A whole new world!

No doubt, the coming of the New Year will still see a great deal of the same old stuff. War and human selfishness will still be with us this next year. Happily, Jesus did not say I will make all things new. He said, I am making all things new. Everyone who trusts in Him helps to usher in this newness, and we do so every time we say, “No” to selfishness and yes to loving others.

“And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Rev.21 Conversations Within” ts 12/24/2016

A whole new world!

No doubt, the coming of the New Year will still see a great deal of the same old stuff. War and human selfishness will still be with us this next year. Happily, Jesus did not say I will make all things new. He said, I am making all things new. Everyone who trusts in Him helps to usher in this newness, and we do so every time we say, “No” to selfishness and yes to loving others.

“And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Rev.21 Conversations Within” ts 12/24/2016

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." Pablo Picasso

Because we were made in the Image, we were designed to live creative lives. Create! Sculpt something of beauty with the life God has given. Paint with compassion, sing with words of comfort. Be your own work of art. Follow in the steps of your Father and overflow with creative goodness. Make the world new with the brushstrokes of creative love.

“In the beginning God created...”  Gen.1 Conversations Within” ts 12/23/2016

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." Pablo Picasso

Because we were made in the Image, we were designed to live creative lives. Create! Sculpt something of beauty with the life God has given. Paint with compassion, sing with words of comfort. Be your own work of art. Follow in the steps of your Father and overflow with creative goodness. Make the world new with the brushstrokes of creative love.

“In the beginning God created...”  Gen.1 Conversations Within” ts 12/23/2016

“It is about your outlook towards life. You can either regret or rejoice.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Our inner eye will determine our outlook on life. Are my eyes clear or cloudy? Am I inclined to see beauty or ugliness? Do I look with hope for the best, or with doubt, imagine the worst? Let the light of love fill us with a fresh vision of the goodness that surrounds us. Greet the morning with grateful praise and gaze at God’s goodness throughout the day. Retire each evening recounting every blessing and resting in hope of a brighter and better day tomorrow.  

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/22/2016

“It is about your outlook towards life. You can either regret or rejoice.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Our inner eye will determine our outlook on life. Are my eyes clear or cloudy? Am I inclined to see beauty or ugliness? Do I look with hope for the best, or with doubt, imagine the worst? Let the light of love fill us with a fresh vision of the goodness that surrounds us. Greet the morning with grateful praise and gaze at God’s goodness throughout the day. Retire each evening recounting every blessing and resting in hope of a brighter and better day tomorrow.  

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/22/2016

“New Year! New Me!” Meme

Most self-examining people have a pretty good handle on those things they would like to change about themselves. It is not enough just to pour out the pot of our negative thinking. We must put into the pot a new way of thinking and stir it with faith and action. Pour out self-centeredness and stir in a genuine concern for others. Someone said that instead of being a “Here I am!” kind of person, become a “There your are!” kind of person. We can decide to let the energy of our life flow out in service to others and discover the newness of living a life of love.  

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Rom.12 Conversations Within” ts 12/21/2016

“New Year! New Me!” Meme

Most self-examining people have a pretty good handle on those things they would like to change about themselves. It is not enough just to pour out the pot of our negative thinking. We must put into the pot a new way of thinking and stir it with faith and action. Pour out self-centeredness and stir in a genuine concern for others. Someone said that instead of being a “Here I am!” kind of person, become a “There your are!” kind of person. We can decide to let the energy of our life flow out in service to others and discover the newness of living a life of love.  

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Rom.12 Conversations Within” ts 12/21/2016

“Dear Santa, This year, please give me a big fat bank account and a slim body. And please don't mix those two up like you did last year.” Unknown

What are worthwhile goals? Losing weight and exercising more make a good many new year’s resolution lists. Someone has said, “Eat right, exercise, die anyway.” Of course, if the goal of doing these things is to improve the quality of one’s life, then such goals have value. I wonder how many of us have put, “Be more godly” on our list for next year? I am certain that if we incline our heart in the direction of pleasing God all our other activities will add to the quality of our life.

“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Tim.4  Conversations Within” ts 12/20/2016

“Dear Santa, This year, please give me a big fat bank account and a slim body. And please don't mix those two up like you did last year.” Unknown

What are worthwhile goals? Losing weight and exercising more make a good many new year’s resolution lists. Someone has said, “Eat right, exercise, die anyway.” Of course, if the goal of doing these things is to improve the quality of one’s life, then such goals have value. I wonder how many of us have put, “Be more godly” on our list for next year? I am certain that if we incline our heart in the direction of pleasing God all our other activities will add to the quality of our life.

