“Love changes what is probable and makes unlikely things possible.” Ally Condie

And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, Eph.2 Whenever we see an act of kindness, or someone forgiving another who has hurt them, or compassion being expressed toward those in need, it is not so much an expression of human goodness as it is evidence of divine grace working in people. Whatever we are in our best moments we owe to the grace of God. This is why gracious people are grateful people instead of braggarts. Conversations Within ts 9/24/2012 (Hayneville, AL)

“Love changes what is probable and makes unlikely things possible.” Ally Condie

And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, Eph.2 Whenever we see an act of kindness, or someone forgiving another who has hurt them, or compassion being expressed toward those in need, it is not so much an expression of human goodness as it is evidence of divine grace working in people. Whatever we are in our best moments we owe to the grace of God. This is why gracious people are grateful people instead of braggarts. Conversations Within ts 9/24/2012 (Hayneville, AL)

“It is the big choices we make that set our direction. It is the smallest choices we make that get us to the destination.” Shad Helmstetter

Catch us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes. Song of Solomon 2:15 What good is a big decision to do something if I make the small decision to put it off till tomorrow. A tiny splinter or small blister can hinder your progress and small sins can keep you from knowing God. What value is there if I give God a big “yes” and refuse Him with a bunch of little “nos.” Life is surely in the details. Conversations Within ts 9/22/2012 (Birmingham, AL)

“It is the big choices we make that set our direction. It is the smallest choices we make that get us to the destination.” Shad Helmstetter

Catch us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes. Song of Solomon 2:15 What good is a big decision to do something if I make the small decision to put it off till tomorrow. A tiny splinter or small blister can hinder your progress and small sins can keep you from knowing God. What value is there if I give God a big “yes” and refuse Him with a bunch of little “nos.” Life is surely in the details. Conversations Within ts 9/22/2012 (Birmingham, AL)

“Even the best of choices is only as strong as the choices that stand by its side.” ~Shad Helmstetter

“For you have need of endurance...” Heb.10 It is not the initial decision that produces the good fruit we desire, but all the decisions which follow and support it. We choose to eat right when we buy our groceries, not when we go to the pantry. We must follow one good decision with others which support it. And we must keep doing so until it is no longer a decision but the mature reflection of a mature character. Conversations Within ts 9/21/2012 (Birmingham, AL)

“Even the best of choices is only as strong as the choices that stand by its side.” ~Shad Helmstetter

“For you have need of endurance...” Heb.10 It is not the initial decision that produces the good fruit we desire, but all the decisions which follow and support it. We choose to eat right when we buy our groceries, not when we go to the pantry. We must follow one good decision with others which support it. And we must keep doing so until it is no longer a decision but the mature reflection of a mature character. Conversations Within ts 9/21/2012 (Birmingham, AL)

“But until a person can say deeply and honestly, "I am what I am today because of the choices I made yesterday," that person cannot say, "I choose otherwise.” Stephen Covey

“Today if you hear His voice do not harden your heart.” Heb.3 Let me certainly take responsibility for the choices I have made but especially for the choices I will make. This means thinking things through before you choose. Visualize the power of a single choice and not just its immediate consequences but also how it will incline future decisions. If I say no to some prompting of God’s Spirit in me it will certainly have consequences--probably not the least of which will be how much easier it will be to refuse Him next time He moves me. Conversations Within ts 9/20/2012 (Birmingham, AL)

“But until a person can say deeply and honestly, "I am what I am today because of the choices I made yesterday," that person cannot say, "I choose otherwise.” Stephen Covey

“Today if you hear His voice do not harden your heart.” Heb.3 Let me certainly take responsibility for the choices I have made but especially for the choices I will make. This means thinking things through before you choose. Visualize the power of a single choice and not just its immediate consequences but also how it will incline future decisions. If I say no to some prompting of God’s Spirit in me it will certainly have consequences--probably not the least of which will be how much easier it will be to refuse Him next time He moves me. Conversations Within ts 9/20/2012 (Birmingham, AL)

The freedom to choose may be lost by the choices we make.

