“'Every battle is won before it's ever fought.” Sun Tzu

“Choose you this day whom you will serve.” Josh.24

For some, having to choose creates a dilemma; for others, every choice is viewed as a wonderful privilege. Instead of getting stressed over the need to make a decision, celebrate to the wonderful freedom we have to choose. There may be some difficult choices in life, but most of them are easily made once you know the difference between what you want and what you really want and you have decisively decided to always choose the latter.  Conversations Within” ts 1/25/2014 (Hayneville, AL)

“'Every battle is won before it's ever fought.” Sun Tzu

“Choose you this day whom you will serve.” Josh.24

For some, having to choose creates a dilemma; for others, every choice is viewed as a wonderful privilege. Instead of getting stressed over the need to make a decision, celebrate to the wonderful freedom we have to choose. There may be some difficult choices in life, but most of them are easily made once you know the difference between what you want and what you really want and you have decisively decided to always choose the latter.  Conversations Within” ts 1/25/2014 (Hayneville, AL)

God imparts joy to put the last touches on pleasures when they are rightly taken from His hand.

“At your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Ps.16

When deciding a course of action it is wise to know the difference between pleasure and joy. Joy enables us to experience pleasure without doubt, guilt or fear. Joy completes pleasure like childbirth completes a pregnancy. Pleasure without joy is to miscarry. It is wise to choose nothing that offers pleasure but has no joy in it.  Make sure that pleasure adds to your joy, instead of stealing from it.    Conversations Within” ts 1/24/2014 (Hayneville, AL)

God imparts joy to put the last touches on pleasures when they are rightly taken from His hand.

“At your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Ps.16

When deciding a course of action it is wise to know the difference between pleasure and joy. Joy enables us to experience pleasure with doubt, guilt or fear. Joy completes pleasure like childbirth completes a pregnancy. Pleasure without joy is to miscarry. It is wise to choose nothing that offers pleasure but has no joy in it.  Make sure that pleasure adds to your joy, instead of stealing from it.    Conversations Within” ts 1/24/2014 (Hayneville, AL)

“Make one healthy choice. Now make another.” Heather Shugarman

“What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?” Jesus

If you want a good life, then make good choices. It doesn’t get any simpler than this. Consider the sheer power that is given to us in a simple choice. Live each day by following one healthy decision after another. Establish the wholesome habit by asking at the start of every new venture, “Is it in my best interest to think this, say this, do this?” If it is not, toss it. Conversations Within” ts 1/23/2014 (Selma, AL)

“Make one healthy choice. Now make another.” Heather Shugarman

“What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?” Jesus

If you want a good life, then make good choices. It doesn’t get any simpler than this. Consider the sheer power that is given to us in a simple choice. Live each day by following one healthy decision after another. Establish the wholesome habit by asking at the start of every new venture, “Is it in my best interest to think this, say this, do this?” If it is not, toss it. Conversations Within” ts 1/23/2014 (Selma, AL)

One reason we make bad choices is that we believe that we have time to recover from them.

“Oh, that you would choose life.” Deut.30 NLT

Self preservation is an instinctive choice. When it is clear that a choice will abruptly end our life, we will choose life over death. The problem is that some choices slowly kill us. Even so, we foolishly decide to do them anyway because we are gamblers at heart. The worse part of which isn’t the feel-good experience that we trade for physical and spiritual health, but that we reinforce a gambling habit where the house ultimately will win. Conversations Within” ts 1/19/2014 (Selma, AL)

One reason we make bad choices is that we believe that we have time to recover from them.

“Oh, that you would choose life.” Deut.30 NLT

Self preservation is an instinctive choice. When it is clear that a choice will abruptly end our life, we will choose life over death. The problem is that some choices slowly kill us. Even so, we foolishly decide to do them anyway because we are gamblers at heart. The worse part of which isn’t the feel-good experience that we trade for physical and spiritual health, but that we reinforce a gambling habit where the house ultimately will win. Conversations Within” ts 1/19/2014 (Selma, AL)

When making decisions, some use the Bible like a map, others use it to consult the Map Maker.