“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Tim.4  Conversations Within” ts 12/20/2016

“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” Carl Bard

There may be any number of things that we would change about our past. We of course cannot. The one thing we can do is learn from our bad choices and put our energy into making good choices right now. I think most of us think this way, especially as a new year approaches. It would be better if we thought this way at the beginning of every new day! Be where you are!

“The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Cor.5 Conversations Within” ts 12/19/2016

“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” Carl Bard

There may be any number of things that we would change about our past. We of course cannot. The one thing we can do is learn from our bad choices and put our energy into making good choices right now. I think most of us think this way, especially as a new year approaches. It would be better if we thought this way at the beginning of every new day! Be where you are!

“The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Cor.5 Conversations Within” ts 12/19/2016

“We are Fam-i-ly!” Sister Sledge

And God said, “Let there be family.” How precious that God would share this gift with us. My wife tells me she can watch our family spending time together for hours at a time. God the Father probably feels the same way. I am sure He loves watching families loving each other. I can just see HIm poking Jesus in the side and saying, “Isn’t it great watching the family sitting around the table playing Phase 10.” I bet He really gets excited when a family decides to treat someone who is not family, like family.

“And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2Cor.1 Conversations Within” ts 12/17/2016

“We are Fam-i-ly!” Sister Sledge

And God said, “Let there be family.” How precious that God would share this gift with us. My wife tells me she can watch our family spending time together for hours at a time. God the Father probably feels the same way. I am sure He loves watching families loving each other. I can just see HIm poking Jesus in the side and saying, “Isn’t it great watching the family sitting around the table playing Phase 10.” I bet He really gets excited when a family decides to treat someone who is not family, like family.

“And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2Cor.1 Conversations Within” ts 12/17/2016

Christmas is all about family; namely God making His family bigger.

How wonderful it is to belong. It is a huge blessing to belong to a loving family and even more so when that family grows to include people who are not just blood relatives. To belong to the tribe of Christ is to have family from every tribe on the face of the earth. I guess we could say that such people are also related by blood--the blood of Christ. This common blood is experienced in a common commitment to one another.

“I'll make a great nation of your descendants, I'll bless you...and In you shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” Gen.12 Conversations Within” ts 12/16/2016

Christmas is all about family; namely God making His family bigger.

How wonderful it is to belong. It is a huge blessing to belong to a loving family and even more so when that family grows to include people who are not just blood relatives. To belong to the tribe of Christ is to have family from every tribe on the face of the earth. I guess we could say that such people are also related by blood--the blood of Christ. This common blood is experienced in a common commitment to one another.

“I'll make a great nation of your descendants, I'll bless you...and In you shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” Gen.12 Conversations Within” ts 12/16/2016

“Find your tribe, love them hard.” Unknown

To have a tribe of friends to play and pray with, whom you love and who love you is to have the greatest wealth. Family! There is only one proper way to love the people in our life. I appreciate the simple way the quote above puts it, “love them hard!” We love hard when we put our heart and soul in it. Love the people in your tribe with purpose and on purpose.

“Love one another as I have loved you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/15/2016

“Find your tribe, love them hard.” Unknown

To have a tribe of friends to play and pray with, whom you love and who love you is to have the greatest wealth. Family! There is only one proper way to love the people in our life. I appreciate the simple way the quote above puts it, “love them hard!” We love hard when we put our heart and soul in it. Love the people in your tribe with purpose and on purpose.

“Love one another as I have loved you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/15/2016

“Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten,” Lilo and stitch

Family is all about acceptance and love. Not that family accepts or enables bad behavior, In fact it has been observed by many that healthy families may love us and accept us as we are, but they also love us enough not to leave us that way. Family will do what is necessary to make sure the whole family arrives together. Where strong families are concerned, it is never enough just to make it, but to make it together.

“Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind.” 1Thess.5 MSG Conversations Within” ts 12/14/2016

“Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten,” Lilo and stitch

Family is all about acceptance and love. Not that family accepts or enables bad behavior, In fact it has been observed by many that healthy families may love us and accept us as we are, but they also love us enough not to leave us that way. Family will do what is necessary to make sure the whole family arrives together. Where strong families are concerned, it is never enough just to make it, but to make it together.

“Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind.” 1Thess.5 MSG Conversations Within” ts 12/14/2016

“We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.” Unknown

I know a few people that seem to have their act together, but I am pretty sure their family knows better. Mine does! The truth is that no one has it all together and the point isn’t trying to convince others that we do. The point is that healthy families go through the life’s ups and downs and go through them together. Trying to get our act together reminds me of a line in the movie, “The Legend of Bagger Vance.” “Golf is a game that can't be won only played.” Thank God, family means we don’t have to play alone.

