It all comes down to now.

If we want joy in the new year we must find joy in this moment. Try as we may, we can only live one moment at a time. This step is the only one I can take. Do not sleep your life away by sleeping away the present moment. Attend to the present. Be where you are. Keep your eyes fixed on where you should be now and you will be where you are supposed to be later. What opportunity, what power lies before us this very moment.

“Be where you are!” Ecc.9 Conversations Within” ts 12/24/2017

”You are never to old to set a new goal or dream a new dream.” C.S.Lewis

One key to living is to never stop living. Do something productive every day. Don’t ever stop playing. Spend time every day outside. Look up at the night sky and keep stirring your sense of wonder. Talk with children and seniors. Make plans and set new goals for yourself. Live the life entrusted to you. Nurture your inner life in the light of its Creator.

“You have made known to me the path of life.” Ps.16.11 Conversations Within” ts 12/22/2017

“The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings.” Kakuzo Okakura

I confess that I love an undisturbed schedule and often get frustrated when I am required to adjust my plans. This is especially true when the disruption is because of someone else’s disorganization. But love often requires us to adapt in order to serve. I usually come around and do what is required of me, but a bad attitude has already stolen my joy. Attitude is everything! Adjust it!

“...and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/22/2017

“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” Confucius

Often great change begins with a small decision. A big decision is often disguised as a small one. Who would think that an addiction would begin simply by trying something new. The good news is that this dynamic works both ways. A small adjustment in some daily behavior can lead us to a better life. One step up the ladder affects as much change as one step down it.

“Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches." Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/21/2017

“Growth and comfort do not coexist.” Ginni Rometty

We have a saying that if you are not hurting somewhere, you are not playing hard enough. “No pain, no gain” really is true. This being the case, it seems prudent to not only endure the pains of personal growth, but embrace them as a necessary part of the process. A positive attitude will serve us well as we deal with the bumps and bruises of becoming a better person. One brother put it this way, “Wiping out is an underappreciated skill.” Laird Hamilton

"By your endurance you will gain your lives.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/20/2017

“Try to draw a circle so huge that there is no way we can finish it while we are alive. Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara

I recently read the advice of a longevity doctor who lived to be a 105 who believed that we should never quit working. He said that we should attempt to draw a circle so huge with our life that there would be no way we could finish it in our lifetime. I like it! I like it for a number of reason. It challenges us to live for something bigger than ourselves. It also reminds me that we never arrive, we will never have it together in this place. Just get up each morning and keep drawing your circle.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Phil.3.12 Conversations Within” ts 12/19/2017

”We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!”

I love Christmas! I love the decorations, our family traditions, all the get togethers with family and friends. I love Christmas morning--the memories and the magic of waking to glittering lights, opening presents, reading the Christmas story. I love all that Christmas tells us about God--His unimaginable love for us, a love so powerful that He would send His Son into harm's way to bless us with blessings that are just as unimaginable. I love Christmas!

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 2Cor.9.15 Conversations Within” ts 12/18/2017

Three phrases that sum up Christmas are: Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men, and Batteries not Included.” Author Unknown

How can there be peace on earth when there is always something missing. Many will celebrate Christmas without a loved one, or with some illness or just having gone through a divorce. The very word “peace” means whole, complete, lacking nothing.  Batteries are often not included in this place. But peace comes to us when we accept that though everything is not as is should be, God is even now working so that it will be. We make peace with the process and wait in peace for the final product.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2.14 Conversations Within” ts 12/16/2017

“I must stand on my head, I must stand on my head!” Ebenezer Scrooge (A Christmas Carol)

One year looking for Christmas bargains, my wife poked me and said, “You don't want to be a Scrooge do you?” I smiled and replied, “Yes I do.” I then reminded her that in the end Scrooge was a kind and giving person who overwhelmed people with his generosity. Christmas reminds us that no matter how bad we start out, it is how we end up with God’s help that really matters. Here's to Ebenezer for helping us to see the beauty of transformation! May God stand us all on our head.

