“When I run, I feel his pleasure.” Eric Liddell

I would think that endurance must be joined to whatever we are enduring for. A mother endures the pains of childbirth for the joy of her baby, an athlete for the victor’s circle, and a soldier to secure freedom for their loved ones. Christ endured the cross for the joy of securing our forgiveness and the pleasure of our company in glory. What is the joy set before me? For what do I endure? For what do I run the race?

“...we make it our aim to please Him.” 2Cor.5 Conversations Within” ts 3/25/2016

“When I run, I feel his pleasure.” Eric Liddell

I would think that endurance must be joined to whatever we are enduring for. A mother endures the pains of childbirth for the joy of her baby, an athlete for the victor’s circle, and a soldier to secure freedom for their loved ones. Christ endured the cross for the joy of securing our forgiveness and the pleasure of our company in glory. What is the joy set before me? For what do I endure? For what do I run the race?

“...we make it our aim to please Him.” 2Cor.5 Conversations Within” ts 3/25/2016

“Just keep swimming!” Dory (Finding Nemo)

A little stick-to-it-ness is all that is needed to accomplish just about anything. The reason I say just “a little” is required is because we can only live one decision at a time. Decide what is good. Decide it every day.  What good is a good decision today if I reverse it tomorrow? What good is a decision this morning if I do not follow through with it this afternoon?

“God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” 1Co.10 Conversations Within” ts 3/24/2016

“Just keep swimming!” Dory (Finding Nemo)

A little stick-to-it-ness is all that is needed to accomplish just about anything. The reason I say just “a little” is required is because we can only live one decision at a time. Decide what is good. Decide it every day.  What good is a good decision today if I reverse it tomorrow? What good is a decision this morning if I do not follow through with it this afternoon?

“God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” 1Co.10 Conversations Within” ts 3/24/2016

“While I can, I sail east in the Dawn Treader. When she fails me, I paddle east in my coracle. When she sinks, I shall swim east with my four paws. And when I can swim no longer...I shall sink with my nose to the sunrise...” Reepicheep (Voyage of the Dawn Treader)

When you know you are heading in the right direction, doing the right things, just keep going no matter what. If you fall down, get back up. If you wander off the path, get back on it as soon as you can. No matter how many times you fail, just keep on keeping on. Keep pressing forward.  Endure!

“Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 3/23/2016

“While I can, I sail east in the Dawn Treader. When she fails me, I paddle east in my coracle. When she sinks, I shall swim east with my four paws. And when I can swim no longer...I shall sink with my nose to the sunrise...” Reepicheep (Voyage of the Dawn Treader)

When you know you are heading in the right direction, doing the right things, just keep going no matter what. If you fall down, get back up. If you wander off the path, get back on it as soon as you can. No matter how many times you fail, just keep on keeping on. Keep pressing forward.  Endure!

“Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 3/23/2016

“Once a man is united to God, how could he not live forever.” C. S. Lewis

There is a spiritual mystery when we trust Christ. We join Him in His death and are raised with Him to new life. We die to old ways and rise to new ones. To witness this change in ourselves and in others is to see His seed growing in us. The most attractive aspect of the Christian experience is not that it goes on forever, but that it is Life with a capital "L," and, it goes on forever.

“Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come.” 2Cor.5 Conversations Within” ts 3/22/2016

“Once a man is united to God, how could he not live forever.” C. S. Lewis

There is a spiritual mystery when we trust Christ. We join Him in His death and are raised with Him to new life. We die to old ways and rise to new ones. To witness this change in ourselves and in others is to see His seed growing in us. The most attractive aspect of the Christian experience is not that it goes on forever, but that it is Life with a capital "L," and, it goes on forever.

“Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come.” 2Cor.5 Conversations Within” ts 3/22/2016

“The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his [Jesus’] teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead.” Tim Keller

Jesus promises many things to those who trust Him with their lives. He offers partnership, forgiveness of sins, peace with God and everlasting life to mention only a few. Without His resurrection these promises would only be wishful thinking at best. The resurrection is the validation of His every claim. Without His resurrection, everything Jesus said would be just one more opinion in a sea of human opinion. But if the resurrection really happened, everything Jesus said has unparalleled authority.

