“The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.” Thomas Jefferson

“The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.” Thomas Jefferson

“When words are many, sin is not absent.” Prov.10

Edit me Lord, before I publish! 1/23/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.” Thomas Jefferson

“The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.” Thomas Jefferson

“When words are many, sin is not absent.” Prov.10

Edit me Lord, before I publish! 1/23/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“Put a grain of boldness into everything you do.” Baltasar Gracian

“But the centurion replied, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Mt.8 ESV

The centurion who came to Jesus on behalf of a sick servant is mentioned I suppose to illustrate the kind of faith that impresses God. His faith was humble, as all faith should be, but it was also bold. All faith should be bold. After all, our confidence is not in our faith but in the person we put our faith in. If any request is worth asking from God, it is worth asking boldly. Away with mealy mouthed prayers. When Alexander the great was boldly asked for an exorbitant amount of money by a one of his subjects, he replied, “His request shows that he has understood both my wealth and my generosity.” Should I treat God with any less honor when I ask Him for something? 1/22/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“Put a grain of boldness into everything you do.” Baltasar Gracian

“But the centurion replied, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Mt.8 ESV

The centurion who came to Jesus on behalf of a sick servant is mentioned I suppose to illustrate the kind of faith that impresses God. His faith was humble, as all faith should be, but it was also bold. All faith should be bold. After all, our confidence is not in our faith but in the person we put our faith in. If any request is worth asking from God, it is worth asking boldly. Away with mealy mouthed prayers. When Alexander the great was boldly asked for an exorbitant amount of money by a one of his subjects, he replied, “His request shows that he has understood both my wealth and my generosity.” Should I treat God with any less honor when I ask Him for something? 1/22/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

Some things have to be believed to be seen. Ralph Hodgson

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb.11 KJV

Seeing before you believe seems a reasonable stance in some instances but not all. Every one knows that seeing with the eyes is only one way of seeing. Most people would say that people have two sets of eyes-our physical eyes and the inner eyes of the soul. Of course believing we have a soul is one way of explaining the inner life of humans. How else could we explain poetry, art or music even scientific investigation if these things do not rise out of the human soul. And, how do we explain the soul without belief in God? 1/20/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

Some things have to be believed to be seen. Ralph Hodgson

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb.11 KJV

Seeing before you believe seems a reasonable stance in some instances but not all. Every one knows that seeing with the eyes is only one way of seeing. Most people would say that people have two sets of eyes-our physical eyes and the inner eyes of the soul. Of course believing we have a soul is one way of explaining the inner life of humans. How else could we explain poetry, art or music even scientific investigation if these things do not rise out of the human soul. And, how do we explain the soul without belief in God? 1/20/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

"As God's children, we live on promises, not explanations.” Warren Wiersbe

“...he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature...” 2Pt.1

I like things explained. I want God to explain many of the things He does or at least things that He allows to happen. He does not accommodate me. I want explanations to satisfy my doubts, He offers promises to strengthen my faith. God's promises are said to be both “precious” and “great.” That they are precious speaks of their inestimable value; that they are great speaks of the infinite expanse of their measure. When something is precious it is more than just valuable, it is dear to the heart. Every single thing in life is under the great canopy of God's covenant promises to us. 1/21/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

"As God's children, we live on promises, not explanations.” Warren Wiersbe

“...he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature...” 2Pt.1

I like things explained. I want God to explain many of the things He does or at least things that He allows to happen. He does not accommodate me. I want explanations to satisfy my doubts, He offers promises to strengthen my faith. God's promises are said to be both “precious” and “great.” That they are precious speaks of their inestimable value; that they are great speaks of the infinite expanse of their measure. When something is precious it is more than just valuable, it is dear to the heart. Every single thing in life is under the great canopy of God's covenant promises to us. 1/21/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“Listen or thy tongue will keep thee deaf.” Native American Indian Proverb

“Listen or thy tongue will keep thee deaf.” Native American Indian Proverb

“Be quick to listen, slow to speak.” James1

I think listening is just as important in prayer as it is in every other conversation. God certainly speaks to us. He may not do it audibly though I have heard him speak through the mouth of others. He speaks in Scripture, in the other writings as well, in our thoughts, or circumstances even in nature. If my prayers are just one-sided conversations; if I do not still my soul, how can I ever expect to hear Him when He answers. If I am not paying close renounce attention it is possible to hear what He says without hearing what He says. I do this all the time to Brenda and I am sure I do it with God. The most important thing I do this day might be to sit quietly, still my soul , don't say anything and just listen. 1/19/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“Listen or thy tongue will keep thee deaf.” Native American Indian Proverb

