“I cut an inch off of every straw I see, just to make the world suck a little less. ” Jarod Kintz

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Rom.8

We may wonder why, if God is so good, the world is often so very bad. The Christian answer to this is that God has created people with the freedom to make good or bad choices because this is the only way real love can exist. The wonder of it all is that God is so very good that He can work good even out of our bad decisions. The struggle we experience when we must choose what is good over what is bad often becomes the very means that deepens our faith and then our love for God. Conversations Within ts 10/24/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)

“I cut an inch off of every straw I see, just to make the world suck a little less. ” Jarod Kintz

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Rom.8

We may wonder why, if God is so good, the world is often so very bad. The Christian answer to this is that God has created people with the freedom to make good or bad choices because this is the only way real love can exist. The wonder of it all is that God is so very good that He can work good even out of our bad decisions. The struggle we experience when we must choose what is good over what is bad often becomes the very means that deepens our faith and then our love for God. Conversations Within ts 10/24/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)

Some times the best way God can protect us is to not always protect us. .

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.”1Pet.4

To overcome is to be overjoyed by accomplishment. This is why God does not always protect us from conflict. He does not raise spoiled children but strong children. By allowing us to experience tribulation He is developing the spiritual muscles needed to mature a strong character. The best way for God to protect us is to not always protect us. Even so, He will never abandon us on the field of battle. Conversations Within ts 10/24/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)

Some times the best way God can protect us is to not always protect us. .

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.”1Pet.4

To overcome is to be overjoyed by accomplishment. This is why God does not always protect us from conflict. He does not raise spoiled children but strong children. By allowing us to experience tribulation He is developing the spiritual muscles needed to mature a strong character. The best way for God to protect us is to not always protect us. Even so, He will never abandon us on the field of battle. Conversations Within ts 10/24/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.” Charles M. Schulz

“And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground--trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food.” Gen.2

When God created the world He made it so much more than functional. He added extras. He garnished fields and forests with color, even though black and white would have worked. He installed surround sound on ocean shores and mountain brooks. He put icing on the the cake of nutrition making foods not only good for us but rich with flavor. He dressed the world in the finery of flowers and our night sky with the magic of moonlight. It will not surprise me that when we finally meet Him, He will have chocolate in His pocket waiting for us. Conversations Within ts 10/23/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.” Charles M. Schulz

“And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground--trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food.” Gen.2

When God created the world He made it so much more than functional. He added extras. He garnished fields and forests with color, even though black and white would have worked. He installed surround sound on ocean shores and mountain brooks. He put icing on the the cake of nutrition making foods not only good for us but rich with flavor. He dressed the world in the finery of flowers and our night sky with the magic of moonlight. It will not surprise me that when we finally meet Him, He will have chocolate in His pocket waiting for us. Conversations Within ts 10/23/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)

“The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.” C.S. Lewis

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” Rom 5

I still don’t get it when I foolishly think other people’s sins are somehow worse than my own or that my standing with God has anything to do with anything other than grace. God loves people not because they are good or better than others, and any religion that teaches that we must be good to be loved by God has missed the obvious truth that nobody measures up--no one’s good is good enough. Until we realize this about ourselves, we will not look to Him for grace and the goodness it works in us. Conversations Within ts 10/22/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)

“The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.” C.S. Lewis

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” Rom 5

I still don’t get it when I foolishly think other people’s sins are somehow worse than my own or that my standing with God has anything to do with anything other than grace. God loves people not because they are good or better than others, and any religion that teaches that we must be good to be loved by God has missed the obvious truth that nobody measures up--no one’s good is good enough. Until we realize this about ourselves, we will not look to Him for grace and the goodness it works in us. Conversations Within ts 10/22/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)

"The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in God which made David dance." C.S. Lewis

“Let them praise His name with dancing.” Ps.149

Sometimes I don’t feel like dancing but I do it precisely because I don’t want to. Sure enough, soon after I start, I start to feel it. Dancing always makes me feel better. I suppose the same could be said of worship. You often don’t feel it till you do it. Dance the dance of praise and praise will be your dance. Conversations Within ts 10/19/2012 (Windsor Rock, AL)

"The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in God which made David dance." C.S. Lewis

“Let them praise His name with dancing.” Ps.149

Sometimes I don’t feel like dancing but I do it precisely because I don’t want to. Sure enough, soon after I start, I start to feel it. Dancing always makes me feel better. I suppose the same could be said of worship. You often don’t feel it till you do it. Dance the dance of praise and praise will be your dance. Conversations Within ts 10/19/2012 (Windsor Rock, AL)

