“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Jesus
How marvelous that God would weave into the fabric of the world the simple equation that to give is to receive. We might wonder if such a notion is ultimately self-serving but that is precisely the beauty of it. Jesus invites us to taste the pure returns of loving and serving--the absolute impossibility of bringing refreshment to others without it splashing over on us. But how is it “more blessed to give.” Because when we give we are not only blessed but become the source of blessing. He wants to make us into little versions of Himself and giving does precisely that. 8/23/2011 Conversations Within ts (Birmingham, AL)
Just me trying to be honest with God.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no person can sincerely try to help another without helping themselves." - Emerson
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Jesus
How marvelous that God would weave into the fabric of the world the simple equation that to give is to receive. We might wonder if such a notion is ultimately self-serving but that is precisely the beauty of it. Jesus invites us to taste the pure returns of loving and serving--the absolute impossibility of bringing refreshment to others without it splashing over on us. But how is it “more blessed to give.” Because when we give we are not only blessed but become the source of blessing. He wants to make us into little versions of Himself and giving does precisely that. 8/23/2011 Conversations Within ts (Birmingham, AL)
How marvelous that God would weave into the fabric of the world the simple equation that to give is to receive. We might wonder if such a notion is ultimately self-serving but that is precisely the beauty of it. Jesus invites us to taste the pure returns of loving and serving--the absolute impossibility of bringing refreshment to others without it splashing over on us. But how is it “more blessed to give.” Because when we give we are not only blessed but become the source of blessing. He wants to make us into little versions of Himself and giving does precisely that. 8/23/2011 Conversations Within ts (Birmingham, AL)
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
“You do wrong to everyone you could help, but fail to help." St. Basil the Great
“But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?” 1Jo.3
What motivates me to acts of charity? Is it fear of God, compassion, shame, guilt or love? At this point in my life it is probably a mix of all of these depending on how well I keep in step with Christ. It is better to feed the poor as an expression of abounding love than to do it from shame and guilt but it is better to do it from shame and guilt than to not do it at all. Until love dominates the landscape of my life I may have to settle for baser motivations. God often must paint a dark backdrop using fear, guilt and shame, until the canvas of our heart is ready for the bright colors of pure love. 8/23/2011 Conversations Within ts (Camp Farrington, AL)
What motivates me to acts of charity? Is it fear of God, compassion, shame, guilt or love? At this point in my life it is probably a mix of all of these depending on how well I keep in step with Christ. It is better to feed the poor as an expression of abounding love than to do it from shame and guilt but it is better to do it from shame and guilt than to not do it at all. Until love dominates the landscape of my life I may have to settle for baser motivations. God often must paint a dark backdrop using fear, guilt and shame, until the canvas of our heart is ready for the bright colors of pure love. 8/23/2011 Conversations Within ts (Camp Farrington, AL)
“You do wrong to everyone you could help, but fail to help." St. Basil the Great
“But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?” 1Jo.3
What motivates me to acts of charity? Is it fear of God, compassion, shame, guilt or love? At this point in my life it is probably a mix of all of these depending on how well I keep in step with Christ. It is better to feed the poor as an expression of abounding love than to do it from shame and guilt but it is better to do it from shame and guilt than to not do it at all. Until love dominates the landscape of my life I may have to settle for baser motivations. God often must paint a dark backdrop using fear, guilt and shame, until the canvas of our heart is ready for the bright colors of pure love. 8/23/2011 Conversations Within ts (Camp Farrington, AL)
What motivates me to acts of charity? Is it fear of God, compassion, shame, guilt or love? At this point in my life it is probably a mix of all of these depending on how well I keep in step with Christ. It is better to feed the poor as an expression of abounding love than to do it from shame and guilt but it is better to do it from shame and guilt than to not do it at all. Until love dominates the landscape of my life I may have to settle for baser motivations. God often must paint a dark backdrop using fear, guilt and shame, until the canvas of our heart is ready for the bright colors of pure love. 8/23/2011 Conversations Within ts (Camp Farrington, AL)
Monday, August 29, 2011
“Live simply that others might simply live.” Elizabeth Ann Seton
"There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And...a poor man...who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table.” Lk.16
Americans are some of the most wasteful people in the world. We do, after all, refer to ourselves as consumers. It could be argued that our consumer lifestyle provides jobs for people. Millions live off of the crumbs that fall from our table. But when you put it that way, as Jesus did speaking of the rich man and Lazarus, it doesn't sound complementary. I am amazed that we have somehow managed to feel better about ourselves because we have started recycling our plastic when children are still starving around the world. Most of us give to charities that feed the poor but we do it like we diet, usually around the holidays. Jesus encourages us to make complete change in lifestyle so that giving to the needy is not a diet but our morning coffee. 8/22/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)
Americans are some of the most wasteful people in the world. We do, after all, refer to ourselves as consumers. It could be argued that our consumer lifestyle provides jobs for people. Millions live off of the crumbs that fall from our table. But when you put it that way, as Jesus did speaking of the rich man and Lazarus, it doesn't sound complementary. I am amazed that we have somehow managed to feel better about ourselves because we have started recycling our plastic when children are still starving around the world. Most of us give to charities that feed the poor but we do it like we diet, usually around the holidays. Jesus encourages us to make complete change in lifestyle so that giving to the needy is not a diet but our morning coffee. 8/22/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)
“Live simply that others might simply live.” Elizabeth Ann Seton
"There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And...a poor man...who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table.” Lk.16
Americans are some of the most wasteful people in the world. We do, after all, refer to ourselves as consumers. It could be argued that our consumer lifestyle provides jobs for people. Millions live off of the crumbs that fall from our table. But when you put it that way, as Jesus did speaking of the rich man and Lazarus, it doesn't sound complementary. I am amazed that we have somehow managed to feel better about ourselves because we have started recycling our plastic when children are still starving around the world. Most of us give to charities that feed the poor but we do it like we diet, usually around the holidays. Jesus encourages us to make complete change in lifestyle so that giving to the needy is not a diet but our morning coffee. 8/22/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)
Americans are some of the most wasteful people in the world. We do, after all, refer to ourselves as consumers. It could be argued that our consumer lifestyle provides jobs for people. Millions live off of the crumbs that fall from our table. But when you put it that way, as Jesus did speaking of the rich man and Lazarus, it doesn't sound complementary. I am amazed that we have somehow managed to feel better about ourselves because we have started recycling our plastic when children are still starving around the world. Most of us give to charities that feed the poor but we do it like we diet, usually around the holidays. Jesus encourages us to make complete change in lifestyle so that giving to the needy is not a diet but our morning coffee. 8/22/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)
Saturday, August 27, 2011
"Puddleglum's my name. But it doesn't matter if you forget it. I can always tell you again." The Silver Chair
“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Jesus
I have a hard time remembering names and if I am honest I must admit that it is because I am not really listening. I remember once being introduced to someone and did not register his name until I found out that he had a fishing pond I had seen from the road and always wanted to fish. It is amazing how our attention span improves when matters are centered around self. Christ is always nudging me to care as much for the concerns of others as I do the things that concern me. It is after all not too much for Him to expect me to remember the name of someone when He has numbered the hairs on their head. 8/18/2011 Conversations Within ts (Birmingham, AL)
I have a hard time remembering names and if I am honest I must admit that it is because I am not really listening. I remember once being introduced to someone and did not register his name until I found out that he had a fishing pond I had seen from the road and always wanted to fish. It is amazing how our attention span improves when matters are centered around self. Christ is always nudging me to care as much for the concerns of others as I do the things that concern me. It is after all not too much for Him to expect me to remember the name of someone when He has numbered the hairs on their head. 8/18/2011 Conversations Within ts (Birmingham, AL)
"Puddleglum's my name. But it doesn't matter if you forget it. I can always tell you again." The Silver Chair
“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Jesus
I have a hard time remembering names and if I am honest I must admit that it is because I am not really listening. I remember once being introduced to someone and did not register his name until I found out that he had a fishing pond I had seen from the road and always wanted to fish. It is amazing how our attention span improves when matters are centered around self. Christ is always nudging me to care as much for the concerns of others as I do the things that concern me. It is after all not too much for Him to expect me to remember the name of someone when He has numbered the hairs on their head. 8/18/2011 Conversations Within ts (Birmingham, AL)
I have a hard time remembering names and if I am honest I must admit that it is because I am not really listening. I remember once being introduced to someone and did not register his name until I found out that he had a fishing pond I had seen from the road and always wanted to fish. It is amazing how our attention span improves when matters are centered around self. Christ is always nudging me to care as much for the concerns of others as I do the things that concern me. It is after all not too much for Him to expect me to remember the name of someone when He has numbered the hairs on their head. 8/18/2011 Conversations Within ts (Birmingham, AL)
Friday, August 26, 2011
“Tigers die and leave their skins; people die and leave their names.” Japanese Proverb
“Judas, who would betray him, answered, "Is it I, Rabbi?" He [Jesus] said to him, "You have said so." Mat.26 ESV
I do not know anyone named Judas. Who would want give their child a name that has become synonymous with the word betrayer. Actually the name Judas means “peephole,” and refers to that hole in a door that people use to see whose knocking probably because you want to know if you can trust the person at the door before you open it.