“Listen or thy tongue will keep thee deaf.” Native American Indian Proverb

“Be quick to listen, slow to speak.” James1

I think listening is just as important in prayer as it is in every other conversation. God certainly speaks to us. He may not do it audibly though I have heard him speak through the mouth of others. He speaks in Scripture, in the other writings as well, in our thoughts, or circumstances even in nature. If my prayers are just one-sided conversations; if I do not still my soul, how can I ever expect to hear Him when He answers. If I am not paying close renounce attention it is possible to hear what He says without hearing what He says. I do this all the time to Brenda and I am sure I do it with God. The most important thing I do this day might be to sit quietly, still my soul , don't say anything and just listen. 1/19/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“Education consists mainly of what we have unlearned.” Mark Twain

“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.“ Prov.22 NIV

Most of us stop believing in Santa, the tooth fairy or the Easter Bunny, then strangely turn around and teach our children to believe in them. We unlearn these childhood fantasies but in doing so we come to discover to the world of make believe and the value of letting our own children enjoy it. In similar way children sometimes unlearn the faith of their parents before they come to truly learn its place in life. The unlearning is often thought to be learning until life teaches them the true value of faith. The difference is that when they return to it, faith is relearned not as make believe but as faith in a world more real than our own. The child's belief in Christ or Santa is probably the same. Most of us unlearn them both in adolescence then return to them in adulthood. The difference is we relearn one in the joy of make believe and the other in the joy of reality. 1/18/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“Education consists mainly of what we have unlearned.” Mark Twain

“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.“ Prov.22 NIV

Most of us stop believing in Santa, the tooth fairy or the Easter Bunny, then strangely turn around and teach our children to believe in them. We unlearn these childhood fantasies but in doing so we come to discover to the world of make believe and the value of letting our own children enjoy it. In similar way children sometimes unlearn the faith of their parents before they come to truly learn its place in life. The unlearning is often thought to be learning until life teaches them the true value of faith. The difference is that when they return to it, faith is relearned not as make believe but as faith in a world more real than our own. The child's belief in Christ or Santa is probably the same. Most of us unlearn them both in adolescence then return to them in adulthood. The difference is we relearn one in the joy of make believe and the other in the joy of reality. 1/18/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“Not a nerve or tissue, valve or vessel, of our bodily organization is uncared for;...

“Not a nerve or tissue, valve or vessel, of our bodily organization is uncared for; all the littles of our little world are thought upon by the great God.” C. H. Surgeon

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.” Mt.10 ESV

According to Jesus, not a sparrow falls from the sky apart of God's loving care. And, sparrows surely do fall from the sky. Experience and Scripture alike teach us that even suffering and death are included not excluded in God's care of every creature. Both are His appointed means to bring goodness and grace to those who trust Him. Jesus suffered, Jesus died, need we say more. Because of His death we are encouraged to not be afraid of our own. Christ was forsaken in death so that we wouldn't be. When our time comes to cross the river no grace will be withheld from us. 1/17/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“Not a nerve or tissue, valve or vessel, of our bodily organization is uncared for;...

“Not a nerve or tissue, valve or vessel, of our bodily organization is uncared for; all the littles of our little world are thought upon by the great God.” C. H. Surgeon

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.” Mt.10 ESV

According to Jesus, not a sparrow falls from the sky apart of God's loving care. And, sparrows surely do fall from the sky. Experience and Scripture alike teach us that even suffering and death are included not excluded in God's care of every creature. Both are His appointed means to bring goodness and grace to those who trust Him. Jesus suffered, Jesus died, need we say more. Because of His death we are encouraged to not be afraid of our own. Christ was forsaken in death so that we wouldn't be. When our time comes to cross the river no grace will be withheld from us. 1/17/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!” Ps.37 ESV

It bothers me when I hear that a good person, one who clearly lived for the benefit of others, dies in their fifties and then read that some murdering scum bag has turned eighty behind bars. It bothers me, but it shouldn't. For all I know God may be giving a wicked man more time to come to faith, but decides to take some precious saint home to be with Him and spare them the pains of old age. There are many things that God asks us to patiently accept. It is foolish to fret ourselves over things we cannot understand simply because we cannot see things from God's perspective. Fretting is a subtle way of passing judgment on God's judgments 1/14/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!” Ps.37 ESV