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever-the Spirit of truth.” Jesus

Jesus has left no doubt, at least to His disciples, about the value of the Bible as a place where He meets to speak with us. This is of course the only way to use the Bible. In our hands alone, the Bible has been used to justify some pretty terrible stuff. If we want a solid foundation that will help us make good decisions, we have something infinitely better than just the Bible, we have its Author living in us and applying its words to our hearts.  Conversations Within” ts 1/18/2014 (Hayneville, AL)

When making decisions, some use the Bible like a map, others use it to consult the Map Maker.

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever-the Spirit of truth.” Jesus

Jesus has left no doubt, at least to His disciples, about the value of the Bible as a place where He meets to speak with us. This is of course the only way to use the Bible. In our hands alone, the Bible has been used to justify some pretty terrible stuff. If we want a solid foundation that will help us make good decisions, we have something infinitely better than just the Bible, we have its Author living in us and applying its words to our hearts.  Conversations Within” ts 1/18/2014 (Hayneville, AL)

“When one bases his life on principle, 99 percent of his decisions are already made.” Author Unknown

“Keep in step with the Spirit.” Gal.5

There is only one core choice in life and when properly made, this choice choice will give light to every other consideration. For those who choose to give Jesus His rightful place in our heart, every other choice becomes subject to it. Christ becomes the cadence we march to, and every step seeks to keep His rhythm. His song is the song of goodness and love and His melody will always lead us to sing the song of lasting joy.     Conversations Within” ts 1/22/2014 (Selma, AL)

“When one bases his life on principle, 99 percent of his decisions are already made.” Author Unknown

“Keep in step with the Spirit.” Gal.5

There is only one core choice in life and when properly made, this choice choice will give light to every other consideration. For those who choose to give Jesus His rightful place in our heart, every other choice becomes subject to it. Christ becomes the cadence we march to, and every step seeks to keep His rhythm. His song is the song of goodness and love and His melody will always lead us to sing the song of lasting joy.     Conversations Within” ts 1/22/2014 (Selma, AL)

To thine own self be true but only if being true to yourself does no harm to another.

“Speak the truth in love.” Eph.4

If there was ever an example of how something good can be bad when it is not joined properly to one’s relationship with God, it is in our desire to be authentic. When joined to God, being honest with ourselves, and with others, is a good thing. But raw honesty, expressed without love, can be downright hurtful. Just ask someone who has felt the brunt of living with a person who is always speaking their mind or acting out how they feel with no thought for anyone but themselves.  Conversations Within” ts 1/18/2014 (Jax, FL)

To thine own self be true but only if being true to yourself does no harm to another.

“Speak the truth in love.” Eph.4

If there was ever an example of how something good can be bad when it is not joined properly to one’s relationship with God, it is in our desire to be authentic. When joined to God, being honest with ourselves, and with others, is a good thing. But raw honesty, expressed without love, can be downright hurtful. Just ask someone who has felt the brunt of living with a person who is always speaking their mind or acting out how they feel with no thought for anyone but themselves.  Conversations Within” ts 1/18/2014 (Jax, FL)

Don’t fake it when you can certainly make it.

“Therefore, rid yourselves of all...hypocrisy...” 1Pt.2.1 NIV

We should not feel like a hypocrite when we are polite to someone when we would rather tell them off. By acting on what is right instead of acting on how we feel, we take the first steps away from playing the part to actually becoming the part. Play-acting can be bad if we do it only for show but good if we, like children, are rehearsing for adulthood. Conversations Within” ts 1/17/2014 (Jax, FL)

Don’t fake it when you can certainly make it.

