"Follow your bliss." Joseph Campbell
“Eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we may die.” Jesus
If ignorance is bliss and we follow it simply because it makes us happy now, we may be in store for some unpleasant surprises later. Wisdom tells us to consider if what makes us happy is also wholesome. While I believe that God cares deeply about our happiness, like any good parent He wants us to possess the right kind of happiness. If what makes me happy is ultimately not wholesome, He is surely not going to approve of it. We cannot use our bliss as a measure of what is good and right and true. Everything that is good and right and true is the horse that should pull the cart of our bliss. Conversations Within ts 6/23/2012 (Camp Farrington AL)
Just me trying to be honest with God.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
"Follow your bliss." Joseph Campbell
"Follow your bliss." Joseph Campbell
“Eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we may die.” Jesus
If ignorance is bliss and we follow it simply because it makes us happy now, we may be in store for some unpleasant surprises later. Wisdom tells us to consider if what makes us happy is also wholesome. While I believe that God cares deeply about our happiness, like any good parent He wants us to possess the right kind of happiness. If what makes me happy is ultimately not wholesome, He is surely not going to approve of it. We cannot use our bliss as a measure of what is good and right and true. Everything that is good and right and true is the horse that should pull the cart of our bliss. Conversations Within ts 6/23/2012 (Camp Farrington AL)
“Eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we may die.” Jesus
If ignorance is bliss and we follow it simply because it makes us happy now, we may be in store for some unpleasant surprises later. Wisdom tells us to consider if what makes us happy is also wholesome. While I believe that God cares deeply about our happiness, like any good parent He wants us to possess the right kind of happiness. If what makes me happy is ultimately not wholesome, He is surely not going to approve of it. We cannot use our bliss as a measure of what is good and right and true. Everything that is good and right and true is the horse that should pull the cart of our bliss. Conversations Within ts 6/23/2012 (Camp Farrington AL)
Friday, June 29, 2012
“Man is a goal seeking animal. His life only has meaning if he is reaching out and striving for his goals.” Anonymous
“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love.” Galatians 5
The proactive life is the best approach to living. I believe this because pro activity is the nature of love and loving and being loved has convinced me that love is life. I do not refer to romantic love--mood and feelings but the love which seeks to bless. Imagine the joy of rising each day to aggressively love people; to seek goodness for yourself and others. Some goals are worthy of pursuit, some are not. I suppose love can help us decide which are which. This is just another way of saying that God will help us decide simply because “God is love.” Conversations Within ts 6/21/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
The proactive life is the best approach to living. I believe this because pro activity is the nature of love and loving and being loved has convinced me that love is life. I do not refer to romantic love--mood and feelings but the love which seeks to bless. Imagine the joy of rising each day to aggressively love people; to seek goodness for yourself and others. Some goals are worthy of pursuit, some are not. I suppose love can help us decide which are which. This is just another way of saying that God will help us decide simply because “God is love.” Conversations Within ts 6/21/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
“Man is a goal seeking animal. His life only has meaning if he is reaching out and striving for his goals.” Anonymous
“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love.” Galatians 5
The proactive life is the best approach to living. I believe this because pro activity is the nature of love and loving and being loved has convinced me that love is life. I do not refer to romantic love--mood and feelings but the love which seeks to bless. Imagine the joy of rising each day to aggressively love people; to seek goodness for yourself and others. Some goals are worthy of pursuit, some are not. I suppose love can help us decide which are which. This is just another way of saying that God will help us decide simply because “God is love.” Conversations Within ts 6/21/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
The proactive life is the best approach to living. I believe this because pro activity is the nature of love and loving and being loved has convinced me that love is life. I do not refer to romantic love--mood and feelings but the love which seeks to bless. Imagine the joy of rising each day to aggressively love people; to seek goodness for yourself and others. Some goals are worthy of pursuit, some are not. I suppose love can help us decide which are which. This is just another way of saying that God will help us decide simply because “God is love.” Conversations Within ts 6/21/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
Thursday, June 28, 2012
"I suddenly saw that all the time it was not I who had been seeking God, but God who had been seeking me.” Bede Griffiths
""For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost." Jesus
I think God graciously meets people where they are. He intends to lead them up from there if they will follow Him. My own relationship began with a fear of Hell and my belief that because God had the bigger stick I could not do some of the things I wanted to do. Over time I began to realize that even though He was willing to use my primitive fears, fear did not define the kind of relationship He wanted with me. He introduced me to love. I have also come to find, like so many, that He is the initiator and I the responder. He is the first cause and my faith the effect. He leads this dance of delight and I clumsily follow. I can't wait to see where all this winds up. Conversations Within ts 6/21/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
I think God graciously meets people where they are. He intends to lead them up from there if they will follow Him. My own relationship began with a fear of Hell and my belief that because God had the bigger stick I could not do some of the things I wanted to do. Over time I began to realize that even though He was willing to use my primitive fears, fear did not define the kind of relationship He wanted with me. He introduced me to love. I have also come to find, like so many, that He is the initiator and I the responder. He is the first cause and my faith the effect. He leads this dance of delight and I clumsily follow. I can't wait to see where all this winds up. Conversations Within ts 6/21/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
"I suddenly saw that all the time it was not I who had been seeking God, but God who had been seeking me.” Bede Griffiths
""For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost." Jesus
I think God graciously meets people where they are. He intends to lead them up from there if they will follow Him. My own relationship began with a fear of Hell and my belief that because God had the bigger stick I could not do some of the things I wanted to do. Over time I began to realize that even though He was willing to use my primitive fears, fear did not define the kind of relationship He wanted with me. He introduced me to love. I have also come to find, like so many, that He is the initiator and I the responder. He is the first cause and my faith the effect. He leads this dance of delight and I clumsily follow. I can't wait to see where all this winds up. Conversations Within ts 6/21/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
I think God graciously meets people where they are. He intends to lead them up from there if they will follow Him. My own relationship began with a fear of Hell and my belief that because God had the bigger stick I could not do some of the things I wanted to do. Over time I began to realize that even though He was willing to use my primitive fears, fear did not define the kind of relationship He wanted with me. He introduced me to love. I have also come to find, like so many, that He is the initiator and I the responder. He is the first cause and my faith the effect. He leads this dance of delight and I clumsily follow. I can't wait to see where all this winds up. Conversations Within ts 6/21/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
"Does it matter to a man dying in a desert by which choice of route he missed the only well?" C S. Lewis
“Here is my beloved Son, Listen to Him.” God (speaking of Jesus)
I watched a movie the other night where a man was thinking about a woman. He was standing in front of an open refrigerator when suddenly he closed the door and said out loud, “What are you doing? She's not in here.” When you are searching for something, where you look can be as important as what you are looking for. One place God has told us not to waste time looking for Him is in our own empty imaginations of Him. Every sincere seeker should ask himself/herself, “Do I want to find God as He really is, or how I want Him to be?” Conversations Within ts 6/19/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
I watched a movie the other night where a man was thinking about a woman. He was standing in front of an open refrigerator when suddenly he closed the door and said out loud, “What are you doing? She's not in here.” When you are searching for something, where you look can be as important as what you are looking for. One place God has told us not to waste time looking for Him is in our own empty imaginations of Him. Every sincere seeker should ask himself/herself, “Do I want to find God as He really is, or how I want Him to be?” Conversations Within ts 6/19/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
