“Live life from within.”

Voices outside often scream for us to be afraid, or to worry. We can learn to silence them with the quiet inner word that assures us that all is well, when all is well with God. Life should be lived from the inside out, not vice-versa. Of course this is only true when our inner life has been healed of its divided heart. Once healed we can speak truth to ourselves. Peace always starts from within.

“The Kingdom of God is within you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/24/2016

“Live life from within.”

Voices outside often scream for us to be afraid, or to worry. We can learn to silence them with the quiet inner word that assures us that all is well, when all is well with God. Life should be lived from the inside out, not vice-versa. Of course this is only true when our inner life has been healed of its divided heart. Once healed we can speak truth to ourselves. Peace always starts from within.

“The Kingdom of God is within you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/24/2016

I am convinced that God gave us freedom because it is the only soil where the seeds of love can grow.

There is no such thing as forced love. To truly love, one must be free to not love. When we want someone to love us, we may offer our best inducements. We call it wooing. I am sure God does His share of this. When He woos us, He is telling us that to love Him in return is worth it.  In the end we must accept His proposal to share life together. This self-choice is also what we must absolutely grant to others if true love is to flourish.

“We love Him because He first loved us.” “Conversations Within” ts 11/23/2016

I am convinced that God gave us freedom because it is the only soil where the seeds of love can grow.

There is no such thing as forced love. To truly love, one must be free to not love. When we want someone to love us, we may offer our best inducements. We call it wooing. I am sure God does His share of this. When He woos us, He is telling us that to love Him in return is worth it.  In the end we must accept His proposal to share life together. This self-choice is also what we must absolutely grant to others if true love is to flourish.

“We love Him because He first loved us.” “Conversations Within” ts 11/23/2016

“Freedom is the power to choose your own chains.” Jean-Jacques Rousseau

The power to choose is a precious gift but one that can be abused, and with terrible consequence. Consider all the addictions that enslave us. It is wise to avoid making choices that take away freedom and embrace choices that promote it.  

“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. 1Cor.6 “Conversations Within” ts 11/22/2016

“Freedom is the power to choose your own chains.” Jean-Jacques Rousseau

The power to choose is a precious gift but one that can be abused, and with terrible consequence. Consider all the addictions that enslave us. It is wise to avoid making choices that take away freedom and embrace choices that promote it.  

“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. 1Cor.6 “Conversations Within” ts 11/22/2016

“A smart person knows what to say. A wise person knows whether to say it or not.” Unknown

One great aspect of self-control is simply knowing when to keep one’s mouth shut. Stopping a thought at the door of our lips expresses this self-mastery. Just because we have the freedom to say something, does not mean that we should. It is not just that “somethings are better left unsaid,” a lot of things are. We all talk entirely too much.

“Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.” Prov.21 “Conversations Within” ts 11/21/2016

“A smart person knows what to say. A wise person knows whether to say it or not.” Unknown

One great aspect of self-control is simply knowing when to keep one’s mouth shut. Stopping a thought at the door of our lips expresses this self-mastery. Just because we have the freedom to say something, does not mean that we should. It is not just that “somethings are better left unsaid,” a lot of things are. We all talk entirely too much.

“Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.” Prov.21 “Conversations Within” ts 11/21/2016

When we view life from the perspective of privilege, a humble appreciation warms all of our interactions.

The angel greeted Mary, the mother of Jesus, by calling her, “O favored one, the Lord is with you!” Could less be said of any of us who know the love of God? The single greatest privilege in life is to be loved and to love in return. Here is the meaning of life: to enjoy and be enjoyed, to love and be loved, to appreciate and be appreciated. Privileged indeed!

“Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you! Luke 1 “Conversations Within” ts 11/18/2016

When we view life from the perspective of privilege, a humble appreciation warms all of our interactions.

The angel greeted Mary, the mother of Jesus, by calling her, “O favored one, the Lord is with you!” Could less be said of any of us who know the love of God? The single greatest privilege in life is to be loved and to love in return. Here is the meaning of life: to enjoy and be enjoyed, to love and be loved, to appreciate and be appreciated. Privileged indeed!

“Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you! Luke 1 “Conversations Within” ts 11/18/2016

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." - William Arthur Ward

If we feel grateful, let us act grateful. And don’t just say it, show it. There are countless ways to express appreciation to a friend. The grateful heart is a generous heart. We have a saying that when it comes to giving “it is the thought that counts.” This doesn’t mean that the gift itself is unimportant, it means that people see how much thought is expressed in the gift. Tailored gifts are like tailored clothing, they fit better.

