“Without purpose bigger than yourself, you are more likely to serve only yourself.” Adiran Thornhill

“Love...does not seek its own.” 1Cor.13

We were created to love as surely as we were designed to be free. Freedom is the companion of love. Not only must we be free to love, it is only when we love, that we experience true freedom. Selfishness  locks us into a prison of misery. Love is the one activity that enables us escape the gravity of a self-centered life and soar the heights of true joy. Conversations Within” ts 3/25/2014 (Hayneville, AL)

“Without purpose bigger than yourself, you are more likely to serve only yourself.” Adiran Thornhill

“Love...does not seek its own.” 1Cor.13

We were created to love as surely as we were designed to be free. Freedom is the companion of love. Not only must we be free to love, it is only when we love, that we experience true freedom. Selfishness  locks us into a prison of misery. Love is the one activity that enables us escape the gravity of a self-centered life and soar the heights of true joy. Conversations Within” ts 3/25/2014 (Hayneville, AL)

“The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” Robin Sharma

“Love God with all your heart...Love your neighbor as you love yourself... This is the greatest and the most important commandment.” Jesus

It is one thing to realize that life has a purpose; it is another to know what that purpose is. Surely and most importantly, our life is wasted, if it is not centered around the right purpose. After all, there are many reasons to rise each day but wisdom teaches us to ask which reasons will produce something of lasting value and significance. It seems reasonable to me, that if there is a purpose to life, we should at the very least, consult the Inventor.  Conversations Within” ts 3/24/2014 (Hayneville, AL)

“The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” Robin Sharma

“Love God with all your heart...Love your neighbor as you love yourself... This is the greatest and the most important commandment.” Jesus

It is one thing to realize that life has a purpose; it is another to know what that purpose is. Surely and most importantly, our life is wasted, if it is not centered around the right purpose. After all, there are many reasons to rise each day but wisdom teaches us to ask which reasons will produce something of lasting value and significance. It seems reasonable to me, that if there is a purpose to life, we should at the very least, consult the Inventor.  Conversations Within” ts 3/24/2014 (Hayneville, AL)

“Failure can become an advantage simply because God can use it to sift out our weaknesses.”

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

Do these words mean that we must grow weary before God gives us His strength? I think in one sense they do. We must grow tired of trusting our own designs and understanding, even our own motivations and intentions. Humans are a frail and fickle bunch. God’s strength is found in humble admission of these weaknesses and by abandoning them in favor of His understanding, His leading and His inner workings. Conversations Within” ts 3/22/2014 (Hayneville, AL)

“Failure can become an advantage simply because God can use it to sift out our weaknesses.”

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

Do these words mean that we must grow weary before God gives us His strength? I think in one sense they do. We must grow tired of trusting our own designs and understanding, even our own motivations and intentions. Humans are a frail and fickle bunch. God’s strength is found in humble admission of these weaknesses and by abandoning them in favor of His understanding, His leading and His inner workings. Conversations Within” ts 3/22/2014 (Hayneville, AL)

“When something bad happens you have three choices. You can let it define you, let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you.” Unknown

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James1

Trials are said to be a test of faith, because if you are a Christian, everything in life is a test of faith. God has promised His companionship in good times and bad, during prosperity and poverty. In fact, He is our constant companion all day, every day. This means that our faith is always being exercised and strengthened because without it there can be no interaction with Him. God is always seeking ways to strengthen our spiritual muscles.   Conversations Within” ts 3/21/2014 (Hayneville, AL)

“When something bad happens you have three choices. You can let it define you, let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you.” Unknown

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James1

Trials are said to be a test of faith, because if you are a Christian, everything in life is a test of faith. God has promised His companionship in good times and bad, during prosperity and poverty. In fact, He is our constant companion all day, every day. This means that our faith is always being exercised and strengthened because without it there can be no interaction with Him. God is always seeking ways to strengthen our spiritual muscles.   Conversations Within” ts 3/21/2014 (Hayneville, AL)

“You never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have.” Bob Marle

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” Eph.6

The strength that comes from God is not only the wisdom to see what is needed and the power to do it, His strength is a generative power that enables us to make it endure. Human strength grows weary and wanes but those empowered by God grow stronger and stronger. This is one of the ways we can know if we are leaning on our own strength or on His.  Conversations Within” ts 3/20/2014 (Hayneville, AL)