"Does it matter to a man dying in a desert by which choice of route he missed the only well?" C S. Lewis
“Here is my beloved Son, Listen to Him.” God (speaking of Jesus)
I watched a movie the other night where a man was thinking about a woman. He was standing in front of an open refrigerator when suddenly he closed the door and said out loud, “What are you doing? She's not in here.” When you are searching for something, where you look can be as important as what you are looking for. One place God has told us not to waste time looking for Him is in our own empty imaginations of Him. Every sincere seeker should ask himself/herself, “Do I want to find God as He really is, or how I want Him to be?” Conversations Within ts 6/19/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
I watched a movie the other night where a man was thinking about a woman. He was standing in front of an open refrigerator when suddenly he closed the door and said out loud, “What are you doing? She's not in here.” When you are searching for something, where you look can be as important as what you are looking for. One place God has told us not to waste time looking for Him is in our own empty imaginations of Him. Every sincere seeker should ask himself/herself, “Do I want to find God as He really is, or how I want Him to be?” Conversations Within ts 6/19/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” Marcel Proust
“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29
The other day I introduced a friend to surfing. After a day of reading waves, catching waves and riding waves, I told him he would never look at the ocean the same way. Every time he sees it he will look at it through the new eyes of a surfer. I suppose the same can be said for seeking God. Once you quit fooling around and earnestly put your whole heart into the search, you begin to see Him everywhere you turn. The sky, a flower, a song, or the seeds on a stalk of grass do not simply convey their own beauty, but the glory of the One who dreamed them up and created their reality. A fully present heart will help you see things you never saw before. Conversations Within ts 6/19/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
The other day I introduced a friend to surfing. After a day of reading waves, catching waves and riding waves, I told him he would never look at the ocean the same way. Every time he sees it he will look at it through the new eyes of a surfer. I suppose the same can be said for seeking God. Once you quit fooling around and earnestly put your whole heart into the search, you begin to see Him everywhere you turn. The sky, a flower, a song, or the seeds on a stalk of grass do not simply convey their own beauty, but the glory of the One who dreamed them up and created their reality. A fully present heart will help you see things you never saw before. Conversations Within ts 6/19/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” Marcel Proust
“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29
The other day I introduced a friend to surfing. After a day of reading waves, catching waves and riding waves, I told him he would never look at the ocean the same way. Every time he sees it he will look at it through the new eyes of a surfer. I suppose the same can be said for seeking God. Once you quit fooling around and earnestly put your whole heart into the search, you begin to see Him everywhere you turn. The sky, a flower, a song, or the seeds on a stalk of grass do not simply convey their own beauty, but the glory of the One who dreamed them up and created their reality. A fully present heart will help you see things you never saw before. Conversations Within ts 6/19/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
The other day I introduced a friend to surfing. After a day of reading waves, catching waves and riding waves, I told him he would never look at the ocean the same way. Every time he sees it he will look at it through the new eyes of a surfer. I suppose the same can be said for seeking God. Once you quit fooling around and earnestly put your whole heart into the search, you begin to see Him everywhere you turn. The sky, a flower, a song, or the seeds on a stalk of grass do not simply convey their own beauty, but the glory of the One who dreamed them up and created their reality. A fully present heart will help you see things you never saw before. Conversations Within ts 6/19/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)
Monday, June 25, 2012
“The seeking is the goal and the search is the answer”
“The one who comes to God must believe that He is and that “He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Heb.11
We may well ask why God desires that people seek Him. The answer of course, is kin to why we must suck on a straw to drink a milk shake. It is in the very act of seeking that we find. We can properly translate the words of Jesus to say, “Everyone who “is” seeking “is” finding.” This does not mean that God cannot or does not reveal Himself to people without their asking. Indeed, we are told that people seek God because He is drawing them to do so--something like thirst draws us to drink. To taste and see that God is good, we must suck on the straw of faith. Conversations Within ts 6/18/2012 (On the Road)
We may well ask why God desires that people seek Him. The answer of course, is kin to why we must suck on a straw to drink a milk shake. It is in the very act of seeking that we find. We can properly translate the words of Jesus to say, “Everyone who “is” seeking “is” finding.” This does not mean that God cannot or does not reveal Himself to people without their asking. Indeed, we are told that people seek God because He is drawing them to do so--something like thirst draws us to drink. To taste and see that God is good, we must suck on the straw of faith. Conversations Within ts 6/18/2012 (On the Road)
“The seeking is the goal and the search is the answer”
“The one who comes to God must believe that He is and that “He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Heb.11
We may well ask why God desires that people seek Him. The answer of course, is kin to why we must suck on a straw to drink a milk shake. It is in the very act of seeking that we find. We can properly translate the words of Jesus to say, “Everyone who “is” seeking “is” finding.” This does not mean that God cannot or does not reveal Himself to people without their asking. Indeed, we are told that people seek God because He is drawing them to do so--something like thirst draws us to drink. To taste and see that God is good, we must suck on the straw of faith. Conversations Within ts 6/18/2012 (On the Road)
We may well ask why God desires that people seek Him. The answer of course, is kin to why we must suck on a straw to drink a milk shake. It is in the very act of seeking that we find. We can properly translate the words of Jesus to say, “Everyone who “is” seeking “is” finding.” This does not mean that God cannot or does not reveal Himself to people without their asking. Indeed, we are told that people seek God because He is drawing them to do so--something like thirst draws us to drink. To taste and see that God is good, we must suck on the straw of faith. Conversations Within ts 6/18/2012 (On the Road)
Saturday, June 23, 2012
“Grace is but glory begun, and glory is but grace perfected.” –Jonathan Edwards
“Set you affections of things above.” Col.3
Any grace that comes to us in this life is intended, in one sense, to prepare us to live in the next. This in no way diminishes our present life; it redeems it. God's enabling power helps us experience life in the here and now as one expression of the glory to come. When we pray for God's Kingdom and will to come in the here and now, we answer that prayer if only in our desire that it be so, and more so, by our own personal obedience. Responding to this grace this way means that life in the here and now, becomes, as one brother described it, “the lower reaches of Heaven.” Conversations Within ts 6/14/2012 (Jax, FL)
Any grace that comes to us in this life is intended, in one sense, to prepare us to live in the next. This in no way diminishes our present life; it redeems it. God's enabling power helps us experience life in the here and now as one expression of the glory to come. When we pray for God's Kingdom and will to come in the here and now, we answer that prayer if only in our desire that it be so, and more so, by our own personal obedience. Responding to this grace this way means that life in the here and now, becomes, as one brother described it, “the lower reaches of Heaven.” Conversations Within ts 6/14/2012 (Jax, FL)
“Grace is but glory begun, and glory is but grace perfected.” –Jonathan Edwards
“Set you affections of things above.” Col.3
Any grace that comes to us in this life is intended, in one sense, to prepare us to live in the next. This in no way diminishes our present life; it redeems it. God's enabling power helps us experience life in the here and now as one expression of the glory to come. When we pray for God's Kingdom and will to come in the here and now, we answer that prayer if only in our desire that it be so, and more so, by our own personal obedience. Responding to this grace this way means that life in the here and now, becomes, as one brother described it, “the lower reaches of Heaven.” Conversations Within ts 6/14/2012 (Jax, FL)
Any grace that comes to us in this life is intended, in one sense, to prepare us to live in the next. This in no way diminishes our present life; it redeems it. God's enabling power helps us experience life in the here and now as one expression of the glory to come. When we pray for God's Kingdom and will to come in the here and now, we answer that prayer if only in our desire that it be so, and more so, by our own personal obedience. Responding to this grace this way means that life in the here and now, becomes, as one brother described it, “the lower reaches of Heaven.” Conversations Within ts 6/14/2012 (Jax, FL)
Friday, June 22, 2012
I do not wish just to define grace; I want grace to define me.