“He is not here. He is risen.” Mk.16 Conversations Within” ts 3/21/2016

“The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his [Jesus’] teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead.” Tim Keller

Jesus promises many things to those who trust Him with their lives. He offers partnership, forgiveness of sins, peace with God and everlasting life to mention only a few. Without His resurrection these promises would only be wishful thinking at best. The resurrection is the validation of His every claim. Without His resurrection, everything Jesus said would be just one more opinion in a sea of human opinion. But if the resurrection really happened, everything Jesus said has unparalleled authority.

“He is not here. He is risen.” Mk.16 Conversations Within” ts 3/21/2016

"It is finished..."Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." ((The seven sayings of Christ of the Cross)

Every soul that enters glory will do so only because the declaration of Jesus, “It is finished.” God has made a gift out of what we could never afford to buy. Let me cease all efforts to earn Heaven. Christ has paid it all. There is nothing owed on the transaction to secure eternal life. His last words are the Last Word.

“Religion says do. Jesus says done.” Jefferson Bethke Conversations Within” ts 3/19/2016

"It is finished..."Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." ((The seven sayings of Christ of the Cross)

Every soul that enters glory will do so only because the declaration of Jesus, “It is finished.” God has made a gift out of what we could never afford to buy. Let me cease all efforts to earn Heaven. Christ has paid it all. There is nothing owed on the transaction to secure eternal life. His last words are the Last Word.

“Religion says do. Jesus says done.” Jefferson Bethke Conversations Within” ts 3/19/2016

"I thirst." (The seven sayings of Christ of the Cross)

God is not immune to human suffering. He entered our world, clothed Himself with flesh, and walked our dusty roads under the blistering heat of the sun. When he stubbed His toe, it bled and hurt, and when He hung on the cross, He became thirsty. Christ bore not only our sins, but the cruel consequences of them. He chose to experience human thirst so we would never have to thirst again.

“If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 3/18/2016

"I thirst." (The seven sayings of Christ of the Cross)

God is not immune to human suffering. He entered our world, clothed Himself with flesh, and walked our dusty roads under the blistering heat of the sun. When he stubbed His toe, it bled and hurt, and when He hung on the cross, He became thirsty. Christ bore not only our sins, but the cruel consequences of them. He chose to experience human thirst so we would never have to thirst again.

“If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 3/18/2016

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (The seven sayings of Christ of the Cross)

Christ was abandoned so that we would never have to be. The answer to His haunting question, ‘Why’, is because God cannot simply say to the human race, “Well I know you will do better next time, so I forgive you.” Divine justice does not work that way. But God, who is rich in mercy found a way to satisfy His justice and be loving at the same time. Christ volunteered to pay our debts so we could be free from any condemning judgment. Why, indeed?

“Amazing love, how can it be that Thou my God should die for me.” Charles Wesley Conversations Within” ts 3/17/2016

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (The seven sayings of Christ of the Cross)

Christ was abandoned so that we would never have to be. The answer to His haunting question, ‘Why’, is because God cannot simply say to the human race, “Well I know you will do better next time, so I forgive you.” Divine justice does not work that way. But God, who is rich in mercy found a way to satisfy His justice and be loving at the same time. Christ volunteered to pay our debts so we could be free from any condemning judgment. Why, indeed?

“Amazing love, how can it be that Thou my God should die for me.” Charles Wesley Conversations Within” ts 3/17/2016

"Jesus said to his mother: "Woman, this is your son." Then he said to the disciple: "This is your mother." (The seven sayings of Christ of the Cross)

The cross was Jesus’ mission in life. Even so, He makes sure His mother would be cared for by His friend John when He left Earth. We might be tempted to think that Jesus waited until the last minute to attend to something so important, but Jesus’ friendship with John was not a last minute investment, and it was surely better than any retirement fund He could have set up for Mary. This single act highlights the value of caring for your parents in old age as well as the value of building lasting relationships. If you can’t count on your family and friends, who can you count on?

“Is is not what we have but who we have in our lives that count.” Unknown Conversations Within” ts 3/16/2016

"Jesus said to his mother: "Woman, this is your son." Then he said to the disciple: "This is your mother." (The seven sayings of Christ of the Cross)

The cross was Jesus’ mission in life. Even so, He makes sure His mother would be cared for by His friend John when He left Earth. We might be tempted to think that Jesus waited until the last minute to attend to something so important, but Jesus’ friendship with John was not a last minute investment, and it was surely better than any retirement fund He could have set up for Mary. This single act highlights the value of caring for your parents in old age as well as the value of building lasting relationships. If you can’t count on your family and friends, who can you count on?