“I must perform my vows to you, O God; I will render thank offerings to you.” Ps.56 “Conversations Within” ts 11/17/2016

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." - William Arthur Ward

If we feel grateful, let us act grateful. And don’t just say it, show it. There are countless ways to express appreciation to a friend. The grateful heart is a generous heart. We have a saying that when it comes to giving “it is the thought that counts.” This doesn’t mean that the gift itself is unimportant, it means that people see how much thought is expressed in the gift. Tailored gifts are like tailored clothing, they fit better.

“I must perform my vows to you, O God; I will render thank offerings to you.” Ps.56 “Conversations Within” ts 11/17/2016

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” John F. Kennedy

Thanksgiving is not just the giving of thanks but the giving of self. It would be hard to improve showing our appreciation to God for His many blessings than by being a blessing to Him in return. And what blesses God? In a word, He loves every expression of kindness. Be kind to family, friends, strangers, even animals and make God smile. Don’t just say it, show it.

“Bless the Lord O my soul and let all that is within me bless HIs holy name.” Ps.103 Conversations Within” ts 11/16/2016

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” John F. Kennedy

Thanksgiving is not just the giving of thanks but the giving of self. It would be hard to improve showing our appreciation to God for His many blessings than by being a blessing to Him in return. And what blesses God? In a word, He loves every expression of kindness. Be kind to family, friends, strangers, even animals and make God smile. Don’t just say it, show it.

“Bless the Lord O my soul and let all that is within me bless HIs holy name.” Ps.103 Conversations Within” ts 11/16/2016

Fill your heart with the sweetness of grateful praise and there will be no room left for bitter complaint.

One way to measure the progress of gratefulness in our heart is by installing a complaint meter on our mouth. If we hear a complaint passing our lips, gratefulness is not flowing as it should in our heart.

“Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” Eph.5 Conversations Within” ts 11/15/2016

Fill your heart with the sweetness of grateful praise and there will be no room left for bitter complaint.

One way to measure the progress of gratefulness in our heart is by installing a complaint meter on our mouth. If we hear a complaint passing our lips, gratefulness is not flowing as it should in our heart.

“Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” Eph.5 Conversations Within” ts 11/15/2016

"I think the fall in Eden was ultimately a failure to give thanks." Ann Voskamp

Had Adam and Eve been grateful for all that had been provided them, they could have spared us all from the miseries of this fallen world. It is the blessed contentment of a grateful heart that can spare us many miseries. Perhaps we should make more of our decisions based on an appreciation for what God has provided, not based on our desires for more.

“But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” 1Tim.6 Conversations Within” ts 11/14/2016

"I think the fall in Eden was ultimately a failure to give thanks." Ann Voskamp

Had Adam and Eve been grateful for all that had been provided them, they could have spared us all from the miseries of this fallen world. It is the blessed contentment of a grateful heart that can spare us many miseries. Perhaps we should make more of our decisions based on an appreciation for what God has provided, not based on our desires for more.

“But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” 1Tim.6 Conversations Within” ts 11/14/2016

“You fight great, but I am a great fighter.” Apollo Creed (Rocky)

Have you ever sat down to a meal and forgot to give thanks? I try to practice giving thanks, but I am not sure that I consider myself a grateful person, at least not yet. I don’t want the giving of thanks to be an afterthought; I want it to be my every thought. I want gratitude to be as natural as breathing. I suppose the only way to become such a person is practice giving thanks until thanks is naturally all we give. Someone has said, "If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough."

“And be thankful.” Col.3 Conversations Within” ts 11/13/2016

“You fight great, but I am a great fighter.” Apollo Creed (Rocky)

Have you ever sat down to a meal and forgot to give thanks? I try to practice giving thanks, but I am not sure that I consider myself a grateful person, at least not yet. I don’t want the giving of thanks to be an afterthought; I want it to be my every thought. I want gratitude to be as natural as breathing. I suppose the only way to become such a person is practice giving thanks until thanks is naturally all we give. Someone has said, "If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough."

“And be thankful.” Col.3 Conversations Within” ts 11/13/2016

“Sometimes God will put a Goliath in your life, for you to find the David within you.” Unknown

There is a story about a farmer who was confronted by a neighbor about working his kids in the cornfield when all the other kids were playing in the creek. The farmer replied, “Friend, I’m not growing corn, I’m raising boys.” As a parent, God is not always interested in making our life comfortable, but making it conducive to our growth and maturity.