“But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” Gen.3 (Spoken to Cain before He murdered his brother Able.) If I decide that I will not forgive someone I may lose the ability to do so. Over time repeatedly refusing to forgive can lock us in a prison of bitterness. If I delay the choice to get over a past injury, it may fester into a lifelong illness. If I hold on to some hurt, the hurt may hold on to me and never let go. We can lose our freedom and make ourselves slaves by repeating bad decisions. An addict used to be someone who had the freedom to say no or to refuse that second drink or forgive an insult. Make the choice to let it go before you can’t. Conversations Within ts 9/19/2012 (Birmingham, AL)

The freedom to choose may be lost by the choices we make.

“But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” Gen.3 (Spoken to Cain before He murdered his brother Able.) If I decide that I will not forgive someone I may lose the ability to do so. Over time repeatedly refusing to forgive can lock us in a prison of bitterness. If I delay the choice to get over a past injury, it may fester into a lifelong illness. If I hold on to some hurt, the hurt may hold on to me and never let go. We can lose our freedom and make ourselves slaves by repeating bad decisions. An addict used to be someone who had the freedom to say no or to refuse that second drink or forgive an insult. Make the choice to let it go before you can’t. Conversations Within ts 9/19/2012 (Birmingham, AL)

“It is our choices...that show us what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter

A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. Jesus I am what I decide to do. It is not what I know or how good my intentions might be: in the final analysis it is what I do that determines who I am. But which come first, the chicken or the egg? Could it not also be said that what I am determines the choices I will make? Are both not true that an evil heart makes evil choices and evil choices make an evil heart? Thank God this is not our whole story. Grace intervenes and with it a new heart with new desires is born. Grace does not change the law of choices. It uses choice to remake who we are. Conversations Within ts 9/18/2012 (Birmingham, AL)

“It is our choices...that show us what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter

A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. Jesus I am what I decide to do. It is not what I know or how good my intentions might be: in the final analysis it is what I do that determines who I am. But which come first, the chicken or the egg? Could it not also be said that what I am determines the choices I will make? Are both not true that an evil heart makes evil choices and evil choices make an evil heart? Thank God this is not our whole story. Grace intervenes and with it a new heart with new desires is born. Grace does not change the law of choices. It uses choice to remake who we are. Conversations Within ts 9/18/2012 (Birmingham, AL)

“People are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Abraham Lincoln

1“I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life...” Deut.30 ESV

It makes sense to me that choice is necessary if there is any real love to exist between God and me. Even so, my choices do not always bring me what is good. I wish I could make up my mind to never make a bad choice again. But wishing doesn’t make it so. The truth is that we must make up our mind a hundred times a day if we would choose the superior delights of joy over some of the temporal pleasures that have enslaved us. Our only hope is that God helps us with this. Conversations Within ts 9/17/2012 (Hayneville, AL)

“People are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Abraham Lincoln

1“I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life...” Deut.30 ESV

It makes sense to me that choice is necessary if there is any real love to exist between God and me. Even so, my choices do not always bring me what is good. I wish I could make up my mind to never make a bad choice again. But wishing doesn’t make it so. The truth is that we must make up our mind a hundred times a day if we would choose the superior delights of joy over some of the temporal pleasures that have enslaved us. Our only hope is that God helps us with this. Conversations Within ts 9/17/2012 (Hayneville, AL)

Like all gifts, beauty or talent can be a curse when we start taking pride in it and stop giving thanks for it.

“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Prov.31 Everything in life finds its greatest value when it deepens our love for God. This also means that everything loses its value when it does not. Indeed, to love the gift rather than the giver of the gift is a terrible perversion. Beauty or talent are never meant to be shown off but to shine forth the glory that bestowed them. A person can know they are talented or beautiful and be humble about it when they give thanks for these qualities rather than take silly pride in them. Conversations Within ts 9/14/2012 (Jax, FL)

Like all gifts, beauty or talent can be a curse when we start taking pride in it and stop giving thanks for it.