“Come now, let us settle the matter," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Is.1.18 Conversations Within” ts 12/15/2017

“Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves.” Eric Sevar

It is nothing short of amazing that the sacrificial actions of a single man born in an obscure little village in the middle east could change the lives of so many.  The seed that Christ sowed with His life is still being multiplied the world over. He invites each of us to live for the greater good by dying to selfishness and live in the service of love. Everytime we say no to ourselves so that we can serve others, we sow a seed of similar power.

“Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/13/2017

Most of us go home for Christmas. Jesus left home for Christmas.

When you love someone you do whatever it takes to secure what is best for them. Christmas calls us to consider all that God the Father has and is doing for our benefit. Many men and women will not be home for Christmas to express this kind of love. It is the very Spirit of Christmas--sacrificing for those you love. Whatever it takes indeed!

“He who did not spare His own son, but delivered Him up for us all,
how shall not with Him freely give us all things.” Rom.8.32 Conversations Within” ts 12/13/2017

“Christmas is not so much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.” Janice Maeditere

It staggers me to think that Christ lives in my very soul. It is hard for me to wrap my head around the simple word that He has taken up residence in me. Of course I invited Him in. He would never force Himself on any of us. This experience is hard to put into words. He has never made me feel smothered, or possessed; it is more like marriage I suppose--a joining, a connectedness, a partnership like no other.

“...so that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith,” Eph.3.17 Conversations Within” ts 12/11/2017

“What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” The Grinch

Every year people speak of keeping the true meaning of Christmas. I suppose like many things, it is easy for our attention to get lost in the clutter of life’s many distractions. Married couples often forget to practice the true meaning of marriage, and parents of parenting, and friends of friendship. In each of these, the meaning is found in the words themselves. It is a wonder how we can forget Christ when we say the word Christ-mas, but we do. To keep to true meaning of all of these blessings is to practice them with an active remembrance.

“Do this in remembrance of me.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/10/2017

“Where you are headed is more important than how fast you are going.” Steven Covey

A good many changes in our life come in degrees, somewhat like a cake baking in the oven. Such change cannot be rushed. What is important is the direction the arrow is pointing in my thoughts and actions. Am I changing for the better? Is my character growing? The Christian answers this by asking if we are becoming more and more like Christ. This kind of change takes time. Surely patience, as well as perseverance is required of us. Stick with it, transformation is worth it.

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” 2Cor.3.18 Conversations Within” ts 12/8/2017

“Change your thoughts and you change your world.” Unknown

It excites me to realize that the power of change is simply a matter of changing how I think about things. Hardship can become a hard workout for character training. Obstacles can become opportunities for growth. Dead religion can be transformed into a dynamic relationship with my Creator. Every vice I have can become a quest for personal victory in some area of self-control. Jesus was not kidding when He told us that the Kingdom of God is within us.  

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Rom.12 Conversations Within” ts 12/7/2017

Our values are not valuable if we do not live by them.

Like knowledge, our values do not serve us if we know them but don’t use them. What value is there if say I value time but then waste it, or I value honesty but lie when it is convenient. The value of our values in discovered only in keeping them.

“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them.” James 4.17 Conversations Within” ts 12/6/2017

“Worry will never change the outcome.” Unknown

Actually worry can change a great deal, and change it for the worse. Worry can wear us out, ruin our health, stifle our faith and have us overly concerned about some future something rather than living in the present moment. It is true that worry never solves anything, just sours it. Attend to the present. Change what you can if it needs changing, then give the rest to God. Tell yourself, “It is what it is, but it is also as God has allowed and His grace is sufficient for it.

“Cast all your care on Him because He cares for you.” 1Pet.5.7  Conversations Within” ts 12/5/2017

Live with positive force.

There is a great deal of joy to be had when we play on the positive side of life. Do not spend all your time resisting the old, rise up and live the new. Nurture new thinking patterns, new attitudes, new approaches to dealing with daily matters. Do not think that putting away the old is enough. Put on the new. Stop being critical by being actively constructive. Purge every negative by pursuing a positive.

“Put off your old self...be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Eph.4 Conversations Within” ts 12/5/2017

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

I would think that the best approach to positive change is to pour our energies, not just into stopping some bad behavior, but starting something new behavior. For instance, the best way to avoid eating unhealthy is to eat healthy. The best way to stop being critical may simply be to start being complimentary. One way to purify our thoughts may be to pour in good ones and keep pouring them in until we flush out bad ones. But surely the place to begin is in our thoughts.

