“Please be patient, God isn't finished with me yet!” Unknown

Beside being a future home, Heaven is also an attitude--one that delights in God’s pleasure. And, nothing pleases God more than when we aggressively love Him and the people in our lives. I am convinced more and more, that when our pleasure unites with His, the Kingdom of God is taking shape in us. Alas, I have a ways to go. I do not always jump for joy at serving others. I guess I should hang a sign around my neck that says, “Caution! Wet canvas!

“The Kingdom of God is within you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/23/2016

“Please be patient, God isn't finished with me yet!” Unknown

Beside being a future home, Heaven is also an attitude--one that delights in God’s pleasure. And, nothing pleases God more than when we aggressively love Him and the people in our lives. I am convinced more and more, that when our pleasure unites with His, the Kingdom of God is taking shape in us. Alas, I have a ways to go. I do not always jump for joy at serving others. I guess I should hang a sign around my neck that says, “Caution! Wet canvas!

“The Kingdom of God is within you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/23/2016

The question isn't so much if God on my side, rather am I on His?

God is said to work all things for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. How can we be sure we qualify? I mean, who wouldn’t want God in your corner working good out of every single thing that happens to you? The answer to this seems simple enough. Why wouldn’t God look after those who are looking after what concerns Him? If we want God in our corner, perhaps we should try standing in His.

“Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/22/2016

The question isn't so much if God on my side, rather am I on His?

God is said to work all things for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. How can we be sure we qualify? I mean, who wouldn’t want God in your corner working good out of every single thing that happens to you? The answer to this seems simple enough. Why wouldn’t God look after those who are looking after what concerns Him? If we want God in our corner, perhaps we should try standing in His.

“Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/22/2016

“What is a man who does not make the world better?” Kingdom of Heaven

When we pray for the Kingdom of Heaven to come, we ask first and foremost that it come reign in our own heart, for surely it is this before it is anything else. Our own heart must be the starting place if we want to make the world a better place.

“Your Kingdom come...” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/21/2016

“What is a man who does not make the world better?” Kingdom of Heaven

When we pray for the Kingdom of Heaven to come, we ask first and foremost that it come reign in our own heart, for surely it is this before it is anything else. Our own heart must be the starting place if we want to make the world a better place.

“Your Kingdom come...” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/21/2016

“I have discovered that the people who believe most strongly in the next life do the most good in the present one.” C.S. Lewis

The world will melt away one day but this is no excuse for not being environmentally conscious. My body will give out on me one day, but we are clearly encouraged in Scripture to care for it. I live in a body; I also live on this planet, and both should have my respect and my care. I think it is sad when people adopt an abandon-ship attitude on the environment in the name of Christianity. We should care for the world; God has given it to us as a gift, even if only for a while.

“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Jer.29 Conversations Within” ts 4/20/2016

“I have discovered that the people who believe most strongly in the next life do the most good in the present one.” C.S. Lewis

The world will melt away one day but this is no excuse for not being environmentally conscious. My body will give out on me one day, but we are clearly encouraged in Scripture to care for it. I live in a body; I also live on this planet, and both should have my respect and my care. I think it is sad when people adopt an abandon-ship attitude on the environment in the name of Christianity. We should care for the world; God has given it to us as a gift, even if only for a while.

“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Jer.29 Conversations Within” ts 4/20/2016

“If the Kingdom of God is not first it does not matter what is second.” Neal Maxwell

The word preeminent describes the simple fact that something is more important than everything else. What is first in my life? I think many people would like to say that God is. According to Jesus, what we seek first is a pretty good indication of what is first. It is easy to give the energy of our life to things of lesser importance. We usually do this one small decision at a time. We bankrupt our marriage, our health, even our relationship with God twenty-five cents at a time. Make investments every single day that keep first things first.

“Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/19/2016

“If the Kingdom of God is not first it does not matter what is second.” Neal Maxwell

The word preeminent describes the simple fact that something is more important than everything else. What is first in my life? I think many people would like to say that God is. According to Jesus, what we seek first is a pretty good indication of what is first. It is easy to give the energy of our life to things of lesser importance. We usually do this one small decision at a time. We bankrupt our marriage, our health, even our relationship with God twenty-five cents at a time. Make investments every single day that keep first things first.

“Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/19/2016

Perspective is so vital to decision making.