When I am gone will people want to give my name to their children? Names like Judas, or Hitler have been forever stamped by their owners. Will I tarnish my name or add an ambiance of virtue to it? Will the life I live add anything to my name at all? I am not sure which is worse, to tarnish a name or add nothing to it whatsoever. 8/17/2011 Conversations Within ts (Windsor Rock, AL)
I do not know anyone named Judas. Who would want give their child a name that has become synonymous with the word betrayer. Actually the name Judas means “peephole,” and refers to that hole in a door that people use to see whose knocking probably because you want to know if you can trust the person at the door before you open it.
When I am gone will people want to give my name to their children? Names like Judas, or Hitler have been forever stamped by their owners. Will I tarnish my name or add an ambiance of virtue to it? Will the life I live add anything to my name at all? I am not sure which is worse, to tarnish a name or add nothing to it whatsoever. 8/17/2011 Conversations Within ts (Windsor Rock, AL)
“Tigers die and leave their skins; people die and leave their names.” Japanese Proverb
“Judas, who would betray him, answered, "Is it I, Rabbi?" He [Jesus] said to him, "You have said so." Mat.26 ESV
I do not know anyone named Judas. Who would want give their child a name that has become synonymous with the word betrayer. Actually the name Judas means “peephole,” and refers to that hole in a door that people use to see whose knocking probably because you want to know if you can trust the person at the door before you open it.
When I am gone will people want to give my name to their children? Names like Judas, or Hitler have been forever stamped by their owners. Will I tarnish my name or add an ambiance of virtue to it? Will the life I live add anything to my name at all? I am not sure which is worse, to tarnish a name or add nothing to it whatsoever. 8/17/2011 Conversations Within ts (Windsor Rock, AL)
I do not know anyone named Judas. Who would want give their child a name that has become synonymous with the word betrayer. Actually the name Judas means “peephole,” and refers to that hole in a door that people use to see whose knocking probably because you want to know if you can trust the person at the door before you open it.
When I am gone will people want to give my name to their children? Names like Judas, or Hitler have been forever stamped by their owners. Will I tarnish my name or add an ambiance of virtue to it? Will the life I live add anything to my name at all? I am not sure which is worse, to tarnish a name or add nothing to it whatsoever. 8/17/2011 Conversations Within ts (Windsor Rock, AL)
Thursday, August 25, 2011
“Fate tried to conceal him by naming him Smith.” Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
“And his mother called his name Jabez, saying, 'Because I bore him in pain.'” 1Chr.4 ESV
I am certain that I was a pain in the rear to my mother growing up but I cannot imagine her telling me that every time she called my name. That is exactly what Jabez means. Every day Jabez's mother would say, “Pain, get out of bed.” “Pain make your bed.” Pain take out the trash.” Jabez rose above his name and prayed the prayer now made famous by the national best seller “The Prayer of Jabez,” "Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!" Jabez's prayer is a plays on words, literally on his own name and God granted his request. Whatever negatives come our way, transferring our trust to God enables us to rise above them. God has made it possible not only to rise above negatives, but to rise above mediocrity and settle for nothing less than a remarkable life. 8/16/2011 Conversations Within ts (Sweet Home Alabama)
I am certain that I was a pain in the rear to my mother growing up but I cannot imagine her telling me that every time she called my name. That is exactly what Jabez means. Every day Jabez's mother would say, “Pain, get out of bed.” “Pain make your bed.” Pain take out the trash.” Jabez rose above his name and prayed the prayer now made famous by the national best seller “The Prayer of Jabez,” "Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!" Jabez's prayer is a plays on words, literally on his own name and God granted his request. Whatever negatives come our way, transferring our trust to God enables us to rise above them. God has made it possible not only to rise above negatives, but to rise above mediocrity and settle for nothing less than a remarkable life. 8/16/2011 Conversations Within ts (Sweet Home Alabama)
“Fate tried to conceal him by naming him Smith.” Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
“And his mother called his name Jabez, saying, 'Because I bore him in pain.'” 1Chr.4 ESV
I am certain that I was a pain in the rear to my mother growing up but I cannot imagine her telling me that every time she called my name. That is exactly what Jabez means. Every day Jabez's mother would say, “Pain, get out of bed.” “Pain make your bed.” Pain take out the trash.” Jabez rose above his name and prayed the prayer now made famous by the national best seller “The Prayer of Jabez,” "Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!" Jabez's prayer is a plays on words, literally on his own name and God granted his request. Whatever negatives come our way, transferring our trust to God enables us to rise above them. God has made it possible not only to rise above negatives, but to rise above mediocrity and settle for nothing less than a remarkable life. 8/16/2011 Conversations Within ts (Sweet Home Alabama)
I am certain that I was a pain in the rear to my mother growing up but I cannot imagine her telling me that every time she called my name. That is exactly what Jabez means. Every day Jabez's mother would say, “Pain, get out of bed.” “Pain make your bed.” Pain take out the trash.” Jabez rose above his name and prayed the prayer now made famous by the national best seller “The Prayer of Jabez,” "Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!" Jabez's prayer is a plays on words, literally on his own name and God granted his request. Whatever negatives come our way, transferring our trust to God enables us to rise above them. God has made it possible not only to rise above negatives, but to rise above mediocrity and settle for nothing less than a remarkable life. 8/16/2011 Conversations Within ts (Sweet Home Alabama)
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
“What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” William Shakespeare
“And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name.” Gen.2 ESV
People make up new words all of the time. “Google” or “tweet” would be a few recent examples. We have a name for everything; “the old stump road” or “Bob's Johns”--a name I saw recently on the side of a “port-a-potty.” Naming stuff is what we do. Naming gives us a way of relating to the world around us. It also expresses that unique human quality to exercise dominion over the world. If I name something, I have a measure of control over it, even if it is only a way to think about it. This might be why Moses asked God His name. That way when we call His name He will stop what He is doing and answer us. God told Moses that His name was “I am” or I exist. I think God told us His name because He does not mind answering us. That is what He does. If fact, His name became synonymous with someone who makes agreements and keeps them. What is His agreement? “Call to me and I will answer you.” 8/15/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oklahoma City)
People make up new words all of the time. “Google” or “tweet” would be a few recent examples. We have a name for everything; “the old stump road” or “Bob's Johns”--a name I saw recently on the side of a “port-a-potty.” Naming stuff is what we do. Naming gives us a way of relating to the world around us. It also expresses that unique human quality to exercise dominion over the world. If I name something, I have a measure of control over it, even if it is only a way to think about it. This might be why Moses asked God His name. That way when we call His name He will stop what He is doing and answer us. God told Moses that His name was “I am” or I exist. I think God told us His name because He does not mind answering us. That is what He does. If fact, His name became synonymous with someone who makes agreements and keeps them. What is His agreement? “Call to me and I will answer you.” 8/15/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oklahoma City)
“What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” William Shakespeare
“And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name.” Gen.2 ESV
People make up new words all of the time. “Google” or “tweet” would be a few recent examples. We have a name for everything; “the old stump road” or “Bob's Johns”--a name I saw recently on the side of a “port-a-potty.” Naming stuff is what we do. Naming gives us a way of relating to the world around us. It also expresses that unique human quality to exercise dominion over the world. If I name something, I have a measure of control over it, even if it is only a way to think about it. This might be why Moses asked God His name. That way when we call His name He will stop what He is doing and answer us. God told Moses that His name was “I am” or I exist. I think God told us His name because He does not mind answering us. That is what He does. If fact, His name became synonymous with someone who makes agreements and keeps them. What is His agreement? “Call to me and I will answer you.” 8/15/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oklahoma City)
