then sink below the waves the next. I speak figuratively of course, because I can't say that I have ever truly walked on water. And why not? I don't think I have ever tried. Oh, I think about radical expressions of faith but most of the time I seem to be comfortable just siting in my little boat. Perhaps it is as one brother suggest, “Part of me wonders if our stories aren’t being stolen by the easy life.” Maybe this is why God sends storms to swamp our boat from time to time. 11/24/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between, Ga)
You would think that if I am trusting God for my everlasting salvation that I could trust Him for anything. I suppose I do trust Him but I still move in and out of trust into moments of doubt. I seem to walk on water one minute and then sink below the waves the next. I speak figuratively of course, because I can't say that I have ever truly walked on water. And why not? I don't think I have ever tried. Oh, I think about radical expressions of faith but most of the time I seem to be comfortable just siting in my little boat. Perhaps it is as one brother suggest, “Part of me wonders if our stories aren’t being stolen by the easy life.” Maybe this is why God sends storms to swamp our boat from time to time. 11/24/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between, Ga)
“Faith is reason grown courageous.” Sherwood Eddy
“And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." Mt.14 ESV
You would think that if I am trusting God for my everlasting salvation that I could trust Him for anything. I suppose I do trust Him but I still move in and out of trust into moments of doubt. I seem to walk on water one minute and then sink below the waves the next. I speak figuratively of course, because I can't say that I have ever truly walked on water. And why not? I don't think I have ever tried. Oh, I think about radical expressions of faith but most of the time I seem to be comfortable just siting in my little boat. Perhaps it is as one brother suggest, “Part of me wonders if our stories aren’t being stolen by the easy life.” Maybe this is why God sends storms to swamp our boat from time to time. 11/24/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between, Ga)
You would think that if I am trusting God for my everlasting salvation that I could trust Him for anything. I suppose I do trust Him but I still move in and out of trust into moments of doubt. I seem to walk on water one minute and then sink below the waves the next. I speak figuratively of course, because I can't say that I have ever truly walked on water. And why not? I don't think I have ever tried. Oh, I think about radical expressions of faith but most of the time I seem to be comfortable just siting in my little boat. Perhaps it is as one brother suggest, “Part of me wonders if our stories aren’t being stolen by the easy life.” Maybe this is why God sends storms to swamp our boat from time to time. 11/24/2010 Conversations Within ts (Between, Ga)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)