“And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God...” Jesus
I suppose it is hard to get one's head around eternal life. Most of us have difficulty just thinking about the next year. Jesus did not define eternal life as living forever. He told us that eternal life is the experience of knowing God. Maybe He said this because it will take an eternity to know Him. When I think about life in these terms it gives me a handle on each moment. The people I meet, the things I do, all become a means of experiencing God in some way. This might sound like mystical nonsense. But once you come to accept that everything around you expresses the creative energy of a Person then everything reveals something to you about that person. I think God will help us with this if we will let Him, sort of like being given a personal tour of a garden by the gardener. Conversations Within ts 1/25/2012 (On the Road)
Just me trying to be honest with God.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
“Eternity is really long, especially near the end” Woody Allen
“And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God...” Jesus
I suppose it is hard to get one's head around eternal life. Most of us have difficulty just thinking about the next year. Jesus did not define eternal life as living forever. He told us that eternal life is the experience of knowing God. Maybe He said this because it will take an eternity to know Him. When I think about life in these terms it gives me a handle on each moment. The people I meet, the things I do, all become a means of experiencing God in some way. This might sound like mystical nonsense. But once you come to accept that everything around you expresses the creative energy of a Person then everything reveals something to you about that person. I think God will help us with this if we will let Him, sort of like being given a personal tour of a garden by the gardener. Conversations Within ts 1/25/2012 (On the Road)
I suppose it is hard to get one's head around eternal life. Most of us have difficulty just thinking about the next year. Jesus did not define eternal life as living forever. He told us that eternal life is the experience of knowing God. Maybe He said this because it will take an eternity to know Him. When I think about life in these terms it gives me a handle on each moment. The people I meet, the things I do, all become a means of experiencing God in some way. This might sound like mystical nonsense. But once you come to accept that everything around you expresses the creative energy of a Person then everything reveals something to you about that person. I think God will help us with this if we will let Him, sort of like being given a personal tour of a garden by the gardener. Conversations Within ts 1/25/2012 (On the Road)
“Forever is composed of nows.” Emily Dickinson
“Whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus
It matters little to think about living forever if I am not living life now. As a Christian I am excited at the prospect of life without end but eternal life doesn't begin when we die, it is connected to this moment. It is not only the quantity but the quality of the quantity that matters. It is one thing to merely exist it is another to really live. And, I should think that living is so much more than the pursuit of endless pleasures. Any one who has lived at all knows the difference between pleasure and joy. I want eternal joy, purpose, meaning. I want life beyond mere feelings or physical sensations. I want something you can sink spiritual teeth into. My life as a Christian in the here and now has given me a taste. I want more! Everlasting life is God's answer. Conversations Within ts 1/24/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
It matters little to think about living forever if I am not living life now. As a Christian I am excited at the prospect of life without end but eternal life doesn't begin when we die, it is connected to this moment. It is not only the quantity but the quality of the quantity that matters. It is one thing to merely exist it is another to really live. And, I should think that living is so much more than the pursuit of endless pleasures. Any one who has lived at all knows the difference between pleasure and joy. I want eternal joy, purpose, meaning. I want life beyond mere feelings or physical sensations. I want something you can sink spiritual teeth into. My life as a Christian in the here and now has given me a taste. I want more! Everlasting life is God's answer. Conversations Within ts 1/24/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
“Forever is composed of nows.” Emily Dickinson
“Whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus
It matters little to think about living forever if I am not living life now. As a Christian I am excited at the prospect of life without end but eternal life doesn't begin when we die, it is connected to this moment. It is not only the quantity but the quality of the quantity that matters. It is one thing to merely exist it is another to really live. And, I should think that living is so much more than the pursuit of endless pleasures. Any one who has lived at all knows the difference between pleasure and joy. I want eternal joy, purpose, meaning. I want life beyond mere feelings or physical sensations. I want something you can sink spiritual teeth into. My life as a Christian in the here and now has given me a taste. I want more! Everlasting life is God's answer. Conversations Within ts 1/24/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
It matters little to think about living forever if I am not living life now. As a Christian I am excited at the prospect of life without end but eternal life doesn't begin when we die, it is connected to this moment. It is not only the quantity but the quality of the quantity that matters. It is one thing to merely exist it is another to really live. And, I should think that living is so much more than the pursuit of endless pleasures. Any one who has lived at all knows the difference between pleasure and joy. I want eternal joy, purpose, meaning. I want life beyond mere feelings or physical sensations. I want something you can sink spiritual teeth into. My life as a Christian in the here and now has given me a taste. I want more! Everlasting life is God's answer. Conversations Within ts 1/24/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
Monday, January 30, 2012
“Love is something eternal; the aspect may change, but not the essence” Vincent van Gogh
“Pursue love...” 1 Corinthians 14
To say that God forces our love by threatening hell misses the very essence of love. Apart of the essence of love is the freedom to choose not to love. Forced love is an oxymoron; there is no such thing. Love must be freely given or it is not love at all. In light of this, it seems reasonable to suggest that this is why God gives people the freedom to love Him or not. This does not mean that there will not be consequences to our choice. There are always consequences. We may ask why there are bad consequences if God loves us. The answer of course is the same reason why there are good consequences. If loving God is truly our best interest and not loving Him truly our worst, then God could not have made it any other way. God can no more deny that He is the source of all goodness, no more than He could tell a lie. If He could do either He would not be God. Conversations Within ts 1/23/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
To say that God forces our love by threatening hell misses the very essence of love. Apart of the essence of love is the freedom to choose not to love. Forced love is an oxymoron; there is no such thing. Love must be freely given or it is not love at all. In light of this, it seems reasonable to suggest that this is why God gives people the freedom to love Him or not. This does not mean that there will not be consequences to our choice. There are always consequences. We may ask why there are bad consequences if God loves us. The answer of course is the same reason why there are good consequences. If loving God is truly our best interest and not loving Him truly our worst, then God could not have made it any other way. God can no more deny that He is the source of all goodness, no more than He could tell a lie. If He could do either He would not be God. Conversations Within ts 1/23/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
“Love is something eternal; the aspect may change, but not the essence” Vincent van Gogh
“Pursue love...” 1 Corinthians 14
To say that God forces our love by threatening hell misses the very essence of love. Apart of the essence of love is the freedom to choose not to love. Forced love is an oxymoron; there is no such thing. Love must be freely given or it is not love at all. In light of this, it seems reasonable to suggest that this is why God gives people the freedom to love Him or not. This does not mean that there will not be consequences to our choice. There are always consequences. We may ask why there are bad consequences if God loves us. The answer of course is the same reason why there are good consequences. If loving God is truly our best interest and not loving Him truly our worst, then God could not have made it any other way. God can no more deny that He is the source of all goodness, no more than He could tell a lie. If He could do either He would not be God. Conversations Within ts 1/23/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
To say that God forces our love by threatening hell misses the very essence of love. Apart of the essence of love is the freedom to choose not to love. Forced love is an oxymoron; there is no such thing. Love must be freely given or it is not love at all. In light of this, it seems reasonable to suggest that this is why God gives people the freedom to love Him or not. This does not mean that there will not be consequences to our choice. There are always consequences. We may ask why there are bad consequences if God loves us. The answer of course is the same reason why there are good consequences. If loving God is truly our best interest and not loving Him truly our worst, then God could not have made it any other way. God can no more deny that He is the source of all goodness, no more than He could tell a lie. If He could do either He would not be God. Conversations Within ts 1/23/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
Saturday, January 28, 2012
To speak the truth in love assumes first that there is such a thing as truth and second, love is the only way to say it if you want it to be heard.
“Speak the truth in love.” Paul (A Christian Apologist)
Sharing truth without love is like sharing the dictionary definition of a friend to someone who has never had one. The best way to speak about friendship is of course to be a friend. The best way to speak about the value of faith is to live it. What value is there only talking about truth; it is living it that brings certainty. True love is the only truth, everything else is shown to be false without it. This is probably why Jesus tells us that God is love, and that He is truth. In Jesus, God is sharing the truth with us and saying, “I love you!” Conversations Within ts 1/21/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
Sharing truth without love is like sharing the dictionary definition of a friend to someone who has never had one. The best way to speak about friendship is of course to be a friend. The best way to speak about the value of faith is to live it. What value is there only talking about truth; it is living it that brings certainty. True love is the only truth, everything else is shown to be false without it. This is probably why Jesus tells us that God is love, and that He is truth. In Jesus, God is sharing the truth with us and saying, “I love you!” Conversations Within ts 1/21/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
To speak the truth in love assumes first that there is such a thing as truth and second, love is the only way to say it if you want it to be heard.