“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Prov.31 Everything in life finds its greatest value when it deepens our love for God. This also means that everything loses its value when it does not. Indeed, to love the gift rather than the giver of the gift is a terrible perversion. Beauty or talent are never meant to be shown off but to shine forth the glory that bestowed them. A person can know they are talented or beautiful and be humble about it when they give thanks for these qualities rather than take silly pride in them. Conversations Within ts 9/14/2012 (Jax, FL)

“A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.” Charles Gordy

“Let your face smile on us, LORD.” Ps.4 Oh, the power of a tender smile; it is a contagious kindness. A smile can shower people with a gentle rain of refreshment and germinate joy even in the garden of a stranger. We can not only affect others with a smile, we can transform our own radiance. Smile at yourself and melt that tendency to be so serious. A smile can turn away the anger of others but it can also take the wind out the sails of your own anger.. Smile at your circumstances with confident hope and God will smile on you. Conversations Within ts 9/14/2012 (Jax, FL)

“A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.” Charles Gordy

“Let your face smile on us, LORD.” Ps.4 Oh, the power of a tender smile; it is a contagious kindness. A smile can shower people with a gentle rain of refreshment and germinate joy even in the garden of a stranger. We can not only affect others with a smile, we can transform our own radiance. Smile at yourself and melt that tendency to be so serious. A smile can turn away the anger of others but it can also take the wind out the sails of your own anger.. Smile at your circumstances with confident hope and God will smile on you. Conversations Within ts 9/14/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Sometimes people are beautiful. Not in looks. Not in what they say. Just in what they are.” Markus Zusak

“For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” 1Sam16

Most people know it is shallow to put too much weight on outward appearance but we still do it. We express subtle discrimination toward obese people or bias against people we deem less educated or poor. God help us all to look past outward appearances and see the soul. Some of the world’s most beautiful people are wrapped in less than appealing outer garb. Don’t deprive yourself of the wealth to be found in spending time in their company. Don’t miss the beauty in others because of something ugly in you. Conversations Within ts 9/13/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Sometimes people are beautiful. Not in looks. Not in what they say. Just in what they are.” Markus Zusak

“For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” 1Sam16

Most people know it is shallow to put too much weight on outward appearance but we still do it. We express subtle discrimination toward obese people or bias against people we deem less educated or poor. God help us all to look past outward appearances and see the soul. Some of the world’s most beautiful people are wrapped in less than appealing outer garb. Don’t deprive yourself of the wealth to be found in spending time in their company. Don’t miss the beauty in others because of something ugly in you. Conversations Within ts 9/13/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Just 'cause there's snow on the roof doesn't mean there's not a fire inside.” Bonnie Hunt

“Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness.” Prov.16 The adage that we should not judge a book by its cover certainly applies to old people. This is especially true in our youth oriented culture. “Old Guys Rule” may be surfer’s lingo, but it also highlights the insight that we should learn to value the skill of living found in older generations. To live and learn is the motto of youthful thinking; to learn and live is the voice of wisdom. Conversations Within ts 9/12/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Just 'cause there's snow on the roof doesn't mean there's not a fire inside.” Bonnie Hunt

“Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness.” Prov.16 The adage that we should not judge a book by its cover certainly applies to old people. This is especially true in our youth oriented culture. “Old Guys Rule” may be surfer’s lingo, but it also highlights the insight that we should learn to value the skill of living found in older generations. To live and learn is the motto of youthful thinking; to learn and live is the voice of wisdom. Conversations Within ts 9/12/2012 (Jax, FL)

”Outer beauty attracts, but inner beauty captivates.” Kate Angell

“But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.” 1Pet.3 We can and should groom the soul just as we do the body. Let me stand in front of the mirror of truth every morning and see if there are lies clinging to me. Let me bathe every morning in the bath of God’s forgiveness and be dried with the towel of true repentance. Let me dress myself with kindness and compassion, and dawn a gentle and quiet spirit. Then the fragrance of love will be my cologne and I will be a joy to the people in my life. Conversations Within ts 9/11/2012 (Jax, FL)