There is the world’s way of doing things, and then there is Heaven’s way. The world says, “Live only for yourself.” God says, “Live for others the same way you live for yourself.” The world says, “Get all you can get!” God says, “Give all you can give!” The world says, “An eye for an eye.” God says, “If a man strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other.” The world says, “Live for the moment.” God says, “Live in the light of eternity.”

"My kingdom is not of this world.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/18/2016

Perspective is so vital to decision making.

There is the world’s way of doing things, and then there is Heaven’s way. The world says, “Live only for yourself.” God says, “Live for others the same way you live for yourself.” The world says, “Get all you can get!” God says, “Give all you can give!” The world says, “An eye for an eye.” God says, “If a man strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other.” The world says, “Live for the moment.” God says, “Live in the light of eternity.”

"My kingdom is not of this world.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/18/2016

“Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.” Miles Kington

One simple way we can become wise in the way we love is simply to ask God for wisdom since He promises to give it. Another is to give serious consideration to all the other promises God has made to us. God is wise in the way He loves us, and we may want to consider how each promise He has made can give direction to our own love for others. Wisdom will mature what we know into beneficial action. The only thing better than love is a wise love.

“I will guide you in the way of wisdom.” Prov.4 Conversations Within” ts 4/16/2016

“Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.” Miles Kington

One simple way we can become wise in the way we love is simply to ask God for wisdom since He promises to give it. Another is to give serious consideration to all the other promises God has made to us. God is wise in the way He loves us, and we may want to consider how each promise He has made can give direction to our own love for others. Wisdom will mature what we know into beneficial action. The only thing better than love is a wise love.

“I will guide you in the way of wisdom.” Prov.4 Conversations Within” ts 4/16/2016

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” Jane Goodall

Love’s wisdom will fine tune our desires to make a difference. God’s love growing in us will prune away any desires that we have for self-recognition. Trying to make a difference without this kind of love can be little more than puffed up pride. Some of the most influential people in the world have made wonderful contributions and made them anonymously. Humble people would rather be light, not stand in the limelight.

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/15/2016

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” Jane Goodall

Love’s wisdom will fine tune our desires to make a difference. God’s love growing in us will prune away any desires that we have for self-recognition. Trying to make a difference without this kind of love can be little more than puffed up pride. Some of the most influential people in the world have made wonderful contributions and made them anonymously. Humble people would rather be light, not stand in the limelight.

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/15/2016

“God does not want us to be busy; He want us to be fruitful.” Unknown

We sometimes confuse busyness with fruitfulness. God desires fruit not mere activity. What good is work if it does not produce something of lasting value?  When we are properly joined to Christ and His purposes, even sleep is promised to be fruitful. Fruit is not just doing things, it is doing the right things under the right direction, at the right time, producing the right results.

“God gives to His beloved even in His sleep.” Ps.127 Conversations Within” ts 4/15/2016

“God does not want us to be busy; He want us to be fruitful.” Unknown

We sometimes confuse busyness with fruitfulness. God desires fruit not mere activity. What good is work if it does not produce something of lasting value?  When we are properly joined to Christ and His purposes, even sleep is promised to be fruitful. Fruit is not just doing things, it is doing the right things under the right direction, at the right time, producing the right results.

“God gives to His beloved even in His sleep.” Ps.127 Conversations Within” ts 4/15/2016

God promises are the true wealth of life.

Jesus assures us that to ask is to receive. What then do we ask for? The answer lies in the promises that God has made to us as His children. It seems expedient, if not wise, to discover not only what these promises are, but how to use them to shape both our prayers, and our direction each day. When I ask God for something let me make sure there is a promise backing it up, and make sure I am standing on it.

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/14/2016

God promises are the true wealth of life.

Jesus assures us that to ask is to receive. What then do we ask for? The answer lies in the promises that God has made to us as His children. It seems expedient, if not wise, to discover not only what these promises are, but how to use them to shape both our prayers, and our direction each day. When I ask God for something let me make sure there is a promise backing it up, and make sure I am standing on it.

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/14/2016

Trying to love someone without wisdom is like trying to quench their thirst without giving them water.

One of the most important aspects of a fruitful life is not only learning to serve others, but learning to lay hold of what God desires to be for us as we serve. The reason this is important is that we need His wisdom to guide our expressions of love if our love is to really help people and not harm them. We all know parents who have actually hurt their children, even when trying to help them. Life is service, but it is also a partnership with God if it is to be beneficial service. The best thing we can do for those we love is to seek God’s wisdom serving them.

