”The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new. - Socrates

It took a while, but I finally realized that I was spending too much time trying to stop practicing certain bad habits and not enough time pursuing good ones. The best way to stop bad behavior is to aggressively pursue good behavior. The best way to stop hating is to start loving. Give all your time and energy to all that is good, right, and true and there will be nothing left over to do anything but.

“Put off the old...put on the new.” Eph.4 Conversations Within” ts 2/21/2016

”The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new. - Socrates

It took a while, but I finally realized that I was spending too much time trying to stop practicing certain bad habits and not enough time pursuing good ones. The best way to stop bad behavior is to aggressively pursue good behavior. The best way to stop hating is to start loving. Give all your time and energy to all that is good, right, and true and there will be nothing left over to do anything but.

“Put off the old...put on the new.” Eph.4 Conversations Within” ts 2/21/2016

“The size of the steps are not important, as long as they are going in the right direction.” Unknown

When seeking positive change it is helpful to put your energy into looking forward rather than looking back. Keep pressing forward, but only when you are sure forward is forward. We do not do ourselves any favors if we leave somewhere we should not be only to head to another place that is also equally bad, if not worse. Take the steps of change, but only in the right direction.

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil.1 Conversations Within” ts 2/20/2016

“The size of the steps are not important, as long as they are going in the right direction.” Unknown

When seeking positive change it is helpful to put your energy into looking forward rather than looking back. Keep pressing forward, but only when you are sure forward is forward. We do not do ourselves any favors if we leave somewhere we should not be only to head to another place that is also equally bad, if not worse. Take the steps of change, but only in the right direction.

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil.1 Conversations Within” ts 2/20/2016

Our confidence is not in our faith but in the person we put our faith in.

The Roman centurion who asked Jesus to heal his servant understood not only the nature of authority, he also understood that Jesus has it over everything. He put it this way. “But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Nicely put! Just say the word Lord, and it will be done. It is a wonderful expression of faith when our confidence that God can do something, matures to that place where we know He will.

“And He put all things in subjection under His feet...not only in this age but also in the one to come.” Eph.1 Conversations Within” ts 2/18/2016

Our confidence is not in our faith but in the person we put our faith in.

The Roman centurion who asked Jesus to heal his servant understood not only the nature of authority, he also understood that Jesus has it over everything. He put it this way. “But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Nicely put! Just say the word Lord, and it will be done. It is a wonderful expression of faith when our confidence that God can do something, matures to that place where we know He will.

“And He put all things in subjection under His feet...not only in this age but also in the one to come.” Eph.1 Conversations Within” ts 2/18/2016

“The sky is not the limit. I am!” T. F. Hodge

Christians believe that the position of Jesus at God’s right hand grants Him authority over all things. Because of this, the possibilities are staggering, especially when we consider that Jesus is willing to use this authority on our behalf. He may not always give us all we ask for, and thank God that He does not, but He will never give us a stone when we ask for bread, or a snake when we ask for fish. He only knows how to give and grant goodness to those whom He loves. I say it again, the possibilities are staggering!

“And He put all things in subjection under His feet.” Eph.1 Conversations Within” ts 2/17/2016

“The sky is not the limit. I am!” T. F. Hodge

Christians believe that the position of Jesus at God’s right hand grants Him authority over all things. Because of this, the possibilities are staggering, especially when we consider that Jesus is willing to use this authority on our behalf. He may not always give us all we ask for, and thank God that He does not, but He will never give us a stone when we ask for bread, or a snake when we ask for fish. He only knows how to give and grant goodness to those whom He loves. I say it again, the possibilities are staggering!

“And He put all things in subjection under His feet.” Eph.1 Conversations Within” ts 2/17/2016

Rise up!

Every child spends the first year of their life trying to get to their feet. After that, we try to stay on them. When we fall, and we all surely fall, we must get back up. It is hard for me to wrap my head around it, but we are told that the very same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us; helping us rise up. I suppose every time we fall is a kind of death, and every time we get up is a kind of resurrection.

“These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places” Eph.1 Conversations Within” ts 2/16/2016

Rise up!

Every child spends the first year of their life trying to get to their feet. After that, we try to stay on them. When we fall, and we all surely fall, we must get back up. It is hard for me to wrap my head around it, but we are told that the very same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us; helping us rise up. I suppose every time we fall is a kind of death, and every time we get up is a kind of resurrection.

