The Lord who created us to enjoy chocolate can recreate us to enjoy whatever He is preparing in Glory.

“Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Mt.25 ESV

Every wonder in the world sparks my imagination of the next. I am staggered by the intricate detail of this world, and find great comfort in its many delicate marvels that the world to come will be filled with unimaginable beauty. Consider that God not only created this world with color, He designed our eyes so that we could enjoy each and every one of them. God is not only preparing all the wonders of Glory, He is preparing us to enjoy them.  Conversations Within” ts 1/24/2015

The Lord who created us to enjoy chocolate can recreate us to enjoy whatever He is preparing in Glory.

“Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Mt.25 ESV

Every wonder in the world sparks my imagination of the next. I am staggered by the intricate detail of this world, and find great comfort in its many delicate marvels that the world to come will be filled with unimaginable beauty. Consider that God not only created this world with color, He designed our eyes so that we could enjoy each and every one of them. God is not only preparing all the wonders of Glory, He is preparing us to enjoy them.  Conversations Within” ts 1/24/2015

”What would it be to taste at the fountainhead that stream of which even these lower reaches prove so intoxicating?” C. S. Lewis

“I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell.” 2Cor.12

For someone trying to describe the wonders of Heaven, even by one who went there and returned, is like trying to describe a sunrise to the blind or music to the deaf.  Any description of Heaven would be like trying to describe an Oak tree to one who had never seen one, simply by describing an acorn. Some things must be experienced to be experienced. Conversations Within” ts 1/22/2015

”What would it be to taste at the fountainhead that stream of which even these lower reaches prove so intoxicating?” C. S. Lewis

“I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell.” 2Cor.12

For someone trying to describe the wonders of Heaven, even by one who went there and returned, is like trying to describe a sunrise to the blind or music to the deaf.  Any description of Heaven would be like trying to describe an Oak tree to one who had never seen one, simply by describing an acorn. Some things must be experienced to be experienced. Conversations Within” ts 1/22/2015

"The point is not that God will refuse you admission to His eternal world if you have not certain qualities of character: the point is that if people have not got at least the beginnings of those qualities inside them, then no possible external conditions could make a 'Heaven' for them.” C. S. Lewis,

“Set your affections on things above where Christ is…” Col.3

Heaven is as much a state of mind as it is the very real residence of all who love God. Heaven is an attitude at perfect peace and completely reconciled with everything that God wills. Without this attitude, no circumstance outside of us can create a Heaven for us; but with it, everywhere can bring us its joy.  Conversations Within” ts 1/20/2015

"The point is not that God will refuse you admission to His eternal world if you have not certain qualities of character: the point is that if people have not got at least the beginnings of those qualities inside them, then no possible external conditions could make a 'Heaven' for them.” C. S. Lewis,

“Set your affections on things above where Christ is…” Col.3

Heaven is as much a state of mind as it is the very real residence of all who love God. Heaven is an attitude at perfect peace and completely reconciled with everything that God wills. Without this attitude, no circumstance outside of us can create a Heaven for us; but with it, everywhere can bring us its joy.  Conversations Within” ts 1/20/2015

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace." - Jimi Hendrix

“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" John 20

I find that people are interested, for lack of a better word, in the “physical properties” of heaven. Will we be able to fly, or travel through walls like Jesus did after His resurrection? Of course, just because the Bible recorded that Jesus did this, does not mean it will be the norm for Heaven. Jesus performed miracles before His resurrection. In any case, it is not so much superhuman power but the superior power of love that Jesus emphasized in His teaching. Here is the real power of Heaven   Conversations Within” ts 1/20/2015

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace." - Jimi Hendrix

“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" John 20

I find that people are interested, for lack of a better word, in the “physical properties” of heaven. Will we be able to fly, or travel through walls like Jesus did after His resurrection? Of course, just because the Bible recorded that Jesus did this, does not mean it will be the norm for Heaven. Jesus performed miracles before His resurrection. In any case, it is not so much superhuman power but the superior power of love that Jesus emphasized in His teaching. Here is the real power of Heaven   Conversations Within” ts 1/20/2015

“Why do we close our eyes when we pray, cry, kiss, dream? Because the most beautiful things in life are not seen but felt only by heart.” - Unknown.