“Speak the truth in love.” Paul (A Christian Apologist)
Sharing truth without love is like sharing the dictionary definition of a friend to someone who has never had one. The best way to speak about friendship is of course to be a friend. The best way to speak about the value of faith is to live it. What value is there only talking about truth; it is living it that brings certainty. True love is the only truth, everything else is shown to be false without it. This is probably why Jesus tells us that God is love, and that He is truth. In Jesus, God is sharing the truth with us and saying, “I love you!” Conversations Within ts 1/21/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
Sharing truth without love is like sharing the dictionary definition of a friend to someone who has never had one. The best way to speak about friendship is of course to be a friend. The best way to speak about the value of faith is to live it. What value is there only talking about truth; it is living it that brings certainty. True love is the only truth, everything else is shown to be false without it. This is probably why Jesus tells us that God is love, and that He is truth. In Jesus, God is sharing the truth with us and saying, “I love you!” Conversations Within ts 1/21/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
Thursday, January 26, 2012
In the eyes of most people, an opinion Is just an opinion even if it is about something we regard as fact..
It is probably good to remember this. Just saying!
“The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable...” Prov 15
There are many instances where we might want to influence the people in our life. If I am speaking to my children or my spouse, even a friend I would want them to listen to my counsel if I thought it in their best interest. How we say something and what we say have little value if the people we care about do not listen to us. I also do not want the society I live in to reject Christian values because of my poor representation of them. If no one listens to me it might be because of the way I say something instead of what I say. Most rhetoric today is just preaching to the choir as they say. Are we being wise if the only people listening already agree with our point of view? Conversations Within ts 1/20/2012 (Birmingham, AL)
“The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable...” Prov 15
There are many instances where we might want to influence the people in our life. If I am speaking to my children or my spouse, even a friend I would want them to listen to my counsel if I thought it in their best interest. How we say something and what we say have little value if the people we care about do not listen to us. I also do not want the society I live in to reject Christian values because of my poor representation of them. If no one listens to me it might be because of the way I say something instead of what I say. Most rhetoric today is just preaching to the choir as they say. Are we being wise if the only people listening already agree with our point of view? Conversations Within ts 1/20/2012 (Birmingham, AL)
In the eyes of most people, an opinion Is just an opinion even if it is about something we regard as fact..
It is probably good to remember this. Just saying!
“The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable...” Prov 15
There are many instances where we might want to influence the people in our life. If I am speaking to my children or my spouse, even a friend I would want them to listen to my counsel if I thought it in their best interest. How we say something and what we say have little value if the people we care about do not listen to us. I also do not want the society I live in to reject Christian values because of my poor representation of them. If no one listens to me it might be because of the way I say something instead of what I say. Most rhetoric today is just preaching to the choir as they say. Are we being wise if the only people listening already agree with our point of view? Conversations Within ts 1/20/2012 (Birmingham, AL)
“The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable...” Prov 15
There are many instances where we might want to influence the people in our life. If I am speaking to my children or my spouse, even a friend I would want them to listen to my counsel if I thought it in their best interest. How we say something and what we say have little value if the people we care about do not listen to us. I also do not want the society I live in to reject Christian values because of my poor representation of them. If no one listens to me it might be because of the way I say something instead of what I say. Most rhetoric today is just preaching to the choir as they say. Are we being wise if the only people listening already agree with our point of view? Conversations Within ts 1/20/2012 (Birmingham, AL)
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace...where there is injury let me sow pardon...St. Francis of Assisi
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing...” Peter (who once chopped off the ear of a officer who came to arrest Jesus)
A few years ago an entertainer who won an award told the crowd that God had nothing to do with their accomplishment and then proceeded to insult Jesus with some base derogatory comment. The response of some Christians was interesting. The next day I received emails calling believers to boycott her movies. My first thought was, How does this response practice turning the other cheek as Jesus instructed his followers to do. I think sometimes it is the great privilege of Christians to turn not only our own cheek but also Jesus' cheek for Him and show kindness in the face of criticism. I have found that many people who speak against Christ are really speaking against Christians who have poorly represented what He taught us to do. Conversations Within ts 1/19/2012 (Birmingham, AL)
A few years ago an entertainer who won an award told the crowd that God had nothing to do with their accomplishment and then proceeded to insult Jesus with some base derogatory comment. The response of some Christians was interesting. The next day I received emails calling believers to boycott her movies. My first thought was, How does this response practice turning the other cheek as Jesus instructed his followers to do. I think sometimes it is the great privilege of Christians to turn not only our own cheek but also Jesus' cheek for Him and show kindness in the face of criticism. I have found that many people who speak against Christ are really speaking against Christians who have poorly represented what He taught us to do. Conversations Within ts 1/19/2012 (Birmingham, AL)
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace...where there is injury let me sow pardon...St. Francis of Assisi
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing...” Peter (who once chopped off the ear of a officer who came to arrest Jesus)
A few years ago an entertainer who won an award told the crowd that God had nothing to do with their accomplishment and then proceeded to insult Jesus with some base derogatory comment. The response of some Christians was interesting. The next day I received emails calling believers to boycott her movies. My first thought was, How does this response practice turning the other cheek as Jesus instructed his followers to do. I think sometimes it is the great privilege of Christians to turn not only our own cheek but also Jesus' cheek for Him and show kindness in the face of criticism. I have found that many people who speak against Christ are really speaking against Christians who have poorly represented what He taught us to do. Conversations Within ts 1/19/2012 (Birmingham, AL)
A few years ago an entertainer who won an award told the crowd that God had nothing to do with their accomplishment and then proceeded to insult Jesus with some base derogatory comment. The response of some Christians was interesting. The next day I received emails calling believers to boycott her movies. My first thought was, How does this response practice turning the other cheek as Jesus instructed his followers to do. I think sometimes it is the great privilege of Christians to turn not only our own cheek but also Jesus' cheek for Him and show kindness in the face of criticism. I have found that many people who speak against Christ are really speaking against Christians who have poorly represented what He taught us to do. Conversations Within ts 1/19/2012 (Birmingham, AL)
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
"Ninety-nine percent of everything that is done in this world, good and bad, is done to pay a mortgage" Nick Naylor
“My Kingdom is not of this world.” Jesus
I often hear the criticism that if you take into account all the money that Christian churches spend on buildings, most which sit empty throughout the week, it seems that modern disciples of Jesus somehow did not understand Him when He said that His kingdom was not of this world. Of course we could probably say the same thing where personal residences are concerned. If we are not careful debt, not the Kingdom of God will often direct how we spend most of our time and energy. There is a better way to live. Conversations Within ts 1/18/2012 (Birmingham, AL)
I often hear the criticism that if you take into account all the money that Christian churches spend on buildings, most which sit empty throughout the week, it seems that modern disciples of Jesus somehow did not understand Him when He said that His kingdom was not of this world. Of course we could probably say the same thing where personal residences are concerned. If we are not careful debt, not the Kingdom of God will often direct how we spend most of our time and energy. There is a better way to live. Conversations Within ts 1/18/2012 (Birmingham, AL)
"Ninety-nine percent of everything that is done in this world, good and bad, is done to pay a mortgage" Nick Naylor
“My Kingdom is not of this world.” Jesus
I often hear the criticism that if you take into account all the money that Christian churches spend on buildings, most which sit empty throughout the week, it seems that modern disciples of Jesus somehow did not understand Him when He said that His kingdom was not of this world. Of course we could probably say the same thing where personal residences are concerned. If we are not careful debt, not the Kingdom of God will often direct how we spend most of our time and energy. There is a better way to live. Conversations Within ts 1/18/2012 (Birmingham, AL)
I often hear the criticism that if you take into account all the money that Christian churches spend on buildings, most which sit empty throughout the week, it seems that modern disciples of Jesus somehow did not understand Him when He said that His kingdom was not of this world. Of course we could probably say the same thing where personal residences are concerned. If we are not careful debt, not the Kingdom of God will often direct how we spend most of our time and energy. There is a better way to live. Conversations Within ts 1/18/2012 (Birmingham, AL)
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
If suffering has a purpose, a part of it must be to help wean us from all things temporal.