People make up new words all of the time. “Google” or “tweet” would be a few recent examples. We have a name for everything; “the old stump road” or “Bob's Johns”--a name I saw recently on the side of a “port-a-potty.” Naming stuff is what we do. Naming gives us a way of relating to the world around us. It also expresses that unique human quality to exercise dominion over the world. If I name something, I have a measure of control over it, even if it is only a way to think about it. This might be why Moses asked God His name. That way when we call His name He will stop what He is doing and answer us. God told Moses that His name was “I am” or I exist. I think God told us His name because He does not mind answering us. That is what He does. If fact, His name became synonymous with someone who makes agreements and keeps them. What is His agreement? “Call to me and I will answer you.” 8/15/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oklahoma City)
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
“There was once a boy named Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it.” Voyage of the Dawn Treader
“But Saul, who was also called Paul...” Acts. 13
A number of people have changed their name for one reason or another. After he became a Christian the apostle changed his name from Saul, a man of greatness, to Paul which means insignificant. Rather than change my name, I'm trying to live up to it. My parents named me well. In it I have something to aspire to; something already true about me, and a reminder of something that is true even if I don't act like it. My last name is Stewart which reminds me that I am a steward of everything I possess. My life is not my own, though much of the time I act like it is. My middle name Keith means lover of the forest. I certainly find joy any where there is wood, wind and water. My first name Timothy means to honor God and this is of course what I would aspire to do with my life. I am well named, now if I could only live up to it. 8/14/2011 Conversations Within ts (Pagosa Springs, CO)
A number of people have changed their name for one reason or another. After he became a Christian the apostle changed his name from Saul, a man of greatness, to Paul which means insignificant. Rather than change my name, I'm trying to live up to it. My parents named me well. In it I have something to aspire to; something already true about me, and a reminder of something that is true even if I don't act like it. My last name is Stewart which reminds me that I am a steward of everything I possess. My life is not my own, though much of the time I act like it is. My middle name Keith means lover of the forest. I certainly find joy any where there is wood, wind and water. My first name Timothy means to honor God and this is of course what I would aspire to do with my life. I am well named, now if I could only live up to it. 8/14/2011 Conversations Within ts (Pagosa Springs, CO)
“There was once a boy named Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it.” Voyage of the Dawn Treader
“But Saul, who was also called Paul...” Acts. 13
A number of people have changed their name for one reason or another. After he became a Christian the apostle changed his name from Saul, a man of greatness, to Paul which means insignificant. Rather than change my name, I'm trying to live up to it. My parents named me well. In it I have something to aspire to; something already true about me, and a reminder of something that is true even if I don't act like it. My last name is Stewart which reminds me that I am a steward of everything I possess. My life is not my own, though much of the time I act like it is. My middle name Keith means lover of the forest. I certainly find joy any where there is wood, wind and water. My first name Timothy means to honor God and this is of course what I would aspire to do with my life. I am well named, now if I could only live up to it. 8/14/2011 Conversations Within ts (Pagosa Springs, CO)
A number of people have changed their name for one reason or another. After he became a Christian the apostle changed his name from Saul, a man of greatness, to Paul which means insignificant. Rather than change my name, I'm trying to live up to it. My parents named me well. In it I have something to aspire to; something already true about me, and a reminder of something that is true even if I don't act like it. My last name is Stewart which reminds me that I am a steward of everything I possess. My life is not my own, though much of the time I act like it is. My middle name Keith means lover of the forest. I certainly find joy any where there is wood, wind and water. My first name Timothy means to honor God and this is of course what I would aspire to do with my life. I am well named, now if I could only live up to it. 8/14/2011 Conversations Within ts (Pagosa Springs, CO)
Monday, August 22, 2011
And, whatever happens, never forget to wipe your sword.” Aslan
“And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.” Jesus
Jesus' attitude toward violence is clearly reflected in his famous phrase “those who live by the sword will die by the sword” so we should not understand his words here to contradict this. I think what Christ is saying is that there are times in this world, like his brutal but necessary death, when no matter what we do, things will be a bloody mess. A wife has to turn her husband in because he has sexually molested a child. A parent has to testify against one of their children for some heinous crime. A husband must choose to unplug life support for his brain dead spouse. God save us from such times but should they come, His grace will come as well. And, if I must use the sword of justice, let me at least wipe the blade with mercy and grace when finished. 8/13/2011 Conversations Within ts (Mesa Verde, CO)
Jesus' attitude toward violence is clearly reflected in his famous phrase “those who live by the sword will die by the sword” so we should not understand his words here to contradict this. I think what Christ is saying is that there are times in this world, like his brutal but necessary death, when no matter what we do, things will be a bloody mess. A wife has to turn her husband in because he has sexually molested a child. A parent has to testify against one of their children for some heinous crime. A husband must choose to unplug life support for his brain dead spouse. God save us from such times but should they come, His grace will come as well. And, if I must use the sword of justice, let me at least wipe the blade with mercy and grace when finished. 8/13/2011 Conversations Within ts (Mesa Verde, CO)
And, whatever happens, never forget to wipe your sword.” Aslan
“And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.” Jesus
Jesus' attitude toward violence is clearly reflected in his famous phrase “those who live by the sword will die by the sword” so we should not understand his words here to contradict this. I think what Christ is saying is that there are times in this world, like his brutal but necessary death, when no matter what we do, things will be a bloody mess. A wife has to turn her husband in because he has sexually molested a child. A parent has to testify against one of their children for some heinous crime. A husband must choose to unplug life support for his brain dead spouse. God save us from such times but should they come, His grace will come as well. And, if I must use the sword of justice, let me at least wipe the blade with mercy and grace when finished. 8/13/2011 Conversations Within ts (Mesa Verde, CO)
Jesus' attitude toward violence is clearly reflected in his famous phrase “those who live by the sword will die by the sword” so we should not understand his words here to contradict this. I think what Christ is saying is that there are times in this world, like his brutal but necessary death, when no matter what we do, things will be a bloody mess. A wife has to turn her husband in because he has sexually molested a child. A parent has to testify against one of their children for some heinous crime. A husband must choose to unplug life support for his brain dead spouse. God save us from such times but should they come, His grace will come as well. And, if I must use the sword of justice, let me at least wipe the blade with mercy and grace when finished. 8/13/2011 Conversations Within ts (Mesa Verde, CO)
Saturday, August 20, 2011
“Tell a man there are 300 billion stars in the universe and he'll believe you....
Tell him a bench has wet paint on it and he'll have to touch it to be sure.” Murphy's Law
“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." Gen.2 ESV
People usually want to do what is forbidden them. Tell a child he can play in the backyard but not the front and guess where they want to play. Tell an adult not to cross a guard rail, even if it was put there for their protection, and you will see them crossing it. Our first parents sowed this behavior in each of us when they ate from that one tree denied them. If we would know joy's contentment we must learn to embrace the boundaries that are placed on us. Boundaries, however they come to us, are often the kind expressions of God, like a leash is to a puppy out for a walk next to a busy street. 8/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (Moab UT)
“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." Gen.2 ESV
People usually want to do what is forbidden them. Tell a child he can play in the backyard but not the front and guess where they want to play. Tell an adult not to cross a guard rail, even if it was put there for their protection, and you will see them crossing it. Our first parents sowed this behavior in each of us when they ate from that one tree denied them. If we would know joy's contentment we must learn to embrace the boundaries that are placed on us. Boundaries, however they come to us, are often the kind expressions of God, like a leash is to a puppy out for a walk next to a busy street. 8/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (Moab UT)
“Tell a man there are 300 billion stars in the universe and he'll believe you....