“God is love!” 1Jo.4 Conversations Within” ts 4/13/2016

Trying to love someone without wisdom is like trying to quench their thirst without giving them water.

One of the most important aspects of a fruitful life is not only learning to serve others, but learning to lay hold of what God desires to be for us as we serve. The reason this is important is that we need His wisdom to guide our expressions of love if our love is to really help people and not harm them. We all know parents who have actually hurt their children, even when trying to help them. Life is service, but it is also a partnership with God if it is to be beneficial service. The best thing we can do for those we love is to seek God’s wisdom serving them.

“God is love!” 1Jo.4 Conversations Within” ts 4/13/2016

“There's no greater purpose than service to others.” Peaceful Warrior

It is humbling to realize that God has made Himself our servant and then tells us it is in our best interest to join Him in serving others. I think that before we can be of any real service to people we must first embrace all the ways Christ desires to serve us. We need not only His example, but His enabling power and wisdom if our service to others is to have any lasting value.

“Apart from me you can do nothing.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/11/2016

“There's no greater purpose than service to others.” Peaceful Warrior

It is humbling to realize that God has made Himself our servant and then tells us it is in our best interest to join Him in serving others. I think that before we can be of any real service to people we must first embrace all the ways Christ desires to serve us. We need not only His example, but His enabling power and wisdom if our service to others is to have any lasting value.

“Apart from me you can do nothing.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/11/2016

“The pain of self-discipline will never be as great as the pain of regret.” Unknown

It is sad, but it is often suffering or even the threat of it that motivates us to purge certain bad behaviors from our lives. It would be better if the positive aspects of love would do it. We wait until we get cancer or heart disease before we change our diet and exercise. We wait until our marriage is on the brink of divorce before we wake to the importance of investing in our family. Better to embrace the pain of discipline than the pain of regret.

“Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” 1Tim.4 Conversations Within” ts 4/9/2016

“The pain of self-discipline will never be as great as the pain of regret.” Unknown

It is sad, but it is often suffering or even the threat of it that motivates us to purge certain bad behaviors from our lives. It would be better if the positive aspects of love would do it. We wait until we get cancer or heart disease before we change our diet and exercise. We wait until our marriage is on the brink of divorce before we wake to the importance of investing in our family. Better to embrace the pain of discipline than the pain of regret.

“Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” 1Tim.4 Conversations Within” ts 4/9/2016

“Junk food you've wanted for an hour vs. the body you've wanted for years.” You choose.

We become what we do and do and do. It is as simple as that. The life we continue to choose will eventually choose us. How powerful are the choices we make. It is the small decisions we make every day that add up to the kind of person we become. Thank God this is just as much true for all that is good just as it is for all that is bad.

“Don't you realize that you become the servant of whatever you choose to obey?” Rom.6 Conversations Within” ts 4/8/2016

“Junk food you've wanted for an hour vs. the body you've wanted for years.” You choose.

We become what we do and do and do. It is as simple as that. The life we continue to choose will eventually choose us. How powerful are the choices we make. It is the small decisions we make every day that add up to the kind of person we become. Thank God this is just as much true for all that is good just as it is for all that is bad.

“Don't you realize that you become the servant of whatever you choose to obey?” Rom.6 Conversations Within” ts 4/8/2016

“It is not necessary to react to everything you notice.” Unknown

Self-restraint is a good sign that love is starting to mature in us. We must not only learn to keep our opinions to ourselves; it is probably best to deal with them when they are just thoughts. It is pride that tempts us to judge others when we should be serving them instead. Don’t be quick to form an opinion of others, but quick to shape actions of service that will benefit them.

“Stop judging!” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/7/2016

“It is not necessary to react to everything you notice.” Unknown

Self-restraint is a good sign that love is starting to mature in us. We must not only learn to keep our opinions to ourselves; it is probably best to deal with them when they are just thoughts. It is pride that tempts us to judge others when we should be serving them instead. Don’t be quick to form an opinion of others, but quick to shape actions of service that will benefit them.

“Stop judging!” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/7/2016

“You can’t always control the wind, but you can control your sails.” Dr. Bob Chope

Difficulties will always come that are beyond our ability to control. No matter--we can control our attitude about them. And, controlling our attitude will enable us to respond rather than react to them. Responding rather than reacting will insure that matters beyond our control will not control us--at least the part of us that matters most.