“Set your affections on things above...” Paul (after he was given a glimpse of life after this life.)
I love life and I love it so much I could do it forever. This not to say that I would want to live forever in this place of suffering and death. I suppose I am grateful that God has restricted life in our present state. From a Christian point of view, it was one of His kindest acts to assign death to our earthly existence simply so we would not live forever in this messed up world and and also just as messed ourselves. I get the impression that this place has been condemned and is unfit for life as He intends. This is why so much is said about setting our affections that other place yet not to be “so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good.” One person observed and I think rightly so that “those who do the most for this world are those who think most of the next.” Suffering focuses our energies on precisely that. Suffering is one way God helps wean us off of what is passing and encourages us to live for things that will never pass. Conversations Within ts 1/17/2012 (Camp Farrington Al)
I love life and I love it so much I could do it forever. This not to say that I would want to live forever in this place of suffering and death. I suppose I am grateful that God has restricted life in our present state. From a Christian point of view, it was one of His kindest acts to assign death to our earthly existence simply so we would not live forever in this messed up world and and also just as messed ourselves. I get the impression that this place has been condemned and is unfit for life as He intends. This is why so much is said about setting our affections that other place yet not to be “so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good.” One person observed and I think rightly so that “those who do the most for this world are those who think most of the next.” Suffering focuses our energies on precisely that. Suffering is one way God helps wean us off of what is passing and encourages us to live for things that will never pass. Conversations Within ts 1/17/2012 (Camp Farrington Al)
If suffering has a purpose, a part of it must be to help wean us from all things temporal.
“Set your affections on things above...” Paul (after he was given a glimpse of life after this life.)
I love life and I love it so much I could do it forever. This not to say that I would want to live forever in this place of suffering and death. I suppose I am grateful that God has restricted life in our present state. From a Christian point of view, it was one of His kindest acts to assign death to our earthly existence simply so we would not live forever in this messed up world and and also just as messed ourselves. I get the impression that this place has been condemned and is unfit for life as He intends. This is why so much is said about setting our affections that other place yet not to be “so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good.” One person observed and I think rightly so that “those who do the most for this world are those who think most of the next.” Suffering focuses our energies on precisely that. Suffering is one way God helps wean us off of what is passing and encourages us to live for things that will never pass. Conversations Within ts 1/17/2012 (Camp Farrington Al)
I love life and I love it so much I could do it forever. This not to say that I would want to live forever in this place of suffering and death. I suppose I am grateful that God has restricted life in our present state. From a Christian point of view, it was one of His kindest acts to assign death to our earthly existence simply so we would not live forever in this messed up world and and also just as messed ourselves. I get the impression that this place has been condemned and is unfit for life as He intends. This is why so much is said about setting our affections that other place yet not to be “so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good.” One person observed and I think rightly so that “those who do the most for this world are those who think most of the next.” Suffering focuses our energies on precisely that. Suffering is one way God helps wean us off of what is passing and encourages us to live for things that will never pass. Conversations Within ts 1/17/2012 (Camp Farrington Al)
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Sometimes standing up for your rights isn't always the best way to love people.
"If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic.” Jesus
There are moments in every relationship when you can stand up for your rights or willfully put them aside for a greater good? Jesus taught us to lay aside personal rights if it will put us in a better position to love our neighbor even if our neighbor happens to be a thief. Pretty radical uh? “If someone takes your coat, Give him your shirt as well.” Did Jesus really mean this? Well no one can accuse Him of not practicing His own radical teachings. Love is after all a radical response to a selfish world. Am I willing to turn the other cheek when insulted, forgive when wronged and respond graciously when criticized? If I stand up for my rights I may keep my shirt but miss an opportunity the turn a thief into a friend. Do people live this way any more? Conversations Within ts 1/16/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
There are moments in every relationship when you can stand up for your rights or willfully put them aside for a greater good? Jesus taught us to lay aside personal rights if it will put us in a better position to love our neighbor even if our neighbor happens to be a thief. Pretty radical uh? “If someone takes your coat, Give him your shirt as well.” Did Jesus really mean this? Well no one can accuse Him of not practicing His own radical teachings. Love is after all a radical response to a selfish world. Am I willing to turn the other cheek when insulted, forgive when wronged and respond graciously when criticized? If I stand up for my rights I may keep my shirt but miss an opportunity the turn a thief into a friend. Do people live this way any more? Conversations Within ts 1/16/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
Sometimes standing up for your rights isn't always the best way to love people.
"If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic.” Jesus
There are moments in every relationship when you can stand up for your rights or willfully put them aside for a greater good? Jesus taught us to lay aside personal rights if it will put us in a better position to love our neighbor even if our neighbor happens to be a thief. Pretty radical uh? “If someone takes your coat, Give him your shirt as well.” Did Jesus really mean this? Well no one can accuse Him of not practicing His own radical teachings. Love is after all a radical response to a selfish world. Am I willing to turn the other cheek when insulted, forgive when wronged and respond graciously when criticized? If I stand up for my rights I may keep my shirt but miss an opportunity the turn a thief into a friend. Do people live this way any more? Conversations Within ts 1/16/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
There are moments in every relationship when you can stand up for your rights or willfully put them aside for a greater good? Jesus taught us to lay aside personal rights if it will put us in a better position to love our neighbor even if our neighbor happens to be a thief. Pretty radical uh? “If someone takes your coat, Give him your shirt as well.” Did Jesus really mean this? Well no one can accuse Him of not practicing His own radical teachings. Love is after all a radical response to a selfish world. Am I willing to turn the other cheek when insulted, forgive when wronged and respond graciously when criticized? If I stand up for my rights I may keep my shirt but miss an opportunity the turn a thief into a friend. Do people live this way any more? Conversations Within ts 1/16/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
Saturday, January 21, 2012
If God sent His own dear Son into harms way, He is surely willing to put us in harms way if it will serve the same cause.
“How precious to me are your thoughts, God!” Ps. 139
I am sometimes tempted to say that it means nothing that God thinks about me where protection is concerned, at least in one sense. Experience tells me that Christians suffer, get sick, die. I know children of believers who have died in auto accidents, one who was raped and others who were brutally murdered. Where is God's protection in this? The usual answer says that in Glory every suffering will be given meaning. What most of us want is the reassurance that it means something here and now. But, even here and now I understand suffering is necessary in a fallen world. Isn't childbirth more than the pain associated with it? The joy of the child when it is born gives meaning to all of the pain. If this is true here and now then why not believe that all sufferings are necessary for the Glory that is being born in us. All I can say is for now is that we are still in labor. Conversations Within ts 1/14/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
I am sometimes tempted to say that it means nothing that God thinks about me where protection is concerned, at least in one sense. Experience tells me that Christians suffer, get sick, die. I know children of believers who have died in auto accidents, one who was raped and others who were brutally murdered. Where is God's protection in this? The usual answer says that in Glory every suffering will be given meaning. What most of us want is the reassurance that it means something here and now. But, even here and now I understand suffering is necessary in a fallen world. Isn't childbirth more than the pain associated with it? The joy of the child when it is born gives meaning to all of the pain. If this is true here and now then why not believe that all sufferings are necessary for the Glory that is being born in us. All I can say is for now is that we are still in labor. Conversations Within ts 1/14/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
If God sent His own dear Son into harms way, He is surely willing to put us in harms way if it will serve the same cause.