It bothers me when I hear that a good person, one who clearly lived for the benefit of others, dies in their fifties and then read that some murdering scum bag has turned eighty behind bars. It bothers me, but it shouldn't. For all I know God may be giving a wicked man more time to come to faith, but decides to take some precious saint home to be with Him and spare them the pains of old age. There are many things that God asks us to patiently accept. It is foolish to fret ourselves over things we cannot understand simply because we cannot see things from God's perspective. Fretting is a subtle way of passing judgment on God's judgments 1/14/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions.” Albert Einstein

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine...to Him be glory...” Eph.3

I get the distinct feeling that God wants me to believe that He is doing far more than I ask , certainly not less. I am sure that every single request is answered in a manner that complements but never conflicts with His grand designs. The rippling effects of every petition offered in the name of Jesus are to be measured by the Father's overflowing goodness and infinite imagination not by our puny perspective on things. If I pray, “Give us this day our daily bread,” God may very well answer by not only by providing for my needs but providing for some family in Zimbabwe facing similar circumstances as my own. We may scoot over the word, “our,” He fills it out beyond our wildest imagination. 1/13/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions.” Albert Einstein

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine...to Him be glory...” Eph.3

I get the distinct feeling that God wants me to believe that He is doing far more than I ask , certainly not less. I am sure that every single request is answered in a manner that complements but never conflicts with His grand designs. The rippling effects of every petition offered in the name of Jesus are to be measured by the Father's overflowing goodness and infinite imagination not by our puny perspective on things. If I pray, “Give us this day our daily bread,” God may very well answer by not only by providing for my needs but providing for some family in Zimbabwe facing similar circumstances as my own. We may scoot over the word, “our,” He fills it out beyond our wildest imagination. 1/13/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“If you think of this world as a place intended simply for our happiness, you find it quite intolerable....

“If you think of this world as a place intended simply for our happiness, you find it quite intolerable: think of it as a place of training and correction and it’s not so bad.” C. S. Lewis

“...nor pain anymore...” Rev.21

My doctor friend is fond of saying that pain is good, that pain is your friend. It certainly can be in this place where we need pain for lessons in living. Pain teaches us something is wrong and needs healing. Of course chronic pain of any kind is not good, it is a sign that something cannot be healed. The day approaches where there will be no lessons left to be learned, the school of life will be over, we will have graduated to that place where pain is no more, or where pain is eternally chronic. Our healing will be complete or no further healing will be possible. Isn't that what we mean when we call something heaven or call it hell? 1/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (Madison, MS)

“If you think of this world as a place intended simply for our happiness, you find it quite intolerable....

“If you think of this world as a place intended simply for our happiness, you find it quite intolerable: think of it as a place of training and correction and it’s not so bad.” C. S. Lewis

“...nor pain anymore...” Rev.21

My doctor friend is fond of saying that pain is good, that pain is your friend. It certainly can be in this place where we need pain for lessons in living. Pain teaches us something is wrong and needs healing. Of course chronic pain of any kind is not good, it is a sign that something cannot be healed. The day approaches where there will be no lessons left to be learned, the school of life will be over, we will have graduated to that place where pain is no more, or where pain is eternally chronic. Our healing will be complete or no further healing will be possible. Isn't that what we mean when we call something heaven or call it hell? 1/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (Madison, MS)

“We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey.” Kenji Miyazawa

“The night racks my bones, and the pain that gnaws me takes no rest.” Job 30 ESV

I pretty much live with pain. Many people do. I am not speaking of emotional pain, though I've had my share of that. As long as I can remember I seem to go from one pain to another. If my back is not hurting, I am always recovering from some injury or a tooth is hurting or I have some unexplained pain somewhere. I have played hard and now age is playing hard on me. I am not happy with my response to all this. I talk about my pains way too much. I am writing about them now. What is there to do but stir my pains into all the other ingredients in this stew we call life. I do, after all, enjoy sweet and sour dishes, just don't put to much sour in the mix sweet Lord. “Pain is inevitable suffering is optional.” 1/11/2011 Conversations Within ts (Madison, MS)

