“Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn’t.” Erica Jong

“But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you.” 1Jo.2 ESV

When people come and ask for advice, I like to ask them what they would tell a good friend or a child looked to them with the same question. Most of the time, they already know what to do. We often have the answer to our questions because God has already spoken to us about them. We need only to turn down the noise of our emotions, if we want to remember what He said.   Conversations Within” ts 9/24/2013 (Selma, AL)

“Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn’t.” Erica Jong

“But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you.” 1Jo.2 ESV

When people come and ask for advice, I like to ask them what they would tell a good friend or a child looked to them with the same question. Most of the time, they already know what to do. We often have the answer to our questions because God has already spoken to us about them. We need only to turn down the noise of our emotions, if we want to remember what He said.   Conversations Within” ts 9/24/2013 (Selma, AL)

“The thing about remembering is that you don't forget.” Tim O'Brien

“You know the way to the place where I am going.” Jesus

“Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Doubting Thomas

Sometimes we know something but forget that we know it. If you have ever lost your keys and then remembered where you left them, you know what it is to momentarily forget something you know. I know that everlasting life is promised to me but I still have doubts about death and dying. These doubts persist until I remember who has the keys. Conversations Within” ts 9/23/2013 (Selma, AL)

“The thing about remembering is that you don't forget.” Tim O'Brien

“You know the way to the place where I am going.” Jesus

“Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Doubting Thomas

Sometimes we know something but forget that we know it. If you have ever lost your keys and then remembered where you left them, you know what it is to momentarily forget something you know. I know that everlasting life is promised to me but I still have doubts about death and dying. These doubts persist until I remember who has the keys. Conversations Within” ts 9/23/2013 (Selma, AL)

One who is afraid of God is sorry to get caught; one who fears God is sorry they did wrong.

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” 2Cor.7

We all get caught doing wrong from time to time; what we do, when we do, is the measure of our response to God’s grace. All of us have a proclivity to act selfishly. This is precisely why God gives us grace; without it we would spiral out of control. Getting caught is part of that grace, and understanding this is the first step toward accepting more of it so that we learn from our wrongs and start to right them. Conversations Within” ts 9/20/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

One who is afraid of God is sorry to get caught; one who fears God is sorry they did wrong.

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” 2Cor.7

We all get caught doing wrong from time to time; what we do, when we do, is the measure of our response to God’s grace. All of us have a proclivity to act selfishly. This is precisely why God gives us grace; without it we would spiral out of control. Getting caught is part of that grace, and understanding this is the first step toward accepting more of it so that we learn from our wrongs and start to right them. Conversations Within” ts 9/20/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

When writing your story, it pays to be in the favor of the Person who will edit and publish it.

“The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.” Prov.14

If there is one thing we can do that will affect a positive outcome to every event in our life, the Scriptures say it is found in “the fear of the Lord.” A healthy fear of God not only motivates us to avoid foolish behavior but it assures us of His protection when we behave as we should. We are also assured that God blesses people who love and fear Him. And, who would not want the favor of the only Person who can decide how everything will ultimately turn out.   Conversations Within” ts 9/19/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

When writing your story, it pays to be in the favor of the Person who will edit and publish it.

“The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.” Prov.14

If there is one thing we can do that will affect a positive outcome to every event in our life, the Scriptures say it is found in “the fear of the Lord.” A healthy fear of God not only motivates us to avoid foolish behavior but it assures us of His protection when we behave as we should. We are also assured that God blesses people who love and fear Him. And, who would not want the favor of the only Person who can decide how everything will ultimately turn out.   Conversations Within” ts 9/19/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

“Perfect love, we know, casteth out fear. But so do several other things--ignorance, alcohol, passion, presumption, and stupidity.” C. S. Lewis

“Perfect love casts out fear.” 1Jo.4

For some, the fear of the Lord is more than a restraining influence; it is coupled with a resentment that He will punish them for doing what they really want to do. God is little more than a cop when you don’t want one. For others, the fear of God is a loving respect and humble acceptance of His directives as the path and pleasure of life. A mature love will transform a fear of punishment into the love and respect of a Father. Conversations Within” ts 9/18/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

“Perfect love, we know, casteth out fear. But so do several other things--ignorance, alcohol, passion, presumption, and stupidity.” C. S. Lewis

“Perfect love casts out fear.” 1Jo.4

For some, the fear of the Lord is more than a restraining influence; it is coupled with a resentment that He will punish them for doing what they really want to do. God is little more than a cop when you don’t want one. For others, the fear of God is a loving respect and humble acceptance of His directives as the path and pleasure of life. A mature love will transform a fear of punishment into the love and respect of a Father. Conversations Within” ts 9/18/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

“My father told me that I should not be afraid, and since he is God, I will believe him.” Anonymous