”Outer beauty attracts, but inner beauty captivates.” Kate Angell

“But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.” 1Pet.3 We can and should groom the soul just as we do the body. Let me stand in front of the mirror of truth every morning and see if there are lies clinging to me. Let me bathe every morning in the bath of God’s forgiveness and be dried with the towel of true repentance. Let me dress myself with kindness and compassion, and dawn a gentle and quiet spirit. Then the fragrance of love will be my cologne and I will be a joy to the people in my life. Conversations Within ts 9/11/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Good art is not what it looks like, but what it does to us.” Roy Adzak

“Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Col.1

If I am to be judged by people let it be not by my outward appearance but by the inner value of the faith that is in me and the love that flows from me. Nor let me only talk about God’s goodness but live in such a beautiful manner that moves people to say, “God is good!” I don’t want just to tell people that God loves them, I want to make them feel loved by God. Let me inspire rather than impress. Conversations Within ts 9/11/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Good art is not what it looks like, but what it does to us.” Roy Adzak

“Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Col.1

If I am to be judged by people let it be not by my outward appearance but by the inner value of the faith that is in me and the love that flows from me. Nor let me only talk about God’s goodness but live in such a beautiful manner that moves people to say, “God is good!” I don’t want just to tell people that God loves them, I want to make them feel loved by God. Let me inspire rather than impress. Conversations Within ts 9/11/2012 (Jax, FL)

"It is in the process of being worshipped that God communicates His presence to men." C. S. Lewis

“O worship the Lord...” Ps.96

The butterfly struggles to get out of the chrysalis before it can fly; worship often begins as our duty before it matures into our delight. Worship is not a thing for mood, although it will certainly affect our moods. We must often worship God when we do not feel like it. He will meet us in these moments of faith and reward those who diligently seek Him. If worship is anything, it is discovery. Conversations Within ts 9/8/2012 (Jax, FL)

"It is in the process of being worshipped that God communicates His presence to men." C. S. Lewis

“O worship the Lord...” Ps.96

The butterfly struggles to get out of the chrysalis before it can fly; worship often begins as our duty before it matures into our delight. Worship is not a thing for mood, although it will certainly affect our moods. We must often worship God when we do not feel like it. He will meet us in these moments of faith and reward those who diligently seek Him. If worship is anything, it is discovery. Conversations Within ts 9/8/2012 (Jax, FL)

“God is in the sadness and the laughter, in the bitter and the sweet. There is a divine purpose behind everything — and therefore a divine presence in everything.” Neale Donald Walsch

“By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me.” Ps.42

God is with me whether I sense Him or not. It is better, of course, if I wake to His presence; but even if I do not, He is always there and with purpose. He is Lord of the day when all is bright and clear. He is Lord of the night also when all is dark and I cannot see the way. Sometimes, all we have is a song to sing to remind us that He is there. Sing it! Sing in the night and His sweet music will fill the air and lips of worship will light the way. Conversations Within ts 9/7/2012 (Jax, FL)

“God is in the sadness and the laughter, in the bitter and the sweet. There is a divine purpose behind everything — and therefore a divine presence in everything.” Neale Donald Walsch

“By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me.” Ps.42

God is with me whether I sense Him or not. It is better, of course, if I wake to His presence; but even if I do not, He is always there and with purpose. He is Lord of the day when all is bright and clear. He is Lord of the night also when all is dark and I cannot see the way. Sometimes, all we have is a song to sing to remind us that He is there. Sing it! Sing in the night and His sweet music will fill the air and lips of worship will light the way. Conversations Within ts 9/7/2012 (Jax, FL)

“I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence, I can reach for; perfection is God's business.” Michael J. Fox

“As for God, his way is perfect.” Ps.18

There are many layers to God’s perfection which will keep every seeker on a joyful journey of discovery. We will never find out all there is to His infinite glory and goodness. And, while God is perfect in ways that we will never share, His “way” is perfect, and makes aspects of it communicable to those who walk in it. The familiar prayer; “because the Lord is my shepherd I shall not want,” is one thing that comes immediately to mind. To truly realize what it means to have God as your Father, is to experience a perfect contentment that God will always provide--there will be nothing lacking in life. What a perfect place to be! Conversations Within ts 9/6/2012 (Jax, FL)