“These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places” Eph.1 Conversations Within” ts 2/16/2016

“The task ahead of us is never as great as the power behind us.” Ralph Emerson

What is power if it is not used for some good purpose? God always uses His power for the advantage of those who look to Him. There is even a grammatical description for this when using the word “to” or “towards”. It is called the “dative of advantage.” God is more than willing to use His power to accomplish goodness “toward” those who trust Him. He always answers faith with the advantage of His faithful commitment to our eternal good.

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know...what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.” Eph.1 Conversations Within” ts 2/15/2016

“The task ahead of us is never as great as the power behind us.” Ralph Emerson

What is power if it is not used for some good purpose? God always uses His power for the advantage of those who look to Him. There is even a grammatical description for this when using the word “to” or “towards”. It is called the “dative of advantage.” God is more than willing to use His power to accomplish goodness “toward” those who trust Him. He always answers faith with the advantage of His faithful commitment to our eternal good.

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know...what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.” Eph.1 Conversations Within” ts 2/15/2016

“You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.” Desmond Tutu

We are given much wealth when God adopts us as His children. Our Father wants us to know how rich we are---the true value of our inheritance. One blessing that cannot be separated from all the others is the gift that God has made to each of us, namely the gift of each other. We are family--a family of faith. The Father’s family is made up of people from every nation on earth. Do I know the value of the brothers and sisters that God has given me in Christ?

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know... what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints…” Eph.1 Conversations Within” ts 2/14/2016

“You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.” Desmond Tutu

We are given much wealth when God adopts us as His children. Our Father wants us to know how rich we are---the true value of our inheritance. One blessing that cannot be separated from all the others is the gift that God has made to each of us, namely the gift of each other. We are family--a family of faith. The Father’s family is made up of people from every nation on earth. Do I know the value of the brothers and sisters that God has given me in Christ?

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know... what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints…” Eph.1 Conversations Within” ts 2/14/2016

“How little people know who think holiness dull. When one meets the real thing…it is irresistible.” C. S. Lewis

What is the hope of God’s calling if it is not holiness? What is holiness? When a bride gives herself wholly to her husband, and likewise the husband wholly to his wife, we are given a glimpse of what it means to be holy to God. Holiness is that state when we wholly devote ourselves to Him, and to have His pledge of eternal devotion to us as well. The hope of God’s calling is so much more than living in Heaven. It is living with Him. He makes Heaven, heaven.

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling…” Eph.1 Conversations Within” ts 2/13/2016

“How little people know who think holiness dull. When one meets the real thing…it is irresistible.” C. S. Lewis

What is the hope of God’s calling if it is not holiness? What is holiness? When a bride gives herself wholly to her husband, and likewise the husband wholly to his wife, we are given a glimpse of what it means to be holy to God. Holiness is that state when we wholly devote ourselves to Him, and to have His pledge of eternal devotion to us as well. The hope of God’s calling is so much more than living in Heaven. It is living with Him. He makes Heaven, heaven.

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling…” Eph.1 Conversations Within” ts 2/13/2016

“Love God with your everything.” John Piper

When Christ comes to live in us, so too the desire to love and serve the God of creation. Happiness is to offer ourselves every day, body and soul in loving service to Him. When we work, we ask to work for His purposes. When we play, we ask to do so for His pleasure. When we think, we seek His understanding. When we speak, we ask that our words be acceptable to Him. Bless the Lord O my soul and let all that is within me bless Your holy name.

“My heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices.” Ps.16 Conversations Within” ts 2/12/2016

“Love God with your everything.” John Piper

When Christ comes to live in us, so too the desire to love and serve the God of creation. Happiness is to offer ourselves every day, body and soul in loving service to Him. When we work, we ask to work for His purposes. When we play, we ask to do so for His pleasure. When we think, we seek His understanding. When we speak, we ask that our words be acceptable to Him. Bless the Lord O my soul and let all that is within me bless Your holy name.

“My heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices.” Ps.16 Conversations Within” ts 2/12/2016

”You are the butter to my bread, you are the breath to my life.” Paul Child

How can I describe all that You are to me, dear Lord? I know that I cannot. Even so, let me do my best to give all of myself to Your praise. Because You are, I am. Every joy I have ever known, or ever hope to know, I owe to You. I would, in this very moment, enjoy You, and be enjoyment to You. My soul delights in You, and desires also to be your delight. I kiss You now with my thanks Father, and hug You with happiness. Blessed be Your name!

“I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.” Ps.86 Conversations Within” ts 2/11/2016

”You are the butter to my bread, you are the breath to my life.” Paul Child

How can I describe all that You are to me, dear Lord? I know that I cannot. Even so, let me do my best to give all of myself to Your praise. Because You are, I am. Every joy I have ever known, or ever hope to know, I owe to You. I would, in this very moment, enjoy You, and be enjoyment to You. My soul delights in You, and desires also to be your delight. I kiss You now with my thanks Father, and hug You with happiness. Blessed be Your name!