"But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23 Conversations Within” ts 11/12/2016

“Sometimes God will put a Goliath in your life, for you to find the David within you.” Unknown

There is a story about a farmer who was confronted by a neighbor about working his kids in the cornfield when all the other kids were playing in the creek. The farmer replied, “Friend, I’m not growing corn, I’m raising boys.” As a parent, God is not always interested in making our life comfortable, but making it conducive to our growth and maturity.

"But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23 Conversations Within” ts 11/12/2016

"There is something beautiful about a billion stars held steady by a God who knows what He is doing." Don Miller

Do you remember making a blanket tent in your bedroom as a child and how cool it was when mom and dad would come and sit in it with you? What a blanket of stars God has spread over us in the night sky. And, what is so vast and endless to us is nothing more than a bedroom blanket to Him, one that He has spread for His children. He even comes to sit with us under it. What a Dad!  

“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained; What is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him?” Ps.8 Conversations Within” ts 11/11/2016

"There is something beautiful about a billion stars held steady by a God who knows what He is doing." Don Miller

Do you remember making a blanket tent in your bedroom as a child and how cool it was when mom and dad would come and sit in it with you? What a blanket of stars God has spread over us in the night sky. And, what is so vast and endless to us is nothing more than a bedroom blanket to Him, one that He has spread for His children. He even comes to sit with us under it. What a Dad!  

“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained; What is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him?” Ps.8 Conversations Within” ts 11/11/2016

“Where there is no hope in the future, there is no power in the present.” John Maxwell

Future hope empowers the present. When we believe in tomorrow we are motivated to work today. Find strength this day in the knowledge that God has promised a future, that time which may be limited here is without bounds in the life which is to come. The branches of eternal life have their roots in the soil of today. The roots of today are nourished by the branches of hope reaching upward toward life eternal.

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 2Cor.2  Conversations Within” ts 11/11/2016

“Where there is no hope in the future, there is no power in the present.” John Maxwell

Future hope empowers the present. When we believe in tomorrow we are motivated to work today. Find strength this day in the knowledge that God has promised a future, that time which may be limited here is without bounds in the life which is to come. The branches of eternal life have their roots in the soil of today. The roots of today are nourished by the branches of hope reaching upward toward life eternal.

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 2Cor.2  Conversations Within” ts 11/11/2016

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." Abraham Lincoln

We make plans. It is my understanding that God ultimately decides if they will succeed or not. He grants us the great privilege of choice, but He is the final architect of the future. Our choices reflect one of the ways He governs. He desires that we want what is good, but will often allow us to choose what is bad to learn this. Any parent can see the wisdom of this approach. Wise parents also know that they must step in from time to time and save their children from bad choices.

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Prov.16 Conversations Within” ts 11/10/2016

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." Abraham Lincoln

We make plans. It is my understanding that God ultimately decides if they will succeed or not. He grants us the great privilege of choice, but He is the final architect of the future. Our choices reflect one of the ways He governs. He desires that we want what is good, but will often allow us to choose what is bad to learn this. Any parent can see the wisdom of this approach. Wise parents also know that they must step in from time to time and save their children from bad choices.

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Prov.16 Conversations Within” ts 11/10/2016

“The future is as bright as the promises of God.” William Carey

What is a future without hope? What is hope without a future? Both are God’s kind intentions for those who look to Him in faith. In the face of all the uncertainties of life, our hearts can rest in the knowledge that our future is as secure as the promises that God has made to us. We are promised not just to survive, but to prosper, and to prosper in every way that will matter to us when the new Earth moves through the stars of the new Heavens.  

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer.29 Conversations Within” ts 11/7/2016

“The future is as bright as the promises of God.” William Carey

What is a future without hope? What is hope without a future? Both are God’s kind intentions for those who look to Him in faith. In the face of all the uncertainties of life, our hearts can rest in the knowledge that our future is as secure as the promises that God has made to us. We are promised not just to survive, but to prosper, and to prosper in every way that will matter to us when the new Earth moves through the stars of the new Heavens.  

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer.29 Conversations Within” ts 11/7/2016

“I'm not afraid of tomorrow because I know God is already there.” Unknown

God is perfect in knowledge. His not only knows the future, He has made every provision for it. He knows exactly where we will be ten years, a hundred years from now. Our daily bread awaits us there. Before we ask, He has already answered. May the gentle breeze of this precious truth, fill the sails of our faith as we journey through this day into all our tomorrows.