Tell him a bench has wet paint on it and he'll have to touch it to be sure.” Murphy's Law
“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." Gen.2 ESV
People usually want to do what is forbidden them. Tell a child he can play in the backyard but not the front and guess where they want to play. Tell an adult not to cross a guard rail, even if it was put there for their protection, and you will see them crossing it. Our first parents sowed this behavior in each of us when they ate from that one tree denied them. If we would know joy's contentment we must learn to embrace the boundaries that are placed on us. Boundaries, however they come to us, are often the kind expressions of God, like a leash is to a puppy out for a walk next to a busy street. 8/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (Moab UT)
“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." Gen.2 ESV
People usually want to do what is forbidden them. Tell a child he can play in the backyard but not the front and guess where they want to play. Tell an adult not to cross a guard rail, even if it was put there for their protection, and you will see them crossing it. Our first parents sowed this behavior in each of us when they ate from that one tree denied them. If we would know joy's contentment we must learn to embrace the boundaries that are placed on us. Boundaries, however they come to us, are often the kind expressions of God, like a leash is to a puppy out for a walk next to a busy street. 8/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (Moab UT)
Friday, August 19, 2011
“If you tell the boss you were late for work because you had a flat tire, the very next morning you will have a flat tire.” Author Unknown
“ I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.” Song of Solomon 2
We cannot outmaneuver justice when it comes against us, nor can we escape its rewards when it works on our behalf. We should not think that God will not tip the scales of justice in our favor when we do what pleases Him. For many years, all I could think about where God was concerned was how to avoid being pricked by the thorns in His rose garden, until one day, I caught His pleasant aroma and soon found myself stopping to bury my face in a thousand fragrant petals. The Spirit of Jesus is teaching me to enjoy the benefits of justice, and to discover the joy of living on the positive side of reaping what you sow. 8/11/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
We cannot outmaneuver justice when it comes against us, nor can we escape its rewards when it works on our behalf. We should not think that God will not tip the scales of justice in our favor when we do what pleases Him. For many years, all I could think about where God was concerned was how to avoid being pricked by the thorns in His rose garden, until one day, I caught His pleasant aroma and soon found myself stopping to bury my face in a thousand fragrant petals. The Spirit of Jesus is teaching me to enjoy the benefits of justice, and to discover the joy of living on the positive side of reaping what you sow. 8/11/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
“If you tell the boss you were late for work because you had a flat tire, the very next morning you will have a flat tire.” Author Unknown
“ I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.” Song of Solomon 2
We cannot outmaneuver justice when it comes against us, nor can we escape its rewards when it works on our behalf. We should not think that God will not tip the scales of justice in our favor when we do what pleases Him. For many years, all I could think about where God was concerned was how to avoid being pricked by the thorns in His rose garden, until one day, I caught His pleasant aroma and soon found myself stopping to bury my face in a thousand fragrant petals. The Spirit of Jesus is teaching me to enjoy the benefits of justice, and to discover the joy of living on the positive side of reaping what you sow. 8/11/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
We cannot outmaneuver justice when it comes against us, nor can we escape its rewards when it works on our behalf. We should not think that God will not tip the scales of justice in our favor when we do what pleases Him. For many years, all I could think about where God was concerned was how to avoid being pricked by the thorns in His rose garden, until one day, I caught His pleasant aroma and soon found myself stopping to bury my face in a thousand fragrant petals. The Spirit of Jesus is teaching me to enjoy the benefits of justice, and to discover the joy of living on the positive side of reaping what you sow. 8/11/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
Thursday, August 18, 2011
“How is it that one match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box of matches to start a campfire?” Christy Whitehead
“and he will make straight your paths.” Prov.3 ESV
There are times when I think that God promises to make my path easy when He in fact promises to make it straight. When God offers to make our path straight He does not mean that we will not have difficulties or that life's little inconveniences will somehow pass us by. Things that can go wrong often do even for a child of God. When God promises to make our path straight, He means that He will make our path clear. Those who trust Him will find Him more than ready to give clear guidance. A Spirit filled man will possess a confident knowledge of all that is good and right and true and this knowledge will sometimes guide him around adversity but certainly through it when necessary. 8/10/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
There are times when I think that God promises to make my path easy when He in fact promises to make it straight. When God offers to make our path straight He does not mean that we will not have difficulties or that life's little inconveniences will somehow pass us by. Things that can go wrong often do even for a child of God. When God promises to make our path straight, He means that He will make our path clear. Those who trust Him will find Him more than ready to give clear guidance. A Spirit filled man will possess a confident knowledge of all that is good and right and true and this knowledge will sometimes guide him around adversity but certainly through it when necessary. 8/10/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
“How is it that one match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box of matches to start a campfire?” Christy Whitehead
“and he will make straight your paths.” Prov.3 ESV
There are times when I think that God promises to make my path easy when He in fact promises to make it straight. When God offers to make our path straight He does not mean that we will not have difficulties or that life's little inconveniences will somehow pass us by. Things that can go wrong often do even for a child of God. When God promises to make our path straight, He means that He will make our path clear. Those who trust Him will find Him more than ready to give clear guidance. A Spirit filled man will possess a confident knowledge of all that is good and right and true and this knowledge will sometimes guide him around adversity but certainly through it when necessary. 8/10/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
There are times when I think that God promises to make my path easy when He in fact promises to make it straight. When God offers to make our path straight He does not mean that we will not have difficulties or that life's little inconveniences will somehow pass us by. Things that can go wrong often do even for a child of God. When God promises to make our path straight, He means that He will make our path clear. Those who trust Him will find Him more than ready to give clear guidance. A Spirit filled man will possess a confident knowledge of all that is good and right and true and this knowledge will sometimes guide him around adversity but certainly through it when necessary. 8/10/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
“Shin: a device for finding furniture in the dark.” Author Unknown
“A bruised reed he will not break...” Is.42 ESV
I am one of those people who always has a scrape, bump or bruise. I pretty much expect it when I am scrambling over rocks but here at our current camp sight we have a grill built into the ground and everyone in our party seems to have found it in the dark with an ankle or shin. When it comes to cuts and bruises it is never an “if” but a “when.” This is also the case where metaphorical cuts and bruises are concerned. Mishaps happen. No one likes them but we should learn to appreciate their value. They teach us the importance of paying attention, that some things are out of our control, and that pain is something to be expected. I am grateful for bruises if only because they teach me to review at the end of the day. 8/9/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
I am one of those people who always has a scrape, bump or bruise. I pretty much expect it when I am scrambling over rocks but here at our current camp sight we have a grill built into the ground and everyone in our party seems to have found it in the dark with an ankle or shin. When it comes to cuts and bruises it is never an “if” but a “when.” This is also the case where metaphorical cuts and bruises are concerned. Mishaps happen. No one likes them but we should learn to appreciate their value. They teach us the importance of paying attention, that some things are out of our control, and that pain is something to be expected. I am grateful for bruises if only because they teach me to review at the end of the day. 8/9/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
“Shin: a device for finding furniture in the dark.” Author Unknown
“A bruised reed he will not break...” Is.42 ESV
I am one of those people who always has a scrape, bump or bruise. I pretty much expect it when I am scrambling over rocks but here at our current camp sight we have a grill built into the ground and everyone in our party seems to have found it in the dark with an ankle or shin. When it comes to cuts and bruises it is never an “if” but a “when.” This is also the case where metaphorical cuts and bruises are concerned. Mishaps happen. No one likes them but we should learn to appreciate their value. They teach us the importance of paying attention, that some things are out of our control, and that pain is something to be expected. I am grateful for bruises if only because they teach me to review at the end of the day. 8/9/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