“There are two ways to live your life - one is as though nothing is a miracle, the other is as though everything is.” Albert Einstein

“I tell you these things so that my joy may be in and your joy may be made full.” Jesus

I suppose some people gravitate toward praise just as some do toward complaint. I find in myself and to my disappointment, that I am often the latter. When I do, it is a bitter herb I add to my soup. I am grateful that God is not leaving me to such a negative disposition but encourages me all of the time to walk on the positive side of life. He is teaching me the skill of praise—to first see His hand in everything and everyone, and then gratefully know the quality of each and every interaction as a gift from Heaven. Conversations Within ts 10/18/2012 (Brevard, NC)

“There are two ways to live your life - one is as though nothing is a miracle, the other is as though everything is.” Albert Einstein

“I tell you these things so that my joy may be in and your joy may be made full.” Jesus

I suppose some people gravitate toward praise just as some do toward complaint. I find in myself and to my disappointment, that I am often the latter. When I do, it is a bitter herb I add to my soup. I am grateful that God is not leaving me to such a negative disposition but encourages me all of the time to walk on the positive side of life. He is teaching me the skill of praise—to first see His hand in everything and everyone, and then gratefully know the quality of each and every interaction as a gift from Heaven. Conversations Within ts 10/18/2012 (Brevard, NC)

Every experience of the “WOW:” a majestic waterfall, a quiet brook, a stunningly beautiful woman, a sleeping baby or a fabulous dessert, are simply the fragrant aroma of His presence nearby.

“Hallelujah!” Psalms 150

If we utter the words, “Praise the Lord,” and by it we are ascribing to God the glory in some experience---say, the birth of a child---that surely is an offering of praise. When we see the sun rise over the ocean and immediately think “Boy, can you paint”, we are expressing praise for His skill and artistry. The thought, “Boy, can you paint” simply fleshes out our praise. We praise when we see something of value and feel in ourselves the need to appreciate it. Where God is concerned, praise is surely to be an endless adventure. Conversations Within ts 10/17/2012 (Brevard, NC)

Every experience of the “WOW:” a majestic waterfall, a quiet brook, a stunningly beautiful woman, a sleeping baby or a fabulous dessert, are simply the fragrant aroma of His presence nearby.

“Hallelujah!” Psalms 150

If we utter the words, “Praise the Lord,” and by it we are ascribing to God the glory in some experience---say, the birth of a child---that surely is an offering of praise. When we see the sun rise over the ocean and immediately think “Boy, can you paint”, we are expressing praise for His skill and artistry. The thought, “Boy, can you paint” simply fleshes out our praise. We praise when we see something of value and feel in ourselves the need to appreciate it. Where God is concerned, praise is surely to be an endless adventure. Conversations Within ts 10/17/2012 (Brevard, NC)

“How many people you bless is how you measure success” Rick Ross

“Bless the Lord O my soul.” Ps.103

Rising each day to be a blessing to others is not a bad way to live, and I should think that we would not want to leave God out of it. Am I a blessing to God? This is just another way of asking if I am a source of joy to Him--do I bring a measure of delight to Him? I would wake to this as much as I am awake to my own likes and dislikes—to those things which bless or bother me. If I bring this home I could simply review my performance yesterday. How successful was I in being a blessing? Conversations Within ts 10/16/2012 (Brevard, NC)

“How many people you bless is how you measure success” Rick Ross

“Bless the Lord O my soul.” Ps.103

Rising each day to be a blessing to others is not a bad way to live, and I should think that we would not want to leave God out of it. Am I a blessing to God? This is just another way of asking if I am a source of joy to Him--do I bring a measure of delight to Him? I would wake to this as much as I am awake to my own likes and dislikes—to those things which bless or bother me. If I bring this home I could simply review my performance yesterday. How successful was I in being a blessing? Conversations Within ts 10/16/2012 (Brevard, NC)

“We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction.” Harry A. Ironside

“How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!” Ps.147

Every decision to express gratitude over grumbling inclines our heart not only to trust God to work goodness, but gratitude itself works goodness in us. The reason it is good to praise God is not because He covets it for Himself, but because He wants us to experience its transforming power to cast down our worries. Like warm clothes on a winter day, praise shelters us from the cold winds of doubt and fear. Conversations Within ts 10/14/2012 (On the Road, NC)

