We are told to possess a childlike faith, not a childish one.

“When I became a man, I put away childish things.” 1Cor.13

It can be a good thing or a bad thing to act like a child. Acting like a child in a good sense would be  actions like never quit exploring, using your imagination or never forgetting how to play and to keep a teachable spirit. Acting like a child in a bad sense are those times when we behave childishly, selfishly or complain when we don’t get our way. Conversations Within” ts 10/25/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

We are told to possess a childlike faith, not a childish one.

“When I became a man, I put away childish things.” 1Cor.13

It can be a good thing or a bad thing to act like a child. Acting like a child in a good sense would be  actions like never quit exploring, using your imagination or never forgetting how to play and to keep a teachable spirit. Acting like a child in a bad sense are those times when we behave childishly, selfishly or complain when we don’t get our way. Conversations Within” ts 10/25/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

“And it is still true, no matter how old you are-when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.” Robert Fulghum

“Two are better than one.” Ecc.4

Learning to be self-sufficient has its good points but learning the value of supporting and being supported has the greater value. We were not created and certainly never commanded to go it alone. In fact, we are told just the opposite. It is God’s wish that we live in community. This does not mean that we should not be able pull our own weight but doing so will put us in a position to help others who have not yet learned how. Conversations Within” ts 10/24/2013 (Selma, AL)

“And it is still true, no matter how old you are-when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.” Robert Fulghum

“Two are better than one.” Ecc.4

Learning to be self-sufficient has its good points but learning the value of supporting and being supported has the greater value. We were not created and certainly never commanded to go it alone. In fact, we are told just the opposite. It is God’s wish that we live in community. This does not mean that we should not be able pull our own weight but doing so will put us in a position to help others who have not yet learned how. Conversations Within” ts 10/24/2013 (Selma, AL)

“Share everything.” Robert Fulghum

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Jesus

Do we ever outgrow the responsibility to share with others? I think not. We should always make our resources a servant to our relationships and not the reverse. Hold lightly to stuff but firmly to friends. I can imagine few things more beautiful than a child sharing his or her toys without being told to, except perhaps, a grown-up, who does the same. Conversations Within” ts 10/23/2013 (Selma, AL)

“Share everything.” Robert Fulghum

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Jesus

Do we ever outgrow the responsibility to share with others? I think not. We should always make our resources a servant to our relationships and not the reverse. Hold lightly to stuff but firmly to friends. I can imagine few things more beautiful than a child sharing his or her toys without being told to, except perhaps, a grown-up, who does the same. Conversations Within” ts 10/23/2013 (Selma, AL)

“Think what a better world it would be if we all-the whole world-had cookies and milk about three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap.” Robert Fulghum

“Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.” Prov.20

Most of the things that were good for us as children are still good for us. You never outgrow something that is good for you. The same can be said of stuff that is bad for you. If it wasn’t good for you as a child, there is a good chance it isn’t good for you as an adult. The double standard we have for our children and then for our own behavior explains most of what is wrong in the world. Conversations Within” ts 10/22/2013 (Selma, AL)

“Think what a better world it would be if we all-the whole world-had cookies and milk about three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap.” Robert Fulghum

“Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.” Prov.20

Most of the things that were good for us as children are still good for us. You never outgrow something that is good for you. The same can be said of stuff that is bad for you. If it wasn’t good for you as a child, there is a good chance it isn’t good for you as an adult. The double standard we have for our children and then for our own behavior explains most of what is wrong in the world. Conversations Within” ts 10/22/2013 (Selma, AL)

“All I Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten.” Robert Fulghum

"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus

In light of Jesus’ words, we may well ask, how exactly does one “become” like a little child?  I think we must first realize that  “change” is in order. Discovering all the ways we are no longer like a child may give us a clue as to the changes needed. It may be something as simple as relearning a teachable spirit. If children are anything, they are pliable-not a bad way to be where God is concerned. Conversations Within” ts 10/22/2013 (Selma, AL)

“All I Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten.” Robert Fulghum

"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus

In light of Jesus’ words, we may well ask, how exactly does one “become” like a little child?  I think we must first realize that  “change” is in order. Discovering all the ways we are no longer like a child may give us a clue as to the changes needed. It may be something as simple as relearning a teachable spirit. If children are anything, they are pliable-not a bad way to be where God is concerned. Conversations Within” ts 10/22/2013 (Selma, AL)

May God grant us the joy of true friendship.