I am one of those people who always has a scrape, bump or bruise. I pretty much expect it when I am scrambling over rocks but here at our current camp sight we have a grill built into the ground and everyone in our party seems to have found it in the dark with an ankle or shin. When it comes to cuts and bruises it is never an “if” but a “when.” This is also the case where metaphorical cuts and bruises are concerned. Mishaps happen. No one likes them but we should learn to appreciate their value. They teach us the importance of paying attention, that some things are out of our control, and that pain is something to be expected. I am grateful for bruises if only because they teach me to review at the end of the day. 8/9/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
“When the plane you are on is late, the plane you want to transfer to is on time.” Author Unknown
“For he is God's servant for your good.” Rom.13
God tells us some things in the Bible that are hard to swallow but so are a lot of medicines. One is that governments are His servants. Jesus tells us to pay our taxes, obey and even honor those in government even though we may disagree strongly with their policies. We may not like aspects of the government but God uses it all of the time to work His purposes in the world. Now if this is true, it is just as true that little inconveniences are also God's servants. If a storm causes me to miss my flight, I should view it as God adjusting my travel plans and not an inconvenience. God's adjustments to our schedule may not be suited to our comfort but they are surely designed for our good. 8/8/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
God tells us some things in the Bible that are hard to swallow but so are a lot of medicines. One is that governments are His servants. Jesus tells us to pay our taxes, obey and even honor those in government even though we may disagree strongly with their policies. We may not like aspects of the government but God uses it all of the time to work His purposes in the world. Now if this is true, it is just as true that little inconveniences are also God's servants. If a storm causes me to miss my flight, I should view it as God adjusting my travel plans and not an inconvenience. God's adjustments to our schedule may not be suited to our comfort but they are surely designed for our good. 8/8/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
“When the plane you are on is late, the plane you want to transfer to is on time.” Author Unknown
“For he is God's servant for your good.” Rom.13
God tells us some things in the Bible that are hard to swallow but so are a lot of medicines. One is that governments are His servants. Jesus tells us to pay our taxes, obey and even honor those in government even though we may disagree strongly with their policies. We may not like aspects of the government but God uses it all of the time to work His purposes in the world. Now if this is true, it is just as true that little inconveniences are also God's servants. If a storm causes me to miss my flight, I should view it as God adjusting my travel plans and not an inconvenience. God's adjustments to our schedule may not be suited to our comfort but they are surely designed for our good. 8/8/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
God tells us some things in the Bible that are hard to swallow but so are a lot of medicines. One is that governments are His servants. Jesus tells us to pay our taxes, obey and even honor those in government even though we may disagree strongly with their policies. We may not like aspects of the government but God uses it all of the time to work His purposes in the world. Now if this is true, it is just as true that little inconveniences are also God's servants. If a storm causes me to miss my flight, I should view it as God adjusting my travel plans and not an inconvenience. God's adjustments to our schedule may not be suited to our comfort but they are surely designed for our good. 8/8/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
Monday, August 15, 2011
“People who snore always fall asleep first.” Author Unknown
“Righteous are you, O LORD, when I complain to you...” Jer.12 ESV
Life is full of inconveniences. It almost seems that each day there is a built in conspiracy to aggravate us one way or another. When things don't go the way we like, if we are not careful, our complaints may turn into accusations. And, since most of the time there is no one really to blame, we can surely even if subconsciously blame God. It is easy to do this when you believe God steers the ship of your life and you often find yourself hitting rocks. The point is to let inconveniences humble us, not aggravate us. 8/7/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
Life is full of inconveniences. It almost seems that each day there is a built in conspiracy to aggravate us one way or another. When things don't go the way we like, if we are not careful, our complaints may turn into accusations. And, since most of the time there is no one really to blame, we can surely even if subconsciously blame God. It is easy to do this when you believe God steers the ship of your life and you often find yourself hitting rocks. The point is to let inconveniences humble us, not aggravate us. 8/7/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
“People who snore always fall asleep first.” Author Unknown
“Righteous are you, O LORD, when I complain to you...” Jer.12 ESV
Life is full of inconveniences. It almost seems that each day there is a built in conspiracy to aggravate us one way or another. When things don't go the way we like, if we are not careful, our complaints may turn into accusations. And, since most of the time there is no one really to blame, we can surely even if subconsciously blame God. It is easy to do this when you believe God steers the ship of your life and you often find yourself hitting rocks. The point is to let inconveniences humble us, not aggravate us. 8/7/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
Life is full of inconveniences. It almost seems that each day there is a built in conspiracy to aggravate us one way or another. When things don't go the way we like, if we are not careful, our complaints may turn into accusations. And, since most of the time there is no one really to blame, we can surely even if subconsciously blame God. It is easy to do this when you believe God steers the ship of your life and you often find yourself hitting rocks. The point is to let inconveniences humble us, not aggravate us. 8/7/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Everybody knows ugly when they see it!
“The Son of Man came to seek and save that which was lost.” Jesus
The human capacity to appreciate beauty is unmatched except for our ability to recognize ugly when we see it. And, we do see ugliness, as much in us as we do around us. That we discern ugliness is as much evidence of our spiritual nature as is our love of beauty. When people see ugliness be it selfishness, disease, or tragedy, we immediately know that something is wrong and that sense of wrongness tells us that things are not as they should be. God's Spirit helps us realize that we are a part of all that is wrong in the world and that for the world to be made right again we must be made right again. Here is where Jesus comes into the picture and perhaps why He chose “the Son of Man” as a nickname. 8/6/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
The human capacity to appreciate beauty is unmatched except for our ability to recognize ugly when we see it. And, we do see ugliness, as much in us as we do around us. That we discern ugliness is as much evidence of our spiritual nature as is our love of beauty. When people see ugliness be it selfishness, disease, or tragedy, we immediately know that something is wrong and that sense of wrongness tells us that things are not as they should be. God's Spirit helps us realize that we are a part of all that is wrong in the world and that for the world to be made right again we must be made right again. Here is where Jesus comes into the picture and perhaps why He chose “the Son of Man” as a nickname. 8/6/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
Everybody knows ugly when they see it!
“The Son of Man came to seek and save that which was lost.” Jesus
The human capacity to appreciate beauty is unmatched except for our ability to recognize ugly when we see it. And, we do see ugliness, as much in us as we do around us. That we discern ugliness is as much evidence of our spiritual nature as is our love of beauty. When people see ugliness be it selfishness, disease, or tragedy, we immediately know that something is wrong and that sense of wrongness tells us that things are not as they should be. God's Spirit helps us realize that we are a part of all that is wrong in the world and that for the world to be made right again we must be made right again. Here is where Jesus comes into the picture and perhaps why He chose “the Son of Man” as a nickname. 8/6/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
The human capacity to appreciate beauty is unmatched except for our ability to recognize ugly when we see it. And, we do see ugliness, as much in us as we do around us. That we discern ugliness is as much evidence of our spiritual nature as is our love of beauty. When people see ugliness be it selfishness, disease, or tragedy, we immediately know that something is wrong and that sense of wrongness tells us that things are not as they should be. God's Spirit helps us realize that we are a part of all that is wrong in the world and that for the world to be made right again we must be made right again. Here is where Jesus comes into the picture and perhaps why He chose “the Son of Man” as a nickname. 8/6/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
Friday, August 12, 2011
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder but some things are universally beautiful.
“He makes all things beautiful in its time.” Ecc.3 ESV
I think deeply veined old wrinkled or calloused hands are a thing of beauty. Not every one feels this way I'm sure. In this instance, “beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.” But, there are some things in this world that people without exception regard as beautiful. The face of a child laughing for instance or a sunrise, or flowers or waterfalls. Beauty exists, and that we are able to appreciate it is in itself a thing of beauty. Beauty exists because God exists, one is tied inseparably to the other. 8/5/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
I think deeply veined old wrinkled or calloused hands are a thing of beauty. Not every one feels this way I'm sure. In this instance, “beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.” But, there are some things in this world that people without exception regard as beautiful. The face of a child laughing for instance or a sunrise, or flowers or waterfalls. Beauty exists, and that we are able to appreciate it is in itself a thing of beauty. Beauty exists because God exists, one is tied inseparably to the other. 8/5/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder but some things are universally beautiful.