“You never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have.” Bob Marle

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” Eph.6

The strength that comes from God is not only the wisdom to see what is needed and the power to do it, His strength is a generative power that enables us to make it endure. Human strength grows weary and wanes but those empowered by God grow stronger and stronger. This is one of the ways we can know if we are leaning on our own strength or on His.  Conversations Within” ts 3/20/2014 (Hayneville, AL)

“If God brings you to it...He will see you through it.” Timothy Pina

“My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2Cor.12

In what way is God’s strength made perfect in our weakness? I would venture to say that the transfer of our trust is the principal point he wants us to embrace. In weakness we discover that our strength is not sufficient, our wisdom is incomplete and our resolve will not see a matter through to completion. Weakness teaches us to abandon our devices and embrace all that God wants to be for us.  Conversations Within” ts 3/19/2014 (Selma, AL)

“If God brings you to it...He will see you through it.” Timothy Pina

“My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2Cor.12

In what way is God’s strength made perfect in our weakness? I would venture to say that the transfer of our trust is the principal point he wants us to embrace. In weakness we discover that our strength is not sufficient, our wisdom is incomplete and our resolve will not see a matter through to completion. Weakness teaches us to abandon our devices and embrace all that God wants to be for us.  Conversations Within” ts 3/19/2014 (Selma, AL)

"Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand." - Mark Twain

“The LORD is my strength and my song.” Exo.15

Strength is generative power, and it is often tapped into by simply smiling at what challenges us.  Learn to laugh at hardship, for all muscles, spiritual ones included, are developed walking uphill. An African proverb points out the value of tough times, “Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.” Sing when storms approach, God is giving you sailing lessons.  Conversations Within” ts 3/18/2014 (Selma, AL)

"Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand." - Mark Twain

“The LORD is my strength and my song.” Exo.15

Strength is generative power, and it is often tapped into by simply smiling at what challenges us.  Learn to laugh at hardship, for all muscles, spiritual ones included, are developed walking uphill. An African proverb points out the value of tough times, “Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.” Sing when storms approach, God is giving you sailing lessons.  Conversations Within” ts 3/18/2014 (Selma, AL)

"Where there is no struggle, there is no strength." - Oprah Winfrey

“For you equipped me with strength for the battle.” Ps.18

Every adversity, even the battles we fight within our own soul, are potent opportunities to nurture inner strength. Every struggle can be viewed as an exercise gym. Doing so this turns adversity into an advantage--a place where we can practice patience instead of frustration, kindness over anger, and faith over fear.    Conversations Within” ts 3/17/2014 (Selma, AL)

"Where there is no struggle, there is no strength." - Oprah Winfrey

“For you equipped me with strength for the battle.” Ps.18

Every adversity, even the battles we fight within our own soul, are potent opportunities to nurture inner strength. Every struggle can be viewed as an exercise gym. Doing so this turns adversity into an advantage--a place where we can practice patience instead of frustration, kindness over anger, and faith over fear.    Conversations Within” ts 3/17/2014 (Selma, AL)

”Rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.” Plato

“And there was evening, and there was morning...And God saw that it was good.” Gen.1

Our every breath tells us that there is a rhythm to life. The rising and setting sun, the ocean tides, and the seasons of the year, all move at the direction of the Creator. Wisdom teaches us to cooperate with these rhythms and learn the delicate dance of balancing responsibility and recreation, work and rest, fasting and feasting. Rise with prayers of thanksgiving, and retire with grateful review of the day’s accomplishments. Be devoted to rhythms that bring joy to you and to others.  Conversations Within” ts 3/12/2014 (Jax, FL)

”Rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.” Plato

“And there was evening, and there was morning...And God saw that it was good.” Gen.1

Our every breath tells us that there is a rhythm to life. The rising and setting sun, the ocean tides, and the seasons of the year, all move at the direction of the Creator. Wisdom teaches us to cooperate with these rhythms and learn the delicate dance of balancing responsibility and recreation, work and rest, fasting and feasting. Rise with prayers of thanksgiving, and retire with grateful review of the day’s accomplishments. Be devoted to rhythms that bring joy to you and to others.  Conversations Within” ts 3/12/2014 (Jax, FL)

Where are how we spend our time, as well as our money, is a good measure of our devotion.

“You cannot serve both God and money.” Jesus

It is easy to confuse the purpose of life with the tools God gives us to accomplish it. God gives us time, money, possessions and talent as tools to serve life’s great purpose. Do not make the mistake of chasing after the tools; rather use them to accomplish that which is life indeed. Life’s purpose is to love and be loved, to lay hold of all that God desires to be for us and discover all we can be to Him in our service to Him and to others.  Conversations Within” ts 3/12/2014 (Jax, FL)

Where are how we spend our time, as well as our money, is a good measure of our devotion.