“We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction.” Harry A. Ironside

“How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!” Ps.147

Every decision to express gratitude over grumbling inclines our heart not only to trust God to work goodness, but gratitude itself works goodness in us. The reason it is good to praise God is not because He covets it for Himself, but because He wants us to experience its transforming power to cast down our worries. Like warm clothes on a winter day, praise shelters us from the cold winds of doubt and fear. Conversations Within ts 10/14/2012 (On the Road, NC)

“It’s hard to play a sad song on a Ukulele.” Stephen Curtis Chapman (Paraphrase)

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Ps.150

I would praise rather than pout--to be purposefully a note of praise. I would be quick to quiet my soul than quip and quarrel about the quality of the weather. Lord, let me mind my “P’s” and “Q’s” and pay attention to songs I sing. Teach me the words to only one song--the song that sings Your praise. Conversations Within ts 10/14/2012 (Durham, NC)

“It’s hard to play a sad song on a Ukulele.” Stephen Curtis Chapman (Paraphrase)

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Ps.150

I would praise rather than pout--to be purposefully a note of praise. I would be quick to quiet my soul than quip and quarrel about the quality of the weather. Lord, let me mind my “P’s” and “Q’s” and pay attention to songs I sing. Teach me the words to only one song--the song that sings Your praise. Conversations Within ts 10/14/2012 (Durham, NC)

“Throw moderation to the winds, and the greatest pleasures bring the greatest pains” Democritus

“Do you like honey? Don't eat too much, or it will make you sick!” Prov.25

Water is wonderful but you can drown in it. Food is fantastic but you can destroy your health with it. Let your love of life guide your enjoyment of pleasure and you will live full and free. But, let lust guide your enjoyment of pleasure and you can find yourself a slave and prisoner. The very things that are intended to satisfy you, in the hands of lust can also suffocate you. Conversations Within ts 10/11/2012 (Durham, NC)

“Throw moderation to the winds, and the greatest pleasures bring the greatest pains” Democritus

“Do you like honey? Don't eat too much, or it will make you sick!” Prov.25

Water is wonderful but you can drown in it. Food is fantastic but you can destroy your health with it. Let your love of life guide your enjoyment of pleasure and you will live full and free. But, let lust guide your enjoyment of pleasure and you can find yourself a slave and prisoner. The very things that are intended to satisfy you, in the hands of lust can also suffocate you. Conversations Within ts 10/11/2012 (Durham, NC)

“Of all the worldly passions, lust is the most intense. All other worldly passions seem to follow in its train.” Buddha

“The desire of the righteous ends only in good...”Prov.11

If we do not rule our passions, our passions will certainly rule us. But not every passion is evil. We may lust for things which are good. We may earnestly desire and pursue those things which bring us the superior delights of joy. We are even encouraged to do so. There are fleshly lusts which hinder and hurt, but there are also the inner passions of the soul which move us to run after God. Give your heart wholly to God then do what you want, for the heart that belongs to God always wants what is good and right and true. Conversations Within ts 10/10/2012 (Durham, NC)

“Of all the worldly passions, lust is the most intense. All other worldly passions seem to follow in its train.” Buddha

“The desire of the righteous ends only in good...”Prov.11

If we do not rule our passions, our passions will certainly rule us. But not every passion is evil. We may lust for things which are good. We may earnestly desire and pursue those things which bring us the superior delights of joy. We are even encouraged to do so. There are fleshly lusts which hinder and hurt, but there are also the inner passions of the soul which move us to run after God. Give your heart wholly to God then do what you want, for the heart that belongs to God always wants what is good and right and true. Conversations Within ts 10/10/2012 (Durham, NC)

Make sure your pleasures add to your joy not steal it.

At your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Ps.16

Thank God for pleasure; it is one of the joys of life. Eating, sex, play, even satisfying work are all precious gifts. It is unlawful pleasures that are forbidden because they steal joy and weigh us down with guilt. This is the reason there is no joy in lust, we are left pillaged by the very pleasures we would steal. One brother has wisely written, “It is the stealing of the apple that is bad, not the sweetness. The sweetness is still a beam from the glory.” God created pleasures to be enjoyed not to enslave us to chase after them. Conversations Within ts 10/10/2012 (Durham, NC)

Make sure your pleasures add to your joy not steal it.