“I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence, I can reach for; perfection is God's business.” Michael J. Fox

“As for God, his way is perfect.” Ps.18

There are many layers to God’s perfection which will keep every seeker on a joyful journey of discovery. We will never find out all there is to His infinite glory and goodness. And, while God is perfect in ways that we will never share, His “way” is perfect, and makes aspects of it communicable to those who walk in it. The familiar prayer; “because the Lord is my shepherd I shall not want,” is one thing that comes immediately to mind. To truly realize what it means to have God as your Father, is to experience a perfect contentment that God will always provide--there will be nothing lacking in life. What a perfect place to be! Conversations Within ts 9/6/2012 (Jax, FL)

Talk with God, not just to God.

“"If my people would but listen to me...” Ps.81

The best way to know someone is simply to spend time with them. Why would it be any different with God? If I want to know Him better, let me talk with Him. And, let me talk “with” God not just “to” Him, for true prayer is a dialogue not a monologue. Most people I know tell me that they talk to God everyday but then confess that they rarely read the Bible or take time to really listen for God to speak to them. Of course, we get so caught up in our own little world that we hardly listen to anyone. Instead of thinking what I want to say next, maybe I should just learn to listen. Conversations Within ts 9/5/2012 (Jax, FL)

Talk with God, not just to God.

“"If my people would but listen to me...” Ps.81

The best way to know someone is simply to spend time with them. Why would it be any different with God? If I want to know Him better, let me talk with Him. And, let me talk “with” God not just “to” Him, for true prayer is a dialogue not a monologue. Most people I know tell me that they talk to God everyday but then confess that they rarely read the Bible or take time to really listen for God to speak to them. Of course, we get so caught up in our own little world that we hardly listen to anyone. Instead of thinking what I want to say next, maybe I should just learn to listen. Conversations Within ts 9/5/2012 (Jax, FL)

“I'll be yours until the sun doesn't shine, Till time stands still, until the winds don't blow, When today is just a memory to me I know.....

I'll still be loving, I'll still be loving You.” Restless Hearts

“His steadfast love endures forever.” Ps.136

Sometimes we use the word “never” to describe promises we hope to keep forever. When will the sun not shine, or the winds not blow? These things will never happen, right? Well poetically I suppose so, but not in reality. One day the sun will be no more and the winds of this planet will be just a memory. Even time as we know it will change. Fortunately for us God is not bound by the temporal limits of this age. God promise to love us faithfully and forever. When all our nevers come to pass, He will still be loving us. Conversations Within ts 9/4/2012 (Jax, FL)

“I'll be yours until the sun doesn't shine, Till time stands still, until the winds don't blow, When today is just a memory to me I know.....

I'll still be loving, I'll still be loving You.” Restless Hearts

“His steadfast love endures forever.” Ps.136

Sometimes we use the word “never” to describe promises we hope to keep forever. When will the sun not shine, or the winds not blow? These things will never happen, right? Well poetically I suppose so, but not in reality. One day the sun will be no more and the winds of this planet will be just a memory. Even time as we know it will change. Fortunately for us God is not bound by the temporal limits of this age. God promise to love us faithfully and forever. When all our nevers come to pass, He will still be loving us. Conversations Within ts 9/4/2012 (Jax, FL)

"God loves each of us as if there were only one of us."St. Augustine

“God is love.” 1John 4

I have had the mistaken notion that if God loves everybody it takes something away from His love for me. The reason this is wrong is because God’s love for any of us has nothing whatsoever to do with our loveliness. He does not love us because of any special qualities we possess. He loves us because He is love. And, His love is not to be confused with liking us. God’s love for us is His unconditional, unswerving, tenacious commitment to seek only our best and highest good. And, because He is the best and highest good, He is always working to help us see and seek Him before all else. God can give us nothing greater than the gift of Himself. Conversations Within ts 9/1/2012 (Jax, FL)