“You cannot serve both God and money.” Jesus

It is easy to confuse the purpose of life with the tools God gives us to accomplish it. God gives us time, money, possessions and talent as tools to serve life’s great purpose. Do not make the mistake of chasing after the tools; rather use them to accomplish that which is life indeed. Life’s purpose is to love and be loved, to lay hold of all that God desires to be for us and discover all we can be to Him in our service to Him and to others.  Conversations Within” ts 3/12/2014 (Jax, FL)

Love is not only what the heart feels but also what the heart does.

"Let your heart therefore be wholly devoted to the LORD our God, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments, as at this day." 1Kings 8

We would be wrong to assume that our heart is devoted to God just because we have warm feelings about Him. Devotion is expressed in doing, not only by one’s affections. Our affections may express the sincerity of our devotion to God but obedience is the final measure.  Conversations Within” ts 3/12/2014 (Jax, FL)

Love is not only what the heart feels but also what the heart does.

"Let your heart therefore be wholly devoted to the LORD our God, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments, as at this day." 1Kings 8

We would be wrong to assume that our heart is devoted to God just because we have warm feelings about Him. Devotion is expressed in doing, not only by one’s affections. Our affections may express the sincerity of our devotion to God but obedience is the final measure.  Conversations Within” ts 3/12/2014 (Jax, FL)

“God protect me from your followers.” Bumper Sticker

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers,[a] by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.” Rom.12

Devotion can be a dangerous thing. Suicide bombers claim devotion to God. It is important that our devotion to God reflects what He values. He has made it abundantly clear that to be devoted to Him is to be committed to the well-being of one’s neighbor. I can argue that pointing out sin is looking after my neighbor’s well being, but how we say something is as important as what we say. “The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable.” Prov.15   Conversations Within” ts 3/11/2014 (Jax, FL)

“God protect me from your followers.” Bumper Sticker

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers,[a] by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.” Rom.12

Devotion can be a dangerous thing. Suicide bombers claim devotion to God. It is important that our devotion to God reflects what He values. He has made it abundantly clear that to be devoted to Him is to be committed to the well-being of one’s neighbor. I can argue that pointing out sin is looking after my neighbor’s well being, but how we say something is as important as what we say. “The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable.” Prov.15   Conversations Within” ts 3/11/2014 (Jax, FL)

“Be prepared.” Boy Scout Motto

Devote yourselves to prayer. Col.2

Am I prepared to pray for someone when they need it? Sometimes I find that I am not because I am not on good speaking terms with God. If I sincerely want to be of service to my friends then let me always be prepared to pray at a moments notice. We keep the lines of communication open to God by keeping a clear conscience.This way when our friends need our prayers we will be prepared to give them confidently.  Conversations Within” ts 3/12/2014 (Jax, FL)

“Be prepared.” Boy Scout Motto

Devote yourselves to prayer. Col.2

Am I prepared to pray for someone when they need it? Sometimes I find that I am not because I am not on good speaking terms with God. If I sincerely want to be of service to my friends then let me always be prepared to pray at a moments notice. We keep the lines of communication open to God by keeping a clear conscience.This way when our friends need our prayers we will be prepared to give them confidently.  Conversations Within” ts 3/12/2014 (Jax, FL)

“If you want to be like Jesus then love the unlovable, forgive the unworthy, and do good to those who can't repay you.” Unknown

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Rom.12

What does God want me to be devoted to? Loving people, of course, by seeking what is good for them. This is what love is all about; not some warm fuzzy feeling nonsense so often advertised by feel-good folk. If you are going to love people, don’t try to feel good about them; devote yourself to what is good for them. Conversations Within” ts 3/11/2014 (Jax, FL)

“If you want to be like Jesus then love the unlovable, forgive the unworthy, and do good to those who can't repay you.” Unknown

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Rom.12

What does God want me to be devoted to? Loving people, of course, by seeking what is good for them. This is what love is all about; not some warm fuzzy feeling nonsense so often advertised by feel-good folk. If you are going to love people, don’t try to feel good about them; devote yourself to what is good for them. Conversations Within” ts 3/11/2014 (Jax, FL)

”May every sunrise hold more promise, and every sunset hold more peace.” Blessing

“Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!'” Luke 10

Imagine what it would be like to give a friend a blessing and know that God would send it simply because you asked for it. What if God told you that He would give His blessing to everyone you blessed. Perhaps this is exactly what He did when Jesus said,  “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Maybe we should all take this for a test drive.  Conversations Within” ts 3/6/2014 (Jax, FL)

”May every sunrise hold more promise, and every sunset hold more peace.” Blessing

“Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!'” Luke 10

Imagine what it would be like to give a friend a blessing and know that God would send it simply because you asked for it. What if God told you that He would give His blessing to everyone you blessed. Perhaps this is exactly what He did when Jesus said,  “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Maybe we should all take this for a test drive.  Conversations Within” ts 3/6/2014 (Jax, FL)

“Speak now or forever hold your peace.”