“He makes all things beautiful in its time.” Ecc.3 ESV
I think deeply veined old wrinkled or calloused hands are a thing of beauty. Not every one feels this way I'm sure. In this instance, “beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.” But, there are some things in this world that people without exception regard as beautiful. The face of a child laughing for instance or a sunrise, or flowers or waterfalls. Beauty exists, and that we are able to appreciate it is in itself a thing of beauty. Beauty exists because God exists, one is tied inseparably to the other. 8/5/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
I think deeply veined old wrinkled or calloused hands are a thing of beauty. Not every one feels this way I'm sure. In this instance, “beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.” But, there are some things in this world that people without exception regard as beautiful. The face of a child laughing for instance or a sunrise, or flowers or waterfalls. Beauty exists, and that we are able to appreciate it is in itself a thing of beauty. Beauty exists because God exists, one is tied inseparably to the other. 8/5/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Perhaps our instinctive fear of falling is God's way of helping us discover the value of contentment despite our fascination to walk on the edge.
“ Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment,” 1Tim.6
I am fascinated by the desire that some people have to risk life and limb by walking on the edge. There are many edges in life. I confess that I have from time to time given into the adrenalin rush of easing over to the edge of a canyon. But when I review such actions I find little wisdom in them. Don't get me wrong, I love hiking up mountain slopes, rock climbing and rappelling into canyons but I do not want to be a thrill seeker. Let me learn the fine line of contentment and the pure enjoyment that comes from an adventure. Perhaps the key lies in me not outside me. When I am content, everywhere is an adventure; descending into a canyon is just another one. One person enters a canyon wanting to find happiness, another enters the same canyon because the happiness inside them naturally overflows into every activity. I am still very much in school on this one. 8/3/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
I am fascinated by the desire that some people have to risk life and limb by walking on the edge. There are many edges in life. I confess that I have from time to time given into the adrenalin rush of easing over to the edge of a canyon. But when I review such actions I find little wisdom in them. Don't get me wrong, I love hiking up mountain slopes, rock climbing and rappelling into canyons but I do not want to be a thrill seeker. Let me learn the fine line of contentment and the pure enjoyment that comes from an adventure. Perhaps the key lies in me not outside me. When I am content, everywhere is an adventure; descending into a canyon is just another one. One person enters a canyon wanting to find happiness, another enters the same canyon because the happiness inside them naturally overflows into every activity. I am still very much in school on this one. 8/3/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
Perhaps our instinctive fear of falling is God's way of helping us discover the value of contentment despite our fascination to walk on the edge.
“ Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment,” 1Tim.6
I am fascinated by the desire that some people have to risk life and limb by walking on the edge. There are many edges in life. I confess that I have from time to time given into the adrenalin rush of easing over to the edge of a canyon. But when I review such actions I find little wisdom in them. Don't get me wrong, I love hiking up mountain slopes, rock climbing and rappelling into canyons but I do not want to be a thrill seeker. Let me learn the fine line of contentment and the pure enjoyment that comes from an adventure. Perhaps the key lies in me not outside me. When I am content, everywhere is an adventure; descending into a canyon is just another one. One person enters a canyon wanting to find happiness, another enters the same canyon because the happiness inside them naturally overflows into every activity. I am still very much in school on this one. 8/3/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
I am fascinated by the desire that some people have to risk life and limb by walking on the edge. There are many edges in life. I confess that I have from time to time given into the adrenalin rush of easing over to the edge of a canyon. But when I review such actions I find little wisdom in them. Don't get me wrong, I love hiking up mountain slopes, rock climbing and rappelling into canyons but I do not want to be a thrill seeker. Let me learn the fine line of contentment and the pure enjoyment that comes from an adventure. Perhaps the key lies in me not outside me. When I am content, everywhere is an adventure; descending into a canyon is just another one. One person enters a canyon wanting to find happiness, another enters the same canyon because the happiness inside them naturally overflows into every activity. I am still very much in school on this one. 8/3/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
I have never met a person who was not drawn to water.
“ And the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory. Ezek.43 ESV
People are drawn to water, vast oceans, still lakes, gentle streams or cascading falls. We hike miles to see a waterfall; we build our homes next to the ocean or a lake. People will live next to the water even if they have to put up with hurricanes or floods. I wonder if something about water reminds us of God. The Bible tells us that His voice and the sound of His coming is like many waters. It seems that God put something of Himself into this life liquid, even if only as an illustration that He is life. There can be no life without Him, His presence can gently nourish or powerfully destroy. He carves and shapes all He passes. He is life to parched ground and quenches the thirst of famished souls. And perhaps the most astounding of all, water is three in one—solid, liquid and gas. God too is Three in One, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 8/1/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
People are drawn to water, vast oceans, still lakes, gentle streams or cascading falls. We hike miles to see a waterfall; we build our homes next to the ocean or a lake. People will live next to the water even if they have to put up with hurricanes or floods. I wonder if something about water reminds us of God. The Bible tells us that His voice and the sound of His coming is like many waters. It seems that God put something of Himself into this life liquid, even if only as an illustration that He is life. There can be no life without Him, His presence can gently nourish or powerfully destroy. He carves and shapes all He passes. He is life to parched ground and quenches the thirst of famished souls. And perhaps the most astounding of all, water is three in one—solid, liquid and gas. God too is Three in One, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 8/1/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
I have never met a person who was not drawn to water.
“ And the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory. Ezek.43 ESV
People are drawn to water, vast oceans, still lakes, gentle streams or cascading falls. We hike miles to see a waterfall; we build our homes next to the ocean or a lake. People will live next to the water even if they have to put up with hurricanes or floods. I wonder if something about water reminds us of God. The Bible tells us that His voice and the sound of His coming is like many waters. It seems that God put something of Himself into this life liquid, even if only as an illustration that He is life. There can be no life without Him, His presence can gently nourish or powerfully destroy. He carves and shapes all He passes. He is life to parched ground and quenches the thirst of famished souls. And perhaps the most astounding of all, water is three in one—solid, liquid and gas. God too is Three in One, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 8/1/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
People are drawn to water, vast oceans, still lakes, gentle streams or cascading falls. We hike miles to see a waterfall; we build our homes next to the ocean or a lake. People will live next to the water even if they have to put up with hurricanes or floods. I wonder if something about water reminds us of God. The Bible tells us that His voice and the sound of His coming is like many waters. It seems that God put something of Himself into this life liquid, even if only as an illustration that He is life. There can be no life without Him, His presence can gently nourish or powerfully destroy. He carves and shapes all He passes. He is life to parched ground and quenches the thirst of famished souls. And perhaps the most astounding of all, water is three in one—solid, liquid and gas. God too is Three in One, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 8/1/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Even the evolutionist will personify nature calling it “Mother” because deep inside we all know that life only comes from life.
“All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” Jo.1 ESV
When it comes down to it, everybody has faith in something. Even those who reject creation and believe in evolution have faith. And, their faith rests on something never witnessed. The basic premise that life began in a primeval ocean, contradicts the scientifically established law that life does not come from non-life. Remember the flies in the jar experiment in high school. Even if we were to produce life in a laboratory this would only prove that an intelligence was behind it. I am a Christian not because of some blind leap of faith. It is faith for sure but faith in the integrity and witness of those who saw the resurrection of Jesus. If Christ really regenerated his physical body after death, how difficult would His part be in the creation of the world. As for Christian faith, everything hinges on our belief not only in the resurrection but also in those who witnessed it and that is scientific enough for me! 8/1/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
When it comes down to it, everybody has faith in something. Even those who reject creation and believe in evolution have faith. And, their faith rests on something never witnessed. The basic premise that life began in a primeval ocean, contradicts the scientifically established law that life does not come from non-life. Remember the flies in the jar experiment in high school. Even if we were to produce life in a laboratory this would only prove that an intelligence was behind it. I am a Christian not because of some blind leap of faith. It is faith for sure but faith in the integrity and witness of those who saw the resurrection of Jesus. If Christ really regenerated his physical body after death, how difficult would His part be in the creation of the world. As for Christian faith, everything hinges on our belief not only in the resurrection but also in those who witnessed it and that is scientific enough for me! 8/1/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
Even the evolutionist will personify nature calling it “Mother” because deep inside we all know that life only comes from life.