“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Gal.6  Conversations Within” ts 12/13/2016

“We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.” Unknown

I know a few people that seem to have their act together, but I am pretty sure their family knows better. Mine does! The truth is that no one has it all together and the point isn’t trying to convince others that we do. The point is that healthy families go through the life’s ups and downs and go through them together. Trying to get our act together reminds me of a line in the movie, “The Legend of Bagger Vance.” “Golf is a game that can't be won only played.” Thank God, family means we don’t have to play alone.

“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Gal.6  Conversations Within” ts 12/13/2016

“The best gift around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family wrapped in love.” Burton Hills

Sometimes in my efforts to treat friends like family I have found myself not treating family like family. It is easy, because of misaligned priorities, to neglect those closest to you, and who is closer than family. Just as we can lose the meaning of Christmas in all the trappings surrounding it, we can also lose one of the great purposes of life if we fail to cherish and give family their proper place. We do well to remember that giving God the firstfruits of our energy starts at home.

“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith” 1Tim.5 Conversations Within” ts 12/12/2016

“The best gift around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family wrapped in love.” Burton Hills

Sometimes in my efforts to treat friends like family I have found myself not treating family like family. It is easy, because of misaligned priorities, to neglect those closest to you, and who is closer than family. Just as we can lose the meaning of Christmas in all the trappings surrounding it, we can also lose one of the great purposes of life if we fail to cherish and give family their proper place. We do well to remember that giving God the firstfruits of our energy starts at home.

“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith” 1Tim.5 Conversations Within” ts 12/12/2016

“A bad day for your ego is a great day for your soul.” Jillian Michaels

The best response when life humbles us is to humble ourselves even more. How do we humble ourselves? When the word humble is used as a verb, it means to lower. The idea is that we think too highly of ourselves, or too much of ourselves or simply too much about ourselves and this is bad. One way we can humble ourselves is by lifting others up and assigning a greater importance to their feelings and benefit than we do our own.

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.’ Phil.2  Conversations Within” ts 12/10/2016

“A bad day for your ego is a great day for your soul.” Jillian Michaels

The best response when life humbles us is to humble ourselves even more. How do we humble ourselves? When the word humble is used as a verb, it means to lower. The idea is that we think too highly of ourselves, or too much of ourselves or simply too much about ourselves and this is bad. One way we can humble ourselves is by lifting others up and assigning a greater importance to their feelings and benefit than we do our own.

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.’ Phil.2  Conversations Within” ts 12/10/2016

“Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.” H. Jackson Brown Jr

I saw a friend recently and greeted them by saying, “Hello Sunshine, you certainly are a ray of it.” It is wonderful to be in the presence of someone who radiates an enthusiasm for life, who spreads joy and happiness when you see them. People who are alive with life make others feel more alive. When people are in our presence, do we reflect gloom or gladness, do we communicate a bitter or a better outlook on life?

“You are the light of the world.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/9/2016

“Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.” H. Jackson Brown Jr

I saw a friend recently and greeted them by saying, “Hello Sunshine, you certainly are a ray of it.” It is wonderful to be in the presence of someone who radiates an enthusiasm for life, who spreads joy and happiness when you see them. People who are alive with life make others feel more alive. When people are in our presence, do we reflect gloom or gladness, do we communicate a bitter or a better outlook on life?

“You are the light of the world.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/9/2016

Learn how to ignore your own bad advice.

If we really desire positive change, we must surely stop listening to our own negative thoughts. This means learning how to say “No” to attitudes and actions that are bad for us. Faith, not feelings, should guide what roads we choose. Instead of listening to our own bad advice we can start trusting in God’s wisdom at the crossroads of life.

“On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads wisdom takes her stand; Prov.8 Conversations Within” ts 12/8/2016

Learn how to ignore your own bad advice.

If we really desire positive change, we must surely stop listening to our own negative thoughts. This means learning how to say “No” to attitudes and actions that are bad for us. Faith, not feelings, should guide what roads we choose. Instead of listening to our own bad advice we can start trusting in God’s wisdom at the crossroads of life.