“In your patience possess your soul.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/6/2016

“You can’t always control the wind, but you can control your sails.” Dr. Bob Chope

Difficulties will always come that are beyond our ability to control. No matter--we can control our attitude about them. And, controlling our attitude will enable us to respond rather than react to them. Responding rather than reacting will insure that matters beyond our control will not control us--at least the part of us that matters most.

“In your patience possess your soul.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/6/2016

“The chief cause of failure and unhappiness is trading what you want most for what you want now.” Zig Ziglar

It is wise to nurture a clear vision of what you want most in life. Once we have this in place, developing self-control can keep us on the path of obtaining it. Self-discipline is grown in us one decision at a time. We must practice saying “no” to lesser desires to reinforce saying “yes” to desires of greater importance. This is the wisdom of fasting from time to time. Deliberately pick something that you want right now, and practice saying “no” to it.

“I discipline my body and keep it under control.” 1Cor.9 Conversations Within” ts 4/5/2016

“The chief cause of failure and unhappiness is trading what you want most for what you want now.” Zig Ziglar

It is wise to nurture a clear vision of what you want most in life. Once we have this in place, developing self-control can keep us on the path of obtaining it. Self-discipline is grown in us one decision at a time. We must practice saying “no” to lesser desires to reinforce saying “yes” to desires of greater importance. This is the wisdom of fasting from time to time. Deliberately pick something that you want right now, and practice saying “no” to it.

“I discipline my body and keep it under control.” 1Cor.9 Conversations Within” ts 4/5/2016

"What lies in our power to do, lies also in our power not to do." - Aristotle

There are many motivations to practice self-control. Without it we cannot love God as we should, nor can we love others, or even love ourselves for that matter. Self-control is the enabling power of all love. On the subject of self-love, it amuses me that I have often regretted eating one more piece of pizza, but I have never regretted refusing one. It is God’s gift for us to be able to do or not to do. Love’s wisdom tells us which is needed and self-control inclines us to choose what is best.

“The fruit of the Spirit is....self-control.” Conversations Within” ts 4/4/2016

"What lies in our power to do, lies also in our power not to do." - Aristotle

There are many motivations to practice self-control. Without it we cannot love God as we should, nor can we love others, or even love ourselves for that matter. Self-control is the enabling power of all love. On the subject of self-love, it amuses me that I have often regretted eating one more piece of pizza, but I have never regretted refusing one. It is God’s gift for us to be able to do or not to do. Love’s wisdom tells us which is needed and self-control inclines us to choose what is best.

“The fruit of the Spirit is....self-control.” Conversations Within” ts 4/4/2016

“Being male is a matter of birth. Being a man is a matter of age. But being a gentleman is a matter of choice.” Vin Diesel

Somethings must be chosen before they are chosen, if we would choose them again when the actual moment of decision arrives. It is wise to decide what kind of man I want to be, then choose the path to it. I can decide now to never speak a critical word, to always be polite and courteous, and to be radiate gentleness in my interaction with others.

"Let us choose for ourselves what is right; Let us know among ourselves what is good.” Job 34 Conversations Within” ts 4/2/2016

“Being male is a matter of birth. Being a man is a matter of age. But being a gentleman is a matter of choice.” Vin Diesel

Somethings must be chosen before they are chosen, if we would choose them again when the actual moment of decision arrives. It is wise to decide what kind of man I want to be, then choose the path to it. I can decide now to never speak a critical word, to always be polite and courteous, and to be radiate gentleness in my interaction with others.

"Let us choose for ourselves what is right; Let us know among ourselves what is good.” Job 34 Conversations Within” ts 4/2/2016

"A true gentleman always presents the best version of himself.” Unknown

Do not present the best version of yourself to impress others, but to show respect to them. Dress for the occasion. Respecting others is always the proper occasion, and being a gentleman is never out of style. The energy of a gentleman is always flowing outward. A gentleman does not walk into a room and say,“Here I am.” He enters the room and says, “There you are.”

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them…” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/1/2016

"A true gentleman always presents the best version of himself.” Unknown

Do not present the best version of yourself to impress others, but to show respect to them. Dress for the occasion. Respecting others is always the proper occasion, and being a gentleman is never out of style. The energy of a gentleman is always flowing outward. A gentleman does not walk into a room and say,“Here I am.” He enters the room and says, “There you are.”