“...who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace...” 1Thess 2
I want to know more “of” God's grace not just more “about” it. Grace is given to us every day but if unappropriated it is un-experienced and as such certainly unappreciated. God sets the table before us each day, but we must sit down and eat, even feast on His provisions of grace. We appropriate grace not by simply opening a gift and saying thank you, but by using the gift. Conversations Within ts 6/14/2012 (Jax, FL)
I want to know more “of” God's grace not just more “about” it. Grace is given to us every day but if unappropriated it is un-experienced and as such certainly unappreciated. God sets the table before us each day, but we must sit down and eat, even feast on His provisions of grace. We appropriate grace not by simply opening a gift and saying thank you, but by using the gift. Conversations Within ts 6/14/2012 (Jax, FL)
I do not wish just to define grace; I want grace to define me.
“...who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace...” 1Thess 2
I want to know more “of” God's grace not just more “about” it. Grace is given to us every day but if unappropriated it is un-experienced and as such certainly unappreciated. God sets the table before us each day, but we must sit down and eat, even feast on His provisions of grace. We appropriate grace not by simply opening a gift and saying thank you, but by using the gift. Conversations Within ts 6/14/2012 (Jax, FL)
I want to know more “of” God's grace not just more “about” it. Grace is given to us every day but if unappropriated it is un-experienced and as such certainly unappreciated. God sets the table before us each day, but we must sit down and eat, even feast on His provisions of grace. We appropriate grace not by simply opening a gift and saying thank you, but by using the gift. Conversations Within ts 6/14/2012 (Jax, FL)
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Bold prayers do not necessarily reflect a proud heart but a confident faith in the generosity of grace.
“Let us come boldly to the throne of grace.” Heb.10
If we have a relationship with God at all, grace initiated it, defines it and will make it endure. What this means is that everybody is doing better than we deserve. Because this is the nature of grace, we are encouraged to approach God boldly, not timidly. Anything we receive from Him is not determined by our worthiness but by the greatness of His grace. Boldness in asking is not a bolster of any expected entitlement but a complement to Him. In effect we are saying to God that we believe He is not only powerful and wealthy but He is generous. Conversations Within ts 6/12/2012 (Jax, FL)
If we have a relationship with God at all, grace initiated it, defines it and will make it endure. What this means is that everybody is doing better than we deserve. Because this is the nature of grace, we are encouraged to approach God boldly, not timidly. Anything we receive from Him is not determined by our worthiness but by the greatness of His grace. Boldness in asking is not a bolster of any expected entitlement but a complement to Him. In effect we are saying to God that we believe He is not only powerful and wealthy but He is generous. Conversations Within ts 6/12/2012 (Jax, FL)
Bold prayers do not necessarily reflect a proud heart but a confident faith in the generosity of grace.
“Let us come boldly to the throne of grace.” Heb.10
If we have a relationship with God at all, grace initiated it, defines it and will make it endure. What this means is that everybody is doing better than we deserve. Because this is the nature of grace, we are encouraged to approach God boldly, not timidly. Anything we receive from Him is not determined by our worthiness but by the greatness of His grace. Boldness in asking is not a bolster of any expected entitlement but a complement to Him. In effect we are saying to God that we believe He is not only powerful and wealthy but He is generous. Conversations Within ts 6/12/2012 (Jax, FL)
If we have a relationship with God at all, grace initiated it, defines it and will make it endure. What this means is that everybody is doing better than we deserve. Because this is the nature of grace, we are encouraged to approach God boldly, not timidly. Anything we receive from Him is not determined by our worthiness but by the greatness of His grace. Boldness in asking is not a bolster of any expected entitlement but a complement to Him. In effect we are saying to God that we believe He is not only powerful and wealthy but He is generous. Conversations Within ts 6/12/2012 (Jax, FL)
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
“The law tells me how crooked I am. Grace comes along and straightens me out.” -Dwight Moody
“...you are not under law but under grace.” Rom.6
We must remember that the remarkable message of the Bible is best understood as a whole, not in its individual parts. If we read only parts of the Bible, we may be discouraged by its condemnation of our sins. But the whole message tells us that God's grace is not limited by human failure. Part of the message shows us only of our need for grace; the rest reveals how it has or can come to us in Jesus. God loves us with all our imperfections, and because He does, He does not leave us this way. Grace is an enabling power which promises to overcome every human failing. God not only promises to forgive but also to transform. Conversations Within ts 6/11/2012 (Jax, FL)
We must remember that the remarkable message of the Bible is best understood as a whole, not in its individual parts. If we read only parts of the Bible, we may be discouraged by its condemnation of our sins. But the whole message tells us that God's grace is not limited by human failure. Part of the message shows us only of our need for grace; the rest reveals how it has or can come to us in Jesus. God loves us with all our imperfections, and because He does, He does not leave us this way. Grace is an enabling power which promises to overcome every human failing. God not only promises to forgive but also to transform. Conversations Within ts 6/11/2012 (Jax, FL)
“The law tells me how crooked I am. Grace comes along and straightens me out.” -Dwight Moody
“...you are not under law but under grace.” Rom.6
We must remember that the remarkable message of the Bible is best understood as a whole, not in its individual parts. If we read only parts of the Bible, we may be discouraged by its condemnation of our sins. But the whole message tells us that God's grace is not limited by human failure. Part of the message shows us only of our need for grace; the rest reveals how it has or can come to us in Jesus. God loves us with all our imperfections, and because He does, He does not leave us this way. Grace is an enabling power which promises to overcome every human failing. God not only promises to forgive but also to transform. Conversations Within ts 6/11/2012 (Jax, FL)
We must remember that the remarkable message of the Bible is best understood as a whole, not in its individual parts. If we read only parts of the Bible, we may be discouraged by its condemnation of our sins. But the whole message tells us that God's grace is not limited by human failure. Part of the message shows us only of our need for grace; the rest reveals how it has or can come to us in Jesus. God loves us with all our imperfections, and because He does, He does not leave us this way. Grace is an enabling power which promises to overcome every human failing. God not only promises to forgive but also to transform. Conversations Within ts 6/11/2012 (Jax, FL)
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
“Amazing grace how sweet the sound!” John Newton
“Whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Jesus
Grace is only “amazing” to those who realize just how great the extent of the debt that God has remitted on our behalf. If I fail to understand my great need for grace, I will never understand the greatness of the grace God has given to me. Of course, it is important not to get stuck on this note however true it is. The whole hymn must be sung. I am persuaded that God does not want us to walk about all the time about our spiritual blindness. Now that grace has come into our lives we can celebrate how wonderful it is that we can now see. Conversations Within ts 6/9/2012 (Jax)