“The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” Ex.14

Sometimes to keep the peace we must learn to hold our own peace. To refuse to say something we want to say, is one of the best ways to acquire self-control. The Good Book says, “Keep your lips from speaking and you keep yourself from trouble.” Restrain yourself from the urge to comment. Learn instead to commit your concerns to God. Conversations Within” ts 3/5/2014 (Jax, FL)

“Speak now or forever hold your peace.”

“The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” Ex.14

Sometimes to keep the peace we must learn to hold our own peace. To refuse to say something we want to say, is one of the best ways to acquire self-control. The Good Book says, “Keep your lips from speaking and you keep yourself from trouble.” Restrain yourself from the urge to comment. Learn instead to commit your concerns to God. Conversations Within” ts 3/5/2014 (Jax, FL)

“I wish R.I.P meant 'Return If Possible’” Unknown

"And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age." Gen.15

We often utter the blessing to “Rest in Peace,” when someone dies. I should think it equally important that we live in peace so that when our time comes we can make our peace with leaving this place. I think one of the ways we can do this is to never hold tightly to the things of this world and live each day making investments in the world to come. One brother put it this way. “ He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Conversations Within” ts 3/6/2014 (Jax, FL)

“I wish R.I.P meant 'Return If Possible’” Unknown

"And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age." Gen.15

We often utter the blessing to “Rest in Peace,” when someone dies. I should think it equally important that we live in peace so that when our time comes we can make our peace with leaving this place. I think one of the ways we can do this is to never hold tightly to the things of this world and live each day making investments in the world to come. One brother put it this way. “ He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Conversations Within” ts 3/6/2014 (Jax, FL)

Peace is an approach to life as much as it is the result of living that way.

“Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.”Prov.3

When we choose to follow the wisdom of God, every path is pleasant and peaceful, even those marked with difficulty--we might even say, especially those marked with difficulty. The reason is because peace itself is a way, a path, a manner of living that brings wholeness to all that is fragmented in our lives. Peace ties up all loose ends and brings all of life under one supreme exercise--to lay hold of God in everything.   Conversations Within” ts 3/5/2014 (Jax, FL)

Peace is an approach to life as much as it is the result of living that way.

“Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.”Prov.3

When we choose to follow the wisdom of God, every path is pleasant and peaceful, even those marked with difficulty--we might even say, especially those marked with difficulty. The reason is because peace itself is a way, a path, a manner of living that brings wholeness to all that is fragmented in our lives. Peace ties up all loose ends and brings all of life under one supreme exercise--to lay hold of God in everything.   Conversations Within” ts 3/5/2014 (Jax, FL)

If peace is the binding together of what is broken, then righteousness is the glue.

“…righteousness and peace kiss each other.” Ps85.10

Peace is not so much a feeling as it is the result of repairing. Repair broken relationships. Start with God and we will find help with all the others. Accept the gift of His forgiveness by accepting the gift of Christ. Extend the gift of forgiveness to others, even to yourself, and His peace will guard your heart.  Conversations Within” ts 3/4/2014 (Jax, FL)

If peace is the binding together of what is broken, then righteousness is the glue.

“…righteousness and peace kiss each other.” Ps85.10

Peace is not so much a feeling as it is the result of repairing. Repair broken relationships. Start with God and we will find help with all the others. Accept the gift of His forgiveness by accepting the gift of Christ. Extend the gift of forgiveness to others, even to yourself, and His peace will guard your heart.  Conversations Within” ts 3/4/2014 (Jax, FL)

"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading." Thomas Jefferson

“Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace.” Ps.120

There is enough strife in the world without my adding to it. My words can tear down or build up. My attitude can contagiously spread the virus of hostility or the health of hope. Let me bring sunshine and warmth to my friends rather than the cold winds of complaint and criticism.  Conversations Within” ts 3/3/2014 (Jax, FL)

"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading." Thomas Jefferson

“Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace.” Ps.120

There is enough strife in the world without my adding to it. My words can tear down or build up. My attitude can contagiously spread the virus of hostility or the health of hope. Let me bring sunshine and warmth to my friends rather than the cold winds of complaint and criticism.  Conversations Within” ts 3/3/2014 (Jax, FL)

God must value the freedom to choose, though I am certain He does not like many of our choices.