“We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey.” Kenji Miyazawa

“The night racks my bones, and the pain that gnaws me takes no rest.” Job 30 ESV

I pretty much live with pain. Many people do. I am not speaking of emotional pain, though I've had my share of that. As long as I can remember I seem to go from one pain to another. If my back is not hurting, I am always recovering from some injury or a tooth is hurting or I have some unexplained pain somewhere. I have played hard and now age is playing hard on me. I am not happy with my response to all this. I talk about my pains way too much. I am writing about them now. What is there to do but stir my pains into all the other ingredients in this stew we call life. I do, after all, enjoy sweet and sour dishes, just don't put to much sour in the mix sweet Lord. “Pain is inevitable suffering is optional.” 1/11/2011 Conversations Within ts (Madison, MS)

“Superstition is to religion what astrology is to astronomy...” Voltaire

“And beware lest...when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, you be drawn away and bow down to them and serve them...” Deut. 4 ESV

People are a superstitious lot. If I treat God like some four leafed clover or good luck charm I act no better than those who read a daily horoscope for guidance. God is a Person, not a totem. He is to be humbly served not bent to our own purposes. Crossing my fingers or knocking on wood will not alter Him to my ways nor align me to His. I should take care to purge all superstition from my attitudes and actions before Him. He asks for nothing but a simple faith expressed in simple obedience. I should not consult the Bible like some zodiac chart. His will in Scripture is spelled out plain enough and His Spirit is more than willing to lead all who will follow. Do children need a palm reader or celestial chart to ask loving parents for advice? Jesus summed it up for us when He told us to address God as our Father not our Spiritual Psychic. 1/10/2011 Conversations Within ts (Madison, MS)

“Superstition is to religion what astrology is to astronomy...” Voltaire

“And beware lest...when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, you be drawn away and bow down to them and serve them...” Deut. 4 ESV

People are a superstitious lot. If I treat God like some four leafed clover or good luck charm I act no better than those who read a daily horoscope for guidance. God is a Person, not a totem. He is to be humbly served not bent to our own purposes. Crossing my fingers or knocking on wood will not alter Him to my ways nor align me to His. I should take care to purge all superstition from my attitudes and actions before Him. He asks for nothing but a simple faith expressed in simple obedience. I should not consult the Bible like some zodiac chart. His will in Scripture is spelled out plain enough and His Spirit is more than willing to lead all who will follow. Do children need a palm reader or celestial chart to ask loving parents for advice? Jesus summed it up for us when He told us to address God as our Father not our Spiritual Psychic. 1/10/2011 Conversations Within ts (Madison, MS)

“Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.” Henry Ward Beecher

"Let every skillful craftsman among you come and make all that the LORD has commanded.” Ex.35 ESV

Do we not all put something of ourselves into whatever we do. The way I eat or drink, work or play, talk or listen all reflect something of my inner life. If my soul is in disarray, my desk, and my schedule will usually expose it. If I never have enough time, it is usually because my inner life is cluttered and unfocused. We bring to the canvas of our outward world the colors we have mixed on the pallet of our soul. I think God wants to put us in touch with the artist within, to teach us how to mix new colors, to help direct our energies toward a purposeful and creative life and escape the drudgery of mere existence. It is good think to step back and see what image is taking shape on the canvas I am painting. 1/9/2011 Conversations Within ts (Madison, MS)

“Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.” Henry Ward Beecher

"Let every skillful craftsman among you come and make all that the LORD has commanded.” Ex.35 ESV

Do we not all put something of ourselves into whatever we do. The way I eat or drink, work or play, talk or listen all reflect something of my inner life. If my soul is in disarray, my desk, and my schedule will usually expose it. If I never have enough time, it is usually because my inner life is cluttered and unfocused. We bring to the canvas of our outward world the colors we have mixed on the pallet of our soul. I think God wants to put us in touch with the artist within, to teach us how to mix new colors, to help direct our energies toward a purposeful and creative life and escape the drudgery of mere existence. It is good think to step back and see what image is taking shape on the canvas I am painting. 1/9/2011 Conversations Within ts (Madison, MS)

“A religious man sits in church and thinks about fishing; a spiritual man sits in a boat and thinks about God.” John Upton (paraphrase)

“...taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.” 1Cor.2 ESV

I enjoy salt of the earth folk. They have little time for the pompous platitudes and prefer down to earth action. They do not measure their relationship with God by the number of church meetings they attend but by simple service to others. They seldom wear their religion own their sleeve and you couldn't see it if they did because their sleeves are always rolled up to help someone. I enjoy salt of the earth folk, they are some of the most spiritual people I know. 1/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (Madison, MS)