“Before they call I will answer.” Is.65  Conversations Within” ts 11/6/2016

“I'm not afraid of tomorrow because I know God is already there.” Unknown

God is perfect in knowledge. His not only knows the future, He has made every provision for it. He knows exactly where we will be ten years, a hundred years from now. Our daily bread awaits us there. Before we ask, He has already answered. May the gentle breeze of this precious truth, fill the sails of our faith as we journey through this day into all our tomorrows.

“Before they call I will answer.” Is.65  Conversations Within” ts 11/6/2016

“There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy.” Ralph H. Blum

It is not so much knowing that God is in control that brings calmness to the soul, it is knowing that the God who is in control is a good and gracious God, and that He is for us in every way that matters. Gratefulness creates this calmness. There may and will be storms, but the quiet heart knows the Wisdom which allows them and who uses them for good purposes.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Ps.46 Conversations Within” ts 11/4/2016

“There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy.” Ralph H. Blum

It is not so much knowing that God is in control that brings calmness to the soul, it is knowing that the God who is in control is a good and gracious God, and that He is for us in every way that matters. Gratefulness creates this calmness. There may and will be storms, but the quiet heart knows the Wisdom which allows them and who uses them for good purposes.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Ps.46 Conversations Within” ts 11/4/2016

Those who seriously seek solace, know that real peace is so much more than just serene sunsets and surroundings.

We do not need to have quiet circumstances to have a quiet life. The quiet life is nurtured and lived first in the quiet heart. We are able to lead a quiet life in all respects, when the peace within us pours out into the circumstances around us. The calm heart joins wisdom with simplicity and finds pleasure in just about everything.  Be still my soul.

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life…” 1 Thess.4 Conversations Within” ts 11/5/2016

Those who seriously seek solace, know that real peace is so much more than just serene sunsets and surroundings.

We do not need to have quiet circumstances to have a quiet life. The quiet life is nurtured and lived first in the quiet heart. We are able to lead a quiet life in all respects, when the peace within us pours out into the circumstances around us. The calm heart joins wisdom with simplicity and finds pleasure in just about everything.  Be still my soul.

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life…” 1 Thess.4 Conversations Within” ts 11/5/2016

“Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.” James Allen

Wisdom grows in one who has a reverent regard for God. Calmness is the fruit of such wisdom. The lifeblood of this sweet quietness of soul rests in the simple understanding that God is God--that He rules and governs all the affairs of creation. God decides. He is at the helm. “That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet….This is my Father’s world.”

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Ps.46 Conversations Within” ts 11/3/2016

“Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.” James Allen

Wisdom grows in one who has a reverent regard for God. Calmness is the fruit of such wisdom. The lifeblood of this sweet quietness of soul rests in the simple understanding that God is God--that He rules and governs all the affairs of creation. God decides. He is at the helm. “That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet….This is my Father’s world.”

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Ps.46 Conversations Within” ts 11/3/2016

"Great tranquility of heart is his who cares for neither praise nor blame." Thomas a Kempis

You can’t be grateful and ungrateful at the same time, nor can strife dwell in the tranquil heart. We should stop hurling the stones of strife into the water of our words, thoughts and actions. Let Christ sail on the waters of our heart. He stilled a storm once, I am sure He can calm the waters again.

“And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” Mk.4 Conversations Within” ts 11/2/2016

"Great tranquility of heart is his who cares for neither praise nor blame." Thomas a Kempis

You can’t be grateful and ungrateful at the same time, nor can strife dwell in the tranquil heart. We should stop hurling the stones of strife into the water of our words, thoughts and actions. Let Christ sail on the waters of our heart. He stilled a storm once, I am sure He can calm the waters again.

“And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” Mk.4 Conversations Within” ts 11/2/2016

“The happy life be...the quiet mind….” Sir Henry Surrey

Learning to quiet the soul is of great value to our spiritual and physical health. It is a worthwhile skill that can only be acquired when we learn to silence our desires and know the blessed contentment of a grateful heart. A complete and humble acceptance, not just of life as it is, but life as God has allowed, is what works this wonder in our soul. Smile and give thanks.