“Therefore, rid yourselves of all...hypocrisy...” 1Pt.2.1 NIV

We should not feel like a hypocrite when we are polite to someone when we would rather tell them off. By acting on what is right instead of acting on how we feel, we take the first steps away from playing the part to actually becoming the part. Play-acting can be bad if we do it only for show but good if we, like children, are rehearsing for adulthood. Conversations Within” ts 1/17/2014 (Jax, FL)

”An authentic life is the most personal form of worship. Everyday life has become my prayer.” Sarah Ban Breathnach

“Those who worship God must worship in Spirit and in truth.” Jesus

Something real is something actual--not imagined or fake. Never fake it where life is concerned. This will surely mean that we overcome how we feel and do what we know is good, right and true. I may not feel like loving someone, but if I have pledged to love them, then let me love in action even when feelings fail. Being authentic isn’t living by your feelings or “following your heart” as it is commonly called. It is consciously choosing to live by what “is” right not because it “feels” right. Conversations Within” ts 1/16/2014 (Jax, FL)

”An authentic life is the most personal form of worship. Everyday life has become my prayer.” Sarah Ban Breathnach

“Those who worship God must worship in Spirit and in truth.” Jesus

Something real is something actual--not imagined or fake. Never fake it where life is concerned. This will surely mean that we overcome how we feel and do what we know is good, right and true. I may not feel like loving someone, but if I have pledged to love them, then let me love in action even when feelings fail. Being authentic isn’t living by your feelings or “following your heart” as it is commonly called. It is consciously choosing to live by what “is” right not because it “feels” right. Conversations Within” ts 1/16/2014 (Jax, FL)

“The problem with quotes from the internet is that you cannot always verify the authenticity.” Abraham Lincoln

“Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1Sam.16

Modern culture seems to care more about appearing authentic than being authentic. We have made a show out of coming across as genuine, sincere, and real. It doesn’t matter if we are real, only that we look it in public. Only when we assign a unique value to God’s opinion will we be free of living for the opinions of others. Conversations Within” ts 1/15/2014 (Jax, FL)

“The problem with quotes from the internet is that you cannot always verify the authenticity.” Abraham Lincoln

“Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1Sam.16

Modern culture seems to care more about appearing authentic than being authentic. We have made a show out of coming across as genuine, sincere, and real. It doesn’t matter if we are real, only that we look it in public. Only when we assign a unique value to God’s opinion will we be free of living for the opinions of others. Conversations Within” ts 1/15/2014 (Jax, FL)

“We must bring to God who we are, not who we think we should be.” C. S. Lewis

“My sin is ever before me.” Ps.51

Much of what I read about being authentic smacks of little more than silly pride. If there is ever a time to be real, it is when we come to God in confession of our sins. We should be honest with Him, not only because He knows our deepest secrets, but He is our only hope of lasting change. Being authentic is not about being proud of who you are, it is having a good handle on those things about you that need changing. Conversations Within” ts 1/14/2014 (Jax, FL)

“We must bring to God who we are, not who we think we should be.” C. S. Lewis

“My sin is ever before me.” Ps.51

Much of what I read about being authentic smacks of little more than silly pride. If there is ever a time to be real, it is when we come to God in confession of our sins. We should be honest with Him, not only because He knows our deepest secrets, but He is our only hope of lasting change. Being authentic is not about being proud of who you are, it is having a good handle on those things about you that need changing. Conversations Within” ts 1/14/2014 (Jax, FL)

You do not have to be rude to be authentic.

“Love is not rude.” 1Cor.13

Our generation admires people who are authentic. But just because something is “real” does not mean it is good. We often confuse being authentic with ignoring what other people think, even to the point of being rude. Our “tell ‘em how you feel” attitude may convey a kind of sincerity but doing so may simply mean we are just being sincerely rude.  If you want to be real, be real at something good. If you want to be authentic, then authentically love. Conversations Within” ts 1/13/2014 (Jax, FL)

You do not have to be rude to be authentic.