“A religious man sits in church and thinks about fishing; a spiritual man sits in a boat and thinks about God.” John Upton (paraphrase)

“...taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.” 1Cor.2 ESV

I enjoy salt of the earth folk. They have little time for the pompous platitudes and prefer down to earth action. They do not measure their relationship with God by the number of church meetings they attend but by simple service to others. They seldom wear their religion own their sleeve and you couldn't see it if they did because their sleeves are always rolled up to help someone. I enjoy salt of the earth folk, they are some of the most spiritual people I know. 1/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (Madison, MS)

“An apology is a good way to have the last word.” Author Unknown

“Forgive us...as we also forgive” Mt.6 ESV

Learning how to ask forgiveness seems a necessary skill if we are to have and maintain healthy relationships. Apart of that skill is knowing the difference in saying your sorry and actually asking the offended party for forgiveness. When we say we are sorry we may be focused only on the guilt of our offense but to ask forgiveness we are certainly focused on the relationship and humbly seeking to reconcile it. The simple expression, “I was wrong, will you forgive me,” gives the offended party the opportunity both to give grace and at the same time to receive grace for giving it. Of course when it is our turn, learning to say the words , “I forgive you,” and say them with just as much humility, is of equal importance. 1/8/2011 Conversations Within ts (West Monroe, LA)

“An apology is a good way to have the last word.” Author Unknown

“Forgive us...as we also forgive” Mt.6 ESV

Learning how to ask forgiveness seems a necessary skill if we are to have and maintain healthy relationships. Apart of that skill is knowing the difference in saying your sorry and actually asking the offended party for forgiveness. When we say we are sorry we may be focused only on the guilt of our offense but to ask forgiveness we are certainly focused on the relationship and humbly seeking to reconcile it. The simple expression, “I was wrong, will you forgive me,” gives the offended party the opportunity both to give grace and at the same time to receive grace for giving it. Of course when it is our turn, learning to say the words , “I forgive you,” and say them with just as much humility, is of equal importance. 1/8/2011 Conversations Within ts (West Monroe, LA)

“I sometimes wonder whether all pleasures are not substitutes for joy.” C.S. Lewis

“The fruit of the Spirit is... joy.” Gal.5 ESV

I don't think we should ever let our of pursuit of happiness interfere with expressions of our joy. Many things that make us happy have nothing to do with joy. For example, pleasures may contribute to joy but unlawful pleasures can rob it. Joy completes proper pleasures like childbirth completes a pregnancy. To have pleasure without joy is to miscarry. To have pleasure without joy is chewing without swallowing. When pleasures are stolen they leave us feeling guilty even empty. Joy distinct from mere happiness is a proper happiness. It knows nothing of guilt or doubt. Joy basks in the warmth loving and living for God's pleasure. 1/6/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gulf Shores)

“I sometimes wonder whether all pleasures are not substitutes for joy.” C.S. Lewis

“The fruit of the Spirit is... joy.” Gal.5 ESV

I don't think we should ever let our of pursuit of happiness interfere with expressions of our joy. Many things that make us happy have nothing to do with joy. For example, pleasures may contribute to joy but unlawful pleasures can rob it. Joy completes proper pleasures like childbirth completes a pregnancy. To have pleasure without joy is to miscarry. To have pleasure without joy is chewing without swallowing. When pleasures are stolen they leave us feeling guilty even empty. Joy distinct from mere happiness is a proper happiness. It knows nothing of guilt or doubt. Joy basks in the warmth loving and living for God's pleasure. 1/6/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gulf Shores)

“A joy shared is a joy doubled” Anonymous

“I tell you these things that my joy may be in you...” Jesus

I believe that Pascal was right when he said, “All men seek happiness,” and called it the “motive of every action of every man." I also believe that when Christ enters our life He begins to fine tune our desire for happiness by introducing us to His joy. The joy of Jesus transforms our desire for happiness by adding to it an inclination to please God. Jesus put it this way, “I do always those things that please him.” Joy turns mere happiness into a godly happiness. The former tends, though not always, to seek only its own pleasure, the latter always finds its pleasure in pleasing God and refuses to find happiness in anything which is not pleasing to Him. o1/5/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gulf Shores)