“I have not called you servants but friends.” Jesus

Of God’s many gifts, few surpass the value of a friend. A friend is a companion who walks with you in good times and bad, who helps shoulder the weight of life’s burdens and celebrates with you its joys. Everyone needs at least one true friend. When Jesus offers us His friendship it is often realized in our friends. He sits with us when they sit with us. He serves us when they serve us. Thank God for friends. Conversations Within” ts 10/18/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

May God grant us the joy of true friendship.

“I have not called you servants but friends.” Jesus

Of God’s many gifts, few surpass the value of a friend. A friend is a companion who walks with you in good times and bad, who helps shoulder the weight of life’s burdens and celebrates with you its joys. Everyone needs at least one true friend. When Jesus offers us His friendship it is often realized in our friends. He sits with us when they sit with us. He serves us when they serve us. Thank God for friends. Conversations Within” ts 10/18/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

May God grant that we always choose the superior delights of joy and lay hold of that which is life indeed.

‘so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.” 1Tim.6

There is life, then there is life indeed. The difference is not only in duration but in emphasis. One runs in a race, another simply loves to run. One chases pleasure, the other rests in the delights of joy. One dreads going to work, another loves fruitfulness. One lives for the weekend, for the other, everyday is a friday.  Conversations Within” ts 10/18/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

May God grant that we always choose the superior delights of joy and lay hold of that which is life indeed.

‘so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.” 1Tim.6

There is life, then there is life indeed. The difference is not only in duration but in emphasis. One runs in a race, another simply loves to run. One chases pleasure, the other rests in the delights of joy. One dreads going to work, another loves fruitfulness. One lives for the weekend, for the other, everyday is a friday.  Conversations Within” ts 10/18/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

May God grant not only His blessings but that we never forget that we have them.

“Bless the Lord O my soul.” Ps.103

We should feast regularly at the table of gratitude. The grateful heart has joy as a constant companion. Blessed are those who know they are blessed. What good are blessings if you forget that you have them, if you fail to appreciate them. Always be appreciative and you will always be appreciated.  Conversations Within” ts
10/17/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

May God grant not only His blessings but that we never forget that we have them.

“Bless the Lord O my soul.” Ps.103

We should feast regularly at the table of gratitude. The grateful heart has joy as a constant companion. Blessed are those who know they are blessed. What good are blessings if you forget that you have them, if you fail to appreciate them. Always be appreciative and you will always be appreciated.  Conversations Within” ts
10/17/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

May God grant that we live for that which is greater than ourselves.

“Seek first the Kingdom of God.” Jesus

We could only hope that God will bless us in such a way that we live for Him and for His purposes in the world. I say that we can only hope for this because left to ourselves, we have shown time and time again that we will not do it. In the end the only thing that will matter is that we have been numbered among those who have centered their lives around His purposes.    Conversations Within” ts 10/16/2013 (Jax, FL)

May God grant that we live for that which is greater than ourselves.

“Seek first the Kingdom of God.” Jesus

We could only hope that God will bless us in such a way that we live for Him and for His purposes in the world. I say that we can only hope for this because left to ourselves, we have shown time and time again that we will not do it. In the end the only thing that will matter is that we have been numbered among those who have centered their lives around His purposes.    Conversations Within” ts 10/16/2013 (Jax, FL)

May God grant that we love each other on the days we don’t like each other.

“Love is patient, love is kind…” 1Co.13

I pray this prayer especially at weddings but also for my own attitude and actions toward others. There are days when I do not like my wife but I still want to love her. To like someone is a feeling. To love someone is an action. Love promises to never leave and to always act in a manner that seeks what is best for the person you love even though you may not like what they are doing.  Conversations Within” ts 10/15/2013 (Jax, FL)

May God grant that we love each other on the days we don’t like each other.

“Love is patient, love is kind…” 1Co.13

I pray this prayer especially at weddings but also for my own attitude and actions toward others. There are days when I do not like my wife but I still want to love her. To like someone is a feeling. To love someone is an action. Love promises to never leave and to always act in a manner that seeks what is best for the person you love even though you may not like what they are doing.  Conversations Within” ts 10/15/2013 (Jax, FL)

"May God grant us the wisdom to discover the right, the will to choose it and the strength to make it endure. Amen” (First Knight--the movie)

“And this we do if God permit.” Heb.6

When we ask God to grant something we are asking that He do more than just allow it to happen--we ask His blessings on it. By asking God to grant something instead of asking Him to do it for us, we also understand that we too have a role to play. It is silly to ask God to do something for us if He has delegated it to us. It is equally silly if we do not ask for His help when He not only offers it, but assures us that by having it, an ordinary something can be transformed into something extraordinary.   Conversations Within” ts 10/14/2013 (Jax, FL)