“On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads wisdom takes her stand; Prov.8 Conversations Within” ts 12/8/2016

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

Most of us recognize a good person when we see one, which means that we have some idea about what a good person looks like. Do I want to be a good person, a better person than I am? Most of us would say yes. We can picture that person, and then start to draw them in every interaction. We would be hard pressed to find a better person than the one described below:

“Put on...kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Col.3 Conversations Within” ts 12/7/2016

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

Most of us recognize a good person when we see one, which means that we have some idea about what a good person looks like. Do I want to be a good person, a better person than I am? Most of us would say yes. We can picture that person, and then start to draw them in every interaction. We would be hard pressed to find a better person than the one described below:

“Put on...kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Col.3 Conversations Within” ts 12/7/2016

“I'm on the hunt for who I've not yet become.” Sara Bareilles

Lord help me see myself as You see me, and not only as I am, but as You want me to be. I see so much in me that needs change. There is way too much of me and I would see more of Christ. Raise me in the newness of love. Make me kind, and gentle, meek yet strong. I want to know only goodness in my thoughts, words and actions. I want to be the kind of person You can count on--ever faithful to You and the people in my life. Let’s do this!

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3 Conversations Within” ts 12/6/2016

“I'm on the hunt for who I've not yet become.” Sara Bareilles

Lord help me see myself as You see me, and not only as I am, but as You want me to be. I see so much in me that needs change. There is way too much of me and I would see more of Christ. Raise me in the newness of love. Make me kind, and gentle, meek yet strong. I want to know only goodness in my thoughts, words and actions. I want to be the kind of person You can count on--ever faithful to You and the people in my life. Let’s do this!

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3 Conversations Within” ts 12/6/2016

On being different.

Americans pride ourselves on our individuality. I suppose this is one way to be different. Perhaps a better way to be different is to get rid of the bad stuff in us. If I am selfish, let me be different and become giving. If I harbor hostilities toward others, let me be different and forgive. If I hate, let me love. If I doubt let me trust. If I am critical, let me be kind. I am sure God would love to help each of us develop a new vision of ourselves. Be different, but in ways that matter.

“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/5/2016

On being different.

Americans pride ourselves on our individuality. I suppose this is one way to be different. Perhaps a better way to be different is to get rid of the bad stuff in us. If I am selfish, let me be different and become giving. If I harbor hostilities toward others, let me be different and forgive. If I hate, let me love. If I doubt let me trust. If I am critical, let me be kind. I am sure God would love to help each of us develop a new vision of ourselves. Be different, but in ways that matter.

“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/5/2016

Wasted time will add up to wasted years, and will eventually add up to a wasted life.

Perhaps it would be wise to remind ourselves not just to avoid wasting time but also of those attitudes and actions that waste it. Jesus told us that everything associated with hate, selfishness, or pride are not only a complete waste of time, they will make a complete wasteland of our soul.  

“There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up.” Prov.21 Conversations Within” ts 12/3/2016

Wasted time will add up to wasted years, and will eventually add up to a wasted life.

Perhaps it would be wise to remind ourselves not just to avoid wasting time but also of those attitudes and actions that waste it. Jesus told us that everything associated with hate, selfishness, or pride are not only a complete waste of time, they will make a complete wasteland of our soul.  

“There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up.” Prov.21 Conversations Within” ts 12/3/2016

“Instead of saying ‘I don't have time,’ try saying ‘it's not a priority,’ and see how that feels. Laura Vanderkam

If we are too busy for family or friends to exercise, and certainly to spend time with God, then clearly our use of time reflects the priorities of a languishing soul. The use of our time is the true measure of what we really believe is important. Do not let the stuff of life rob you of your health, your relationships or your God.

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” Ps.90 Conversations Within” ts 12/2/2016

“Instead of saying ‘I don't have time,’ try saying ‘it's not a priority,’ and see how that feels. Laura Vanderkam

If we are too busy for family or friends to exercise, and certainly to spend time with God, then clearly our use of time reflects the priorities of a languishing soul. The use of our time is the true measure of what we really believe is important. Do not let the stuff of life rob you of your health, your relationships or your God.

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” Ps.90 Conversations Within” ts 12/2/2016

“No reason to stay is reason enough to leave.” Unknown

Be truly where you are and we soon realize if where we are is really where we want to be. If we embrace the moment and find it empty of anything of value, it is not the moment that needs to be changed, but what we are doing in it. Money is not the only currency. The time allotted to us has more value than money. Spend it purposefully and on matters that have lasting significance and value.

“Make the most of every opportunity.” Eph. 5 Conversations Within” ts 12/1/2016

“No reason to stay is reason enough to leave.” Unknown

Be truly where you are and we soon realize if where we are is really where we want to be. If we embrace the moment and find it empty of anything of value, it is not the moment that needs to be changed, but what we are doing in it. Money is not the only currency. The time allotted to us has more value than money. Spend it purposefully and on matters that have lasting significance and value.