“Is is not what we have but who we have in our lives that count.” Unknown Conversations Within” ts 3/16/2016

"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." (The seven sayings of Christ of the Cross)

In the hour of His death, Jesus was granting life. He answered the thief dying next to Him who, with simple faith, asked only to be remembered. We would all like to be remembered this way. After all, Jesus did tell us, “Ask and you shall receive!” Who would have thought that everlasting life is ours for the asking? But that is exactly what Christ is offering to all who trust Him.

“It was the thief's last prayer, perhaps even his first. He knocked once, sought once, asked once, dared everything, and found everything.” Fulton J. Sheen Conversations Within” ts 3/15/2016

"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." (The seven sayings of Christ of the Cross)

In the hour of His death, Jesus was granting life. He answered the thief dying next to Him who, with simple faith, asked only to be remembered. We would all like to be remembered this way. After all, Jesus did tell us, “Ask and you shall receive!” Who would have thought that everlasting life is ours for the asking? But that is exactly what Christ is offering to all who trust Him.

“It was the thief's last prayer, perhaps even his first. He knocked once, sought once, asked once, dared everything, and found everything.” Fulton J. Sheen Conversations Within” ts 3/15/2016

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." (The seven last words of Christ)

Jesus is all about forgiveness--giving it to us, requiring it from us. He makes it pretty clear that His Father will not forgive our sins if we do not forgive others when they sin against us. One reason this is true is that the same attitude needed to receive forgiveness is also required to grant it. The attitude required for both is a humble spirit.  We stop thinking only of ourselves and humbly look towards the offended or the offender. God forgives even though we have not asked for it. He asks that we do the same, even if the kindness is rejected or forgiveness not granted.

"Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it." Mark Twain Conversations Within” ts 3/14/2016

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." (The seven last words of Christ)

Jesus is all about forgiveness--giving it to us, requiring it from us. He makes it pretty clear that His Father will not forgive our sins if we do not forgive others when they sin against us. One reason this is true is that the same attitude needed to receive forgiveness is also required to grant it. The attitude required for both is a humble spirit.  We stop thinking only of ourselves and humbly look towards the offended or the offender. God forgives even though we have not asked for it. He asks that we do the same, even if the kindness is rejected or forgiveness not granted.

"Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it." Mark Twain Conversations Within” ts 3/14/2016

“The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now.” Rick Warren

What does this have to do with loving God or loving others? I should think that this a good question to help measure the value of any word, thought, or deed. If i choose to say this, or do this or even think this, am I loving God, loving others, even loving myself? If not, why should I do it? If love is guiding me, why let anything stand in the way?

“Most of all, let love guide your life.” Col.3 Conversations Within” ts 3/12/2016

“The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now.” Rick Warren

What does this have to do with loving God or loving others? I should think that this a good question to help measure the value of any word, thought, or deed. If i choose to say this, or do this or even think this, am I loving God, loving others, even loving myself? If not, why should I do it? If love is guiding me, why let anything stand in the way?

“Most of all, let love guide your life.” Col.3 Conversations Within” ts 3/12/2016

Everybody loves an extra helping of something good. Be one!

I am one of those “too” people. I am too loud, too talkative, too down, or too up. But there are a few things we can never be “too much” of. We can never be too kind, too loving, or too beneficial to others. I suppose it is okay to be “too” in this sense of the word. This is one extreme that we can all appreciate. Pile on the love; people can take it!

“And let us not grow weary of doing good.” Gal.6 Conversations Within” ts 3/11/2016

Everybody loves an extra helping of something good. Be one!

I am one of those “too” people. I am too loud, too talkative, too down, or too up. But there are a few things we can never be “too much” of. We can never be too kind, too loving, or too beneficial to others. I suppose it is okay to be “too” in this sense of the word. This is one extreme that we can all appreciate. Pile on the love; people can take it!

“And let us not grow weary of doing good.” Gal.6 Conversations Within” ts 3/11/2016

“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” Mother Teresa

There are a number of reasons we may neglect giving to the poor. We may feel overwhelmed because there are so many of them and we do not know where to start. We may also wonder if we give money to them, will they use it on drugs? Perhaps we think they are poor because they are lazy. It is good to remember that poverty is more than a lack of money. It is often a state of mind. Even people who use drugs need to be loved, and there are ways to do so if we are serious about Jesus’ command. Reach those within your reach, then position yourself to reach more.