Grace is only “amazing” to those who realize just how great the extent of the debt that God has remitted on our behalf. If I fail to understand my great need for grace, I will never understand the greatness of the grace God has given to me. Of course, it is important not to get stuck on this note however true it is. The whole hymn must be sung. I am persuaded that God does not want us to walk about all the time about our spiritual blindness. Now that grace has come into our lives we can celebrate how wonderful it is that we can now see. Conversations Within ts 6/9/2012 (Jax)
“Amazing grace how sweet the sound!” John Newton
“Whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Jesus
Grace is only “amazing” to those who realize just how great the extent of the debt that God has remitted on our behalf. If I fail to understand my great need for grace, I will never understand the greatness of the grace God has given to me. Of course, it is important not to get stuck on this note however true it is. The whole hymn must be sung. I am persuaded that God does not want us to walk about all the time about our spiritual blindness. Now that grace has come into our lives we can celebrate how wonderful it is that we can now see. Conversations Within ts 6/9/2012 (Jax)
Grace is only “amazing” to those who realize just how great the extent of the debt that God has remitted on our behalf. If I fail to understand my great need for grace, I will never understand the greatness of the grace God has given to me. Of course, it is important not to get stuck on this note however true it is. The whole hymn must be sung. I am persuaded that God does not want us to walk about all the time about our spiritual blindness. Now that grace has come into our lives we can celebrate how wonderful it is that we can now see. Conversations Within ts 6/9/2012 (Jax)
Monday, June 18, 2012
Every generation has witnessed its own episodes of amazing grace.
“He gives more grace.” James 4
John Newton's “Amazing Grace” tops the list of favorite Christian hymns year after year. It is easy to understand why. Christians in every generation have their own story of God's remarkable grace; indeed grace defines what it means to be a Christian. When I consider my personal history it is nothing short of amazing, not only that God has forgiven me time and time again but I experience remarkable kindnesses from Him every day. God is good to me. He is good to me even though He knows the sins I will commit tomorrow. Amazing! Conversations Within ts 6/11/2012 (Jax, FL)
John Newton's “Amazing Grace” tops the list of favorite Christian hymns year after year. It is easy to understand why. Christians in every generation have their own story of God's remarkable grace; indeed grace defines what it means to be a Christian. When I consider my personal history it is nothing short of amazing, not only that God has forgiven me time and time again but I experience remarkable kindnesses from Him every day. God is good to me. He is good to me even though He knows the sins I will commit tomorrow. Amazing! Conversations Within ts 6/11/2012 (Jax, FL)
Every generation has witnessed its own episodes of amazing grace.
“He gives more grace.” James 4
John Newton's “Amazing Grace” tops the list of favorite Christian hymns year after year. It is easy to understand why. Christians in every generation have their own story of God's remarkable grace; indeed grace defines what it means to be a Christian. When I consider my personal history it is nothing short of amazing, not only that God has forgiven me time and time again but I experience remarkable kindnesses from Him every day. God is good to me. He is good to me even though He knows the sins I will commit tomorrow. Amazing! Conversations Within ts 6/11/2012 (Jax, FL)
John Newton's “Amazing Grace” tops the list of favorite Christian hymns year after year. It is easy to understand why. Christians in every generation have their own story of God's remarkable grace; indeed grace defines what it means to be a Christian. When I consider my personal history it is nothing short of amazing, not only that God has forgiven me time and time again but I experience remarkable kindnesses from Him every day. God is good to me. He is good to me even though He knows the sins I will commit tomorrow. Amazing! Conversations Within ts 6/11/2012 (Jax, FL)
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Give thanks for what you are now, and keep fighting for what you want to be tomorrow. Fernanda Miramontes-Landeros
'In everything give thanks.” 1Thess.5
When I pray for my friends I usually begin with some word of thanks. I suppose it would be proper to do this when I am praying for myself as well. I don't mean giving thanks just for blessings but for who I happen to be at the moment, even if I am not satisfied with it. Each of us are a work in process, an unfinished painting. It is enough that God is painting on the canvas of our soul. What I am today is another stroke of His brush toward what I will eventually be. That alone is enough to give thanks. Conversations Within ts 6/9/2012 (Jax)
When I pray for my friends I usually begin with some word of thanks. I suppose it would be proper to do this when I am praying for myself as well. I don't mean giving thanks just for blessings but for who I happen to be at the moment, even if I am not satisfied with it. Each of us are a work in process, an unfinished painting. It is enough that God is painting on the canvas of our soul. What I am today is another stroke of His brush toward what I will eventually be. That alone is enough to give thanks. Conversations Within ts 6/9/2012 (Jax)
Give thanks for what you are now, and keep fighting for what you want to be tomorrow. Fernanda Miramontes-Landeros
'In everything give thanks.” 1Thess.5
When I pray for my friends I usually begin with some word of thanks. I suppose it would be proper to do this when I am praying for myself as well. I don't mean giving thanks just for blessings but for who I happen to be at the moment, even if I am not satisfied with it. Each of us are a work in process, an unfinished painting. It is enough that God is painting on the canvas of our soul. What I am today is another stroke of His brush toward what I will eventually be. That alone is enough to give thanks. Conversations Within ts 6/9/2012 (Jax)
When I pray for my friends I usually begin with some word of thanks. I suppose it would be proper to do this when I am praying for myself as well. I don't mean giving thanks just for blessings but for who I happen to be at the moment, even if I am not satisfied with it. Each of us are a work in process, an unfinished painting. It is enough that God is painting on the canvas of our soul. What I am today is another stroke of His brush toward what I will eventually be. That alone is enough to give thanks. Conversations Within ts 6/9/2012 (Jax)
Thursday, June 14, 2012
“To sensible men, every day is a day of reckoning.” John W. Gardner
“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” 1Cor.11
Each day presents us with an opportunity not only to do some good in this world, but to review our performance doing it. Personal review is as important as personal planning, maybe more so. An honest self-evaluation can transform good intentions into good actions. If I bring my actions into the light of my own judgment each and every day, the final Judgment can be a delight instead of something to be ashamed about. Conversations Within ts 6/8/2012 (Jax)
Each day presents us with an opportunity not only to do some good in this world, but to review our performance doing it. Personal review is as important as personal planning, maybe more so. An honest self-evaluation can transform good intentions into good actions. If I bring my actions into the light of my own judgment each and every day, the final Judgment can be a delight instead of something to be ashamed about. Conversations Within ts 6/8/2012 (Jax)