“I have stilled and quieted my soul.” Ps.132 Conversations Within” ts 11/1/2016

“The happy life be...the quiet mind….” Sir Henry Surrey

Learning to quiet the soul is of great value to our spiritual and physical health. It is a worthwhile skill that can only be acquired when we learn to silence our desires and know the blessed contentment of a grateful heart. A complete and humble acceptance, not just of life as it is, but life as God has allowed, is what works this wonder in our soul. Smile and give thanks.

“I have stilled and quieted my soul.” Ps.132 Conversations Within” ts 11/1/2016

“Don’t let people pull you into their storm, pull them into your peace.” Kimberley Jones

Some people are always having a crisis of one kind or another and seem to draw others into it with them like a black hole. Some people walk with a quiet calmness and spread the gift of peace like a contagious smile. Be a secure anchor for others not a dead weight pulling them down.

“Blessed are the peacemakers.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/31/2016

“Don’t let people pull you into their storm, pull them into your peace.” Kimberley Jones

Some people are always having a crisis of one kind or another and seem to draw others into it with them like a black hole. Some people walk with a quiet calmness and spread the gift of peace like a contagious smile. Be a secure anchor for others not a dead weight pulling them down.

“Blessed are the peacemakers.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/31/2016

Discovering God’s will is mainly a matter of really wanting it.

Is there a better place to get counsel than from God? Is there a better way to receive His wisdom than to truly want it? God sends His counsel to us in the words of Scripture, in the advice of friends, by shaping our circumstances, and through the Holy Spirit living in us. The real question might be, “Do we really want to know His will, and are we willing to do it?” Ask Him!

“Ask and you will receive.” Jesus Prov.12 Conversations Within” ts 10/29/2016

Discovering God’s will is mainly a matter of really wanting it.

Is there a better place to get counsel than from God? Is there a better way to receive His wisdom than to truly want it? God sends His counsel to us in the words of Scripture, in the advice of friends, by shaping our circumstances, and through the Holy Spirit living in us. The real question might be, “Do we really want to know His will, and are we willing to do it?” Ask Him!

“Ask and you will receive.” Jesus Prov.12 Conversations Within” ts 10/29/2016

“I wish common sense was more common.” Unknown

Get advice. Get it from more than one source. Why? The word translated “counsel” pictures a group of familiar friends reclining in a circle talking. And, in this instance the more is not just the merrier, but the wiser. Many points of view expand our perspective. Here is the value of having a community of friends and family who can give us wise counsel in our efforts to live a fruitful life.

“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” Prov. 15 Conversations Within” ts 10/28/2016

“I wish common sense was more common.” Unknown

Get advice. Get it from more than one source. Why? The word translated “counsel” pictures a group of familiar friends reclining in a circle talking. And, in this instance the more is not just the merrier, but the wiser. Many points of view expand our perspective. Here is the value of having a community of friends and family who can give us wise counsel in our efforts to live a fruitful life.

“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” Prov. 15 Conversations Within” ts 10/28/2016

“Feelings are much like waves, we can't stop them from coming but we can choose which one to surf.” Jonatan Mårtensson

Never take counsel of your feelings alone, for feelings, which come and go, can also deceive. Truth is a constant. Listening to our feelings can lead us to be afraid when there is no reason to be, or lead us to feel safe when we are really in danger. Feelings often misrepresent reality. Trust what is true, not what feels true.

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, shall come, He will guide you into all the truth.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/27/2016

“Feelings are much like waves, we can't stop them from coming but we can choose which one to surf.” Jonatan Mårtensson

Never take counsel of your feelings alone, for feelings, which come and go, can also deceive. Truth is a constant. Listening to our feelings can lead us to be afraid when there is no reason to be, or lead us to feel safe when we are really in danger. Feelings often misrepresent reality. Trust what is true, not what feels true.

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, shall come, He will guide you into all the truth.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/27/2016

“Never take counsel of your fears.” Stonewall Jackson

There are some bad places to seek counsel and our fears certainly fit that sort. We should let sober thinking, not fear control our decisions.  The sober mind will use the heightened awareness to some danger that is aroused by fear. But fear without a clear head becomes panic, and panic is never good.

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2Tim.1 Conversations Within” ts 10/26/2016

“Never take counsel of your fears.” Stonewall Jackson

There are some bad places to seek counsel and our fears certainly fit that sort. We should let sober thinking, not fear control our decisions.  The sober mind will use the heightened awareness to some danger that is aroused by fear. But fear without a clear head becomes panic, and panic is never good.

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2Tim.1 Conversations Within” ts 10/26/2016