“All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” Jo.1 ESV
When it comes down to it, everybody has faith in something. Even those who reject creation and believe in evolution have faith. And, their faith rests on something never witnessed. The basic premise that life began in a primeval ocean, contradicts the scientifically established law that life does not come from non-life. Remember the flies in the jar experiment in high school. Even if we were to produce life in a laboratory this would only prove that an intelligence was behind it. I am a Christian not because of some blind leap of faith. It is faith for sure but faith in the integrity and witness of those who saw the resurrection of Jesus. If Christ really regenerated his physical body after death, how difficult would His part be in the creation of the world. As for Christian faith, everything hinges on our belief not only in the resurrection but also in those who witnessed it and that is scientific enough for me! 8/1/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
When it comes down to it, everybody has faith in something. Even those who reject creation and believe in evolution have faith. And, their faith rests on something never witnessed. The basic premise that life began in a primeval ocean, contradicts the scientifically established law that life does not come from non-life. Remember the flies in the jar experiment in high school. Even if we were to produce life in a laboratory this would only prove that an intelligence was behind it. I am a Christian not because of some blind leap of faith. It is faith for sure but faith in the integrity and witness of those who saw the resurrection of Jesus. If Christ really regenerated his physical body after death, how difficult would His part be in the creation of the world. As for Christian faith, everything hinges on our belief not only in the resurrection but also in those who witnessed it and that is scientific enough for me! 8/1/2011 Conversations Within ts (Zion National Park)
Monday, August 8, 2011
There is a violin in the heart of every human that God plays when we behold His hand in nature.
“Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.” Ps. 19 ESV
That sense of majesty that people universally experience when they see something like the Grand Canyon, at least from a Christian point of view, is possible because people are uniquely made in the image of God. Robert Frost alluded to this human quality in his famous poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” He notes that the man stopped only to watch the woods fill up with snow and remarks that the horse thought “it queer to stop without a farmhouse near .” Who but a man made in the Image would stop to watch woods fill up with snow? People seem to hear a music unrelated to sex, or shelter or food or protection that animals do not hear. How else do we explain our interest in music or art or beauty when these things have nothing whatsoever to do with survival. 7/31/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the road to Zion)
That sense of majesty that people universally experience when they see something like the Grand Canyon, at least from a Christian point of view, is possible because people are uniquely made in the image of God. Robert Frost alluded to this human quality in his famous poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” He notes that the man stopped only to watch the woods fill up with snow and remarks that the horse thought “it queer to stop without a farmhouse near .” Who but a man made in the Image would stop to watch woods fill up with snow? People seem to hear a music unrelated to sex, or shelter or food or protection that animals do not hear. How else do we explain our interest in music or art or beauty when these things have nothing whatsoever to do with survival. 7/31/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the road to Zion)
There is a violin in the heart of every human that God plays when we behold His hand in nature.
“Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.” Ps. 19 ESV
That sense of majesty that people universally experience when they see something like the Grand Canyon, at least from a Christian point of view, is possible because people are uniquely made in the image of God. Robert Frost alluded to this human quality in his famous poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” He notes that the man stopped only to watch the woods fill up with snow and remarks that the horse thought “it queer to stop without a farmhouse near .” Who but a man made in the Image would stop to watch woods fill up with snow? People seem to hear a music unrelated to sex, or shelter or food or protection that animals do not hear. How else do we explain our interest in music or art or beauty when these things have nothing whatsoever to do with survival. 7/31/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the road to Zion)
That sense of majesty that people universally experience when they see something like the Grand Canyon, at least from a Christian point of view, is possible because people are uniquely made in the image of God. Robert Frost alluded to this human quality in his famous poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” He notes that the man stopped only to watch the woods fill up with snow and remarks that the horse thought “it queer to stop without a farmhouse near .” Who but a man made in the Image would stop to watch woods fill up with snow? People seem to hear a music unrelated to sex, or shelter or food or protection that animals do not hear. How else do we explain our interest in music or art or beauty when these things have nothing whatsoever to do with survival. 7/31/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the road to Zion)
Saturday, August 6, 2011
The principal problem in most relationships is lack of communication, should we doubt that this is also the case in a strained relationship with God.
“I said I will confess my sins to you.” Ps.32
I have apologized to You a number of times for the round about way we must communicate. I tell You I want clear communication but I am sure when things are not as clear as they should be, at least to me, it is my fault. I am grateful that I want honest communication between us but then I take silly pride in it, like there is some virtue in sincerity even when I am being sincerely wrong. I know my problem is listening; the wax of selfish concerns has plugged my ears. I can't believe I fly off at the handle because I have made some rash judgment about what You allow. It all stems from being too self-centered. Let me talk honestly with You Father but let me at least be honest with myself. Thanks for being my Friend--for loving me as I am but not leaving me this way. 7/29/2011 Conversations Within ts (Grand Canyon)
I have apologized to You a number of times for the round about way we must communicate. I tell You I want clear communication but I am sure when things are not as clear as they should be, at least to me, it is my fault. I am grateful that I want honest communication between us but then I take silly pride in it, like there is some virtue in sincerity even when I am being sincerely wrong. I know my problem is listening; the wax of selfish concerns has plugged my ears. I can't believe I fly off at the handle because I have made some rash judgment about what You allow. It all stems from being too self-centered. Let me talk honestly with You Father but let me at least be honest with myself. Thanks for being my Friend--for loving me as I am but not leaving me this way. 7/29/2011 Conversations Within ts (Grand Canyon)
The principal problem in most relationships is lack of communication, should we doubt that this is also the case in a strained relationship with God.
“I said I will confess my sins to you.” Ps.32
I have apologized to You a number of times for the round about way we must communicate. I tell You I want clear communication but I am sure when things are not as clear as they should be, at least to me, it is my fault. I am grateful that I want honest communication between us but then I take silly pride in it, like there is some virtue in sincerity even when I am being sincerely wrong. I know my problem is listening; the wax of selfish concerns has plugged my ears. I can't believe I fly off at the handle because I have made some rash judgment about what You allow. It all stems from being too self-centered. Let me talk honestly with You Father but let me at least be honest with myself. Thanks for being my Friend--for loving me as I am but not leaving me this way. 7/29/2011 Conversations Within ts (Grand Canyon)
I have apologized to You a number of times for the round about way we must communicate. I tell You I want clear communication but I am sure when things are not as clear as they should be, at least to me, it is my fault. I am grateful that I want honest communication between us but then I take silly pride in it, like there is some virtue in sincerity even when I am being sincerely wrong. I know my problem is listening; the wax of selfish concerns has plugged my ears. I can't believe I fly off at the handle because I have made some rash judgment about what You allow. It all stems from being too self-centered. Let me talk honestly with You Father but let me at least be honest with myself. Thanks for being my Friend--for loving me as I am but not leaving me this way. 7/29/2011 Conversations Within ts (Grand Canyon)
Friday, August 5, 2011
We do not only pray about our service to others; prayers for them are our principal service.