“They only asked us to remember the poor—the very thing I also was eager to do.” Gal.2 Conversations Within” ts 3/10/2016

“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” Mother Teresa

There are a number of reasons we may neglect giving to the poor. We may feel overwhelmed because there are so many of them and we do not know where to start. We may also wonder if we give money to them, will they use it on drugs? Perhaps we think they are poor because they are lazy. It is good to remember that poverty is more than a lack of money. It is often a state of mind. Even people who use drugs need to be loved, and there are ways to do so if we are serious about Jesus’ command. Reach those within your reach, then position yourself to reach more.

“They only asked us to remember the poor—the very thing I also was eager to do.” Gal.2 Conversations Within” ts 3/10/2016

“If you're not making someone else's life better, then you're wasting your time.” Will Smith

If it has nothing to do with love, then forget about it. Don’t waste time pursuing things which have no lasting value. Even the smallest enjoyment can be transformed by sharing. Love adds value to faith, work, play, even pleasure. Without it, everything is nothing and profits nothing. The sum of all the commandments in Scripture is simply to love God and love your neighbor as you love yourself. We are not living if we are not loving.

“The only thing that matters is faith expressing itself through love.” Gal.5 Conversations Within” ts 3/9/2016

“If you're not making someone else's life better, then you're wasting your time.” Will Smith

If it has nothing to do with love, then forget about it. Don’t waste time pursuing things which have no lasting value. Even the smallest enjoyment can be transformed by sharing. Love adds value to faith, work, play, even pleasure. Without it, everything is nothing and profits nothing. The sum of all the commandments in Scripture is simply to love God and love your neighbor as you love yourself. We are not living if we are not loving.

“The only thing that matters is faith expressing itself through love.” Gal.5 Conversations Within” ts 3/9/2016

"In serving each other we become free.” First Knight (the movie)

God has delegated a remarkable amount of freedom to each of us. In light of these freedoms, He encourages us to choose of our own free will, with His help of course, a life of loving service to one another. All the obedience that God asks from us is voluntary. In order for love to be a real love it must be free. Equally so, in order for freedom to flourish, it must be used only for good. How we use our freedom today will decide if we remain free or become enslaved tomorrow.

“Use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Gal.5 Conversations Within” ts 3/8/2016

"In serving each other we become free.” First Knight (the movie)

God has delegated a remarkable amount of freedom to each of us. In light of these freedoms, He encourages us to choose of our own free will, with His help of course, a life of loving service to one another. All the obedience that God asks from us is voluntary. In order for love to be a real love it must be free. Equally so, in order for freedom to flourish, it must be used only for good. How we use our freedom today will decide if we remain free or become enslaved tomorrow.

“Use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Gal.5 Conversations Within” ts 3/8/2016

“Helping others is the secret sauce to a happy life.” Todd Stocker

It is said that we can forget our own burdens by helping other people carry theirs. While this is true,  think it is equally important to allow people to help us when we need it. We may just be helping them forget about their own struggles when we do. God has never intended that we go it alone. We are God’s gift to each other. Need help? Ask for it. See others in need? Don’t hesitate to help them.

“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Conversations Within” ts 3/7/2016

“Helping others is the secret sauce to a happy life.” Todd Stocker

It is said that we can forget our own burdens by helping other people carry theirs. While this is true,  think it is equally important to allow people to help us when we need it. We may just be helping them forget about their own struggles when we do. God has never intended that we go it alone. We are God’s gift to each other. Need help? Ask for it. See others in need? Don’t hesitate to help them.

“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Conversations Within” ts 3/7/2016

“Just because something isn't happening for you right now, doesn't mean that it will never happen.” Unknown

Hope is an important part of accepting what we can not change. Our circumstances may be difficult to accept, but when we add God’s love to the mix, “hope springs eternal”, yet not in vain. Things may never work out the way we want in this life, but that is the very reason for the next. Some things can only be realized in the absolute goodness of glory. But even now, hope in God, not just in His power to act on our behalf, but also in His willingness to do so. He will not disappoint the heart in His keeping.