“It is to my Father glory that you bear much fruit.” Jesus

Because God wants His children to live productive lives I should think that we should expect to work in Heaven, not just sit around on clouds drinking mint juleps. What we know of God now assures us that everything He values here will certainly have weight and value there. Most, if not all of it, is faith, hope and love poured out in fruitfulness. I should think that much of the joy of Heaven is in what we will be doing as much as where we will be doing it.  Conversations Within” ts 1/23/2015

“Why do we close our eyes when we pray, cry, kiss, dream? Because the most beautiful things in life are not seen but felt only by heart.” - Unknown.

“It is to my Father glory that you bear much fruit.” Jesus

Because God wants His children to live productive lives I should think that we should expect to work in Heaven, not just sit around on clouds drinking mint juleps. What we know of God now assures us that everything He values here will certainly have weight and value there. Most, if not all of it, is faith, hope and love poured out in fruitfulness. I should think that much of the joy of Heaven is in what we will be doing as much as where we will be doing it.  Conversations Within” ts 1/23/2015

“I can only imagine what it will be like when I walk by your side.” Mercy Me

“Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” 1Cor.2

People ask me all the time what heaven will be like. When they do, I know it is a question directed at my theological training not my personal experience. Yet, when I draw on my seminary training, I find it is both my personal experience and the Bible that influence my answers. It is not what we know academically about God but what we know personally of Him that brings any measure of certainty about what it will be like living in His presence. A good place to begin might be to ask what do I know of God right now that influences my understanding of living with HIm later.  Conversations Within” ts 1/19/2015

“I can only imagine what it will be like when I walk by your side.” Mercy Me

“Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” 1Cor.2

People ask me all the time what heaven will be like. When they do, I know it is a question directed at my theological training not my personal experience. Yet, when I draw on my seminary training, I find it is both my personal experience and the Bible that influence my answers. It is not what we know academically about God but what we know personally of Him that brings any measure of certainty about what it will be like living in His presence. A good place to begin might be to ask what do I know of God right now that influences my understanding of living with HIm later.  Conversations Within” ts 1/19/2015

"Please Be Patient. God Isn't Finished With Me Yet."

“And count the patience of our Lord as salvation…” 2Pet.3

Have you ever wished that the Lord would just get on with it, return, and close up shop? It is good to consider that God not only requires patience, He also practices it. He is patient with all that is wrong in this world in order to begin a relationship perhaps, with some who are yet to be born. He promises to return when the very last soul that will come, has come. He is also patient with each of us on a personal level. It takes time to grow Jesus in the heart of self-centered people.

"Please Be Patient. God Isn't Finished With Me Yet."

“And count the patience of our Lord as salvation…” 2Pet.3

Have you ever wished that the Lord would just get on with it, return, and close up shop? It is good to consider that God not only requires patience, He also practices it. He is patient with all that is wrong in this world in order to begin a relationship perhaps, with some who are yet to be born. He promises to return when the very last soul that will come, has come. He is also patient with each of us on a personal level. It takes time to grow Jesus in the heart of self-centered people.

“Patience is the companion of wisdom.” St. Augustine

“...and bear fruit with patience.” Lk.8 ESV

Patience has at least two sides to it. There is a patience that quietly waits for something to happen and a patience that steadily works to make something happen. The passive side of this virtue is little more than waiting without worry. The proactive side of patience is a resilient spirit, persistently persevering while it waits. But whether we wait actively or passively, we wait, and wait we must, for both require time. Conversations Within” ts 1/16/2015

“Patience is the companion of wisdom.” St. Augustine

“...and bear fruit with patience.” Lk.8 ESV

Patience has at least two sides to it. There is a patience that quietly waits for something to happen and a patience that steadily works to make something happen. The passive side of this virtue is little more than waiting without worry. The proactive side of patience is a resilient spirit, persistently persevering while it waits. But whether we wait actively or passively, we wait, and wait we must, for both require time. Conversations Within” ts 1/16/2015

Patience is not an absence of action; rather it is timing. It waits on the right time to act, for the right principles, and in the right way." - Fulton J. Sheen

“May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.” Co.1.11 ESV

I usually get impatient when I am required to do something I would rather not do. The truth of the matter is that life’s inconveniences are convenient opportunities for me to find joy in patience. Patience does not have to be simply putting up with things. We can train our heart to appreciate that God’s wisdom found it necessary to build the passage of time into the completion of changing a tire. Conversations Within” ts 1/15/2015

Patience is not an absence of action; rather it is timing. It waits on the right time to act, for the right principles, and in the right way." - Fulton J. Sheen

“May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.” Co.1.11 ESV

I usually get impatient when I am required to do something I would rather not do. The truth of the matter is that life’s inconveniences are convenient opportunities for me to find joy in patience. Patience does not have to be simply putting up with things. We can train our heart to appreciate that God’s wisdom found it necessary to build the passage of time into the completion of changing a tire. Conversations Within” ts 1/15/2015