At your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Ps.16

Thank God for pleasure; it is one of the joys of life. Eating, sex, play, even satisfying work are all precious gifts. It is unlawful pleasures that are forbidden because they steal joy and weigh us down with guilt. This is the reason there is no joy in lust, we are left pillaged by the very pleasures we would steal. One brother has wisely written, “It is the stealing of the apple that is bad, not the sweetness. The sweetness is still a beam from the glory.” God created pleasures to be enjoyed not to enslave us to chase after them. Conversations Within ts 10/10/2012 (Durham, NC)

Lust hungers only to take; love only to give.

"The leech has two daughters. 'Give! Give!' they cry. Prov.31

Lust is a prison of selfish pursuits. Lust would have us take--even steal--pleasures without restraint or responsibility. Like fire, it desires only to consume and, like fire, lust never has enough. On the other hand, love finds its pleasure in giving rather than taking. But love, in its giving, always receives and something even greater than pleasure. Joy is the lasting reward of love. Conversations Within ts 10/9/2012 (Durham, NC)

Lust hungers only to take; love only to give.

"The leech has two daughters. 'Give! Give!' they cry. Prov.31

Lust is a prison of selfish pursuits. Lust would have us take--even steal--pleasures without restraint or responsibility. Like fire, it desires only to consume and, like fire, lust never has enough. On the other hand, love finds its pleasure in giving rather than taking. But love, in its giving, always receives and something even greater than pleasure. Joy is the lasting reward of love. Conversations Within ts 10/9/2012 (Durham, NC)

“He that but looketh on a plate of ham and eggs to lust after it hath already committed breakfast with it in his heart” C.S. Lewis

“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Jesus

Our thoughts tell us so much about who we really are. We play out various scenarios in our mind--things that we would like to express outwardly but never do because people are watching. I suppose personal shame is a kind of grace. The real shame is that we are more ashamed that we are such a horrible person for thinking such things than we are that we have saddened God. Conversations Within ts 10/8/2012 (Watson Mill, GA)

“He that but looketh on a plate of ham and eggs to lust after it hath already committed breakfast with it in his heart” C.S. Lewis

“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Jesus

Our thoughts tell us so much about who we really are. We play out various scenarios in our mind--things that we would like to express outwardly but never do because people are watching. I suppose personal shame is a kind of grace. The real shame is that we are more ashamed that we are such a horrible person for thinking such things than we are that we have saddened God. Conversations Within ts 10/8/2012 (Watson Mill, GA)

We were told to not play around with fire; the same could be said of desire .

“Flee youthful lusts.” 2Tim.2

People lust over any number of things, power, money, fame, and of course sex. The very nature of lust is to want what we do not have and have it without restraint. There is of course nothing wrong with natural desires so long as they are made to serve us rather than we them. Like fire in a fireplace, controlled desires can bring warmth, light and pleasure to our lives. But let that same fire out into your house and it will burn it to the ground. Conversations Within ts 10/7/2012 (Watson Mill, GA)

We were told to not play around with fire; the same could be said of desire .

“Flee youthful lusts.” 2Tim.2

People lust over any number of things, power, money, fame, and of course sex. The very nature of lust is to want what we do not have and have it without restraint. There is of course nothing wrong with natural desires so long as they are made to serve us rather than we them. Like fire in a fireplace, controlled desires can bring warmth, light and pleasure to our lives. But let that same fire out into your house and it will burn it to the ground. Conversations Within ts 10/7/2012 (Watson Mill, GA)

“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.” Plato

“Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” John3

The lies we tell ourself are the easiest to believe. How skillful we are at making excuses for things we should purge from our lives. If I am honest with myself, my pride would rather I coddle and comfort my shortcomings, warming my self by the fire of “I’m only human” than by the fire of “I can do better.” Conversations Within ts 10/4/2012 (Watson Mill, GA)

“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.” Plato

“Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” John3

The lies we tell ourself are the easiest to believe. How skillful we are at making excuses for things we should purge from our lives. If I am honest with myself, my pride would rather I coddle and comfort my shortcomings, warming my self by the fire of “I’m only human” than by the fire of “I can do better.” Conversations Within ts 10/4/2012 (Watson Mill, GA)

"Hope is some extraordinary spiritual grace that God gives us to control our fears, not to oust them." Vincent McNabb