“How precious to me are your thoughts, God!” Ps. 139
I am sometimes tempted to say that it means nothing that God thinks about me where protection is concerned, at least in one sense. Experience tells me that Christians suffer, get sick, die. I know children of believers who have died in auto accidents, one who was raped and others who were brutally murdered. Where is God's protection in this? The usual answer says that in Glory every suffering will be given meaning. What most of us want is the reassurance that it means something here and now. But, even here and now I understand suffering is necessary in a fallen world. Isn't childbirth more than the pain associated with it? The joy of the child when it is born gives meaning to all of the pain. If this is true here and now then why not believe that all sufferings are necessary for the Glory that is being born in us. All I can say is for now is that we are still in labor. Conversations Within ts 1/14/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
I am sometimes tempted to say that it means nothing that God thinks about me where protection is concerned, at least in one sense. Experience tells me that Christians suffer, get sick, die. I know children of believers who have died in auto accidents, one who was raped and others who were brutally murdered. Where is God's protection in this? The usual answer says that in Glory every suffering will be given meaning. What most of us want is the reassurance that it means something here and now. But, even here and now I understand suffering is necessary in a fallen world. Isn't childbirth more than the pain associated with it? The joy of the child when it is born gives meaning to all of the pain. If this is true here and now then why not believe that all sufferings are necessary for the Glory that is being born in us. All I can say is for now is that we are still in labor. Conversations Within ts 1/14/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
Thursday, January 19, 2012
If God sent His own dear Son into harms way, He is surely willing to put us in harms way if it will serve the same cause.
“How precious to me are your thoughts, God!” Ps. 139
I am sometimes tempted to say that it means nothing that God thinks about me where protection is concerned, at least in one sense. Experience tell me that Christians suffer, get sick, die. I know children of believers who have died in auto accidents, one who was raped and others that who were brutally murdered. Where is God's protection in this? The usual answer says that in Glory every suffering will be given meaning. What most of us want is the reassurance that it means something here and now. But, even here and now I understand suffering is necessary in a fallen world. Isn't childbirth more than the pain associated with it. The joy of the child when it is born gives meaning to all of the pain. If this is true here and now then why not believe that all sufferings are necessary for the Glory that is being born in us. All I can say is for now is that we are still in labor. Conversations Within ts 1/14/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
I am sometimes tempted to say that it means nothing that God thinks about me where protection is concerned, at least in one sense. Experience tell me that Christians suffer, get sick, die. I know children of believers who have died in auto accidents, one who was raped and others that who were brutally murdered. Where is God's protection in this? The usual answer says that in Glory every suffering will be given meaning. What most of us want is the reassurance that it means something here and now. But, even here and now I understand suffering is necessary in a fallen world. Isn't childbirth more than the pain associated with it. The joy of the child when it is born gives meaning to all of the pain. If this is true here and now then why not believe that all sufferings are necessary for the Glory that is being born in us. All I can say is for now is that we are still in labor. Conversations Within ts 1/14/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
If God sent His own dear Son into harms way, He is surely willing to put us in harms way if it will serve the same cause.
“How precious to me are your thoughts, God!” Ps. 139
I am sometimes tempted to say that it means nothing that God thinks about me where protection is concerned, at least in one sense. Experience tell me that Christians suffer, get sick, die. I know children of believers who have died in auto accidents, one who was raped and others that who were brutally murdered. Where is God's protection in this? The usual answer says that in Glory every suffering will be given meaning. What most of us want is the reassurance that it means something here and now. But, even here and now I understand suffering is necessary in a fallen world. Isn't childbirth more than the pain associated with it. The joy of the child when it is born gives meaning to all of the pain. If this is true here and now then why not believe that all sufferings are necessary for the Glory that is being born in us. All I can say is for now is that we are still in labor. Conversations Within ts 1/14/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
I am sometimes tempted to say that it means nothing that God thinks about me where protection is concerned, at least in one sense. Experience tell me that Christians suffer, get sick, die. I know children of believers who have died in auto accidents, one who was raped and others that who were brutally murdered. Where is God's protection in this? The usual answer says that in Glory every suffering will be given meaning. What most of us want is the reassurance that it means something here and now. But, even here and now I understand suffering is necessary in a fallen world. Isn't childbirth more than the pain associated with it. The joy of the child when it is born gives meaning to all of the pain. If this is true here and now then why not believe that all sufferings are necessary for the Glory that is being born in us. All I can say is for now is that we are still in labor. Conversations Within ts 1/14/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
Life is a great sunrise. I do not see why death should not be an even greater one. Vladimir Nabokov
“If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” Psalm.139 (David praying watching the sun rise in the east and setting over the Mediterranean)
Recently I have taken to rising early to read, reflect and watch the sun rise over the Atlantic. There is something in a sunrise that moves my heart to awe and adoration. From the rising of the sun to its setting, Father, You are properly praised. To be aware, yes awake to God's presence is to know what it means to “pray without ceasing.” And, to know that God is always there; not just when the sun rises or sets, but in the shower, or the car, daylight and dark, good times and bad is to know friendship like no other. I can never look at a sunrise or sunset without being aware of Him; I think He would teach me how to wake to Him throughout the day. Conversations Within ts 1/12/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
Recently I have taken to rising early to read, reflect and watch the sun rise over the Atlantic. There is something in a sunrise that moves my heart to awe and adoration. From the rising of the sun to its setting, Father, You are properly praised. To be aware, yes awake to God's presence is to know what it means to “pray without ceasing.” And, to know that God is always there; not just when the sun rises or sets, but in the shower, or the car, daylight and dark, good times and bad is to know friendship like no other. I can never look at a sunrise or sunset without being aware of Him; I think He would teach me how to wake to Him throughout the day. Conversations Within ts 1/12/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
Life is a great sunrise. I do not see why death should not be an even greater one. Vladimir Nabokov
“If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” Psalm.139 (David praying watching the sun rise in the east and setting over the Mediterranean)
Recently I have taken to rising early to read, reflect and watch the sun rise over the Atlantic. There is something in a sunrise that moves my heart to awe and adoration. From the rising of the sun to its setting, Father, You are properly praised. To be aware, yes awake to God's presence is to know what it means to “pray without ceasing.” And, to know that God is always there; not just when the sun rises or sets, but in the shower, or the car, daylight and dark, good times and bad is to know friendship like no other. I can never look at a sunrise or sunset without being aware of Him; I think He would teach me how to wake to Him throughout the day. Conversations Within ts 1/12/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
Recently I have taken to rising early to read, reflect and watch the sun rise over the Atlantic. There is something in a sunrise that moves my heart to awe and adoration. From the rising of the sun to its setting, Father, You are properly praised. To be aware, yes awake to God's presence is to know what it means to “pray without ceasing.” And, to know that God is always there; not just when the sun rises or sets, but in the shower, or the car, daylight and dark, good times and bad is to know friendship like no other. I can never look at a sunrise or sunset without being aware of Him; I think He would teach me how to wake to Him throughout the day. Conversations Within ts 1/12/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Some people drown in the depths of God's mysterious ways, others swim, float, even play in the very same ocean.
“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.” David (speaking to God) Psalms 139
I am over my head most of the time where God is concerned. There is much that puzzles me. But after years and years of trying to touch bottom in the ocean of mysteries, it bothers me less and less that I can't. I think I have finally given up trying to understand some things. I guess you could say that I am growing comfortable swimming in water over my head. I have decided that I will continue to pray even if God says no to what I think is a reasonable even good request. I will try to give Him thanks even when He allows hurt and injury to come to His children. It is enough to know that He is master of the waters, supporting me. I find that if I just stop struggling and lay back, I will float in His divine current. “In Him we live and move and have our being.” Conversations Within ts 1/11/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
I am over my head most of the time where God is concerned. There is much that puzzles me. But after years and years of trying to touch bottom in the ocean of mysteries, it bothers me less and less that I can't. I think I have finally given up trying to understand some things. I guess you could say that I am growing comfortable swimming in water over my head. I have decided that I will continue to pray even if God says no to what I think is a reasonable even good request. I will try to give Him thanks even when He allows hurt and injury to come to His children. It is enough to know that He is master of the waters, supporting me. I find that if I just stop struggling and lay back, I will float in His divine current. “In Him we live and move and have our being.” Conversations Within ts 1/11/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
Some people drown in the depths of God's mysterious ways, others swim, float, even play in the very same ocean.