“Have patience. All things are difficult before they become easy.” Saad

“But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” Rom.8

The wisdom of patience understands that just about everything of value takes time. Patience teaches us to value the process as much as the reward, for life is both journey and destination, growth and maturity. Patience visualizes the rewards of endurance but it also understand that endurance itself is a reward. Conversations Within” ts 1/14/2015

“Have patience. All things are difficult before they become easy.” Saad

“But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” Rom.8

The wisdom of patience understands that just about everything of value takes time. Patience teaches us to value the process as much as the reward, for life is both journey and destination, growth and maturity. Patience visualizes the rewards of endurance but it also understand that endurance itself is a reward. Conversations Within” ts 1/14/2015

"Patience is not simply the ability to wait - it's how we behave while we're waiting." - Joyce Meyer

“In your patience possess your soul.” Jesus

Patience is the power to be where you are and to be there in goodness. Do not anxiously wait, or wait with worry. If circumstances require you to wait, embrace the moment as a means to strengthen your faith, hope, and love of God’s goodness. The promise, “Lo, I am with you always,” is surely written over the entrance of the waiting rooms of this world. Conversations Within” ts 1/13/2015

"Patience is not simply the ability to wait - it's how we behave while we're waiting." - Joyce Meyer

“In your patience possess your soul.” Jesus

Patience is the power to be where you are and to be there in goodness. Do not anxiously wait, or wait with worry. If circumstances require you to wait, embrace the moment as a means to strengthen your faith, hope, and love of God’s goodness. The promise, “Lo, I am with you always,” is surely written over the entrance of the waiting rooms of this world. Conversations Within” ts 1/13/2015

Sometimes we wait because we have to; other times we wait because we choose to.

“Love is patient.” 1Cor.13

We might as well make our peace with waiting, for we will surely be required to do so. There is no doubt that matters outside of our control will demand patience from us. But, there are also times when we should demand patience from ourselves, and deliberately choose to wait simply because it is the wisest things do. Conversations Within” ts 1/12/2015

Sometimes we wait because we have to; other times we wait because we choose to.

“Love is patient.” 1Cor.13

We might as well make our peace with waiting, for we will surely be required to do so. There is no doubt that matters outside of our control will demand patience from us. But, there are also times when we should demand patience from ourselves, and deliberately choose to wait simply because it is the wisest things do. Conversations Within” ts 1/12/2015

In it for the long run!

“But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” Lk.15 ESV

According to Jesus, God the Father runs. He runs; He does not walk to greet those who return to Him. His eyes are ever attentive to anyone who looks in His direction. Take one step toward God and you will find Him running in yours. So great is His love and willingness to accept us, it would not surprise me to find that He is always wearing running shoes.  Conversations Within” ts 1/10/2015

In it for the long run!

“But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” Lk.15 ESV

According to Jesus, God the Father runs. He runs; He does not walk to greet those who return to Him. His eyes are ever attentive to anyone who looks in His direction. Take one step toward God and you will find Him running in yours. So great is His love and willingness to accept us, it would not surprise me to find that He is always wearing running shoes.  Conversations Within” ts 1/10/2015

"Compassion will cure more sins than condemnation." - Henry Ward Beecher

“Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” Jesus

The fact that God does not condemn us does not in the least mean that He is condoning our rebellions. Like a good Father, He would save us as much from sin’s power as well as its penalty.  I think it is important to note that God’s refusal to condemn us does not mean that we cannot condemn ourselves. The freedom to choose is the power to enjoy a beautiful vista, but we can also choose to jump to our death from it. Conversations Within” ts 1/9/2015

"Compassion will cure more sins than condemnation." - Henry Ward Beecher

“Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” Jesus

The fact that God does not condemn us does not in the least mean that He is condoning our rebellions. Like a good Father, He would save us as much from sin’s power as well as its penalty.  I think it is important to note that God’s refusal to condemn us does not mean that we cannot condemn ourselves. The freedom to choose is the power to enjoy a beautiful vista, but we can also choose to jump to our death from it. Conversations Within” ts 1/9/2015

Guilt focuses on how bad you feel about what you have done; conviction, on the other hand, focuses on righting it.

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” Jesus

Most people feel the weight of guilt from time to time--and sin weighs a lot. I firmly believe that God wants to relieve us of this burden. Usually when we feel guilty we are thinking about ourselves, and thinking about ourselves is what got us into trouble in the first place. Do not sit around feeling guilty; repent. Conversations Within” ts 1/8/2015

Guilt focuses on how bad you feel about what you have done; conviction, on the other hand, focuses on righting it.