“A joy shared is a joy doubled” Anonymous

“I tell you these things that my joy may be in you...” Jesus

I believe that Pascal was right when he said, “All men seek happiness,” and called it the “motive of every action of every man." I also believe that when Christ enters our life He begins to fine tune our desire for happiness by introducing us to His joy. The joy of Jesus transforms our desire for happiness by adding to it an inclination to please God. Jesus put it this way, “I do always those things that please him.” Joy turns mere happiness into a godly happiness. The former tends, though not always, to seek only its own pleasure, the latter always finds its pleasure in pleasing God and refuses to find happiness in anything which is not pleasing to Him. o1/5/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gulf Shores)

“We live in tension between the already and not yet.” Adrian Dieleman

“...but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.” Jo.4 ESV

My first thought after reading these words of Jesus is that I was sure I had tasted this living water but since I'm still thirsty I must be mistaken. My second thought is, where does that leave me if I believe myself to be a Christian? Well, time and reality is a funny thing for Christians. We are told that we are already seated in heavenly places, told that we have already been raised with Christ, told that sin is no longer our master but none of these things seem to be our present reality. But do we not experience these same kinds of things in other ways? We should probably understand them the same way we understand it when someone says, “Its money in the bank.” In other words the future reality is so certain we can bank on it.” Start writing checks on it! 1/4/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gulf Shores)

“We live in tension between the already and not yet.” Adrian Dieleman

“...but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.” Jo.4 ESV

My first thought after reading these words of Jesus is that I was sure I had tasted this living water but since I'm still thirsty I must be mistaken. My second thought is, where does that leave me if I believe myself to be a Christian? Well, time and reality is a funny thing for Christians. We are told that we are already seated in heavenly places, told that we have already been raised with Christ, told that sin is no longer our master but none of these things seem to be our present reality. But do we not experience these same kinds of things in other ways? We should probably understand them the same way we understand it when someone says, “Its money in the bank.” In other words the future reality is so certain we can bank on it.” Start writing checks on it! 1/4/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gulf Shores)

“Travel has no longer any charm for me. I have seen all the foreign countries I want to except for heaven and hell, and I have only a vague curiosity

“Travel has no longer any charm for me. I have seen all the foreign countries I want to except for heaven and hell, and I have only a vague curiosity as concerns one of those.” Mark Twain

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Jo.3 ESV

Jesus makes it abundantly clear that if people want a relationship with God, they can have one--with His services of course. His principle service is to pay off debts that we have incurred with God, debts we owe Him because of our failure to live as creatures made in His image. By removing our debt, we are able to come to God without fear of any condemning judgment. This is only the beginning really. What God offers us in the accomplishments of Jesus is far more than missing hell, it is the boundless freedom of knowing Him as Father God and friend. I should think it tragic to only think in terms of going or not going to one place or the other and miss the inexpressible value of experiencing the Person. 1/3/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gulf Shores)

“Travel has no longer any charm for me. I have seen all the foreign countries I want to except for heaven and hell, and I have only a vague curiosity

“Travel has no longer any charm for me. I have seen all the foreign countries I want to except for heaven and hell, and I have only a vague curiosity as concerns one of those.” Mark Twain

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Jo.3 ESV

Jesus makes it abundantly clear that if people want a relationship with God, they can have one--with His services of course. His principle service is to pay off debts that we have incurred with God, debts we owe Him because of our failure to live as creatures made in His image. By removing our debt, we are able to come to God without fear of any condemning judgment. This is only the beginning really. What God offers us in the accomplishments of Jesus is far more than missing hell, it is the boundless freedom of knowing Him as Father God and friend. I should think it tragic to only think in terms of going or not going to one place or the other and miss the inexpressible value of experiencing the Person. 1/3/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gulf Shores)

“I'm not crazy, I've just been in a very bad mood 40 years!” Steel Magnolias

“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.“Prov.29 ESV

I am easily irritated. It is no surprise to me then that God's Spirit has made it a priority to teach me to control my spirit. I have, after all, asked that He deliver me from evil. Sometimes I think He does this not by tempting me, but by testing me. Situations arise every day so that I can practice self-control, always with His help but usually not at points I prefer. It may just be that learning to keep my aggravations to myself is the first step in controlling what aggravates me in the first place. 1/2/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gulf Shores)