“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.” David (speaking to God) Psalms 139
I am over my head most of the time where God is concerned. There is much that puzzles me. But after years and years of trying to touch bottom in the ocean of mysteries, it bothers me less and less that I can't. I think I have finally given up trying to understand some things. I guess you could say that I am growing comfortable swimming in water over my head. I have decided that I will continue to pray even if God says no to what I think is a reasonable even good request. I will try to give Him thanks even when He allows hurt and injury to come to His children. It is enough to know that He is master of the waters, supporting me. I find that if I just stop struggling and lay back, I will float in His divine current. “In Him we live and move and have our being.” Conversations Within ts 1/11/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
I am over my head most of the time where God is concerned. There is much that puzzles me. But after years and years of trying to touch bottom in the ocean of mysteries, it bothers me less and less that I can't. I think I have finally given up trying to understand some things. I guess you could say that I am growing comfortable swimming in water over my head. I have decided that I will continue to pray even if God says no to what I think is a reasonable even good request. I will try to give Him thanks even when He allows hurt and injury to come to His children. It is enough to know that He is master of the waters, supporting me. I find that if I just stop struggling and lay back, I will float in His divine current. “In Him we live and move and have our being.” Conversations Within ts 1/11/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
"Basically we are all looking for someone who knows who we are and will break it to us gently." Robert Brault
“You have searched me and know me.” David (speaking to God) Psalms 139
God surely knows me better than I know myself. I mean, even I cannot predict how I will always react to things. Many times I do not understand why I do some of the things I do. Sometimes I get the impression that God is introducing me to me. I do not always like the person I meet in the mirror. But that is precisely His point. The person He is introducing me to is not that old guy but the guy who doesn't like the old guy. This new me, the one He is creating, does not want to be selfish or a thousand other ugly things I will not mention. God is introducing me to the me that I want to be. Conversations Within ts 1/9/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
God surely knows me better than I know myself. I mean, even I cannot predict how I will always react to things. Many times I do not understand why I do some of the things I do. Sometimes I get the impression that God is introducing me to me. I do not always like the person I meet in the mirror. But that is precisely His point. The person He is introducing me to is not that old guy but the guy who doesn't like the old guy. This new me, the one He is creating, does not want to be selfish or a thousand other ugly things I will not mention. God is introducing me to the me that I want to be. Conversations Within ts 1/9/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
"Basically we are all looking for someone who knows who we are and will break it to us gently." Robert Brault
“You have searched me and know me.” David (speaking to God) Psalms 139
God surely knows me better than I know myself. I mean, even I cannot predict how I will always react to things. Many times I do not understand why I do some of the things I do. Sometimes I get the impression that God is introducing me to me. I do not always like the person I meet in the mirror. But that is precisely His point. The person He is introducing me to is not that old guy but the guy who doesn't like the old guy. This new me, the one He is creating, does not want to be selfish or a thousand other ugly things I will not mention. God is introducing me to the me that I want to be. Conversations Within ts 1/9/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
God surely knows me better than I know myself. I mean, even I cannot predict how I will always react to things. Many times I do not understand why I do some of the things I do. Sometimes I get the impression that God is introducing me to me. I do not always like the person I meet in the mirror. But that is precisely His point. The person He is introducing me to is not that old guy but the guy who doesn't like the old guy. This new me, the one He is creating, does not want to be selfish or a thousand other ugly things I will not mention. God is introducing me to the me that I want to be. Conversations Within ts 1/9/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
Monday, January 16, 2012
Private thoughts are public domain where God is concerned.
“Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely.” David (speaking to God) Ps 139
Recent health problems have caused me to refrain from talking. My wife and I rely on hand signals or text messages to communicate. This limitation has proved no problem for my prayers though. My affliction has served to remind me that God hears my very thoughts. I have always been one to pray out loud so it is strange that I would find myself comfortable conversing only with thoughts. I find that there are many advantages to it. My wife often has to guess what I am trying to say but I am comforted that there is no guess work where God is concerned. Even when I do not know how to voice my prayers, I am assured that God fills in the blanks. What this means is that every through cast in God's direction, even those that are nothing more than an anguished groan, will be accepted and fit into Kingdom purposes. Conversations Within ts 1/10/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
Recent health problems have caused me to refrain from talking. My wife and I rely on hand signals or text messages to communicate. This limitation has proved no problem for my prayers though. My affliction has served to remind me that God hears my very thoughts. I have always been one to pray out loud so it is strange that I would find myself comfortable conversing only with thoughts. I find that there are many advantages to it. My wife often has to guess what I am trying to say but I am comforted that there is no guess work where God is concerned. Even when I do not know how to voice my prayers, I am assured that God fills in the blanks. What this means is that every through cast in God's direction, even those that are nothing more than an anguished groan, will be accepted and fit into Kingdom purposes. Conversations Within ts 1/10/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
Private thoughts are public domain where God is concerned.
“Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely.” David (speaking to God) Ps 139
Recent health problems have caused me to refrain from talking. My wife and I rely on hand signals or text messages to communicate. This limitation has proved no problem for my prayers though. My affliction has served to remind me that God hears my very thoughts. I have always been one to pray out loud so it is strange that I would find myself comfortable conversing only with thoughts. I find that there are many advantages to it. My wife often has to guess what I am trying to say but I am comforted that there is no guess work where God is concerned. Even when I do not know how to voice my prayers, I am assured that God fills in the blanks. What this means is that every through cast in God's direction, even those that are nothing more than an anguished groan, will be accepted and fit into Kingdom purposes. Conversations Within ts 1/10/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
Recent health problems have caused me to refrain from talking. My wife and I rely on hand signals or text messages to communicate. This limitation has proved no problem for my prayers though. My affliction has served to remind me that God hears my very thoughts. I have always been one to pray out loud so it is strange that I would find myself comfortable conversing only with thoughts. I find that there are many advantages to it. My wife often has to guess what I am trying to say but I am comforted that there is no guess work where God is concerned. Even when I do not know how to voice my prayers, I am assured that God fills in the blanks. What this means is that every through cast in God's direction, even those that are nothing more than an anguished groan, will be accepted and fit into Kingdom purposes. Conversations Within ts 1/10/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
Saturday, January 14, 2012
“When in doubt don't.” Benjamin Franklin
“Whatever is not of faith is sin.” Paul (the Apostle)
The voice of doubt is often the voice of God for He surely does not want us to do something without faith. Doubt directs. By it the Spirit may be directing us to wait, at least until faith is certain. Doubts within our conscience are often used to convict us that something is wrong. In any case, if I cannot proceed in faith I probably should not proceed. If I question an activity, the fact that I am questioning it may be the only answer I need to stop doing it. Conversations Within ts 1/7/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
The voice of doubt is often the voice of God for He surely does not want us to do something without faith. Doubt directs. By it the Spirit may be directing us to wait, at least until faith is certain. Doubts within our conscience are often used to convict us that something is wrong. In any case, if I cannot proceed in faith I probably should not proceed. If I question an activity, the fact that I am questioning it may be the only answer I need to stop doing it. Conversations Within ts 1/7/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
“When in doubt don't.” Benjamin Franklin
“Whatever is not of faith is sin.” Paul (the Apostle)
The voice of doubt is often the voice of God for He surely does not want us to do something without faith. Doubt directs. By it the Spirit may be directing us to wait, at least until faith is certain. Doubts within our conscience are often used to convict us that something is wrong. In any case, if I cannot proceed in faith I probably should not proceed. If I question an activity, the fact that I am questioning it may be the only answer I need to stop doing it. Conversations Within ts 1/7/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
The voice of doubt is often the voice of God for He surely does not want us to do something without faith. Doubt directs. By it the Spirit may be directing us to wait, at least until faith is certain. Doubts within our conscience are often used to convict us that something is wrong. In any case, if I cannot proceed in faith I probably should not proceed. If I question an activity, the fact that I am questioning it may be the only answer I need to stop doing it. Conversations Within ts 1/7/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
Friday, January 13, 2012
“We're not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be” C.S. Lewis
“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things.” Rom. 8 NIV