“To sensible men, every day is a day of reckoning.” John W. Gardner
“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” 1Cor.11
Each day presents us with an opportunity not only to do some good in this world, but to review our performance doing it. Personal review is as important as personal planning, maybe more so. An honest self-evaluation can transform good intentions into good actions. If I bring my actions into the light of my own judgment each and every day, the final Judgment can be a delight instead of something to be ashamed about. Conversations Within ts 6/8/2012 (Jax)
Each day presents us with an opportunity not only to do some good in this world, but to review our performance doing it. Personal review is as important as personal planning, maybe more so. An honest self-evaluation can transform good intentions into good actions. If I bring my actions into the light of my own judgment each and every day, the final Judgment can be a delight instead of something to be ashamed about. Conversations Within ts 6/8/2012 (Jax)
“Don't look where you fell, but where you slipped.” African Proverb
“A wise man considers his steps.” Prov14
If I want to lose weight, I should not just give up eating potato chips at night; I should not buy them when I am at the store. Some habits are best broken by changing others. If I want to rise early for exercise, I probably need to adjust my bedtime the night before. "Every battle is won before it is fought." So says Sun Tzu in his classic “The Art of War.” How serious am I about winning the battle of positive change? Conversations Within ts 6/7/2012 (Jax)
If I want to lose weight, I should not just give up eating potato chips at night; I should not buy them when I am at the store. Some habits are best broken by changing others. If I want to rise early for exercise, I probably need to adjust my bedtime the night before. "Every battle is won before it is fought." So says Sun Tzu in his classic “The Art of War.” How serious am I about winning the battle of positive change? Conversations Within ts 6/7/2012 (Jax)
“Don't look where you fell, but where you slipped.” African Proverb
“A wise man considers his steps.” Prov14
If I want to lose weight, I should not just give up eating potato chips at night; I should not buy them when I am at the store. Some habits are best broken by changing others. If I want to rise early for exercise, I probably need to adjust my bedtime the night before. "Every battle is won before it is fought." So says Sun Tzu in his classic “The Art of War.” How serious am I about winning the battle of positive change? Conversations Within ts 6/7/2012 (Jax)
If I want to lose weight, I should not just give up eating potato chips at night; I should not buy them when I am at the store. Some habits are best broken by changing others. If I want to rise early for exercise, I probably need to adjust my bedtime the night before. "Every battle is won before it is fought." So says Sun Tzu in his classic “The Art of War.” How serious am I about winning the battle of positive change? Conversations Within ts 6/7/2012 (Jax)
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
“You will turn over many a futile new leaf till you learn we must all write on scratched-out pages.” ~Mignon McLaughlin
“For now we see dimly as in a mirror.” !Cor.13
The other day my wife and I bought a new mirror for the bathroom. When we got out to the car to take it home we noticed that it had a defect right in the middle of it. She looked at me and asked if we should take it back. Not wanting to stand in line again, we both shrugged and agreed not to. We decided that every time we see the defect, it could remind us that nothing in this place is perfect. Isn't this always true, especially when you are looking in a mirror? Conversations Within ts 6/6/2012 (Jax)
The other day my wife and I bought a new mirror for the bathroom. When we got out to the car to take it home we noticed that it had a defect right in the middle of it. She looked at me and asked if we should take it back. Not wanting to stand in line again, we both shrugged and agreed not to. We decided that every time we see the defect, it could remind us that nothing in this place is perfect. Isn't this always true, especially when you are looking in a mirror? Conversations Within ts 6/6/2012 (Jax)
“You will turn over many a futile new leaf till you learn we must all write on scratched-out pages.” ~Mignon McLaughlin
“For now we see dimly as in a mirror.” !Cor.13
The other day my wife and I bought a new mirror for the bathroom. When we got out to the car to take it home we noticed that it had a defect right in the middle of it. She looked at me and asked if we should take it back. Not wanting to stand in line again, we both shrugged and agreed not to. We decided that every time we see the defect, it could remind us that nothing in this place is perfect. Isn't this always true, especially when you are looking in a mirror? Conversations Within ts 6/6/2012 (Jax)
The other day my wife and I bought a new mirror for the bathroom. When we got out to the car to take it home we noticed that it had a defect right in the middle of it. She looked at me and asked if we should take it back. Not wanting to stand in line again, we both shrugged and agreed not to. We decided that every time we see the defect, it could remind us that nothing in this place is perfect. Isn't this always true, especially when you are looking in a mirror? Conversations Within ts 6/6/2012 (Jax)
Monday, June 11, 2012
“We have a choice every day - to act on yesterday's good intentions or get an early start on tomorrow's regrets. ~Robert Brault
“Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Jesus
When I gave up cigars, I learned that it is possible to stop certain behaviors and never do them again. It makes good sense to purge harmful things from our lives. Things like complaining, criticizing or feeling sorry for yourself can be dumped like any bad habit. The moment we stop making the excuse, “Well, I'm only human,” and get serious about dealing with bad habits, we can rid ourselves of them—with help of course. This is one aspect of the good old fashioned repentance Jesus spoke about. Of course, we must want to rid ourselves of bad stuff and for that we need the good old fashioned grace He promised. Conversations Within ts 6/5/2012 (Jax)
When I gave up cigars, I learned that it is possible to stop certain behaviors and never do them again. It makes good sense to purge harmful things from our lives. Things like complaining, criticizing or feeling sorry for yourself can be dumped like any bad habit. The moment we stop making the excuse, “Well, I'm only human,” and get serious about dealing with bad habits, we can rid ourselves of them—with help of course. This is one aspect of the good old fashioned repentance Jesus spoke about. Of course, we must want to rid ourselves of bad stuff and for that we need the good old fashioned grace He promised. Conversations Within ts 6/5/2012 (Jax)
“We have a choice every day - to act on yesterday's good intentions or get an early start on tomorrow's regrets. ~Robert Brault
“Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Jesus
When I gave up cigars, I learned that it is possible to stop certain behaviors and never do them again. It makes good sense to purge harmful things from our lives. Things like complaining, criticizing or feeling sorry for yourself can be dumped like any bad habit. The moment we stop making the excuse, “Well, I'm only human,” and get serious about dealing with bad habits, we can rid ourselves of them—with help of course. This is one aspect of the good old fashioned repentance Jesus spoke about. Of course, we must want to rid ourselves of bad stuff and for that we need the good old fashioned grace He promised. Conversations Within ts 6/5/2012 (Jax)