“I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.” Ps.86 Conversations Within” ts 2/11/2016

“Wisdom is the power to see and the inclination to choose the best and highest goal, together with the surest means of attaining it.” J. I. Packer

Sometimes I waste energy trying to figure it out when I would do better to put my faith in God’s wisdom, not in my own understanding. Do I really believe in the superiority of God’s wisdom over my own? Surely I should. His timing, His methods, the path He leads us on, and the places He leads us to, cannot be improved upon. His leading is the best and the best way to accomplish the best. Stop trying to figure it out and start putting faith in Him.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Prov.3 Conversations Within” ts 2/10/2016

“Wisdom is the power to see and the inclination to choose the best and highest goal, together with the surest means of attaining it.” J. I. Packer

Sometimes I waste energy trying to figure it out when I would do better to put my faith in God’s wisdom, not in my own understanding. Do I really believe in the superiority of God’s wisdom over my own? Surely I should. His timing, His methods, the path He leads us on, and the places He leads us to, cannot be improved upon. His leading is the best and the best way to accomplish the best. Stop trying to figure it out and start putting faith in Him.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Prov.3 Conversations Within” ts 2/10/2016

“God allows u-turns.” Unknown

I do not know anyone who hasn’t messed up one way or another. We hurt people, or neglect our relationships, even our relationship with God. It is all the same. We have lost sight of love somehow, and have been blinded by our selfishness. When we realize this, we should come back, and come back at once. Even now, this very moment, we can run back to God. Jesus tells us we will find that He is running toward us. People may not be so willing, but try anyway.

“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart…” Joel 2 Conversations Within” ts 2/9/2016

“God allows u-turns.” Unknown

I do not know anyone who hasn’t messed up one way or another. We hurt people, or neglect our relationships, even our relationship with God. It is all the same. We have lost sight of love somehow, and have been blinded by our selfishness. When we realize this, we should come back, and come back at once. Even now, this very moment, we can run back to God. Jesus tells us we will find that He is running toward us. People may not be so willing, but try anyway.

“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart…” Joel 2 Conversations Within” ts 2/9/2016

"When I have learnt to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now.... When first things are put first, second things are not suppressed but increased." C. S. Lewis

It seems logical that the place to begin loving God is by also loving oneself. Not liking one’s self mind you, but genuinely seeking what is in our best interest. Of course God wants us to discover that loving Him first is in our best interest. It is also the best thing we can do for the other people in our life. Loving God first prioritizes, strengthens, and improves all other loves.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 2/8/2016

"When I have learnt to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now.... When first things are put first, second things are not suppressed but increased." C. S. Lewis

It seems logical that the place to begin loving God is by also loving oneself. Not liking one’s self mind you, but genuinely seeking what is in our best interest. Of course God wants us to discover that loving Him first is in our best interest. It is also the best thing we can do for the other people in our life. Loving God first prioritizes, strengthens, and improves all other loves.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 2/8/2016

”I give you my whole heart for my whole life.” Unknown

We are told to love God with all of our heart. We are also told to trust Him, even seek Him with all of our heart. The point is that we put our heart into it, and that we put our whole heart into it. Wholehearted devotion is the only devotion worth having. God does not want forced love or insincere compliance to His will. He offers to us the gift of Himself---all of Himself. He desires no less from us. He would take us as His bride and proposes eternal marriage.

“You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion.” 1Kgs.8 Conversations Within” ts 2/7/2016

”I give you my whole heart for my whole life.” Unknown

We are told to love God with all of our heart. We are also told to trust Him, even seek Him with all of our heart. The point is that we put our heart into it, and that we put our whole heart into it. Wholehearted devotion is the only devotion worth having. God does not want forced love or insincere compliance to His will. He offers to us the gift of Himself---all of Himself. He desires no less from us. He would take us as His bride and proposes eternal marriage.

“You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion.” 1Kgs.8 Conversations Within” ts 2/7/2016

”If you act on your faith, your feelings will catch up.” Joyce Meyer

At some point faith must act upon what we affirm. It is one thing to tell ourselves that it is best to put matters into God’s hands, and another to actually do so. We should ask God for ways we can demonstrate that we are trusting Him with something. Then, take the step He asks us to take!