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments.” Ecc.12

The modern notion that says it is better to love God rather than to fear Him has probably misunderstood what the Bible says about both love and fear. To love God is not to have warm fuzzy feelings about Him. It is to act in a manner that is consistent with a reverent respect and regard for Him. Do not be afraid of God but fear Him- respect His person, His presence and His priorities.    Conversations Within” ts 9/18/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

“My father told me that I should not be afraid, and since he is God, I will believe him.” Anonymous

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments.” Ecc.12

The modern notion that says it is better to love God rather than to fear Him has probably misunderstood what the Bible says about both love and fear. To love God is not to have warm fuzzy feelings about Him. It is to act in a manner that is consistent with a reverent respect and regard for Him. Do not be afraid of God but fear Him- respect His person, His presence and His priorities.    Conversations Within” ts 9/18/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

Nobody likes to be told what to do; wisdom is the only cure for this.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Prov.1

Wisdom counsels us that it is wise to cultivate an attitude which is open to correction. Everyone has blind spots. And, we all need the insights of people committed to our well being who can see them, and to point them out. It does us little good if we have such people but refuse to listen to them. A wise heart seeks correction. Conversations Within” ts 9/17/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

Nobody likes to be told what to do; wisdom is the only cure for this.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Prov.1

Wisdom counsels us that it is wise to cultivate an attitude which is open to correction. Everyone has blind spots. And, we all need the insights of people committed to our well being who can see them, and to point them out. It does us little good if we have such people but refuse to listen to them. A wise heart seeks correction. Conversations Within” ts 9/17/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

Because the Lord is my chosen portion, my plate will always be set with goodness and mercy.

“In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence” Prov.14

The other day Brenda I were talking about our future security and, as He often does, God reminded me of something directly related to it. He, not the economy, nor social security nor the state of national health care, has oversight and control over
these matters. God is the bottom line of everything that decides our tomorrows. The answer to my fears is to fear Him in the good old-fashioned sense of the word.   Conversations Within” ts 9/16/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

Because the Lord is my chosen portion, my plate will always be set with goodness and mercy.

“In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence” Prov.14

The other day Brenda I were talking about our future security and, as He often does, God reminded me of something directly related to it. He, not the economy, nor social security nor the state of national health care, has oversight and control over
these matters. God is the bottom line of everything that decides our tomorrows. The answer to my fears is to fear Him in the good old-fashioned sense of the word.   Conversations Within” ts 9/16/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

If I am to possess a prejudice at all, let it be against my own selfishness. ts

“Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Phil. 2

Let me remind myself this morning that just because I can never perform a totally selfless act does not necessarily obligate me to perform a totally selfish one. If I seek something good for myself let me include others in it. Let me turn against my own selfishness by refusing to seek something solely for myself.   Conversations Within” ts 9/14/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

If I am to possess a prejudice at all, let it be against my own selfishness. ts

“Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Phil. 2

Let me remind myself this morning that just because I can never perform a totally selfless act does not necessarily obligate me to perform a totally selfish one. If I seek something good for myself let me include others in it. Let me turn against my own selfishness by refusing to seek something solely for myself.   Conversations Within” ts 9/14/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“I would rather be a man of paradoxes than a man of prejudices.” Jean-Jacques Rousseau

“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6

How can we ease the tension between seeking justice and showing mercy? Christ is said to be God’s solution to satisfy His justice and at the same time offer us mercy. His sacrifice may give us a hint about how we can practice justice and love mercy. We could practice them in something as simple as visiting someone in prison  or helping to take care of their family while they serve out a just sentence. Imagine the effectiveness of such an expression if the prisoner had been sentenced because they had wronged you?  Conversations Within” ts 9/13/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“I would rather be a man of paradoxes than a man of prejudices.” Jean-Jacques Rousseau

“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6

How can we ease the tension between seeking justice and showing mercy? Christ is said to be God’s solution to satisfy His justice and at the same time offer us mercy. His sacrifice may give us a hint about how we can practice justice and love mercy. We could practice them in something as simple as visiting someone in prison  or helping to take care of their family while they serve out a just sentence. Imagine the effectiveness of such an expression if the prisoner had been sentenced because they had wronged you?  Conversations Within” ts 9/13/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

Take care that you do not nurture prejudice against those who are prejudiced.

“Love your enemies...If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?” Jesus

The popular practice in American society is to preach tolerance, but then refuse to practice it toward the intolerant. We have become prejudiced against those who are prejudiced. My personal view is that there is nothing wrong with holding to one’s moral code so long as you do not stop loving those who do not share it. We must learn to love even those who do not love us.   Conversations Within” ts 9/12/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

Take care that you do not nurture prejudice against those who are prejudiced.