When I gave up cigars, I learned that it is possible to stop certain behaviors and never do them again. It makes good sense to purge harmful things from our lives. Things like complaining, criticizing or feeling sorry for yourself can be dumped like any bad habit. The moment we stop making the excuse, “Well, I'm only human,” and get serious about dealing with bad habits, we can rid ourselves of them—with help of course. This is one aspect of the good old fashioned repentance Jesus spoke about. Of course, we must want to rid ourselves of bad stuff and for that we need the good old fashioned grace He promised. Conversations Within ts 6/5/2012 (Jax)
“Remember, if you’re headed in the wrong direction, God allows U-turns!” Allison Gappa Bottke
“...from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” 2Tim.3
If I have made a bad decision, it does not necessarily follow that I must follow it with another. The best response to falling down is to get up. If I make a poor choice, let me make a better one. If I have made a wrong turn, U-turns are allowed. This is especially true where relationships are concerned. If if I have hurt someone I care about, I should not let my pride get the best of me. Admit the wrong and ask the person's forgiveness. It doesn't hurt to ask for God's as well. Conversations Within ts 6/4c/2012 (Jax)
If I have made a bad decision, it does not necessarily follow that I must follow it with another. The best response to falling down is to get up. If I make a poor choice, let me make a better one. If I have made a wrong turn, U-turns are allowed. This is especially true where relationships are concerned. If if I have hurt someone I care about, I should not let my pride get the best of me. Admit the wrong and ask the person's forgiveness. It doesn't hurt to ask for God's as well. Conversations Within ts 6/4c/2012 (Jax)
“Remember, if you’re headed in the wrong direction, God allows U-turns!” Allison Gappa Bottke
“...from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” 2Tim.3
If I have made a bad decision, it does not necessarily follow that I must follow it with another. The best response to falling down is to get up. If I make a poor choice, let me make a better one. If I have made a wrong turn, U-turns are allowed. This is especially true where relationships are concerned. If if I have hurt someone I care about, I should not let my pride get the best of me. Admit the wrong and ask the person's forgiveness. It doesn't hurt to ask for God's as well. Conversations Within ts 6/4c/2012 (Jax)
If I have made a bad decision, it does not necessarily follow that I must follow it with another. The best response to falling down is to get up. If I make a poor choice, let me make a better one. If I have made a wrong turn, U-turns are allowed. This is especially true where relationships are concerned. If if I have hurt someone I care about, I should not let my pride get the best of me. Admit the wrong and ask the person's forgiveness. It doesn't hurt to ask for God's as well. Conversations Within ts 6/4c/2012 (Jax)
Saturday, June 9, 2012
“Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough...
Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.” Kent M. Keith
“As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.” 2Thess.3
If something is good then it is good. I can see no reason to want anything else. Why would we want something bad? If you think about it, it is in our power to do good things, think good thoughts, speak good words—to always be a benefit to others, ourselves and our environment. God is good. He is good all of the time. Be good! It sounds like something we would say to a child or that a child would say. Of course, Jesus told us that unless we become like little children we cannot enter His Kingdom. Conversations Within ts 6/2/2012 (Jax)
“As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.” 2Thess.3
If something is good then it is good. I can see no reason to want anything else. Why would we want something bad? If you think about it, it is in our power to do good things, think good thoughts, speak good words—to always be a benefit to others, ourselves and our environment. God is good. He is good all of the time. Be good! It sounds like something we would say to a child or that a child would say. Of course, Jesus told us that unless we become like little children we cannot enter His Kingdom. Conversations Within ts 6/2/2012 (Jax)
“Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough...
Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.” Kent M. Keith
“As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.” 2Thess.3
If something is good then it is good. I can see no reason to want anything else. Why would we want something bad? If you think about it, it is in our power to do good things, think good thoughts, speak good words—to always be a benefit to others, ourselves and our environment. God is good. He is good all of the time. Be good! It sounds like something we would say to a child or that a child would say. Of course, Jesus told us that unless we become like little children we cannot enter His Kingdom. Conversations Within ts 6/2/2012 (Jax)
“As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.” 2Thess.3
If something is good then it is good. I can see no reason to want anything else. Why would we want something bad? If you think about it, it is in our power to do good things, think good thoughts, speak good words—to always be a benefit to others, ourselves and our environment. God is good. He is good all of the time. Be good! It sounds like something we would say to a child or that a child would say. Of course, Jesus told us that unless we become like little children we cannot enter His Kingdom. Conversations Within ts 6/2/2012 (Jax)
Friday, June 8, 2012
”The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.” Kent M. Keith
“He will not forget your work and love you have shown...” Heb.6
People, even the people closest to you, may forget what you do for them. We are given the assurance that God does not. But doing good is its own reward even without the promise that God will reward us for our labors. We may reward a child with an ice cream cone for behaving at the store, but as children mature they understand that good behavior is good without ice cream. By promising to reward our labors, God is not bribing us to be good; He is inviting us to experience the overflow of His own joy and goodness. All the rewards of Heaven are more kin to the rewards of marriage instead of receiving a paycheck. Someone has rightly said, “Heaven offers nothing that a mercenary soul can desire.” Conversations Within ts 6/1/2012 (Jax)
People, even the people closest to you, may forget what you do for them. We are given the assurance that God does not. But doing good is its own reward even without the promise that God will reward us for our labors. We may reward a child with an ice cream cone for behaving at the store, but as children mature they understand that good behavior is good without ice cream. By promising to reward our labors, God is not bribing us to be good; He is inviting us to experience the overflow of His own joy and goodness. All the rewards of Heaven are more kin to the rewards of marriage instead of receiving a paycheck. Someone has rightly said, “Heaven offers nothing that a mercenary soul can desire.” Conversations Within ts 6/1/2012 (Jax)
”The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.” Kent M. Keith
“He will not forget your work and love you have shown...” Heb.6
People, even the people closest to you, may forget what you do for them. We are given the assurance that God does not. But doing good is its own reward even without the promise that God will reward us for our labors. We may reward a child with an ice cream cone for behaving at the store, but as children mature they understand that good behavior is good without ice cream. By promising to reward our labors, God is not bribing us to be good; He is inviting us to experience the overflow of His own joy and goodness. All the rewards of Heaven are more kin to the rewards of marriage instead of receiving a paycheck. Someone has rightly said, “Heaven offers nothing that a mercenary soul can desire.” Conversations Within ts 6/1/2012 (Jax)