“By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.” Heb.11 Conversations Within” ts 2/6/2016

”If you act on your faith, your feelings will catch up.” Joyce Meyer

At some point faith must act upon what we affirm. It is one thing to tell ourselves that it is best to put matters into God’s hands, and another to actually do so. We should ask God for ways we can demonstrate that we are trusting Him with something. Then, take the step He asks us to take!

“By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.” Heb.11 Conversations Within” ts 2/6/2016

”If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.“ Unknown

Most of us believe that God is everywhere and that He is with us at all times. But do we believe that He is not only with us, but is also protecting us? And, do we believe it enough to stop worrying? Therein lies the rub. It is one thing to be safe and another to feel safe. My grandson was safe enough in my arms playing in the water, but he was still struggling with his fears. Feelings will often compete with our faith. We must train ourselves to let go of our feelings, as hard as that may be, and grip the Object of our faith.

“For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Jos.1 Conversations Within” ts 2/5/2016

”If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.“ Unknown

Most of us believe that God is everywhere and that He is with us at all times. But do we believe that He is not only with us, but is also protecting us? And, do we believe it enough to stop worrying? Therein lies the rub. It is one thing to be safe and another to feel safe. My grandson was safe enough in my arms playing in the water, but he was still struggling with his fears. Feelings will often compete with our faith. We must train ourselves to let go of our feelings, as hard as that may be, and grip the Object of our faith.

“For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Jos.1 Conversations Within” ts 2/5/2016

Every grain of sand is a text message from God that says, “Thinking about you!”

I think we greatly underestimate God’s love for us. He is not only thinking about us without measure, He is actively pursuing everything good for our life. With all of the uncertainties we face in this world, God’s love is the one certain thing that we can count on. Remember the sweet song sung to children?. “Jesus loves me this I know.” Well, He still does, and always will.

“How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.” Ps.139 Conversations Within” ts 2/4/2016

Every grain of sand is a text message from God that says, “Thinking about you!”

I think we greatly underestimate God’s love for us. He is not only thinking about us without measure, He is actively pursuing everything good for our life. With all of the uncertainties we face in this world, God’s love is the one certain thing that we can count on. Remember the sweet song sung to children?. “Jesus loves me this I know.” Well, He still does, and always will.

“How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.” Ps.139 Conversations Within” ts 2/4/2016

“Talk to yourself like someone you love.”

I think it is important to love yourself--not necessarily in the sense of liking yourself, but in the sense of seeking only those things which are good for you. Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. If we do not truly love ourselves, we have no meaningful standard by which to love our neighbor.

“Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good.” Prov.19 Conversations Within” ts 2/3/2016

“Talk to yourself like someone you love.”

I think it is important to love yourself--not necessarily in the sense of liking yourself, but in the sense of seeking only those things which are good for you. Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. If we do not truly love ourselves, we have no meaningful standard by which to love our neighbor.

“Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good.” Prov.19 Conversations Within” ts 2/3/2016

“New mercies, new blessings, new light on thy way; New courage, new hope, and new strength for each day; New notes of thanksgiving, new chords of delight, all this be the joy of the new life in Christ.” Havergal

Every day is new, and with each and every one comes a new opportunity to experience the newness that Christ is working in us . How so? Every new decision is an opening to be the new person that He is making us to be. Every new word can express His values. Every thought can be wonderfully acceptable in God’s sight. Let go the old and embrace the new.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2Cor.5 Conversations Within” ts 2/2/2016

“New mercies, new blessings, new light on thy way; New courage, new hope, and new strength for each day; New notes of thanksgiving, new chords of delight, all this be the joy of the new life in Christ.” Havergal

Every day is new, and with each and every one comes a new opportunity to experience the newness that Christ is working in us . How so? Every new decision is an opening to be the new person that He is making us to be. Every new word can express His values. Every thought can be wonderfully acceptable in God’s sight. Let go the old and embrace the new.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2Cor.5 Conversations Within” ts 2/2/2016

Picture in your mind a better you. Then start drawing it with your thoughts, words, and actions.

When I read the list of Christian attributes commonly referred to as the “fruit of the Spirit,” my first thought is, “Why not?” I cannot think of any reason why I would not want to be this kind of person. The fact that I do not always reflect these qualities just means I need to keep cooperating with the Spirit while He produces them in me . I guess you could say that we all need to flesh out what the Spirit is working in us.  

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Gal.5 Conversations Within” ts 2/1/2016

Picture in your mind a better you. Then start drawing it with your thoughts, words, and actions.

When I read the list of Christian attributes commonly referred to as the “fruit of the Spirit,” my first thought is, “Why not?” I cannot think of any reason why I would not want to be this kind of person. The fact that I do not always reflect these qualities just means I need to keep cooperating with the Spirit while He produces them in me . I guess you could say that we all need to flesh out what the Spirit is working in us.  