“But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” Rom.8 Conversations Within” ts 3/6/2016

“Just because something isn't happening for you right now, doesn't mean that it will never happen.” Unknown

Hope is an important part of accepting what we can not change. Our circumstances may be difficult to accept, but when we add God’s love to the mix, “hope springs eternal”, yet not in vain. Things may never work out the way we want in this life, but that is the very reason for the next. Some things can only be realized in the absolute goodness of glory. But even now, hope in God, not just in His power to act on our behalf, but also in His willingness to do so. He will not disappoint the heart in His keeping.

“But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” Rom.8 Conversations Within” ts 3/6/2016

"In God’s garden of grace even a broken tree can bear fruit.” Rick Warren

God’s grace is not always appropriated by His children. The best way
to appropriate grace is to use it for its intended purpose. One reason
God gives grace is to make us instruments of grace. He blesses us so
the we can be a blessing. Often the grace that He makes available to
us is experienced only when we allow it to flow from us in acts of
goodness to others.

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all
times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
2Cor.9 Conversations Within” ts 3/4/2016

"In God’s garden of grace even a broken tree can bear fruit.” Rick Warren

God’s grace is not always appropriated by His children. The best way
to appropriate grace is to use it for its intended purpose. One reason
God gives grace is to make us instruments of grace. He blesses us so
the we can be a blessing. Often the grace that He makes available to
us is experienced only when we allow it to flow from us in acts of
goodness to others.

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all
times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
2Cor.9 Conversations Within” ts 3/4/2016

“Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.” Sonia Ricotti

There is a considerable difference in the disappointment of getting a bad weather report and in getting a bad doctors report. We can all appreciate this difference. Yet dealing with both of them positively requires pretty much the same response. The sooner we accept what is, we can begin to express a better attitude about it. We can also express faith in what God offers to do when people look to Him. People can view life’s disappointments as the “luck of the draw,” or the table God has set before us. Faith teaches us to trust in the goodness of God, not in the cold indifference of chance.

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1Cor.13 Conversations Within” ts 3/3/2016

“Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.” Sonia Ricotti

There is a considerable difference in the disappointment of getting a bad weather report and in getting a bad doctors report. We can all appreciate this difference. Yet dealing with both of them positively requires pretty much the same response. The sooner we accept what is, we can begin to express a better attitude about it. We can also express faith in what God offers to do when people look to Him. People can view life’s disappointments as the “luck of the draw,” or the table God has set before us. Faith teaches us to trust in the goodness of God, not in the cold indifference of chance.

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1Cor.13 Conversations Within” ts 3/3/2016

"The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain." Henry Wadsworth

We should not expect every day to be sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows. You can’t have rainbows without rain anyway. God makes rainy days with the same intent of sunny days. We need them. I suppose it helps to believe in the kind intentions of God when you are having one. If I am in a season of sadness, it will pass; all seasons do. And, when they do pass, may I learn from them, and at the very least gain a greater appreciation of God’s love for me and a deepening of my love for Him.

“I will give you your rains in their season…” Lev.26 Conversations Within” ts 3/2/2016

"The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain." Henry Wadsworth

We should not expect every day to be sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows. You can’t have rainbows without rain anyway. God makes rainy days with the same intent of sunny days. We need them. I suppose it helps to believe in the kind intentions of God when you are having one. If I am in a season of sadness, it will pass; all seasons do. And, when they do pass, may I learn from them, and at the very least gain a greater appreciation of God’s love for me and a deepening of my love for Him.

“I will give you your rains in their season…” Lev.26 Conversations Within” ts 3/2/2016

“Lord, grant me the strength to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” St. Frances

There are always things we cannot change, but we can change our attitude about them and our response to them. I should think that our attitude is the most important of the two. A person can open an umbrella when it rains but still allow the rain to dampen their spirits. When we have the right attitude, well, we just might decide to enjoy a walk in the rain.

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus...” Phil.2 Conversations Within” ts 3/1/2016

“Lord, grant me the strength to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” St. Frances

There are always things we cannot change, but we can change our attitude about them and our response to them. I should think that our attitude is the most important of the two. A person can open an umbrella when it rains but still allow the rain to dampen their spirits. When we have the right attitude, well, we just might decide to enjoy a walk in the rain.