People, even the people closest to you, may forget what you do for them. We are given the assurance that God does not. But doing good is its own reward even without the promise that God will reward us for our labors. We may reward a child with an ice cream cone for behaving at the store, but as children mature they understand that good behavior is good without ice cream. By promising to reward our labors, God is not bribing us to be good; He is inviting us to experience the overflow of His own joy and goodness. All the rewards of Heaven are more kin to the rewards of marriage instead of receiving a paycheck. Someone has rightly said, “Heaven offers nothing that a mercenary soul can desire.” Conversations Within ts 6/1/2012 (Jax)
Thursday, June 7, 2012
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. Kent M. Keith
'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.' Jesus
Some people will not be happy no matter what you do. The key is to love them without allowing them to steal your joy. I say this metaphorically, because true joy can't really be stolen from us anyway--but it can be lost if we let it. It is sad when we let this happen. The joy of Christ is resting in the perfect will of God. A part of this is realizing that it is God's will, at least in some ways, that people be able to resist His will. We may find no joy when they do but we can find joy in God's wisdom for allowing it. Conversations Within ts 5/31/2012 (Jax)
Some people will not be happy no matter what you do. The key is to love them without allowing them to steal your joy. I say this metaphorically, because true joy can't really be stolen from us anyway--but it can be lost if we let it. It is sad when we let this happen. The joy of Christ is resting in the perfect will of God. A part of this is realizing that it is God's will, at least in some ways, that people be able to resist His will. We may find no joy when they do but we can find joy in God's wisdom for allowing it. Conversations Within ts 5/31/2012 (Jax)
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. Kent M. Keith
'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.' Jesus
Some people will not be happy no matter what you do. The key is to love them without allowing them to steal your joy. I say this metaphorically, because true joy can't really be stolen from us anyway--but it can be lost if we let it. It is sad when we let this happen. The joy of Christ is resting in the perfect will of God. A part of this is realizing that it is God's will, at least in some ways, that people be able to resist His will. We may find no joy when they do but we can find joy in God's wisdom for allowing it. Conversations Within ts 5/31/2012 (Jax)
Some people will not be happy no matter what you do. The key is to love them without allowing them to steal your joy. I say this metaphorically, because true joy can't really be stolen from us anyway--but it can be lost if we let it. It is sad when we let this happen. The joy of Christ is resting in the perfect will of God. A part of this is realizing that it is God's will, at least in some ways, that people be able to resist His will. We may find no joy when they do but we can find joy in God's wisdom for allowing it. Conversations Within ts 5/31/2012 (Jax)
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
“If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.” Kent M. Keith
“Having your conversation honest...” 1Pet.2 KJV
It is interesting that most translations of the Bible use the word “conduct” or “behavior” where the King James uses the word “conversation.” But in King Jimmy's day, your conduct was your conversation. It is not honest talk but honest actions that speak loudest. Our walk is our talk in the sense that our walk is what people hear. Let me at least be honest with myself and admit that what I do is the only conversation that people care about or that counts. Conversations Within ts 5/30/2012 (Jax)
It is interesting that most translations of the Bible use the word “conduct” or “behavior” where the King James uses the word “conversation.” But in King Jimmy's day, your conduct was your conversation. It is not honest talk but honest actions that speak loudest. Our walk is our talk in the sense that our walk is what people hear. Let me at least be honest with myself and admit that what I do is the only conversation that people care about or that counts. Conversations Within ts 5/30/2012 (Jax)
“If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.” Kent M. Keith
“Having your conversation honest...” 1Pet.2 KJV
It is interesting that most translations of the Bible use the word “conduct” or “behavior” where the King James uses the word “conversation.” But in King Jimmy's day, your conduct was your conversation. It is not honest talk but honest actions that speak loudest. Our walk is our talk in the sense that our walk is what people hear. Let me at least be honest with myself and admit that what I do is the only conversation that people care about or that counts. Conversations Within ts 5/30/2012 (Jax)
It is interesting that most translations of the Bible use the word “conduct” or “behavior” where the King James uses the word “conversation.” But in King Jimmy's day, your conduct was your conversation. It is not honest talk but honest actions that speak loudest. Our walk is our talk in the sense that our walk is what people hear. Let me at least be honest with myself and admit that what I do is the only conversation that people care about or that counts. Conversations Within ts 5/30/2012 (Jax)
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
”If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.” Kent M. Keith
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 1Pet.3
People can be a suspicious lot. Even so, we are not required to reciprocate with the same attitude. It is always our prerogative to choose kindness--and why shouldn't we? I am never happy when I act as unhappy people do. That is like eating a mud pie because others are eating it. Kindness reminds me that chocolate cake is on the menu. Each of us stand at the buffet of good and bad experiences. Why eat things which always make you feel bad when there are so many good choices that always make you feel good? Kindness is one of them. Conversations Within ts 5/29/2012 (Jax)
People can be a suspicious lot. Even so, we are not required to reciprocate with the same attitude. It is always our prerogative to choose kindness--and why shouldn't we? I am never happy when I act as unhappy people do. That is like eating a mud pie because others are eating it. Kindness reminds me that chocolate cake is on the menu. Each of us stand at the buffet of good and bad experiences. Why eat things which always make you feel bad when there are so many good choices that always make you feel good? Kindness is one of them. Conversations Within ts 5/29/2012 (Jax)
”If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.” Kent M. Keith
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 1Pet.3
People can be a suspicious lot. Even so, we are not required to reciprocate with the same attitude. It is always our prerogative to choose kindness--and why shouldn't we? I am never happy when I act as unhappy people do. That is like eating a mud pie because others are eating it. Kindness reminds me that chocolate cake is on the menu. Each of us stand at the buffet of good and bad experiences. Why eat things which always make you feel bad when there are so many good choices that always make you feel good? Kindness is one of them. Conversations Within ts 5/29/2012 (Jax)
People can be a suspicious lot. Even so, we are not required to reciprocate with the same attitude. It is always our prerogative to choose kindness--and why shouldn't we? I am never happy when I act as unhappy people do. That is like eating a mud pie because others are eating it. Kindness reminds me that chocolate cake is on the menu. Each of us stand at the buffet of good and bad experiences. Why eat things which always make you feel bad when there are so many good choices that always make you feel good? Kindness is one of them. Conversations Within ts 5/29/2012 (Jax)
Sunday, June 3, 2012
“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway” Kent M. Keith
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” Eph.4