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Gal.5 Conversations Within” ts 2/1/2016

“Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” Unknown

The declaration that we “reap what we sow” is wonderfully good news. Sow goodness and expect it in return. What a marvelous operation God has given us in this simple formula. One seed is multiplied into many. Sow mercy and mercy will be multiplied to you. Sow love and your barns will overflow with its rewards. A little act of kindness today can return much kindness to us tomorrow. It is also comforting to know that God likes to plant seeds in us as well. Jesus is that eternal seed He plants in our heart, and the harvest will be everlasting life.

“The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 1/30/2016

“Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” Unknown

The declaration that we “reap what we sow” is wonderfully good news. Sow goodness and expect it in return. What a marvelous operation God has given us in this simple formula. One seed is multiplied into many. Sow mercy and mercy will be multiplied to you. Sow love and your barns will overflow with its rewards. A little act of kindness today can return much kindness to us tomorrow. It is also comforting to know that God likes to plant seeds in us as well. Jesus is that eternal seed He plants in our heart, and the harvest will be everlasting life.

“The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 1/30/2016

“Be loyal to the highest and best vision of yourself.” Unknown

The way we see ourselves can play an important role in who we become. We are told to think truthfully about who we are. This means not having too high or too low an opinion of ourselves, but a realistic one. Surely aspiring or gaining a vision for the kind of person we want to be, or better yet, the kind of person God wants to make us, is a good place to see positive change. Lord, I would be like Jesus of course, not in some general sense, but in every particular sense.

“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment.” Rom.12 Conversations Within” ts 1/29/2016

“Be loyal to the highest and best vision of yourself.” Unknown

The way we see ourselves can play an important role in who we become. We are told to think truthfully about who we are. This means not having too high or too low an opinion of ourselves, but a realistic one. Surely aspiring or gaining a vision for the kind of person we want to be, or better yet, the kind of person God wants to make us, is a good place to see positive change. Lord, I would be like Jesus of course, not in some general sense, but in every particular sense.

“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment.” Rom.12 Conversations Within” ts 1/29/2016

“The past is your lesson. The present is your gift. The future is your motivation.” ~Unknown

I have often thought that the only thing standing between me and the man I want to be is the man that I am. No matter, for we all must begin where we are if we are to become what we want to be. Whatever we do this day, let us be sure to do only those things which move us forward toward Christ not away from Him. Christ not only calls us upward, He offers His hand to help us on the journey.

“But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil.3 Conversations Within” ts 1/28/2016

“The past is your lesson. The present is your gift. The future is your motivation.” ~Unknown

I have often thought that the only thing standing between me and the man I want to be is the man that I am. No matter, for we all must begin where we are if we are to become what we want to be. Whatever we do this day, let us be sure to do only those things which move us forward toward Christ not away from Him. Christ not only calls us upward, He offers His hand to help us on the journey.

“But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil.3 Conversations Within” ts 1/28/2016

“Those who see the world through the lens of love are the true visionaries.” Bryant McGill

Sometimes it is difficult to see your way forward. One step that always leads us in the right direction is a step of love. Let love guide you. We cannot go wrong when we are seeking someone’s good. Lift up your eyes and see the vision that God’s love can give. Opportunities abound to love and in return be loved.

“Without a vision the people perish.” Prov.29 Conversations Within” ts 1/27/2016

“Those who see the world through the lens of love are the true visionaries.” Bryant McGill

Sometimes it is difficult to see your way forward. One step that always leads us in the right direction is a step of love. Let love guide you. We cannot go wrong when we are seeking someone’s good. Lift up your eyes and see the vision that God’s love can give. Opportunities abound to love and in return be loved.

“Without a vision the people perish.” Prov.29 Conversations Within” ts 1/27/2016

“The wound is the place where the light enters you.” Rumi

The Scriptures tell us to change the way we see hardship and to view it as discipline. But we may also need to change the way we see discipline--not by seeing it as punishment, rather as training. God is shaping Christ in our character. I imagine He desires to create Heaven in us before He creates it around us.

“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?” Heb.12 Conversations Within” ts 1/26/2016

“The wound is the place where the light enters you.” Rumi

The Scriptures tell us to change the way we see hardship and to view it as discipline. But we may also need to change the way we see discipline--not by seeing it as punishment, rather as training. God is shaping Christ in our character. I imagine He desires to create Heaven in us before He creates it around us.

“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?” Heb.12 Conversations Within” ts 1/26/2016