"May God grant us the wisdom to discover the right, the will to choose it and the strength to make it endure. Amen” (First Knight--the movie)

“And this we do if God permit.” Heb.6

When we ask God to grant something we are asking that He do more than just allow it to happen--we ask His blessings on it. By asking God to grant something instead of asking Him to do it for us, we also understand that we too have a role to play. It is silly to ask God to do something for us if He has delegated it to us. It is equally silly if we do not ask for His help when He not only offers it, but assures us that by having it, an ordinary something can be transformed into something extraordinary.   Conversations Within” ts 10/14/2013 (Jax, FL)

Many things which are necessary disappointments in this life will become never ending discoveries in glory.

“I give them eternal life…” Jesus

I have known the disappointment of having to turn back on a wonderful hike. Perhaps I ran out of time or out of energy knowing that another mile out would be another mile back. Such is life, or at least life now. But there will be no need to turn back on the trails of heaven. A mile out will only be a mile deeper into the great discovery of all the wonders of God. We will not know the disappointment of having to call it a day. What is time to one who will live forever?  Conversations Within” ts 10/12/2013 (Jax, FL)

Many things which are necessary disappointments in this life will become never ending discoveries in glory.

“I give them eternal life…” Jesus

I have known the disappointment of having to turn back on a wonderful hike. Perhaps I ran out of time or out of energy knowing that another mile out would be another mile back. Such is life, or at least life now. But there will be no need to turn back on the trails of heaven. A mile out will only be a mile deeper into the great discovery of all the wonders of God. We will not know the disappointment of having to call it a day. What is time to one who will live forever?  Conversations Within” ts 10/12/2013 (Jax, FL)

“If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled.” Charles H. Spurgeon

“My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.” Ps.63

Faith will often make a prediction about tomorrow’s blessings because of today’s. When we have contented ourselves with all that God is for us in this moment it is easy to be confident of the next. When we fail to appreciate what is, it is easy to worry about what will be. “Count your many blessings” as the song says and you will still be counting tomorrow.   Conversations Within” ts 10/11/2013 (Jax, FL)

“If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled.” Charles H. Spurgeon

“My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.” Ps.63

Faith will often make a prediction about tomorrow’s blessings because of today’s. When we have contented ourselves with all that God is for us in this moment it is easy to be confident of the next. When we fail to appreciate what is, it is easy to worry about what will be. “Count your many blessings” as the song says and you will still be counting tomorrow.   Conversations Within” ts 10/11/2013 (Jax, FL)

So clear and certain is God’s past faithfulness that what lies behind clearly and certainly establishes what lies ahead.

“And they all ate and were satisfied.” Luke 9

When I read these words I immediately ask if I have ever been disappointed with what God has provided. When the answer is yes it is usually because I think there is “too much month at the end of the money.” Do you see what I am doing? I am trying to dine at tomorrow's table instead of today’s. I have never known a day where God did not provide.  Conversations Within” ts 10/10/2013 (Jax, FL)

So clear and certain is God’s past faithfulness that what lies behind clearly and certainly establishes what lies ahead.

“And they all ate and were satisfied.” Luke 9

When I read these words I immediately ask if I have ever been disappointed with what God has provided. When the answer is yes it is usually because I think there is “too much month at the end of the money.” Do you see what I am doing? I am trying to dine at tomorrow's table instead of today’s. I have never known a day where God did not provide.  Conversations Within” ts 10/10/2013 (Jax, FL)

You can’t get nectar from plastic flowers.

“Why do you go about so much, changing your ways? You will be disappointed by Egypt as you were by Assyria.”

Like a bee flitting from flower to flower, people try one thing, then another, in search of happiness. The nectar of true happiness is spiritual and cannot be found in the plastic flowers of material circumstances. To quench this thirst of the soul we must drink the nectar of heaven found only in the garden of God. Only the children of faith can fly there. Conversations Within” ts 10/9/2013 (Jax, FL)

You can’t get nectar from plastic flowers.

“Why do you go about so much, changing your ways? You will be disappointed by Egypt as you were by Assyria.”

Like a bee flitting from flower to flower, people try one thing, then another, in search of happiness. The nectar of true happiness is spiritual and cannot be found in the plastic flowers of material circumstances. To quench this thirst of the soul we must drink the nectar of heaven found only in the garden of God. Only the children of faith can fly there. Conversations Within” ts 10/9/2013 (Jax, FL)

If you do not want to be disappointed, point your hope in the right direction.