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” Jesus

Most people feel the weight of guilt from time to time--and sin weighs a lot. I firmly believe that God wants to relieve us of this burden. Usually when we feel guilty we are thinking about ourselves, and thinking about ourselves is what got us into trouble in the first place. Do not sit around feeling guilty; repent. Conversations Within” ts 1/8/2015

We cannot accept forgiveness if we are not willing to grant It.

“For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them.” 2Cor.5

God promises us no condemnation when we accept the gift of His son! Believe it for yourself, and practice it toward others. Since Jesus said, “It is finished,” believe it is finished. If God has pardoned our sins, would it not be arrogant if we refuse to forgive ourselves, and certainly if we do not forgive others? Conversations Within” ts 1/7/2015

We cannot accept forgiveness if we are not willing to grant It.

“For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them.” 2Cor.5

God promises us no condemnation when we accept the gift of His son! Believe it for yourself, and practice it toward others. Since Jesus said, “It is finished,” believe it is finished. If God has pardoned our sins, would it not be arrogant if we refuse to forgive ourselves, and certainly if we do not forgive others? Conversations Within” ts 1/7/2015

“Don't judge someone just because they sin differently than you.” Lauren Elise

“Neither do I condemn thee.” Jesus

When I consider all that God mercifully tolerates in me, I have absolutely no justification to condemn anyone. If Christ refused to condemn, is it not good that I also refuse to do so? The sweetness in Christ’s refusal to condemn is too wonderful to keep to oneself. Conversations Within” ts 1/6/2015

“Don't judge someone just because they sin differently than you.” Lauren Elise

“Neither do I condemn thee.” Jesus

When I consider all that God mercifully tolerates in me, I have absolutely no justification to condemn anyone. If Christ refused to condemn, is it not good that I also refuse to do so? The sweetness in Christ’s refusal to condemn is too wonderful to keep to oneself. Conversations Within” ts 1/6/2015

Vanity is so vain; it would have us seek acceptance over being loved.

“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.“ Rom.8

How could we not love a God who has every right to condemn us, but chooses to show us compassion instead? Of course, God’s acceptance does not mean that He will leave us as He finds us. His love goes beyond acceptance, it is the offer of transformation. The question before us is not will God accept us, but will we accept His work in our hearts?   Conversations Within” ts 1/3/2015

Vanity is so vain; it would have us seek acceptance over being loved.

“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.“ Rom.8

How could we not love a God who has every right to condemn us, but chooses to show us compassion instead? Of course, God’s acceptance does not mean that He will leave us as He finds us. His love goes beyond acceptance, it is the offer of transformation. The question before us is not will God accept us, but will we accept His work in our hearts?   Conversations Within” ts 1/3/2015

I will love you on the days I don’t like you.

Love never fails. 1Cor.13

Love never fails to love. It offers the assurance to a spouse, a child, even a friend and says, “I will never abandon you, I will stick with you “through thick and thin.” Love always acts in a manner that reflects the best interest of the ones we love, regardless of how we feel about them at the moment. Conversations Within” ts 1/2/2015

I will love you on the days I don’t like you.

Love never fails. 1Cor.13

Love never fails to love. It offers the assurance to a spouse, a child, even a friend and says, “I will never abandon you, I will stick with you “through thick and thin.” Love always acts in a manner that reflects the best interest of the ones we love, regardless of how we feel about them at the moment. Conversations Within” ts 1/2/2015

“I'm not telling you it's going to be easy - I'm telling you it's going to be worth it.” Art Williams

Love...endures all things

Love will see it through. Love does whatever is needed, for as long as it is needed, in order to secure what is good, right, and true for those you love. Because love believes and hopes, it endures. Conversations Within” ts 1/2/2015

“I'm not telling you it's going to be easy - I'm telling you it's going to be worth it.” Art Williams

Love...endures all things

Love will see it through. Love does whatever is needed, for as long as it is needed, in order to secure what is good, right, and true for those you love. Because love believes and hopes, it endures. Conversations Within” ts 1/2/2015

Let your future hope shape your present whatever.

Love...hopes all things…” 1Cor.13

What we are promised in Jesus is the hope of glory--the experience of God’s everlasting goodness. Embrace all you can of it now. Transform your present situation with the realities of your promised future. Accept your position as a son or daughter of God. Embrace His forgiveness and walk above the chains of guilt. See yourself as God sees you; a prince or princess of Heaven. Conversations Within” ts 1/1/2015

Let your future hope shape your present whatever.