“Make the most of every opportunity.” Eph. 5 Conversations Within” ts 12/1/2016

“Time is precious, waste it wisely.” Unknown

Time is the currency of life. Invest it wisely. The best use of time is to live gratefully, live wholeheartedly, and live a life of love and service. Always choose joy and the actions and attitudes that create and sustain it. The attitudes and actions of a grateful love powerfully accomplish this. Live each moment, not as if it were your last, but as the next bite of a continual feast.

“The cheerful of heart has a continual feast.” Prov.15 Conversations Within” ts 11/30/2016

“Time is precious, waste it wisely.” Unknown

Time is the currency of life. Invest it wisely. The best use of time is to live gratefully, live wholeheartedly, and live a life of love and service. Always choose joy and the actions and attitudes that create and sustain it. The attitudes and actions of a grateful love powerfully accomplish this. Live each moment, not as if it were your last, but as the next bite of a continual feast.

“The cheerful of heart has a continual feast.” Prov.15 Conversations Within” ts 11/30/2016

“Most things which are urgent are not important, and most things which are important are not urgent.” Dwight Eisenhower

Time is a valuable resource, so it seems prudent to spend it on matters that matter. One way to do this it to distinguish between the urgent and the important--the Eisenhower Decision Matrix. The urgent says do it now, even though it may not be important. Important matters have lasting value and significance, though they may not be urgent. Dating your spouse or playing with your kids may not be urgent, but they are important. Give priority to matters that do not necessarily demand your time, but nonetheless need your time.

For the grace of God... teaches us to say “No...” Titus 2 Conversations Within” ts 11/29/2016

“Most things which are urgent are not important, and most things which are important are not urgent.” Dwight Eisenhower

Time is a valuable resource, so it seems prudent to spend it on matters that matter. One way to do this it to distinguish between the urgent and the important--the Eisenhower Decision Matrix. The urgent says do it now, even though it may not be important. Important matters have lasting value and significance, though they may not be urgent. Dating your spouse or playing with your kids may not be urgent, but they are important. Give priority to matters that do not necessarily demand your time, but nonetheless need your time.

For the grace of God... teaches us to say “No...” Titus 2 Conversations Within” ts 11/29/2016

“The trouble is you think you have time.” Unknown

We will often make bad decisions because we foolishly believe that we have time to recover from them. There are a number of reasons why this is unwise. The first is that we are not guaranteed even the next hour. The second is that every time we make a bad choice, we reinforce a habit of making another. Not only are habits hard to break, we eventually become what we do and do and do.

“You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4 Conversations Within” ts 11/28/2016

“The trouble is you think you have time.” Unknown

We will often make bad decisions because we foolishly believe that we have time to recover from them. There are a number of reasons why this is unwise. The first is that we are not guaranteed even the next hour. The second is that every time we make a bad choice, we reinforce a habit of making another. Not only are habits hard to break, we eventually become what we do and do and do.

“You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4 Conversations Within” ts 11/28/2016

“If you don’t build your dreams, someone will hire you to help build theirs.” Tony Gaskin

It is one thing to be used by people and another to be useful to them. To take the reins of our own life does not mean that we cannot choose a life of service to others. Doing “our own thing” may mean that we purposely choose to come alongside others and help them. We can live for ourselves as we live for others. The point is to live decisively, deliberately, and on purpose--a good purpose.

“...be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” 2Tim.2 Conversations Within” ts 11/26/2016

“If you don’t build your dreams, someone will hire you to help build theirs.” Tony Gaskin

It is one thing to be used by people and another to be useful to them. To take the reins of our own life does not mean that we cannot choose a life of service to others. Doing “our own thing” may mean that we purposely choose to come alongside others and help them. We can live for ourselves as we live for others. The point is to live decisively, deliberately, and on purpose--a good purpose.

“...be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” 2Tim.2 Conversations Within” ts 11/26/2016

“But even before that, beneath the rocks… are the words of God.” A River Runs Through It

The ability to speak is a sacred privilege. Words express us. We reveal our very soul to others by what we say. It is no surprise that God’s word expresses God. He speaks and pours Himself out, not just “to” creation but “in” it. He speaks and voila! All creation springs into existence from the eternal spring of His word. “This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.”

“In the beginning was the word.” John 1 Conversations Within” ts 11/25/2016

“But even before that, beneath the rocks… are the words of God.” A River Runs Through It

The ability to speak is a sacred privilege. Words express us. We reveal our very soul to others by what we say. It is no surprise that God’s word expresses God. He speaks and pours Himself out, not just “to” creation but “in” it. He speaks and voila! All creation springs into existence from the eternal spring of His word. “This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.”

“In the beginning was the word.” John 1 Conversations Within” ts 11/25/2016