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Prov 1 Fear can be an ally as much as an adversary. Fear alerts us to danger, heightens our senses, pumps us full of energy and readies us for action. It is only when fear cripples us that fear becomes harmful. The key is to use your fears for the fight, not be run over by them. The world is full of physical and spiritual dangers. When under the control of God’s Spirit, fear is a weapon for dealing with these dangers. Conversations Within ts 10/4/2012 (Watson Mill, GA)

"Hope is some extraordinary spiritual grace that God gives us to control our fears, not to oust them." Vincent McNabb

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Prov 1 Fear can be an ally as much as an adversary. Fear alerts us to danger, heightens our senses, pumps us full of energy and readies us for action. It is only when fear cripples us that fear becomes harmful. The key is to use your fears for the fight, not be run over by them. The world is full of physical and spiritual dangers. When under the control of God’s Spirit, fear is a weapon for dealing with these dangers. Conversations Within ts 10/4/2012 (Watson Mill, GA)

“Do one thing every day that scares you.” Eleanor Roosevelt

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deut.31 One bit of wisdom tells us to face our fears. Fear often stands in the way of many good things and if we are to cross over and get them we must walk though our fears. Someone has said that “courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” Do not let fear cripple the feet of discovery or talk you out of experiencing all that God is leading you to do. Conversations Within ts 10/2/2012 (Cordelia, GA)

“Do one thing every day that scares you.” Eleanor Roosevelt

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deut.31 One bit of wisdom tells us to face our fears. Fear often stands in the way of many good things and if we are to cross over and get them we must walk though our fears. Someone has said that “courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” Do not let fear cripple the feet of discovery or talk you out of experiencing all that God is leading you to do. Conversations Within ts 10/2/2012 (Cordelia, GA)

“Uncertainty is the only certainty there is, and knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security.” John Allen Paulos

“He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.” Ps.112 NIV God offers us a life that may not be free from bad news but one that can be immune to the fear of it. There is a place deep in the heart of faith that radiates a peace that transcends understanding. The eye that looks intently on all that God is for those who love and trust him is full of the light of hope no matter how dark the world around them. If I would have this abiding peace I need only to stop looking at the storm around me and practice fixing my eyes on the Captain of my soul. Conversations Within ts 10/1/2012 (Cordelia, GA)

“Uncertainty is the only certainty there is, and knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security.” John Allen Paulos

“He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.” Ps.112 NIV God offers us a life that may not be free from bad news but one that can be immune to the fear of it. There is a place deep in the heart of faith that radiates a peace that transcends understanding. The eye that looks intently on all that God is for those who love and trust him is full of the light of hope no matter how dark the world around them. If I would have this abiding peace I need only to stop looking at the storm around me and practice fixing my eyes on the Captain of my soul. Conversations Within ts 10/1/2012 (Cordelia, GA)

“Security is not the absence of danger, but the presence of God, no matter what the danger.”

“I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.” Ps.16 If I really believe that God’s love for me is without limit and His ability to watch over me has no bounds, then what do I have to fear? I believe both of these things yet I often lose my focus, especially in a crisis. When this happens fear steals the joy in my heart. The key then is to set the Lord always before me-- to take my focus off of my circumstances and fix my hope entirely on His love and power. Reviewing His promises helps with this. Conversations Within ts 9/29/2012 (Selma, AL)

“Security is not the absence of danger, but the presence of God, no matter what the danger.”

“I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.” Ps.16 If I really believe that God’s love for me is without limit and His ability to watch over me has no bounds, then what do I have to fear? I believe both of these things yet I often lose my focus, especially in a crisis. When this happens fear steals the joy in my heart. The key then is to set the Lord always before me-- to take my focus off of my circumstances and fix my hope entirely on His love and power. Reviewing His promises helps with this. Conversations Within ts 9/29/2012 (Selma, AL)

Grace is meant to be used not abused.

“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” God forbid! Rom.6 To ask for God’s forgiveness knowing full well that you intend to continue doing the very thing that needs His forgiveness, is like asking for help but refusing it when it comes. God’s forgiveness is only one step and a necessary step at that, to help move us closer to Him. The grace that comes to us in His forgiveness is part of His abiding presence and persistence to rescue us from the prison of selfishness and to lead us into the light of freedom. He will have no part in comforting our desire to remain where we are. Conversations Within ts 9/27/2012 (Selma, AL)

Grace is meant to be used not abused.