Love...hopes all things…” 1Cor.13

What we are promised in Jesus is the hope of glory--the experience of God’s everlasting goodness. Embrace all you can of it now. Transform your present situation with the realities of your promised future. Accept your position as a son or daughter of God. Embrace His forgiveness and walk above the chains of guilt. See yourself as God sees you; a prince or princess of Heaven. Conversations Within” ts 1/1/2015

Believe!

“Love...believes all things…” 1Cor.13

Love is not gullible, but chooses to see what God can accomplish despite human failings. Put unwavering faith in God’s power, and look to Him to work good in a bad situation. Let His Spirit shape your vision of the future, not all the negative clutter of this world. Believe, if only in this one thing, that God can change even you.  Conversations Within” ts 12/31/2014

Believe!

“Love...believes all things…” 1Cor.13

Love is not gullible, but chooses to see what God can accomplish despite human failings. Put unwavering faith in God’s power, and look to Him to work good in a bad situation. Let His Spirit shape your vision of the future, not all the negative clutter of this world. Believe, if only in this one thing, that God can change even you.  Conversations Within” ts 12/31/2014

“The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.” William James

“Love bears all things.” 1Cor.13

Love chooses to bear all things in the sense that it chooses to overlook shortcomings in others. Love refuses to retaliate, but responds in kindness. It does not bring up past injuries, but channels present energy toward goodness and peace. Love proclaims its loyalty in beneficial action, rather than in fickle feelings and continues to love no matter what.    Conversations Within” ts 12/30/2014

“The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.” William James

“Love bears all things.” 1Cor.13

Love chooses to bear all things in the sense that it chooses to overlook shortcomings in others. Love refuses to retaliate, but responds in kindness. It does not bring up past injuries, but channels present energy toward goodness and peace. Love proclaims its loyalty in beneficial action, rather than in fickle feelings and continues to love no matter what.    Conversations Within” ts 12/30/2014

“It is the stealing of the apple that is bad, not the sweetness. The sweetness is still a beam from the glory.” C. S. Lewis

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 1Cor.13

It is not only morally wrong to find my joy in something which God forbids, it is not in my best interest to do so. It may even be a pleasurable something, but in forbidding it, God is looking out for us. Why then did He make something pleasurable and then forbid it? I can think of several reasons. One simply might be to fine tune our trust- to center our faith in the truth of His word not faith in our feelings, wants, or desires.  Conversations Within” ts 12/29/2014

“It is the stealing of the apple that is bad, not the sweetness. The sweetness is still a beam from the glory.” C. S. Lewis

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 1Cor.13

It is not only morally wrong to find my joy in something which God forbids, it is not in my best interest to do so. It may even be a pleasurable something, but in forbidding it, God is looking out for us. Why then did He make something pleasurable and then forbid it? I can think of several reasons. One simply might be to fine tune our trust- to center our faith in the truth of His word not faith in our feelings, wants, or desires.  Conversations Within” ts 12/29/2014

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein

“But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deut. 4

There is doing, then there is doing with diligence. Diligence is the necessary ingredient to change doing into getting it done. Diligence turns action into accomplishment. Doing sit-ups for a few days will not strengthen your inner core neither will a hit and miss prayer life. Conversations Within” ts 12/27/2014

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein

“But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deut. 4

There is doing, then there is doing with diligence. Diligence is the necessary ingredient to change doing into getting it done. Diligence turns action into accomplishment. Doing sit-ups for a few days will not strengthen your inner core neither will a hit and miss prayer life. Conversations Within” ts 12/27/2014

God wants partners not pawns, sons and daughters not slaves.

“I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.” Proverbs 8

Do I practice diligence in my walk with God or am I haphazard in my holiness? Personal holiness is just another way of saying that I am God’s man. Am I? Have I made His concerns my own? Can He count on me to advance the cause of HIs Son in the world? Do I attend to my soul with the diligence of an air traffic controller or like a child putting away toys? Conversations Within” ts 12/26/2014

God wants partners not pawns, sons and daughters not slaves.

“I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.” Proverbs 8

Do I practice diligence in my walk with God or am I haphazard in my holiness? Personal holiness is just another way of saying that I am God’s man. Am I? Have I made His concerns my own? Can He count on me to advance the cause of HIs Son in the world? Do I attend to my soul with the diligence of an air traffic controller or like a child putting away toys? Conversations Within” ts 12/26/2014