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them…” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/1/2016

“Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” Rumi

The gentle breeze, the gentle rain, and the gentle hand gently influence, and usually for the better. In contrast, the hard wind, the downpour, and a harsh hand forcefully impact all they touch, and usually for the worse. Be the gentle hand and let gentleness guide the influences of your love.

“But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.” 1Thess.2 Conversations Within” ts 3/31/2016

“Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” Rumi

The gentle breeze, the gentle rain, and the gentle hand gently influence, and usually for the better. In contrast, the hard wind, the downpour, and a harsh hand forcefully impact all they touch, and usually for the worse. Be the gentle hand and let gentleness guide the influences of your love.

“But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.” 1Thess.2 Conversations Within” ts 3/31/2016

“In a gentle way you can shake the world.” Gandhi

Do not make it your aim just to be a strong man, but also a gentle man. The gentle heart has great strength and uses it only for goodness. Conquer what needs to be conquered, but only with kindness. Jesus said that the meek will inherit the earth, because the rewards of love will bring it to them.

“In humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Phil.2 Conversations Within” ts 3/30/2016

“In a gentle way you can shake the world.” Gandhi

Do not make it your aim just to be a strong man, but also a gentle man. The gentle heart has great strength and uses it only for goodness. Conquer what needs to be conquered, but only with kindness. Jesus said that the meek will inherit the earth, because the rewards of love will bring it to them.

“In humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Phil.2 Conversations Within” ts 3/30/2016

“Ladies first!”

A true gentleman always puts ladies first because a true gentleman puts everyone first. A gentleman seeks out opportunities to serve. “Others first” is more than a wonderful social grace, it is the fabric of love and we should all dress ourselves in it. It is the very nature of love to put others first.

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Col.3 Conversations Within” ts 3/29/2016

“Ladies first!”

A true gentleman always puts ladies first because a true gentleman puts everyone first. A gentleman seeks out opportunities to serve. “Others first” is more than a wonderful social grace, it is the fabric of love and we should all dress ourselves in it. It is the very nature of love to put others first.

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Col.3 Conversations Within” ts 3/29/2016

“Nothing is so strong as true gentleness. Nothing is so gentle as true strength.” Goethe

Being a “gentleman” used to carry more cultural importance than it does in these days. Today’s movies depict these bygone gentlemen as well dressed, educated, and usually as a man of means. They were always polite, and always gracious to others. It was also important to distinguish a true gentleman from those who bore only the outward garb of one. Being a gentleman is always a character thing. Malcolm Forbes describes it this way, “You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.”

“The fruit of the Spirit is...gentleness...” Gal.5 Conversations Within” ts 3/28/2016

“Nothing is so strong as true gentleness. Nothing is so gentle as true strength.” Goethe

Being a “gentleman” used to carry more cultural importance than it does in these days. Today’s movies depict these bygone gentlemen as well dressed, educated, and usually as a man of means. They were always polite, and always gracious to others. It was also important to distinguish a true gentleman from those who bore only the outward garb of one. Being a gentleman is always a character thing. Malcolm Forbes describes it this way, “You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.”

“The fruit of the Spirit is...gentleness...” Gal.5 Conversations Within” ts 3/28/2016

"Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be; is moderately important." C. S. Lewis

Does my life give evidence of the resurrection of Christ? Does the resurrected Jesus live in me in such a way that when people are with me they unmistakably sense Him? I may not have been an eye witness, but I am a witness none-the-less. The manner in which I live, the values I espouse, my words, and actions either attest or deny that He lives in me or not. Jesus was rad! Are the expressions of my love for others radical enough to convince all who witness them that the living Jesus is walking around in my soul?  

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Acts 4 Conversations Within” ts 3/26/2016

"Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be; is moderately important." C. S. Lewis

Does my life give evidence of the resurrection of Christ? Does the resurrected Jesus live in me in such a way that when people are with me they unmistakably sense Him? I may not have been an eye witness, but I am a witness none-the-less. The manner in which I live, the values I espouse, my words, and actions either attest or deny that He lives in me or not. Jesus was rad! Are the expressions of my love for others radical enough to convince all who witness them that the living Jesus is walking around in my soul?  

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Acts 4 Conversations Within” ts 3/26/2016