“Those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” Is.49 NIV

We may well understand this promise to mean that God will never let us down. This is not to say that we might feel like He has from time to time. We may be disappointed in God the same way a child is disappointed in a parent when they do not get their way. There are a host of promises that God has made which are true even when we do not believe them. This is why we are told to put our hope in God, not in something we want from Him. Conversations Within” ts 10/8/2013 (Jax, FL)

If you do not want to be disappointed, point your hope in the right direction.

“Those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” Is.49 NIV

We may well understand this promise to mean that God will never let us down. This is not to say that we might feel like He has from time to time. We may be disappointed in God the same way a child is disappointed in a parent when they do not get their way. There are a host of promises that God has made which are true even when we do not believe them. This is why we are told to put our hope in God, not in something we want from Him. Conversations Within” ts 10/8/2013 (Jax, FL)

Disappointments can teach as much as they can disappoint.

“Even at night my heart instructs me.” Ps.16

I think that I am my greatest disappointment. I am not the person I want to be. The fact that I never have been, makes me wonder if I ever will be. I find no consolation that most people feel this way from time to time. I am gratefully reminded that disappointment with myself can be a good thing if it causes me to look for God’s grace. It can be a bad thing if all I do is sit around and mope. Let your disappointments disciple you in the goodness of grace not disable you in the bog of self-pity.  Conversations Within” ts 10/7/2013 (Jax, FL)

Disappointments can teach as much as they can disappoint.

“Even at night my heart instructs me.” Ps.16

I think that I am my greatest disappointment. I am not the person I want to be. The fact that I never have been, makes me wonder if I ever will be. I find no consolation that most people feel this way from time to time. I am gratefully reminded that disappointment with myself can be a good thing if it causes me to look for God’s grace. It can be a bad thing if all I do is sit around and mope. Let your disappointments disciple you in the goodness of grace not disable you in the bog of self-pity.  Conversations Within” ts 10/7/2013 (Jax, FL)

“Strength is the ability to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands - and then eat just one of those pieces” Judith Viorst

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Phil.4.13

Strength is not the power to do what you want, but the power to hold on to what you really want. There are wants which enslave and wants that set us free. Strength of character holds us to those which free. "May God grant us the wisdom to discover the right, the will to choose it and the strength to make it endure. Amen” (First Knight--the movie) Conversations Within” ts 10/5/2013 (Jax, FL)

“Strength is the ability to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands - and then eat just one of those pieces” Judith Viorst

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Phil.4.13

Strength is not the power to do what you want, but the power to hold on to what you really want. There are wants which enslave and wants that set us free. Strength of character holds us to those which free. "May God grant us the wisdom to discover the right, the will to choose it and the strength to make it endure. Amen” (First Knight--the movie) Conversations Within” ts 10/5/2013 (Jax, FL)

”Deep roots are not reached by the frost.” J. R. R. Tolkien

"By your endurance you will gain your lives.” Jesus

Maturity is its own strength; it is the strength of a nurtured character. Character takes time, trial and enduring faith-not faith in the sense of belief only, but belief that is set in motion. There are no short cuts where the strength of character is concerned. Character, good or bad, is made one decision at a time. God is interested in so much more than just forgiving us; He wants us to grow up as sons and daughters who share the very same character found in Christ. Conversations Within” ts 10/4/2013 (Jax, FL)

”Deep roots are not reached by the frost.” J. R. R. Tolkien

"By your endurance you will gain your lives.” Jesus

Maturity is its own strength; it is the strength of a nurtured character. Character takes time, trial and enduring faith-not faith in the sense of belief only, but belief that is set in motion. There are no short cuts where the strength of character is concerned. Character, good or bad, is made one decision at a time. God is interested in so much more than just forgiving us; He wants us to grow up as sons and daughters who share the very same character found in Christ. Conversations Within” ts 10/4/2013 (Jax, FL)

God is the desire to do. He is that extra oomph that comes to us in that moment of decision, the One that prompts us to finish what we have started, to do what we know is right.

The joy of the LORD is your strength." Neh.8

God’s grace is the gumption we feel to do something about a concern. He is the spiritual vitality of all faith, hope and love. His strength comes to us by showing us what path to take and by creating in us the desire to walk down it. His is the singular grace of finding joy in all that is good and right and true and the strength to see it through.. Conversations Within” ts 10/3/2013 (Jax, FL)

God is the desire to do. He is that extra oomph that comes to us in that moment of decision, the One that prompts us to finish what we have started, to do what we know is right.