“...that we may devote ourselves to the ministry...of prayer.” Act. 7
The Bible tells us with some fascination, that Jesus ever lives to pray for us. Whatever else He may be about this day, Jesus is praying for His friends. Whatever else I may do today, let it be secondary to my prayers for the people in my life. It is probably important that I remember people in prayer when I think of them through the day but surely to set aside time for this sacred work is an important part of our service to each other and should not be left only to passing thoughts. 7/29/2011 Conversations Within ts (Grand Canyon)
The Bible tells us with some fascination, that Jesus ever lives to pray for us. Whatever else He may be about this day, Jesus is praying for His friends. Whatever else I may do today, let it be secondary to my prayers for the people in my life. It is probably important that I remember people in prayer when I think of them through the day but surely to set aside time for this sacred work is an important part of our service to each other and should not be left only to passing thoughts. 7/29/2011 Conversations Within ts (Grand Canyon)
We do not only pray about our service to others; prayers for them are our principal service.
“...that we may devote ourselves to the ministry...of prayer.” Act. 7
The Bible tells us with some fascination, that Jesus ever lives to pray for us. Whatever else He may be about this day, Jesus is praying for His friends. Whatever else I may do today, let it be secondary to my prayers for the people in my life. It is probably important that I remember people in prayer when I think of them through the day but surely to set aside time for this sacred work is an important part of our service to each other and should not be left only to passing thoughts. 7/29/2011 Conversations Within ts (Grand Canyon)
The Bible tells us with some fascination, that Jesus ever lives to pray for us. Whatever else He may be about this day, Jesus is praying for His friends. Whatever else I may do today, let it be secondary to my prayers for the people in my life. It is probably important that I remember people in prayer when I think of them through the day but surely to set aside time for this sacred work is an important part of our service to each other and should not be left only to passing thoughts. 7/29/2011 Conversations Within ts (Grand Canyon)
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Life in every breath; every breath a prayer.
“Pray without ceasing.” 1Thess.5
Prayer is an attitude as much as an act. And, whether conscious or unconscious, prayer is the life breath of every child of God. Like physical breath, unconscious prayers are the mainstay not just our conscious prayers. We can and do take conscious breaths of prayer, but for the most part it is our unconscious attitude constantly expressing dependence on God that sustains us. Communication is after all so much more than words, prayer no less. 7/27/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the Road to the Grand Canyon)
Prayer is an attitude as much as an act. And, whether conscious or unconscious, prayer is the life breath of every child of God. Like physical breath, unconscious prayers are the mainstay not just our conscious prayers. We can and do take conscious breaths of prayer, but for the most part it is our unconscious attitude constantly expressing dependence on God that sustains us. Communication is after all so much more than words, prayer no less. 7/27/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the Road to the Grand Canyon)
Life in every breath; every breath a prayer.
“Pray without ceasing.” 1Thess.5
Prayer is an attitude as much as an act. And, whether conscious or unconscious, prayer is the life breath of every child of God. Like physical breath, unconscious prayers are the mainstay not just our conscious prayers. We can and do take conscious breaths of prayer, but for the most part it is our unconscious attitude constantly expressing dependence on God that sustains us. Communication is after all so much more than words, prayer no less. 7/27/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the Road to the Grand Canyon)
Prayer is an attitude as much as an act. And, whether conscious or unconscious, prayer is the life breath of every child of God. Like physical breath, unconscious prayers are the mainstay not just our conscious prayers. We can and do take conscious breaths of prayer, but for the most part it is our unconscious attitude constantly expressing dependence on God that sustains us. Communication is after all so much more than words, prayer no less. 7/27/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the Road to the Grand Canyon)
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
When God doesn't immediately give us what we want It may be that the act of asking is just as important as what we are asking for.
“Everyone who keeps on asking is receiving.” Jesus (literal translation)
Babies instinctively nurse. Nursing is something we never really outgrow, it matures into adult expressions of asking. And, when we ask, we express the same simple dependence that infants possess. I am certain that this is why God wants us to ask and to keep asking. The very act of asking is receiving-- not just what we are asking for, but asking itself is our greatest need. Asking expresses our absolute dependence on God and nurtures the faith we have in Him. Because dependent trust is the basis of all interaction with Him, strengthening our ability to ask is just as important as anything we could ask from Him. 7/26/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the Road to the Grand Canyon)
Babies instinctively nurse. Nursing is something we never really outgrow, it matures into adult expressions of asking. And, when we ask, we express the same simple dependence that infants possess. I am certain that this is why God wants us to ask and to keep asking. The very act of asking is receiving-- not just what we are asking for, but asking itself is our greatest need. Asking expresses our absolute dependence on God and nurtures the faith we have in Him. Because dependent trust is the basis of all interaction with Him, strengthening our ability to ask is just as important as anything we could ask from Him. 7/26/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the Road to the Grand Canyon)
When God doesn't immediately give us what we want It may be that the act of asking is just as important as what we are asking for.
“Everyone who keeps on asking is receiving.” Jesus (literal translation)
Babies instinctively nurse. Nursing is something we never really outgrow, it matures into adult expressions of asking. And, when we ask, we express the same simple dependence that infants possess. I am certain that this is why God wants us to ask and to keep asking. The very act of asking is receiving-- not just what we are asking for, but asking itself is our greatest need. Asking expresses our absolute dependence on God and nurtures the faith we have in Him. Because dependent trust is the basis of all interaction with Him, strengthening our ability to ask is just as important as anything we could ask from Him. 7/26/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the Road to the Grand Canyon)
Babies instinctively nurse. Nursing is something we never really outgrow, it matures into adult expressions of asking. And, when we ask, we express the same simple dependence that infants possess. I am certain that this is why God wants us to ask and to keep asking. The very act of asking is receiving-- not just what we are asking for, but asking itself is our greatest need. Asking expresses our absolute dependence on God and nurtures the faith we have in Him. Because dependent trust is the basis of all interaction with Him, strengthening our ability to ask is just as important as anything we could ask from Him. 7/26/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the Road to the Grand Canyon)
Monday, August 1, 2011
When God doesn't give us what we want He may be giving us time to see if we really want it.
“And he [Jesus] told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.” Lk.18 ESV
There are many reasons why God does not immediately answer our prayers. One may be to help us decide if we really want what we are asking from Him. God tweaks prayers. Tweaking our prayers is one way He fine tunes us to Kingdom concerns. We are told to have great confidence that God will answer every prayer consistent with His will so when we ask for something that isn't, it is logical to assume that He will tweak it until it is. Every good parent does this when they help their children make wise choices. If we are still waiting on God's answer, it may just be that He is tweaking our request. 7/26/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the Road to the Grand Canyon)
There are many reasons why God does not immediately answer our prayers. One may be to help us decide if we really want what we are asking from Him. God tweaks prayers. Tweaking our prayers is one way He fine tunes us to Kingdom concerns. We are told to have great confidence that God will answer every prayer consistent with His will so when we ask for something that isn't, it is logical to assume that He will tweak it until it is. Every good parent does this when they help their children make wise choices. If we are still waiting on God's answer, it may just be that He is tweaking our request. 7/26/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the Road to the Grand Canyon)
When God doesn't give us what we want He may be giving us time to see if we really want it.
“And he [Jesus] told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.” Lk.18 ESV
There are many reasons why God does not immediately answer our prayers. One may be to help us decide if we really want what we are asking from Him. God tweaks prayers. Tweaking our prayers is one way He fine tunes us to Kingdom concerns. We are told to have great confidence that God will answer every prayer consistent with His will so when we ask for something that isn't, it is logical to assume that He will tweak it until it is. Every good parent does this when they help their children make wise choices. If we are still waiting on God's answer, it may just be that He is tweaking our request. 7/26/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the Road to the Grand Canyon)
There are many reasons why God does not immediately answer our prayers. One may be to help us decide if we really want what we are asking from Him. God tweaks prayers. Tweaking our prayers is one way He fine tunes us to Kingdom concerns. We are told to have great confidence that God will answer every prayer consistent with His will so when we ask for something that isn't, it is logical to assume that He will tweak it until it is. Every good parent does this when they help their children make wise choices. If we are still waiting on God's answer, it may just be that He is tweaking our request. 7/26/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the Road to the Grand Canyon)
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