“Love your enemies...If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?” Jesus

The popular practice in American society is to preach tolerance, but then refuse to practice it toward the intolerant. We have become prejudiced against those who are prejudiced. My personal view is that there is nothing wrong with holding to one’s moral code so long as you do not stop loving those who do not share it. We must learn to love even those who do not love us.   Conversations Within” ts 9/12/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen.” Albert Einstein

“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure.” James.3

Common sense is usually praised by the community that has nurtured it. But what if the community has nurtured a wrong set of values and its common sense is nonsense? Segregated bathrooms was the “common sense” of the South in the fifties and sixties. We need to take care, even in the community of faith, that our ‘common sense” is a reflection of the wisdom from above and not from the prejudices we get from below.   Conversations Within” ts 9/11/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen.” Albert Einstein

“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure.” James.3

Common sense is usually praised by the community that has nurtured it. But what if the community has nurtured a wrong set of values and its common sense is nonsense? Segregated bathrooms was the “common sense” of the South in the fifties and sixties. We need to take care, even in the community of faith, that our ‘common sense” is a reflection of the wisdom from above and not from the prejudices we get from below.   Conversations Within” ts 9/11/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“Even God doesn't propose to judge a man till his last days, why should you and I?” Dale Carnegie

“Judge not lest you be judged.” Jesus

No one likes a fault-finder. Let me seek what is right without focusing on what is wrong. If I really want to help my neighbor overcome some fault, let me do it by dealing with my own. It is better to lead by example than by mere exhortation--to show someone the way rather than just pointing it out to them.  Conversations Within” ts 9/10/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“Even God doesn't propose to judge a man till his last days, why should you and I?” Dale Carnegie

“Judge not lest you be judged.” Jesus

No one likes a fault-finder. Let me seek what is right without focusing on what is wrong. If I really want to help my neighbor overcome some fault, let me do it by dealing with my own. It is better to lead by example than by mere exhortation--to show someone the way rather than just pointing it out to them.  Conversations Within” ts 9/10/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“To the man who only has a hammer, everything he encounters begins to look like a nail.” Abraham Maslow

“The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.” Prov.18 NIV

It is wise to slow down in the fog and surely to reserve passing judgment in a cloud of conflicting opinion. Do not make haste in the dark of night or in the dark of ignorance. Prejudice will predispose us to judge before all is heard, when it would be better to judge after. The worst kind of prejudice is the one we do not know we have. Conversations Within” ts 9/9/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“To the man who only has a hammer, everything he encounters begins to look like a nail.” Abraham Maslow

“The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.” Prov.18 NIV

It is wise to slow down in the fog and surely to reserve passing judgment in a cloud of conflicting opinion. Do not make haste in the dark of night or in the dark of ignorance. Prejudice will predispose us to judge before all is heard, when it would be better to judge after. The worst kind of prejudice is the one we do not know we have. Conversations Within” ts 9/9/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“Well, if you can't have what you want, you could try to want what you have.” Gillian Shields

“Be content with what you have.” Heb 13.5

The wisdom of contentment is to declare to your heart, “It is, what it is. Deal with it.” Contentment teaches us to change what can be changed and to accept what cannot be. Its peace also teaches us that more is not always better and less is sometimes more. The content heart is a wise heart and can give thanks for the sun, even as it looks for shade.  Conversations Within” ts 9/7/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“Well, if you can't have what you want, you could try to want what you have.” Gillian Shields

“Be content with what you have.” Heb 13.5

The wisdom of contentment is to declare to your heart, “It is, what it is. Deal with it.” Contentment teaches us to change what can be changed and to accept what cannot be. Its peace also teaches us that more is not always better and less is sometimes more. The content heart is a wise heart and can give thanks for the sun, even as it looks for shade.  Conversations Within” ts 9/7/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“I've come to know that what we want in life is the greatest indication of who we really are.” Richard Paul Evans

“For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another.” Gal.5

There are all kinds of wants. Some of them good and some bad. The trick is to keep the bad ones in check and let the good ones run free. Actually, giving complete expression to those desires in us that are good is one way to keep bad desires under control. This is one of the positive aspects of having only so many hours in a day.  Conversations Within” ts 9/6/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“I've come to know that what we want in life is the greatest indication of who we really are.” Richard Paul Evans

“For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another.” Gal.5

There are all kinds of wants. Some of them good and some bad. The trick is to keep the bad ones in check and let the good ones run free. Actually, giving complete expression to those desires in us that are good is one way to keep bad desires under control. This is one of the positive aspects of having only so many hours in a day.  Conversations Within” ts 9/6/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

If you want more, desire less.

““Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”” Jesus

Most of us can think of times when having less is more. Less debt, probably means more time to enjoy life. Of course less debt usually means having fewer possessions. Surely there are many advantages of living lite. The adage,”what you own, owns you,” reminds us of one advantage of traveling lite on our sojourn. Before you get in bed with something make sure you want to wake up next to it the next morning.  Conversations Within” ts 9/5/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

If you want more, desire less.

““Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”” Jesus

Most of us can think of times when having less is more. Less debt, probably means more time to enjoy life. Of course less debt usually means having fewer possessions. Surely there are many advantages of living lite. The adage,”what you own, owns you,” reminds us of one advantage of traveling lite on our sojourn. Before you get in bed with something make sure you want to wake up next to it the next morning.  Conversations Within” ts 9/5/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“Man cannot live by bread alone ... he must have peanut butter.” Bill Cosby

“Give us this day our daily bread.” Jesus

When we ask God to provide for our needs, I am sure He understands that we need more than money. The question is, do we? Do I really know how much I need food for my soul, as much, if not more, than food for my body? Miss a meal and the belly will soon begin to rumble. Miss feeding your soul and its inner-peace will start to complain as well. Do not neglect bread for your soul.  Conversations Within” ts 9/4/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“Man cannot live by bread alone ... he must have peanut butter.” Bill Cosby

“Give us this day our daily bread.” Jesus

When we ask God to provide for our needs, I am sure He understands that we need more than money. The question is, do we? Do I really know how much I need food for my soul, as much, if not more, than food for my body? Miss a meal and the belly will soon begin to rumble. Miss feeding your soul and its inner-peace will start to complain as well. Do not neglect bread for your soul.  Conversations Within” ts 9/4/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

A lot of people get so hung up on what they can't have that they don't think for a second about whether they really want it.” Lionel Shriver

“What do you want me to do for you?”  Jesus

I remember the silly game we played as children about the genie granting you three wishes. My third wish was always to get three more wishes. If you could ask God for anything and knew that He would give it, what would you ask from Him? As an adult I am coming to appreciate the one safe prayer that will keep me out of trouble. “Not my will but your will be done.” After all, who better to order from the menu than the Chef who serves up eternal joy. Conversations Within” ts 9/3/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

A lot of people get so hung up on what they can't have that they don't think for a second about whether they really want it.” Lionel Shriver

“What do you want me to do for you?”  Jesus

I remember the silly game we played as children about the genie granting you three wishes. My third wish was always to get three more wishes. If you could ask God for anything and knew that He would give it, what would you ask from Him? As an adult I am coming to appreciate the one safe prayer that will keep me out of trouble. “Not my will but your will be done.” After all, who better to order from the menu than the Chef who serves up eternal joy. Conversations Within” ts 9/3/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“What you need and what you want aren't the same things,” Cherise Sinclair

“In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” Phil.4

I cannot think of a single day when I did not have what I needed. I may have had to make do with less but even the less was adequate to meet my needs. The truth is, learning to live with less may be a greater value than having more. Seasons of less can be a blessing not a curse. If you think about it, there is great value in learning how to make do. What good parent, God included, would not want to teach this?  Conversations Within” ts 9/2/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“What you need and what you want aren't the same things,” Cherise Sinclair

“In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” Phil.4

I cannot think of a single day when I did not have what I needed. I may have had to make do with less but even the less was adequate to meet my needs. The truth is, learning to live with less may be a greater value than having more. Seasons of less can be a blessing not a curse. If you think about it, there is great value in learning how to make do. What good parent, God included, would not want to teach this?  Conversations Within” ts 9/2/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” Albert Einstein

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Jesus

Trying to be successful, if we are not careful, can be somewhat self centered.  Striving to be valuable to your family and friends, not just successful will point the energy of our life toward love. I can think of no better reason to rise each day than to love and to be loved. The one who loves is both valuable and successful.    Conversations Within” ts 8/31/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” Albert Einstein

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Jesus

Trying to be successful, if we are not careful, can be somewhat self centered.  Striving to be valuable to your family and friends, not just successful will point the energy of our life toward love. I can think of no better reason to rise each day than to love and to be loved. The one who loves is both valuable and successful.    Conversations Within” ts 8/31/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is.” Vince Lombardi

“We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Rom.8

I cannot deny that I often fail  but I also cannot deny the unquenchable desire living in me to get up and try again. There is a me inside of me that finds no pleasure in quitting. This new me, a work of Christ in progress, wants to love instead of lust, to give instead of take, to overcome instead of lay down and quit. Conversations Within” ts 8/30/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is.” Vince Lombardi

“We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Rom.8

I cannot deny that I often fail  but I also cannot deny the unquenchable desire living in me to get up and try again. There is a me inside of me that finds no pleasure in quitting. This new me, a work of Christ in progress, wants to love instead of lust, to give instead of take, to overcome instead of lay down and quit. Conversations Within” ts 8/30/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)