The joy of the LORD is your strength." Neh.8

God’s grace is the gumption we feel to do something about a concern. He is the spiritual vitality of all faith, hope and love. His strength comes to us by showing us what path to take and by creating in us the desire to walk down it. His is the singular grace of finding joy in all that is good and right and true and the strength to see it through.. Conversations Within” ts 10/3/2013 (Jax, FL)

Strength is the power to do--the delivery room where mere knowledge is birthed into wise action.

“O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me.” Ps.22

The strength of strength is found in doing. If you are looking for the strength to do something, start doing it and you will discover that strength is right there with you. God is said to be the strength of life. If we have asked for His partnership, His strength waits to be activated in us. Strength is activated in us the moment we step out and do. Stepping out, regardless of how we feel, is what faith is all about.   Conversations Within” ts 10/2/2013 (Jax, FL)

Strength is the power to do--the delivery room where mere knowledge is birthed into wise action.

“O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me.” Ps.22

The strength of strength is found in doing. If you are looking for the strength to do something, start doing it and you will discover that strength is right there with you. God is said to be the strength of life. If we have asked for His partnership, His strength waits to be activated in us. Strength is activated in us the moment we step out and do. Stepping out, regardless of how we feel, is what faith is all about.   Conversations Within” ts 10/2/2013 (Jax, FL)

What is strength but the motivation to live life as it should be lived.

“ The joy of the LORD is your strength." Neh.8

Since learning to surf, I have picked up a few new words. One of my favorites is the word ‘stoke’ or ‘stoked.’ Stoke is an enthusiastic, you could even say, ‘joyful’ approach to life--one which motivates you to grab hold of it. For those who have made a practice of doing so, stoked becomes an attitude and approach to everything. A person's stoke is the fragrant aroma--the cologne of one who is joyfully alive, fully present in each and every moment. Conversations Within” ts 10/1/2013 (Jax, FL)

What is strength but the motivation to live life as it should be lived.

“ The joy of the LORD is your strength." Neh.8

Since learning to surf, I have picked up a few new words. One of my favorites is the word ‘stoke’ or ‘stoked.’ Stoke is an enthusiastic, you could even say, ‘joyful’ approach to life--one which motivates you to grab hold of it. For those who have made a practice of doing so, stoked becomes an attitude and approach to everything. A person's stoke is the fragrant aroma--the cologne of one who is joyfully alive, fully present in each and every moment. Conversations Within” ts 10/1/2013 (Jax, FL)

Figure it out and keep figuring it out until it is figured out.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Is.40 NIV

I am amazed at how easily we give up in the face of some difficulties. Problem solving develops so many good things in us. Faith, creativity, perseverance, and good old fashioned gumption are strengthened when we face the challenges of living in this place. Don’t give up, look up and ask for inspiration. If you can’t see a way to do it, invent one. Conversations Within” ts 9/29/2013 (Jax, FL)

Figure it out and keep figuring it out until it is figured out.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Is.40 NIV

I am amazed at how easily we give up in the face of some difficulties. Problem solving develops so many good things in us. Faith, creativity, perseverance, and good old fashioned gumption are strengthened when we face the challenges of living in this place. Don’t give up, look up and ask for inspiration. If you can’t see a way to do it, invent one. Conversations Within” ts 9/29/2013 (Jax, FL)

Faith must be expressed like muscles must be used. They both will atrophy without use.

“Faith without works is dead.” James 2

We must often remind ourselves of truths we believe because the fog of our feelings can roll in and cause us to forget them. It is good to remind yourself of why you started believing something in the first place. But once you have established good reasons for believing something, believe it--not just with your mind but follow it up with your actions. It does little good to believe there is a God but live everyday like there isn’t. Conversations Within” ts 9/25/2013 (Selma, AL)

Faith must be expressed like muscles must be used. They both will atrophy without use.

“Faith without works is dead.” James 2

We must often remind ourselves of truths we believe because the fog of our feelings can roll in and cause us to forget them. It is good to remind yourself of why you started believing something in the first place. But once you have established good reasons for believing something, believe it--not just with your mind but follow it up with your actions. It does little good to believe there is a God but live everyday like there isn’t. Conversations Within” ts 9/25/2013 (Selma, AL)

We are told to remember some things not because they might be forgotten but because they should not be neglected.

“Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.” Prov.8 ESV

The best way to honor soldiers who fought for our freedom is not by erecting monuments to them, but by using our freedom for something worth the sacrifices they made. Remember them by responsible citizenship. The same can be said for Christ. We honor him by living in the freedoms He also secured. The better way to remember Christ is not to light a prayer candle but to pray. Conversations Within” ts 9/25/2013 (Selma, AL)