“Love is not rude.” 1Cor.13

Our generation admires people who are authentic. But just because something is “real” does not mean it is good. We often confuse being authentic with ignoring what other people think, even to the point of being rude. Our “tell ‘em how you feel” attitude may convey a kind of sincerity but doing so may simply mean we are just being sincerely rude.  If you want to be real, be real at something good. If you want to be authentic, then authentically love. Conversations Within” ts 1/13/2014 (Jax, FL)

"Talking to men for God is a great thing, but talking to God for men is greater still." E.M. Bounds

“Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Eph 6

Why is it important to pray for the people in your life. Well, beyond the fact that we are encouraged in the Scriptures to do so, God seems to have chosen our prayers as one means to bless them. Prayers are woven into the fabric of our universe and hold it together just as gravity holds the sun moon and stars. The next time you feel an urge to pray for someone it is probably because God wants to use you to send them a blessing. Why use our prayers? To bless us as well.   Conversations Within” ts 1/11/2014 (Jax, FL)

"Talking to men for God is a great thing, but talking to God for men is greater still." E.M. Bounds

“Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Eph 6

Why is it important to pray for the people in your life. Well, beyond the fact that we are encouraged in the Scriptures to do so, God seems to have chosen our prayers as one means to bless them. Prayers are woven into the fabric of our universe and hold it together just as gravity holds the sun moon and stars. The next time you feel an urge to pray for someone it is probably because God wants to use you to send them a blessing. Why use our prayers? To bless us as well.   Conversations Within” ts 1/11/2014 (Jax, FL)

“I would rather teach one man to pray than ten men to preach.” Charles Spurgeon

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Jesus

If God is the only good and everything else is good only when it looks to Him, then looking to Him in prayer is that power that will empower every activity with lasting goodness. Most would say that preaching without prayer is powerless but so is cutting grass, going to work, surfing or doing anything that does not grow out of the abiding Presence. A lamp is not a lamp unless it is plugged in.  Conversations Within” ts 1/10/2014 (Jax, FL)

“I would rather teach one man to pray than ten men to preach.” Charles Spurgeon

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Jesus

If God is the only good and everything else is good only when it looks to Him, then looking to Him in prayer is that power that will empower every activity with lasting goodness. Most would say that preaching without prayer is powerless but so is cutting grass, going to work, surfing or doing anything that does not grow out of the abiding Presence. A lamp is not a lamp unless it is plugged in.  Conversations Within” ts 1/10/2014 (Jax, FL)

It is easy to idolize the means to an end so that we get stuck on the means, and consequently never reach the end.

"These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” Is.29

The devil would have us make an idol out of prayer or Bible study or church life, even make a religion of it. Jesus does not invite us to spend time praying and reading the Bible but to spend time with Him. Do not substitute a relationship with God for church or with any of the means He has appointed to help get to know Him. Use the appointed mean, just make sure your are seeking God not just some religious checklist. Conversations Within” ts 1/9/2014 (Jax, FL)

It is easy to idolize the means to an end so that we get stuck on the means, and consequently never reach the end.

"These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” Is.29

The devil would have us make an idol out of prayer or Bible study or church life, even make a religion of it. Jesus does not invite us to spend time praying and reading the Bible but to spend time with Him. Do not substitute a relationship with God for church or with any of the means He has appointed to help get to know Him. Use the appointed mean, just make sure your are seeking God not just some religious checklist. Conversations Within” ts 1/9/2014 (Jax, FL)

"There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God." Brother Lawrence

“Pray without ceasing.” 1Thess.5

I am one of those people who find it easy to talk about what I am feeling. This means that, for better or worse, God has to put up with listening to me talk all day. Who wants to listen to someone prattling on about whatever they are thinking? He interrupts of course. And, when I stop talking long enough to listen, He gives meaningful input on my thoughts and feeling and even helps me express myself so that my empty prattle becomes something worthwhile.   Conversations Within” ts 1/8/2014 (Jax, FL)

"There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God." Brother Lawrence

“Pray without ceasing.” 1Thess.5

I am one of those people who find it easy to talk about what I am feeling. This means that, for better or worse, God has to put up with listening to me talk all day. Who wants to listen to someone prattling on about whatever they are thinking? He interrupts of course. And, when I stop talking long enough to listen, He gives meaningful input on my thoughts and feeling and even helps me express myself so that my empty prattle becomes something worthwhile.   Conversations Within” ts 1/8/2014 (Jax, FL)

"Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance, but laying hold of His willingness." Martin Luther.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will...we know that we have what we asked of him.” 1Jo.5

I have often thought that God is more willing to answer our prayers than we are sometimes willing to pray. Of course I do not think He gives us everything we ask for. What good parent would do that? Father wants to give us what is best, so He may wait for our perspective to mature and catch up to His. A more mature perspective will produce a more mature prayer.  Conversations Within” ts 1/7/2014 (Jax, FL)

"Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance, but laying hold of His willingness." Martin Luther.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will...we know that we have what we asked of him.” 1Jo.5

I have often thought that God is more willing to answer our prayers than we are sometimes willing to pray. Of course I do not think He gives us everything we ask for. What good parent would do that? Father wants to give us what is best, so He may wait for our perspective to mature and catch up to His. A more mature perspective will produce a more mature prayer.  Conversations Within” ts 1/7/2014 (Jax, FL)

Say your prayers.

“When you pray…” Jesus

Just about everybody I know, prays. And, they pray every day even though they may not go to church or read the Bible on a regular basis. Why shouldn’t we pray? Is it not polite to acknowledge someone when they are present--and God is always present? But I think the reason people pray is more than just being polite to God. I think the need for it grows out of us when we witness the needs of the people around us. A friend told me the other day that he prays even for strangers every time he hears an ambulance go by. Not a bad reason to pray I would say.  Conversations Within” ts 1/6/2014 (Jax, FL)

Say your prayers.

“When you pray…” Jesus

Just about everybody I know, prays. And, they pray every day even though they may not go to church or read the Bible on a regular basis. Why shouldn’t we pray? Is it not polite to acknowledge someone when they are present--and God is always present? But I think the reason people pray is more than just being polite to God. I think the need for it grows out of us when we witness the needs of the people around us. A friend told me the other day that he prays even for strangers every time he hears an ambulance go by. Not a bad reason to pray I would say.  Conversations Within” ts 1/6/2014 (Jax, FL)

It is probably a good idea when speaking to people never to use a sentence that could end with the word “stupid.”

“Speak the truth in love.” Eph.4

Someone has said that ninety percent of the friction in the world is caused by the tone of one’s voice. I am embarrassed not only by some of the things I’ve said but also by the tone in my voice when I said it. I have the deepest respect for Mr. Rogers. Whenever you want to say something to someone, use your Mr. Roger’s voice.  Conversations Within” ts 1/4/2014 (Jax, FL)

It is probably a good idea when speaking to people never to use a sentence that could end with the word “stupid.”

“Speak the truth in love.” Eph.4

Someone has said that ninety percent of the friction in the world is caused by the tone of one’s voice. I am embarrassed not only by some of the things I’ve said but also by the tone in my voice when I said it. I have the deepest respect for Mr. Rogers. Whenever you want to say something to someone, use your Mr. Roger’s voice.  Conversations Within” ts 1/4/2014 (Jax, FL)

“No matter how big and bad you are. When a two year old hands you a toy phone, you answer it.” Unknown

“Love is not rude.” 1Cor.13

Most people are polite where children are concerned. Who would think of being rude to a child? Of course, we should never be rude to anyone and always give preference to others in love. Listen to the way you talk to people, especially to your family. Do I talk with the people in my life, or at them? Our tone communicates as much as our words.  Conversations Within” ts 1/3/2014 (Jax, FL)

“No matter how big and bad you are. When a two year old hands you a toy phone, you answer it.” Unknown

“Love is not rude.” 1Cor.13

Most people are polite where children are concerned. Who would think of being rude to a child? Of course, we should never be rude to anyone and always give preference to others in love. Listen to the way you talk to people, especially to your family. Do I talk with the people in my life, or at them? Our tone communicates as much as our words.  Conversations Within” ts 1/3/2014 (Jax, FL)

‘A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be.’ Douglas Pagels

“...there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Prov.18

Few things compare to having genuine friends, except maybe being one yourself. Wealth is not only measured in having good friends but in being a good friend. Friendship is an acquired skill. One acquires it by looking after the interest of others with the same enthusiasm as you look after yourself. Conversations Within” ts 1/2/2014 (Jax, FL)