Jesus teaches us to forgive people not because they deserve it but because we deserve it. Not that we deserve in the sense that we have earned it but because goodness is what God has in mind for people made in His image--and, it is good to forgive. We do our neighbor a good turn when we forgive them; we do ourselves a good turn also. We could hardly improve on spending each day pursuing goodness. If I want to have a good day, let me express goodness in everything I do. Let me do it for no other reason than simply because good is good. Conversations Within ts 5/28/2012 (Jax
Jesus teaches us to forgive people not because they deserve it but because we deserve it. Not that we deserve in the sense that we have earned it but because goodness is what God has in mind for people made in His image--and, it is good to forgive. We do our neighbor a good turn when we forgive them; we do ourselves a good turn also. We could hardly improve on spending each day pursuing goodness. If I want to have a good day, let me express goodness in everything I do. Let me do it for no other reason than simply because good is good. Conversations Within ts 5/28/2012 (Jax
“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway” Kent M. Keith
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” Eph.4
Jesus teaches us to forgive people not because they deserve it but because we deserve it. Not that we deserve in the sense that we have earned it but because goodness is what God has in mind for people made in His image--and, it is good to forgive. We do our neighbor a good turn when we forgive them; we do ourselves a good turn also. We could hardly improve on spending each day pursuing goodness. If I want to have a good day, let me express goodness in everything I do. Let me do it for no other reason than simply because good is good. Conversations Within ts 5/28/2012 (Jax
Jesus teaches us to forgive people not because they deserve it but because we deserve it. Not that we deserve in the sense that we have earned it but because goodness is what God has in mind for people made in His image--and, it is good to forgive. We do our neighbor a good turn when we forgive them; we do ourselves a good turn also. We could hardly improve on spending each day pursuing goodness. If I want to have a good day, let me express goodness in everything I do. Let me do it for no other reason than simply because good is good. Conversations Within ts 5/28/2012 (Jax
Saturday, June 2, 2012
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.” Abraham Lincoln
[The King should] not consider himself better than his brothers. Deut.17
We are encouraged to see a limitation as opportunity for greater faith and to be aware that power can become an obstacle to it. But both can be equally good when we look to God. Limitation and power are both blessings when they shape our focus toward goodness. When God gives us power it is so He can channel blessings through us to others. When God gives us limitations the reason is the same. Who is not inspired when they see someone with power using it humbly to serve, or see people with limitation doing the same thing? Conversations Within ts 5/26/2012 (Jax)
We are encouraged to see a limitation as opportunity for greater faith and to be aware that power can become an obstacle to it. But both can be equally good when we look to God. Limitation and power are both blessings when they shape our focus toward goodness. When God gives us power it is so He can channel blessings through us to others. When God gives us limitations the reason is the same. Who is not inspired when they see someone with power using it humbly to serve, or see people with limitation doing the same thing? Conversations Within ts 5/26/2012 (Jax)
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.” Abraham Lincoln
[The King should] not consider himself better than his brothers. Deut.17
We are encouraged to see a limitation as opportunity for greater faith and to be aware that power can become an obstacle to it. But both can be equally good when we look to God. Limitation and power are both blessings when they shape our focus toward goodness. When God gives us power it is so He can channel blessings through us to others. When God gives us limitations the reason is the same. Who is not inspired when they see someone with power using it humbly to serve, or see people with limitation doing the same thing? Conversations Within ts 5/26/2012 (Jax)
We are encouraged to see a limitation as opportunity for greater faith and to be aware that power can become an obstacle to it. But both can be equally good when we look to God. Limitation and power are both blessings when they shape our focus toward goodness. When God gives us power it is so He can channel blessings through us to others. When God gives us limitations the reason is the same. Who is not inspired when they see someone with power using it humbly to serve, or see people with limitation doing the same thing? Conversations Within ts 5/26/2012 (Jax)
Friday, June 1, 2012
“Just as we develop our physical muscles....lifting weights - we develop our character muscles by overcoming challenges and adversity.” Stephen Covey
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Rom.8
Space travel has taught us one great benefit of gravity. Without the resistance it provides every time we sit or stand up, our muscles would soon become feeble and useless. It seems clear that we need weight training even if it is our own. Learning to walk “uphill” develops perseverance, and perseverance teaches us to overcome. I can think of no other way to ascend, if you take my meaning. All adversity and opposition, even limitations expressed in things like economic hardship, or sickness can nurture strength of character. The one thing that enables this to happen is the faith attitude that goodness--His goodness--is veiled in all trial. Conversations Within ts 5/25/2012 (Jax)
Space travel has taught us one great benefit of gravity. Without the resistance it provides every time we sit or stand up, our muscles would soon become feeble and useless. It seems clear that we need weight training even if it is our own. Learning to walk “uphill” develops perseverance, and perseverance teaches us to overcome. I can think of no other way to ascend, if you take my meaning. All adversity and opposition, even limitations expressed in things like economic hardship, or sickness can nurture strength of character. The one thing that enables this to happen is the faith attitude that goodness--His goodness--is veiled in all trial. Conversations Within ts 5/25/2012 (Jax)
“Just as we develop our physical muscles....lifting weights - we develop our character muscles by overcoming challenges and adversity.” Stephen Covey
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Rom.8
Space travel has taught us one great benefit of gravity. Without the resistance it provides every time we sit or stand up, our muscles would soon become feeble and useless. It seems clear that we need weight training even if it is our own. Learning to walk “uphill” develops perseverance, and perseverance teaches us to overcome. I can think of no other way to ascend, if you take my meaning. All adversity and opposition, even limitations expressed in things like economic hardship, or sickness can nurture strength of character. The one thing that enables this to happen is the faith attitude that goodness--His goodness--is veiled in all trial. Conversations Within ts 5/25/2012 (Jax)
Space travel has taught us one great benefit of gravity. Without the resistance it provides every time we sit or stand up, our muscles would soon become feeble and useless. It seems clear that we need weight training even if it is our own. Learning to walk “uphill” develops perseverance, and perseverance teaches us to overcome. I can think of no other way to ascend, if you take my meaning. All adversity and opposition, even limitations expressed in things like economic hardship, or sickness can nurture strength of character. The one thing that enables this to happen is the faith attitude that goodness--His goodness--is veiled in all trial. Conversations Within ts 5/25/2012 (Jax)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)