"God loves each of us as if there were only one of us."St. Augustine

“God is love.” 1John 4

I have had the mistaken notion that if God loves everybody it takes something away from His love for me. The reason this is wrong is because God’s love for any of us has nothing whatsoever to do with our loveliness. He does not love us because of any special qualities we possess. He loves us because He is love. And, His love is not to be confused with liking us. God’s love for us is His unconditional, unswerving, tenacious commitment to seek only our best and highest good. And, because He is the best and highest good, He is always working to help us see and seek Him before all else. God can give us nothing greater than the gift of Himself. Conversations Within ts 9/1/2012 (Jax, FL)

”I pray to be like the ocean, with soft currents, maybe waves at times....

More and more, I want the consistency rather than the highs and the lows.” Drew Barrymore

“Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.” Ps.125

I think most of us have manic depressive episodes from time to time. But just because life is full of its ups and downs does not mean that our hearts need be. “There is a place of quiet rest,” and I would dwell there. I can see this is where God’s Spirit is leading me. He leads us beside still waters--no more tantrums, just tranquility; no more worry, just joy and peace. This kind of peace means peace even in life’s high and low moments. Conversations Within ts 8/29/2012 (Jax, FL)

”I pray to be like the ocean, with soft currents, maybe waves at times....

More and more, I want the consistency rather than the highs and the lows.” Drew Barrymore

“Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.” Ps.125

I think most of us have manic depressive episodes from time to time. But just because life is full of its ups and downs does not mean that our hearts need be. “There is a place of quiet rest,” and I would dwell there. I can see this is where God’s Spirit is leading me. He leads us beside still waters--no more tantrums, just tranquility; no more worry, just joy and peace. This kind of peace means peace even in life’s high and low moments. Conversations Within ts 8/29/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Every sweet has its sour; every evil its good.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Not a sparrow falls from the sky apart from your Father in Heaven.” Jesus

Sometimes it is easier to believe that the universe is impersonal and uncaring, ruled by laws that care nothing for our well-being, than to believe in an infinite personal God who loves us and has good plans for us. The world seems a cold place with all its suffering and death. Tragedy strikes everyone without bias or remorse. In the face of all of this, Jesus encourages us not only to believe that God is sovereign over the tiniest details that affect our lives, but to come under His knife and trust Him as one trusts the surgeon who heals by cutting. Fate or faith? Conversations Within ts 8/28/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Every sweet has its sour; every evil its good.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Not a sparrow falls from the sky apart from your Father in Heaven.” Jesus

Sometimes it is easier to believe that the universe is impersonal and uncaring, ruled by laws that care nothing for our well-being, than to believe in an infinite personal God who loves us and has good plans for us. The world seems a cold place with all its suffering and death. Tragedy strikes everyone without bias or remorse. In the face of all of this, Jesus encourages us not only to believe that God is sovereign over the tiniest details that affect our lives, but to come under His knife and trust Him as one trusts the surgeon who heals by cutting. Fate or faith? Conversations Within ts 8/28/2012 (Jax, FL)

“There is nothing constant in this world but inconsistency.” Jonathan Swift

“It is no longer I who sin but sin living in me.” Rom7

My inconsistencies serve to remind me that I am part of what is wrong in the world. They are a symptom of a spiritual problem that I share with every other person. We are not as we should be, nor as we want to be. The good news is that it is grace that helps us experience this inner conflict. I want to do right but the desire to do wrong is right there with me. I want to do wrong but the desire to do right messes up my plans. This tug-of-war in our hearts exists because God will not leave us to ourselves. Praise Him that He doesn’t. Conversations Within ts 8/28/2012 (Jax, FL)

“There is nothing constant in this world but inconsistency.” Jonathan Swift

“It is no longer I who sin but sin living in me.” Rom7

My inconsistencies serve to remind me that I am part of what is wrong in the world. They are a symptom of a spiritual problem that I share with every other person. We are not as we should be, nor as we want to be. The good news is that it is grace that helps us experience this inner conflict. I want to do right but the desire to do wrong is right there with me. I want to do wrong but the desire to do right messes up my plans. This tug-of-war in our hearts exists because God will not leave us to ourselves. Praise Him that He doesn’t. Conversations Within ts 8/28/2012 (Jax, FL)