“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life.” Deut.30

We know that God places a high value on the power to choose not only because he grants it but mainly because true love cannot exist without it. And, God wants our love. Because He loves us He gives us the power to love Him or not. God knows the very best gift He can give us, is the gift of Himself. Freedom is the means to discover this. We rightly value freedom but we should be assigning a greater value to what freedom was created for--the power to love God.   Conversations Within” ts 3/1/2014 (Jax, FL)

God must value the freedom to choose, though I am certain He does not like many of our choices.

“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life.” Deut.30

We know that God places a high value on the power to choose not only because he grants it but mainly because true love cannot exist without it. And, God wants our love. Because He loves us He gives us the power to love Him or not. God knows the very best gift He can give us, is the gift of Himself. Freedom is the means to discover this. We rightly value freedom but we should be assigning a greater value to what freedom was created for--the power to love God.   Conversations Within” ts 3/1/2014 (Jax, FL)

God would not be good if He did not hate all that is bad.

“For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, Nor shall evil dwell with You.” Ps.5

People love to hear about God’s love and mercy but often frown when they hear about His anger. We like our gods to always be in a good mood. But it is not too difficult to understand that because God is good and committed wholly to all that is good, we should come to appreciate His desire to eradicate everything bad in us.  Conversations Within” ts 2/27/2014 (Jax, FL)

God would not be good if He did not hate all that is bad.

“For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, Nor shall evil dwell with You.” Ps.5

People love to hear about God’s love and mercy but often frown when they hear about His anger. We like our gods to always be in a good mood. But it is not too difficult to understand that because God is good and committed wholly to all that is good, we should come to appreciate His desire to eradicate everything bad in us.  Conversations Within” ts 2/27/2014 (Jax, FL)

“There is but one good; that is God. Everything else is good when it looks to Him and bad when it turns from Him.” C. S.Lewis

“God is good.” Ps.100

It is of inestimable value and privilege that God allows us to share in His goodness. We do this when we love others. Jesus repeatedly invites us to taste the pure returns of loving and serving--the absolute impossibility of bringing refreshment to others without it splashing over on us. God is good, it is impossible to experience any real goodness apart from Him just as it is to experience Him without knowing goodness.  Conversations Within” ts 2/27/2014 (Jax, FL)

“There is but one good; that is God. Everything else is good when it looks to Him and bad when it turns from Him.” C. S.Lewis

“God is good.” Ps.100

It is of inestimable value and privilege that God allows us to share in His goodness. We do this when we love others. Jesus repeatedly invites us to taste the pure returns of loving and serving--the absolute impossibility of bringing refreshment to others without it splashing over on us. God is good, it is impossible to experience any real goodness apart from Him just as it is to experience Him without knowing goodness.  Conversations Within” ts 2/27/2014 (Jax, FL)

”I don't see any god up here.” Yuri Gagarin

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Heb.11

God is surely seen with eyes of faith but this does not mean that to believe in Him we must deny our reason. There are good reasons to have faith. If I see a painting, I reason that a person painted it. God, though invisible, has left His fingerprints on the canvas of the visible world. Look at our own hands and every wonder accomplished by them and we see evidence enough of the Hands that designed them.  Conversations Within” ts 2/26/2014 (Jax, FL)

”I don't see any god up here.” Yuri Gagarin

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Heb.11

God is surely seen with eyes of faith but this does not mean that to believe in Him we must deny our reason. There are good reasons to have faith. If I see a painting, I reason that a person painted it. God, though invisible, has left His fingerprints on the canvas of the visible world. Look at our own hands and every wonder accomplished by them and we see evidence enough of the Hands that designed them.  Conversations Within” ts 2/26/2014 (Jax, FL)

“Every evening I turn my worries over to God. He's going to be up all night anyway.” Mary C. Crowley

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.“ Phil.4

How, exactly, can I give my concerns to God. Pray of course. But not just with prayers of asking, but with prayers of thanksgiving as well. We might ask what is there to be thankful about if something is worrying me. Well, we can start by giving God thanks that our concern, whatever it may be, has led us to talk to Him.    Conversations Within” ts 2/24/2014 (Jax, FL)