If God loved Jesus, His beloved Son from all eternity, and He was willing to give him over to such sufferings as we read about in the Scripture, then surely none of us is safe from similar trials. That God did this to His Son because He loved the world is of great comfort to me. But it also tells me something about His priorities. He is willing to hurt in order to heal. He will sacrifice the temporal for the eternal. And also, so very important, He will do whatever can be done within the limits of His own goodness to secure our greatest good. Conversations Within ts 1/6/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
If God loved Jesus, His beloved Son from all eternity, and He was willing to give him over to such sufferings as we read about in the Scripture, then surely none of us is safe from similar trials. That God did this to His Son because He loved the world is of great comfort to me. But it also tells me something about His priorities. He is willing to hurt in order to heal. He will sacrifice the temporal for the eternal. And also, so very important, He will do whatever can be done within the limits of His own goodness to secure our greatest good. Conversations Within ts 1/6/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
“We're not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be” C.S. Lewis
“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things.” Rom. 8 NIV
If God loved Jesus, His beloved Son from all eternity, and He was willing to give him over to such sufferings as we read about in the Scripture, then surely none of us is safe from similar trials. That God did this to His Son because He loved the world is of great comfort to me. But it also tells me something about His priorities. He is willing to hurt in order to heal. He will sacrifice the temporal for the eternal. And also, so very important, He will do whatever can be done within the limits of His own goodness to secure our greatest good. Conversations Within ts 1/6/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
If God loved Jesus, His beloved Son from all eternity, and He was willing to give him over to such sufferings as we read about in the Scripture, then surely none of us is safe from similar trials. That God did this to His Son because He loved the world is of great comfort to me. But it also tells me something about His priorities. He is willing to hurt in order to heal. He will sacrifice the temporal for the eternal. And also, so very important, He will do whatever can be done within the limits of His own goodness to secure our greatest good. Conversations Within ts 1/6/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
“Any belief worth having must survive doubt” Anonymous
“Lord I believe, help my unbelief.” (A father to Jesus when asking help for his son.) Mark 9
There is more at stake in matters of faith than just our own doubts. I would believe God not just for myself but also for the benefit of those I love. I have witnessed the power of love in parents who began to seek God in earnest for no other reason than they want what is best for their children. As my love for family and friends grows, my desire for a greater faith also grows. It bothers me that I do not have faith enough to trust God for the healing of hurting friends. I fear my doubts hinder my prayers for them. If I believe , truly believe, then where is the confidence that God will give me what I ask for when I pray for others. I am in between doubt and faith all of the time. Lord, I believe, help my unbelief, not only for my benefit but for those I love. Conversations Within ts 1/5/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
There is more at stake in matters of faith than just our own doubts. I would believe God not just for myself but also for the benefit of those I love. I have witnessed the power of love in parents who began to seek God in earnest for no other reason than they want what is best for their children. As my love for family and friends grows, my desire for a greater faith also grows. It bothers me that I do not have faith enough to trust God for the healing of hurting friends. I fear my doubts hinder my prayers for them. If I believe , truly believe, then where is the confidence that God will give me what I ask for when I pray for others. I am in between doubt and faith all of the time. Lord, I believe, help my unbelief, not only for my benefit but for those I love. Conversations Within ts 1/5/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
“Any belief worth having must survive doubt” Anonymous
“Lord I believe, help my unbelief.” (A father to Jesus when asking help for his son.) Mark 9
There is more at stake in matters of faith than just our own doubts. I would believe God not just for myself but also for the benefit of those I love. I have witnessed the power of love in parents who began to seek God in earnest for no other reason than they want what is best for their children. As my love for family and friends grows, my desire for a greater faith also grows. It bothers me that I do not have faith enough to trust God for the healing of hurting friends. I fear my doubts hinder my prayers for them. If I believe , truly believe, then where is the confidence that God will give me what I ask for when I pray for others. I am in between doubt and faith all of the time. Lord, I believe, help my unbelief, not only for my benefit but for those I love. Conversations Within ts 1/5/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
There is more at stake in matters of faith than just our own doubts. I would believe God not just for myself but also for the benefit of those I love. I have witnessed the power of love in parents who began to seek God in earnest for no other reason than they want what is best for their children. As my love for family and friends grows, my desire for a greater faith also grows. It bothers me that I do not have faith enough to trust God for the healing of hurting friends. I fear my doubts hinder my prayers for them. If I believe , truly believe, then where is the confidence that God will give me what I ask for when I pray for others. I am in between doubt and faith all of the time. Lord, I believe, help my unbelief, not only for my benefit but for those I love. Conversations Within ts 1/5/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
"Of course I doubt. I do not practice a certainty. I practice a faith." Robert Brault
“For we walk by faith not by sight.” Paul (the Apostle)
When the Scriptures tell us that we walk by faith and not by sight, they do not mean that there can be no certainties to our faith. I personally have good reasons to trust God, He has proven Himself worthy of my trust time and time again. My faith in Him is not a blind faith it is rooted in my personal history. But there are things promised to us that are not yet realized, so all we have to go on is His promise. My doubts, and I certainly have them, usually center on my understanding of what He is promising. If faith in God is anything, it is a personal matter. This means that any certainty we have or may not have will differ depending on our personal experiences of faith. Even though I have certainty in some things, I lack it in others. We must give room for our doubts and the doubts of others. God certainly and patiently does. Conversations Within ts 1/4/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
When the Scriptures tell us that we walk by faith and not by sight, they do not mean that there can be no certainties to our faith. I personally have good reasons to trust God, He has proven Himself worthy of my trust time and time again. My faith in Him is not a blind faith it is rooted in my personal history. But there are things promised to us that are not yet realized, so all we have to go on is His promise. My doubts, and I certainly have them, usually center on my understanding of what He is promising. If faith in God is anything, it is a personal matter. This means that any certainty we have or may not have will differ depending on our personal experiences of faith. Even though I have certainty in some things, I lack it in others. We must give room for our doubts and the doubts of others. God certainly and patiently does. Conversations Within ts 1/4/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
"Of course I doubt. I do not practice a certainty. I practice a faith." Robert Brault
“For we walk by faith not by sight.” Paul (the Apostle)
When the Scriptures tell us that we walk by faith and not by sight, they do not mean that there can be no certainties to our faith. I personally have good reasons to trust God, He has proven Himself worthy of my trust time and time again. My faith in Him is not a blind faith it is rooted in my personal history. But there are things promised to us that are not yet realized, so all we have to go on is His promise. My doubts, and I certainly have them, usually center on my understanding of what He is promising. If faith in God is anything, it is a personal matter. This means that any certainty we have or may not have will differ depending on our personal experiences of faith. Even though I have certainty in some things, I lack it in others. We must give room for our doubts and the doubts of others. God certainly and patiently does. Conversations Within ts 1/4/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
When the Scriptures tell us that we walk by faith and not by sight, they do not mean that there can be no certainties to our faith. I personally have good reasons to trust God, He has proven Himself worthy of my trust time and time again. My faith in Him is not a blind faith it is rooted in my personal history. But there are things promised to us that are not yet realized, so all we have to go on is His promise. My doubts, and I certainly have them, usually center on my understanding of what He is promising. If faith in God is anything, it is a personal matter. This means that any certainty we have or may not have will differ depending on our personal experiences of faith. Even though I have certainty in some things, I lack it in others. We must give room for our doubts and the doubts of others. God certainly and patiently does. Conversations Within ts 1/4/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
Monday, January 9, 2012
"What is certainty but the refuge of those whose faith is not strong enough to entertain doubt." Robert Brault
“I will question you, and you make it known to me.” (God speaking to Job) Job 40
I am certain some of the things I believe about God are wrong. This is one of the reasons I come here to reflect everyday. If we never have doubts about our beliefs how can the Spirit of God lead us into truth. One of the ways that God instructs is by raising doubt about false assumptions. If this is true how can we know anything with certainty. Faith of course, and with it a good heaping dose of humility. Jesus does promise help, that His Spirit will lead us into all truth. It is good for our pride to remember that in this place we are always being led. No one has arrived. Conversations Within ts 1/3/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
I am certain some of the things I believe about God are wrong. This is one of the reasons I come here to reflect everyday. If we never have doubts about our beliefs how can the Spirit of God lead us into truth. One of the ways that God instructs is by raising doubt about false assumptions. If this is true how can we know anything with certainty. Faith of course, and with it a good heaping dose of humility. Jesus does promise help, that His Spirit will lead us into all truth. It is good for our pride to remember that in this place we are always being led. No one has arrived. Conversations Within ts 1/3/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