‘A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be.’ Douglas Pagels

“...there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Prov.18

Few things compare to having genuine friends, except maybe being one yourself. Wealth is not only measured in having good friends but in being a good friend. Friendship is an acquired skill. One acquires it by looking after the interest of others with the same enthusiasm as you look after yourself. Conversations Within” ts 1/2/2014 (Jax, FL)

“When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You know that your name is safe in their mouth.” Jess C. Scott

“Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.” Prov.11

My wife knows stuff about me that I would not want anyone else to know. My confessions are safe with her. She is committed to my very best and I trust her with my very life. I have friends who have confided similar things to me knowing that I will not betray their trust. Keeping a confidence is one of the easiest ways you can love someone. When someone shares a private matter, a true friend always keeps it private. Conversations Within” ts 1/1/2014 (Jax, FL)

“When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You know that your name is safe in their mouth.” Jess C. Scott

“Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.” Prov.11

My wife knows stuff about me that I would not want anyone else to know. My confessions are safe with her. She is committed to my very best and I trust her with my very life. I have friends who have confided similar things to me knowing that I will not betray their trust. Keeping a confidence is one of the easiest ways you can love someone. When someone shares a private matter, a true friend always keeps it private. Conversations Within” ts 1/1/2014 (Jax, FL)

”I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.” Mahatma Gandhi

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Rom.12

Do your part to live at peace with someone even if the other person refuses to do their part. Who knows when they will respond to your peace offerings? If they should finally come to the table, let them find you eager to meet them. Do not let their initial, even their continued, refusal keep you from trying. And, when they do come, don’t spoil it all by reminding them who came first. Conversations Within” ts 12/31/2013 (Jax, FL)

”I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.” Mahatma Gandhi

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Rom.12

Do your part to live at peace with someone even if the other person refuses to do their part. Who knows when they will respond to your peace offerings? If they should finally come to the table, let them find you eager to meet them. Do not let their initial, even their continued, refusal keep you from trying. And, when they do come, don’t spoil it all by reminding them who came first. Conversations Within” ts 12/31/2013 (Jax, FL)

“The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good” Samuel Johnson

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Heb.13

It is one thing to do a favor for a friend and another to express kindness to a complete stranger. Treat all people with the same respect, just as you would an elderly father, or mother or friend. This is as important for those who will never be able to return you a favor, maybe more so. In this way we learn that love is its own reward. Conversations Within” ts 12/30/2013 (Jax, FL)

“The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good” Samuel Johnson

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Heb.13

It is one thing to do a favor for a friend and another to express kindness to a complete stranger. Treat all people with the same respect, just as you would an elderly father, or mother or friend. This is as important for those who will never be able to return you a favor, maybe more so. In this way we learn that love is its own reward. Conversations Within” ts 12/30/2013 (Jax, FL)

"There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root." - Henry David Thoreau

“You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Jesus

If we wish to correct the wrongs of this world we can begin with the wrongs we see in ourselves. If we care about righteousness in others, and we should, let us exhort with example. Let me extend the same grace to my neighbor that I need and ask from God. Speak against evil primarily by living what is good.  Conversations Within” ts 12/28/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

"There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root." - Henry David Thoreau

“You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Jesus

If we wish to correct the wrongs of this world we can begin with the wrongs we see in ourselves. If we care about righteousness in others, and we should, let us exhort with example. Let me extend the same grace to my neighbor that I need and ask from God. Speak against evil primarily by living what is good.  Conversations Within” ts 12/28/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

An honest review of our own shortcomings should be sufficient motivation to silence our criticism of another’s.

“Do not judge lest you be judged.” Jesus

We may hold to our moral code, even speak in its favor, so long as we do not stop loving people who do not share it. When Jesus tells us not to judge, He is not saying that we abandon our moral beliefs but our tendency to place greater emphasis on dealing with it in others and not in ourselves. Conversations Within” ts 12/27/2013 (Hayneville, AL)