“They spoke much of spiritual things, while seeking only the material.” Charles Eastman

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth...But store up for
yourselves treasures in heaven...For where your treasure is, there
your heart will be also.” Jesus

I remember once that my dad offered to give me a diamond ring. I
turned him down and told him that diamond rings did not fit well on
the hands of a minister. The truth is that I also have never cared
much for diamonds. Now if he had offered me an I-Pad, or a Galaxy S3
smart phone, I would have probably taken it without reservation.
Actually there is nothing wrong with any of these things, just
centering your life around acquiring them. Perhaps our greatest
inconsistency is settling for inferior material pleasures to make us
happy instead of holding out for the superior delights of eternal joy. Conversations Within ts 8/27/2012 (Jax, FL)

“They spoke much of spiritual things, while seeking only the material.” Charles Eastman

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth...But store up for
yourselves treasures in heaven...For where your treasure is, there
your heart will be also.” Jesus

I remember once that my dad offered to give me a diamond ring. I
turned him down and told him that diamond rings did not fit well on
the hands of a minister. The truth is that I also have never cared
much for diamonds. Now if he had offered me an I-Pad, or a Galaxy S3
smart phone, I would have probably taken it without reservation.
Actually there is nothing wrong with any of these things, just
centering your life around acquiring them. Perhaps our greatest
inconsistency is settling for inferior material pleasures to make us
happy instead of holding out for the superior delights of eternal joy. Conversations Within ts 8/27/2012 (Jax, FL)

“One cannot live without inconsistency.” Carl Gustav Jung

“For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” Rom.7

Most of us have learned to live with our inconsistencies and, without too much stress. My problem is living with a God who is absolutely consistent. He never changes. Why would an absolutely good and perfect being have any reason to do so. He is always right, never compromising. He is that perfect standard against which we always fall short. And, while His perfect consistency is convicting it is also strangely comforting. He has openly declared His love, and combined with His unchanging loyalty how could we not find security in Him despite our own fickle nature. Conversations Within ts 8/18/2012 (Birmingham, AL

“One cannot live without inconsistency.” Carl Gustav Jung

“For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” Rom.7

Most of us have learned to live with our inconsistencies and, without too much stress. My problem is living with a God who is absolutely consistent. He never changes. Why would an absolutely good and perfect being have any reason to do so. He is always right, never compromising. He is that perfect standard against which we always fall short. And, while His perfect consistency is convicting it is also strangely comforting. He has openly declared His love, and combined with His unchanging loyalty how could we not find security in Him despite our own fickle nature. Conversations Within ts 8/18/2012 (Birmingham, AL

“That which I would not, that do I do. I wish I wouldn’t do it, but I’m already through.” Anonymous

“For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Rom.7

If we could do all the good things that we aspire to do, we would all be healthy, probably wealthy and certainly wise. No one would be overweight, or lose their temper or be out of shape. We would be unselfish, more giving, and patient with the people and the stuff of life. The problem of course is that we also want things that are not good, and therein lies the rub. Of course there is also that fine line of making peace with the fact that this will be the way of things until we die, and waging war against it every day till we do. Conversations Within ts 8/17/2012 (Windsor Rock, AL)

“That which I would not, that do I do. I wish I wouldn’t do it, but I’m already through.” Anonymous

“For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Rom.7

If we could do all the good things that we aspire to do, we would all be healthy, probably wealthy and certainly wise. No one would be overweight, or lose their temper or be out of shape. We would be unselfish, more giving, and patient with the people and the stuff of life. The problem of course is that we also want things that are not good, and therein lies the rub. Of course there is also that fine line of making peace with the fact that this will be the way of things until we die, and waging war against it every day till we do. Conversations Within ts 8/17/2012 (Windsor Rock, AL)