"What is certainty but the refuge of those whose faith is not strong enough to entertain doubt." Robert Brault
“I will question you, and you make it known to me.” (God speaking to Job) Job 40
I am certain some of the things I believe about God are wrong. This is one of the reasons I come here to reflect everyday. If we never have doubts about our beliefs how can the Spirit of God lead us into truth. One of the ways that God instructs is by raising doubt about false assumptions. If this is true how can we know anything with certainty. Faith of course, and with it a good heaping dose of humility. Jesus does promise help, that His Spirit will lead us into all truth. It is good for our pride to remember that in this place we are always being led. No one has arrived. Conversations Within ts 1/3/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
I am certain some of the things I believe about God are wrong. This is one of the reasons I come here to reflect everyday. If we never have doubts about our beliefs how can the Spirit of God lead us into truth. One of the ways that God instructs is by raising doubt about false assumptions. If this is true how can we know anything with certainty. Faith of course, and with it a good heaping dose of humility. Jesus does promise help, that His Spirit will lead us into all truth. It is good for our pride to remember that in this place we are always being led. No one has arrived. Conversations Within ts 1/3/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
“There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt.” Buddha
“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” James 1.6
One of my greatest fears is self-deception. Because of this, I question just about everything. It can be good to be cautious about one's belief but a lingering doubt can cripple. If one is just starting out on a journey of faith, it is understandable to have doubts just as people must gradually learn to trust one another in any new relationship. But over time, when someone has earned your trust, to keep doubting, keep questioning, well lets just say that doubt becomes an insult. I am grateful that God overlooks my insults to Him. I am also glad that He will not settle for this kind of relationship. I believe He wants to move me from doubt to confidence--a kind of causal certainty. I think there comes a time in every healthy relationship when the greatest compliment we give to someone is to take their love for granted. Not that we fail to appreciate it, we just know they will keep up their end of things. Conversations Within ts 1/2/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
One of my greatest fears is self-deception. Because of this, I question just about everything. It can be good to be cautious about one's belief but a lingering doubt can cripple. If one is just starting out on a journey of faith, it is understandable to have doubts just as people must gradually learn to trust one another in any new relationship. But over time, when someone has earned your trust, to keep doubting, keep questioning, well lets just say that doubt becomes an insult. I am grateful that God overlooks my insults to Him. I am also glad that He will not settle for this kind of relationship. I believe He wants to move me from doubt to confidence--a kind of causal certainty. I think there comes a time in every healthy relationship when the greatest compliment we give to someone is to take their love for granted. Not that we fail to appreciate it, we just know they will keep up their end of things. Conversations Within ts 1/2/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
“There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt.” Buddha
“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” James 1.6
One of my greatest fears is self-deception. Because of this, I question just about everything. It can be good to be cautious about one's belief but a lingering doubt can cripple. If one is just starting out on a journey of faith, it is understandable to have doubts just as people must gradually learn to trust one another in any new relationship. But over time, when someone has earned your trust, to keep doubting, keep questioning, well lets just say that doubt becomes an insult. I am grateful that God overlooks my insults to Him. I am also glad that He will not settle for this kind of relationship. I believe He wants to move me from doubt to confidence--a kind of causal certainty. I think there comes a time in every healthy relationship when the greatest compliment we give to someone is to take their love for granted. Not that we fail to appreciate it, we just know they will keep up their end of things. Conversations Within ts 1/2/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
One of my greatest fears is self-deception. Because of this, I question just about everything. It can be good to be cautious about one's belief but a lingering doubt can cripple. If one is just starting out on a journey of faith, it is understandable to have doubts just as people must gradually learn to trust one another in any new relationship. But over time, when someone has earned your trust, to keep doubting, keep questioning, well lets just say that doubt becomes an insult. I am grateful that God overlooks my insults to Him. I am also glad that He will not settle for this kind of relationship. I believe He wants to move me from doubt to confidence--a kind of causal certainty. I think there comes a time in every healthy relationship when the greatest compliment we give to someone is to take their love for granted. Not that we fail to appreciate it, we just know they will keep up their end of things. Conversations Within ts 1/2/2012 (Jacksonville. Fl)
Saturday, January 7, 2012
To seek peace without God is to seek breath without air.
“Cast all your cares on Him because He care for you.” 1 Peter 5
The expression, “Make your peace with it,” pretty much tells us that peace is something we must do before it is something we feel. What is it that we must do? Well if it can be changed, change it and if not resign to it. When we say that we must make our peace with something, we mean that we must, at least for the present, accept that whatever is, is. The question facing us many times is this, is this issue I am facing right now, one of those things that cannot be changed, at least by me. It may just be that God wants us to give it to Him and stop fiddling with it. 2/31/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
The expression, “Make your peace with it,” pretty much tells us that peace is something we must do before it is something we feel. What is it that we must do? Well if it can be changed, change it and if not resign to it. When we say that we must make our peace with something, we mean that we must, at least for the present, accept that whatever is, is. The question facing us many times is this, is this issue I am facing right now, one of those things that cannot be changed, at least by me. It may just be that God wants us to give it to Him and stop fiddling with it. 2/31/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
To seek peace without God is to seek breath without air.
“Cast all your cares on Him because He care for you.” 1 Peter 5
The expression, “Make your peace with it,” pretty much tells us that peace is something we must do before it is something we feel. What is it that we must do? Well if it can be changed, change it and if not resign to it. When we say that we must make our peace with something, we mean that we must, at least for the present, accept that whatever is, is. The question facing us many times is this, is this issue I am facing right now, one of those things that cannot be changed, at least by me. It may just be that God wants us to give it to Him and stop fiddling with it. 2/31/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
The expression, “Make your peace with it,” pretty much tells us that peace is something we must do before it is something we feel. What is it that we must do? Well if it can be changed, change it and if not resign to it. When we say that we must make our peace with something, we mean that we must, at least for the present, accept that whatever is, is. The question facing us many times is this, is this issue I am facing right now, one of those things that cannot be changed, at least by me. It may just be that God wants us to give it to Him and stop fiddling with it. 2/31/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Friday, January 6, 2012
Peace is first something you do before it is something you feel.
“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?” 1 Jo.3 ESV
If I do not make a proper peace with something or someone it is doubtful that I will feel a proper peace in my heart. I say proper because it is possible to pursue an improper peace. For example, I may be disturbed by the plight of the poor in Africa and want to do something about it. It is possible to unplug these concerns by simply pushing them out of my mind but this is making peace with my feelings and not with the problem. I can do the same thing with a person with whom I am out of sorts. If all I do is want to feel good I have made a god out of my feelings and care nothing for righting what is wrong. 12/30/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
If I do not make a proper peace with something or someone it is doubtful that I will feel a proper peace in my heart. I say proper because it is possible to pursue an improper peace. For example, I may be disturbed by the plight of the poor in Africa and want to do something about it. It is possible to unplug these concerns by simply pushing them out of my mind but this is making peace with my feelings and not with the problem. I can do the same thing with a person with whom I am out of sorts. If all I do is want to feel good I have made a god out of my feelings and care nothing for righting what is wrong. 12/30/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Peace is first something you do before it is something you feel.
“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?” 1 Jo.3 ESV
If I do not make a proper peace with something or someone it is doubtful that I will feel a proper peace in my heart. I say proper because it is possible to pursue an improper peace. For example, I may be disturbed by the plight of the poor in Africa and want to do something about it. It is possible to unplug these concerns by simply pushing them out of my mind but this is making peace with my feelings and not with the problem. I can do the same thing with a person with whom I am out of sorts. If all I do is want to feel good I have made a god out of my feelings and care nothing for righting what is wrong. 12/30/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
If I do not make a proper peace with something or someone it is doubtful that I will feel a proper peace in my heart. I say proper because it is possible to pursue an improper peace. For example, I may be disturbed by the plight of the poor in Africa and want to do something about it. It is possible to unplug these concerns by simply pushing them out of my mind but this is making peace with my feelings and not with the problem. I can do the same thing with a person with whom I am out of sorts. If all I do is want to feel good I have made a god out of my feelings and care nothing for righting what is wrong. 12/30/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Thursday, January 5, 2012
One cannot promote peace and pride on the same banner.