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus...” Phil.2 Conversations Within” ts 3/1/2016

"Happiness can exist only in acceptance." George Orwell

It is what it is. Not only is this true, but it is as God has allowed. The sooner we accept this, the sooner we can also accept what He is providing to see us through. Not everything that comes our way is good, God’s will, or God’s fault, but He surely allows or doesn’t allow it. If He allows it, He is surely able and willing to use it for our good when we love Him and look to Him with all our heart for it.

“All things are for your sakes.” 2Cor.4 Conversations Within” ts 2/29/2016

"Happiness can exist only in acceptance." George Orwell

It is what it is. Not only is this true, but it is as God has allowed. The sooner we accept this, the sooner we can also accept what He is providing to see us through. Not everything that comes our way is good, God’s will, or God’s fault, but He surely allows or doesn’t allow it. If He allows it, He is surely able and willing to use it for our good when we love Him and look to Him with all our heart for it.

“All things are for your sakes.” 2Cor.4 Conversations Within” ts 2/29/2016

“Faith is not about everything turning out OK. Faith is about being OK no matter how things turn out.” Unknown

Oh to be in that place where there is inner peace even when there are storms all around you. How do we find this quiet in tempestuous times? One is to fix our eyes on God’s promises rather than on our problems and know that all is well, when all is well with HIm. “Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say, “It is well! It is well with my soul!” Sometimes we must sing these words with faith before we actually feel them in our heart.

“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair.” 2Cor.4  Ps.23 Conversations Within” ts 2/26/2016

“Faith is not about everything turning out OK. Faith is about being OK no matter how things turn out.” Unknown

Oh to be in that place where there is inner peace even when there are storms all around you. How do we find this quiet in tempestuous times? One is to fix our eyes on God’s promises rather than on our problems and know that all is well, when all is well with HIm. “Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say, “It is well! It is well with my soul!” Sometimes we must sing these words with faith before we actually feel them in our heart.

“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair.” 2Cor.4  Ps.23 Conversations Within” ts 2/26/2016

“The wise man built his house upon the rock; And the rain came a-tumblin down.” Unknown

We lay the foundation of our lives on rock or sand. Jesus says it is when we live by His words, not just know his words, that our foundation will survive the storms of life. Doing is the mortar that binds together the rock of God’s word as a sure foundation under us. Many people know the truth, but fail to live by it. When the storms come, and they will surely come, the character we have learned in obedience will see us through or not.

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Jesus

“The wise man built his house upon the rock; And the rain came a-tumblin down.” Unknown

We lay the foundation of our lives on rock or sand. Jesus says it is when we live by His words, not just know his words, that our foundation will survive the storms of life. Doing is the mortar that binds together the rock of God’s word as a sure foundation under us. Many people know the truth, but fail to live by it. When the storms come, and they will surely come, the character we have learned in obedience will see us through or not.

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Jesus

"If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading." - Lao Tzu

Self pity is one direction we should seriously avoid taking. Never feel sorry for yourself--never! Self-pity always leads us down the road to the prison of being self-absorbed, and being self-absorbed will certainly rob us of the joy of living. Abandon the road of grumbling and move forward down the road of gratitude.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” James 1 Conversations Within” ts 2/24/2016

"If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading." - Lao Tzu

Self pity is one direction we should seriously avoid taking. Never feel sorry for yourself--never! Self-pity always leads us down the road to the prison of being self-absorbed, and being self-absorbed will certainly rob us of the joy of living. Abandon the road of grumbling and move forward down the road of gratitude.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” James 1 Conversations Within” ts 2/24/2016

“Happiness is a direction, not a destination.”

Happiness isn’t down the road somewhere, it is a choice in us now. Happiness is embraced every time we choose a step in the right direction and give ourselves wholly to it. And what direction is that? When in doubt, we can always take a step toward loving others. The joy of Jesus doesn’t lie around the bend in the road, His joy lies on the path of righteousness before us.

“I tell you these things that my joy may be in you and your joy made complete.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 2/23/2016

“Happiness is a direction, not a destination.”

Happiness isn’t down the road somewhere, it is a choice in us now. Happiness is embraced every time we choose a step in the right direction and give ourselves wholly to it. And what direction is that? When in doubt, we can always take a step toward loving others. The joy of Jesus doesn’t lie around the bend in the road, His joy lies on the path of righteousness before us.

“I tell you these things that my joy may be in you and your joy made complete.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 2/23/2016