“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” God forbid! Rom.6 To ask for God’s forgiveness knowing full well that you intend to continue doing the very thing that needs His forgiveness, is like asking for help but refusing it when it comes. God’s forgiveness is only one step and a necessary step at that, to help move us closer to Him. The grace that comes to us in His forgiveness is part of His abiding presence and persistence to rescue us from the prison of selfishness and to lead us into the light of freedom. He will have no part in comforting our desire to remain where we are. Conversations Within ts 9/27/2012 (Selma, AL)

“Do you feel loved by God because you believe he makes much of you, or because you believe he frees you and empowers you to enjoy making much of him?” John Piper

But where sin increased, grace increased all the more... Rom.5 I am surrounded by grace. Who isn’t? There is no way to measure all that God is and desires to be for us. I am overwhelmed every time I go into a grocery store at the abundance of food that is ours. He provides not just what is needed, but more. Only in eternity will we understand how He has stood watch over our lives. His protection is unmatched. I have never been alone in my life. He is always there to enjoy a sunrise with me, or to comfort me when I am worried or afraid. His presence is my greatest comfort. Conversations Within ts 9/27/2012 (Selma, AL)

“Do you feel loved by God because you believe he makes much of you, or because you believe he frees you and empowers you to enjoy making much of him?” John Piper

But where sin increased, grace increased all the more... Rom.5 I am surrounded by grace. Who isn’t? There is no way to measure all that God is and desires to be for us. I am overwhelmed every time I go into a grocery store at the abundance of food that is ours. He provides not just what is needed, but more. Only in eternity will we understand how He has stood watch over our lives. His protection is unmatched. I have never been alone in my life. He is always there to enjoy a sunrise with me, or to comfort me when I am worried or afraid. His presence is my greatest comfort. Conversations Within ts 9/27/2012 (Selma, AL)

“Grace is the pleasure of God to magnify the worth of God by giving sinners the right and power to delight in God without obscuring the glory of God.” John Piper

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1 I am glad You are full of grace as much as truth dear Jesus because truth alone would condemn a liar like me. It is grace when you tell me the truth not only about life but tell me the truth about me. And, you graciously follow the grace which tells me I am fallen with more grace to raise me up. What hope would I have if you only pointed out the fix I am in, and you did not extend your hand to help me out. Thank You gracious Lord! Conversations Within ts 9/26/2012 (Selma, AL)

“Grace is the pleasure of God to magnify the worth of God by giving sinners the right and power to delight in God without obscuring the glory of God.” John Piper

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1 I am glad You are full of grace as much as truth dear Jesus because truth alone would condemn a liar like me. It is grace when you tell me the truth not only about life but tell me the truth about me. And, you graciously follow the grace which tells me I am fallen with more grace to raise me up. What hope would I have if you only pointed out the fix I am in, and you did not extend your hand to help me out. Thank You gracious Lord! Conversations Within ts 9/26/2012 (Selma, AL)

The word luck is often confused with the word blessed.

“Forget not His benefits.” Ps.103 People use the word lucky when they should be using the word blessed. I think what they are trying to say is that they realize that some good things have come to them outside of any effort on their part. For instance, they might think being born healthy or in America isn’t something they deserve, its just good luck. They are right when they realize they have not earned these things but wrong when they give credit to fate instead of to God. We often need grace even to understand when grace has been given to us. Conversations Within ts 9/25/2012 (Selma, AL)

The word luck is often confused with the word blessed.

“Forget not His benefits.” Ps.103 People use the word lucky when they should be using the word blessed. I think what they are trying to say is that they realize that some good things have come to them outside of any effort on their part. For instance, they might think being born healthy or in America isn’t something they deserve, its just good luck. They are right when they realize they have not earned these things but wrong when they give credit to fate instead of to God. We often need grace even to understand when grace has been given to us. Conversations Within ts 9/25/2012 (Selma, AL)

Grace working in us produces grace flowing from us.

But he gives more grace. James 4 There are many expressions of God’s grace in our lives. Our every inclination toward goodness can be traced to God’s grace working in us. You can always tell when someone has received grace because they are quick to be gracious toward others. When they hear about some sin in another person they are quick to show compassion not criticism. Conversations Within ts 9/25/2012 (Selma, AL)

Grace working in us produces grace flowing from us.

But he gives more grace. James 4 There are many expressions of God’s grace in our lives. Our every inclination toward goodness can be traced to God’s grace working in us. You can always tell when someone has received grace because they are quick to be gracious toward others. When they hear about some sin in another person they are quick to show compassion not criticism. Conversations Within ts 9/25/2012 (Selma, AL)