“I'm not crazy, I've just been in a very bad mood 40 years!” Steel Magnolias

“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.“Prov.29 ESV

I am easily irritated. It is no surprise to me then that God's Spirit has made it a priority to teach me to control my spirit. I have, after all, asked that He deliver me from evil. Sometimes I think He does this not by tempting me, but by testing me. Situations arise every day so that I can practice self-control, always with His help but usually not at points I prefer. It may just be that learning to keep my aggravations to myself is the first step in controlling what aggravates me in the first place. 1/2/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gulf Shores)

“Life, life eternal life!” Pilgrim's Progress

“He has also set eternity in their heart...” Ecc. 3 NASB

I want a tee-shirt that says, “I believe in Jesus because I want to do this forever.” The “this” could be any number of activities; most of them involve wood, wind water or rock, always with my family and friends but also things like eating, reading or what I call piddling --in short I could do life forever! It is so natural to want something good to go on forever. But what about the bad? I certainly don't want anything of pain, or fear or selfishness to go on and on and on. I favor “Life is Good” tee-shirts. But life is not always good and certainly not good for everybody. Suffering permeates our world like the smell of something dead in the air. Most people would not want to live forever in a body racked by pain or mental illness. For many, the desire to live forever is best answered in the words of Jesus, “I go and prepare a place for you.” Until we transition to this place, we pray and work to bring as much of it as we can into this one. Faith enables us to know something of it in our hearts if not in our failing bodies. 1/1/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gulf Shores)

“Life, life eternal life!” Pilgrim's Progress

“He has also set eternity in their heart...” Ecc. 3 NASB

I want a tee-shirt that says, “I believe in Jesus because I want to do this forever.” The “this” could be any number of activities; most of them involve wood, wind water or rock, always with my family and friends but also things like eating, reading or what I call piddling --in short I could do life forever! It is so natural to want something good to go on forever. But what about the bad? I certainly don't want anything of pain, or fear or selfishness to go on and on and on. I favor “Life is Good” tee-shirts. But life is not always good and certainly not good for everybody. Suffering permeates our world like the smell of something dead in the air. Most people would not want to live forever in a body racked by pain or mental illness. For many, the desire to live forever is best answered in the words of Jesus, “I go and prepare a place for you.” Until we transition to this place, we pray and work to bring as much of it as we can into this one. Faith enables us to know something of it in our hearts if not in our failing bodies. 1/1/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gulf Shores)

I never liked roller coasters, not at the fair and certainly not in life.

“I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love...my life is spent with sorrow.” Ps.31 NIV

Anyone who has read David pray in the Psalms knows that he seems somewhat bipolar; in other words, he is just like us. We are up, we are down and sometimes in the same conversation with God. I think this is one of the reason why we pray. We come to God with fear looking for courage or with doubt looking for faith. Prayers that begin with “I am afraid ,”often end with “I am confident of your love.” If our focus changes, prayers may begin in confidence and end in despair. Up and down, up and down, smiling face and then a frown. I suppose until we cross over to a more mature faith this will be the way of it. Thank God that though our faith is fickle His love is not. 12/31/2010 Conversations Within ts

I never liked roller coasters, not at the fair and certainly not in life.

“I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love...my life is spent with sorrow.” Ps.31 NIV

Anyone who has read David pray in the Psalms knows that he seems somewhat bipolar; in other words, he is just like us. We are up, we are down and sometimes in the same conversation with God. I think this is one of the reason why we pray. We come to God with fear looking for courage or with doubt looking for faith. Prayers that begin with “I am afraid ,”often end with “I am confident of your love.” If our focus changes, prayers may begin in confidence and end in despair. Up and down, up and down, smiling face and then a frown. I suppose until we cross over to a more mature faith this will be the way of it. Thank God that though our faith is fickle His love is not. 12/31/2010 Conversations Within ts

“Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass…it's learning to dance in the rain.” Anonymous

“Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass…it's learning to dance in the rain.” Anonymous

“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing...” Ps.30 ESV

Many people are still waiting for the dance music to start. After all, “Sad songs say so much.” Weeping can be as good for the soul as laughter ,even more so. Who hasn't tasted the truth in that quaint ditty by Robert Frost,
"I walked a mile with Pleasure; She chatted all the way;
But left me none the wiser For all she had to say.
I walked a mile with Sorrow; And ne’er a word said she;
But, oh! The things I learned from her, When Sorrow walked with me."
With this in mind I think it is a mistake to try and be happy all the time, thankful yes, happy no. To be thankful is in my experience the truest expression of “dancing in the rain.” I think it is good to remember even Jesus knew both sorrow and a troubled spirit. We should give sorrow time to work its graces in us for some things can only be learned in the night. God promises to turn our mourning into dancing, until He does, let me give thanks as best I can and then have a good cry. 12/30/2010 Conversations Within ts

“Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass…it's learning to dance in the rain.” Anonymous

“Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass…it's learning to dance in the rain.” Anonymous

“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing...” Ps.30 ESV

Many people are still waiting for the dance music to start. After all, “Sad songs say so much.” Weeping can be as good for the soul as laughter ,even more so. Who hasn't tasted the truth in that quaint ditty by Robert Frost,
"I walked a mile with Pleasure; She chatted all the way;
But left me none the wiser For all she had to say.
I walked a mile with Sorrow; And ne’er a word said she;
But, oh! The things I learned from her, When Sorrow walked with me."
With this in mind I think it is a mistake to try and be happy all the time, thankful yes, happy no. To be thankful is in my experience the truest expression of “dancing in the rain.” I think it is good to remember even Jesus knew both sorrow and a troubled spirit. We should give sorrow time to work its graces in us for some things can only be learned in the night. God promises to turn our mourning into dancing, until He does, let me give thanks as best I can and then have a good cry. 12/30/2010 Conversations Within ts

“The trouble with always trying to preserve the health of the body is that it is so difficult to do without destroying the health of the mind.” G.K. C

“In him my heart trusts, and I am helped... ” Ps.28 ESV

In my experience God's help usually comes to me when He calls to my mind some truth or some promise He is asking me to embrace instead of living by my own understanding. Lately, Brenda and I have made some dietary changes we believe promote better health. As usual, I never do anything half way; I actually bought a juicer! When I asked God about all this energy we are putting into healthy eating He reminded me, “Is not life more than food.” Now I do not believe Father is downing good eating habits, in fact a good many passages in the Bible speak about our diet. I think the help that Father is giving me this morning is reminding me that worrying about what I will eat is not much better than worrying if I will eat and that when I focus my energies on Kingdom concerns and everything else will be supplied. 12/29/2010 Conversations Within ts

“The trouble with always trying to preserve the health of the body is that it is so difficult to do without destroying the health of the mind.” G.K. C

“In him my heart trusts, and I am helped... ” Ps.28 ESV

In my experience God's help usually comes to me when He calls to my mind some truth or some promise He is asking me to embrace instead of living by my own understanding. Lately, Brenda and I have made some dietary changes we believe promote better health. As usual, I never do anything half way; I actually bought a juicer! When I asked God about all this energy we are putting into healthy eating He reminded me, “Is not life more than food.” Now I do not believe Father is downing good eating habits, in fact a good many passages in the Bible speak about our diet. I think the help that Father is giving me this morning is reminding me that worrying about what I will eat is not much better than worrying if I will eat and that when I focus my energies on Kingdom concerns and everything else will be supplied. 12/29/2010 Conversations Within ts

Cast your cares on God but don't kill your concerns.

“In him my heart trusts, and I am helped... ” Ps.28 ESV

Sometimes I confuse not caring about my worries with trusting in God. There is a difference in living care free and casting your cares on the Lord. I have nurtured the ability through the years to simply quit caring about some concerns especially the ones that take time to be resolved. Rather than worry about them I just quit caring. I may feel better but I think it is better to actively trust these concerns to God than just forget about them. The struggle is to continue to talk with God about our concerns without worrying over them every time we do. It may be easier to just forget about them but love may require that we keep them in our prayers. God does not want us to deal with worry by becoming apathetic but by continual and confident trust in Him. 12/28/2010 Conversations Within ts

Cast your cares on God but don't kill your concerns.

“In him my heart trusts, and I am helped... ” Ps.28 ESV

Sometimes I confuse not caring about my worries with trusting in God. There is a difference in living care free and casting your cares on the Lord. I have nurtured the ability through the years to simply quit caring about some concerns especially the ones that take time to be resolved. Rather than worry about them I just quit caring. I may feel better but I think it is better to actively trust these concerns to God than just forget about them. The struggle is to continue to talk with God about our concerns without worrying over them every time we do. It may be easier to just forget about them but love may require that we keep them in our prayers. God does not want us to deal with worry by becoming apathetic but by continual and confident trust in Him. 12/28/2010 Conversations Within ts