Every goodness follows those who promote peace for they will be called God's children. Jesus
I pray the prayer of St. Francis quite often, the one that begins, “Lord make me an instrument of your peace.” The problem is that my pride often gets in the way. For example, I sincerely pray that these reflections encourage peace in the lives of those who read them. But sometimes I find myself more concerned about writing something original than I am about the original reason for writing. That reason is to find the peace of Jesus in my own heart and then to share it with family and friends. Any self centered concerns that creep in do not promote His peace just my pride. The only banner I should fly is the banner of His love. 12/29/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
I pray the prayer of St. Francis quite often, the one that begins, “Lord make me an instrument of your peace.” The problem is that my pride often gets in the way. For example, I sincerely pray that these reflections encourage peace in the lives of those who read them. But sometimes I find myself more concerned about writing something original than I am about the original reason for writing. That reason is to find the peace of Jesus in my own heart and then to share it with family and friends. Any self centered concerns that creep in do not promote His peace just my pride. The only banner I should fly is the banner of His love. 12/29/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
One cannot promote peace and pride on the same banner.
Every goodness follows those who promote peace for they will be called God's children. Jesus
I pray the prayer of St. Francis quite often, the one that begins, “Lord make me an instrument of your peace.” The problem is that my pride often gets in the way. For example, I sincerely pray that these reflections encourage peace in the lives of those who read them. But sometimes I find myself more concerned about writing something original than I am about the original reason for writing. That reason is to find the peace of Jesus in my own heart and then to share it with family and friends. Any self centered concerns that creep in do not promote His peace just my pride. The only banner I should fly is the banner of His love. 12/29/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
I pray the prayer of St. Francis quite often, the one that begins, “Lord make me an instrument of your peace.” The problem is that my pride often gets in the way. For example, I sincerely pray that these reflections encourage peace in the lives of those who read them. But sometimes I find myself more concerned about writing something original than I am about the original reason for writing. That reason is to find the peace of Jesus in my own heart and then to share it with family and friends. Any self centered concerns that creep in do not promote His peace just my pride. The only banner I should fly is the banner of His love. 12/29/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
“If they want peace, nations should avoid the pin-pricks that precede cannon shots.” Napoleon Bonaparte
“If they want peace, nations should avoid the pin-pricks that precede cannon shots.” Napoleon Bonaparte
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3 NIV
Families are miniature nations. It is at home we must learn to thicken our skin of sensitivity to insult and injury. It is with family members that we must first turn the other cheek. Learning how to overlook an offense is one of the first lessons of love. How can I forgive my enemy if I cannot forgive my spouse? What hope do we have of peace in the world if there is no peace in the home? 12/28/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3 NIV
Families are miniature nations. It is at home we must learn to thicken our skin of sensitivity to insult and injury. It is with family members that we must first turn the other cheek. Learning how to overlook an offense is one of the first lessons of love. How can I forgive my enemy if I cannot forgive my spouse? What hope do we have of peace in the world if there is no peace in the home? 12/28/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
“If they want peace, nations should avoid the pin-pricks that precede cannon shots.” Napoleon Bonaparte
“If they want peace, nations should avoid the pin-pricks that precede cannon shots.” Napoleon Bonaparte
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3 NIV
Families are miniature nations. It is at home we must learn to thicken our skin of sensitivity to insult and injury. It is with family members that we must first turn the other cheek. Learning how to overlook an offense is one of the first lessons of love. How can I forgive my enemy if I cannot forgive my spouse? What hope do we have of peace in the world if there is no peace in the home? 12/28/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3 NIV
Families are miniature nations. It is at home we must learn to thicken our skin of sensitivity to insult and injury. It is with family members that we must first turn the other cheek. Learning how to overlook an offense is one of the first lessons of love. How can I forgive my enemy if I cannot forgive my spouse? What hope do we have of peace in the world if there is no peace in the home? 12/28/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
It is better to be at peace with unpleasant surroundings than to be in pleasant surroundings and have no peace.
“The Kingdom of God is within you.” Jesus
I remember the first time that I was in a serene place by a mountain stream peacefully meandering through the Smokies but had no peace in my heart at all. If we don't bring our peace with us, serene places won't give it to us, at least nothing that will last. Lasting peace is a state of our spirit. When we are at peace with God He leads us beside the still waters of inner peace. Our fragmented heart starts to heal. This peace will try and spill over into our relationships and into our surroundings but because its source comes from within, it will not be lost if the outside world refuses it. 12/27/11 Conversations Within ts (On the Road)
I remember the first time that I was in a serene place by a mountain stream peacefully meandering through the Smokies but had no peace in my heart at all. If we don't bring our peace with us, serene places won't give it to us, at least nothing that will last. Lasting peace is a state of our spirit. When we are at peace with God He leads us beside the still waters of inner peace. Our fragmented heart starts to heal. This peace will try and spill over into our relationships and into our surroundings but because its source comes from within, it will not be lost if the outside world refuses it. 12/27/11 Conversations Within ts (On the Road)
It is better to be at peace with unpleasant surroundings than to be in pleasant surroundings and have no peace.
“The Kingdom of God is within you.” Jesus
I remember the first time that I was in a serene place by a mountain stream peacefully meandering through the Smokies but had no peace in my heart at all. If we don't bring our peace with us, serene places won't give it to us, at least nothing that will last. Lasting peace is a state of our spirit. When we are at peace with God He leads us beside the still waters of inner peace. Our fragmented heart starts to heal. This peace will try and spill over into our relationships and into our surroundings but because its source comes from within, it will not be lost if the outside world refuses it. 12/27/11 Conversations Within ts (On the Road)
I remember the first time that I was in a serene place by a mountain stream peacefully meandering through the Smokies but had no peace in my heart at all. If we don't bring our peace with us, serene places won't give it to us, at least nothing that will last. Lasting peace is a state of our spirit. When we are at peace with God He leads us beside the still waters of inner peace. Our fragmented heart starts to heal. This peace will try and spill over into our relationships and into our surroundings but because its source comes from within, it will not be lost if the outside world refuses it. 12/27/11 Conversations Within ts (On the Road)
Monday, January 2, 2012
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” Mother Teresa
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12 NIV
When my wife and I argue, it can usually be traced to forgetfulness. We forget that we promised to love each other even on the days we don't like each other. We forget that love doesn't run away and sulk, it always seeks the highest good of the one you love. Each of us must remember, that to a large degree, God desires to define who we are by our service to one another. The question I ask myself is do I see myself as a servant to those in my life. If I am not thinking of ways to serve people, I may be thinking of ways to use them and that always leads to trouble. 12/26/11 Conversations Within ts (Birmingham, AL)
When my wife and I argue, it can usually be traced to forgetfulness. We forget that we promised to love each other even on the days we don't like each other. We forget that love doesn't run away and sulk, it always seeks the highest good of the one you love. Each of us must remember, that to a large degree, God desires to define who we are by our service to one another. The question I ask myself is do I see myself as a servant to those in my life. If I am not thinking of ways to serve people, I may be thinking of ways to use them and that always leads to trouble. 12/26/11 Conversations Within ts (Birmingham, AL)
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” Mother Teresa
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12 NIV
When my wife and I argue, it can usually be traced to forgetfulness. We forget that we promised to love each other even on the days we don't like each other. We forget that love doesn't run away and sulk, it always seeks the highest good of the one you love. Each of us must remember, that to a large degree, God desires to define who we are by our service to one another. The question I ask myself is do I see myself as a servant to those in my life. If I am not thinking of ways to serve people, I may be thinking of ways to use them and that always leads to trouble. 12/26/11 Conversations Within ts (Birmingham, AL)
When my wife and I argue, it can usually be traced to forgetfulness. We forget that we promised to love each other even on the days we don't like each other. We forget that love doesn't run away and sulk, it always seeks the highest good of the one you love. Each of us must remember, that to a large degree, God desires to define who we are by our service to one another. The question I ask myself is do I see myself as a servant to those in my life. If I am not thinking of ways to serve people, I may be thinking of ways to use them and that always leads to trouble. 12/26/11 Conversations Within ts (Birmingham, AL)
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