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Rom.12 Conversations Within” ts 12/4/2017

There is hoping in the sense of wanting something to happen; then there is hoping in the sense of expecting something to happen.

One question we might ask ourselves if we are serious about our hope of Heaven, is how can we cooperate with the process of preparing us to live there. According to the Good Book, the pure in heart will see God. How pure is my heart? One disciple of Christ has commented, "It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to." The level of my comfort at the prospect of meeting God, is probably a good way to determine if I am cooperating or not.

“All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.” 1John 3.3 Conversations Within” ts 11/30/2017

The hope of Heaven is not about a place we are going so much as it is about someone we are becoming.

Even God cannot create a Heaven for a person whose heart is trapped in the selfishness of  Hell. If the heart is not happy, nothing outside can create it. This is why any hope of glory must be about inner transformation not just a change of location. The Kingdom of Heaven is found first in the heart reconciled to God, and then in the actions which follow.

“The Kingdom of Heaven is within you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/29/2017

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” C. S. Lewis

Just about every culture has some kind of belief in the afterlife. Is it silly optimism to want to live forever? A number of people have made peace with the notion that when you die you die. This prompts me to ask, just how real is my own hope of Heaven? Well, it is in the very least, as real as my belief in God, or I suppose I should say, my daily interactions with Him. Everything I know from interacting with God in the here and now leads me to expect my interactions to continue after I leave this place.

“God has chosen to make known...the glorious riches of this mystery,
which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Col.1.27 Conversations Within” ts 11/27/2017

“Ready or not here I come.”

Who doesn’t have memories associated with these words? Excitement, anticipation, the search to find, and the hope of winning at the end all come back to me. I can’t help wonder if Christ will announce His return with these same words. We are told that some will try and hide when He appears while others will embrace the event with delight. Ready or not indeed?

“...we wait for the blessed hope--the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ…” Titus 2.13 Conversations Within” ts 11/27/2017

Hope is what we expect to come to us in the future; faith is a confident trust that God will bring it about.

When I say that my future is in God’s hands, it dawns on me just how true this is. Any life I have coming to me in the next hour, or in the next life as we say, is in His tender keeping. What is left to us is to hope in His goodness, grace and promises, and trust His power to see it to completion. What do I hope for? Not just to live forever, but to live now. What is quantity of life without quality of life.

“You hold my lot!” Ps.16 Conversations Within” ts 11/26/2017

“I look to the future because that’s where I’m going to spend the rest of my life.” George Burns

Hope is all about looking for some future something. Of course, when we look for something to happen, we usually get ready for it. In this sense our hope is alive. One hope I have is to live forever. Because of this I seek to prepare myself and my affairs for it. Christian hope is more akin to the expectation of someone looking forward to spring than it is like a child hoping it doesn't rain over the holidays.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” 1Pet.1.3 Conversations Within” ts 11/25/2017

Let us frequently and confidently enter the secret chambers of prayer to take from God’s store promised blessings for those we love.

“You are in my prayers.” How precious are these words. When we go to God in prayer, we can ask not just for ourselves, but for others. There are plenty of promises in the pantry of prayer to serve up a meal of goodness for everybody we know. Do not neglect to ask blessings for those in your life. Set aside time every day to simply pray for others. We may very well be the only person who remembers them in prayer.

“I thank my God always, and I remember you in my prayers.” Philemon 4 Conversations Within” ts 11/24/2017

“God is watching over you. I know because I asked Him to.” Unknown

There are many ways to pray for the people in our lives. We may give thanks for them. We may ask God for favors on their behalf. We may ask for wisdom in how we can best serve them. This last one is part of what it means to pray in the Spirit. God will partner with us in serving others. He can lead us to the right attitude and words that we need in approaching Him on behalf the people in our life. We may wonder why He involves us at all until we remember that sharing goodness is His favorite pastime.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Eph.6.18 Conversations Within” ts 11/23/2017

"No man can do me a truer kindness in this world than to pray for me." Charles Spurgeon

I covet the prayers of others. I know well the grace that comes to people when we pray for them. I want it. I want to share it by praying for the people in my life. The simplest, yet most effective way we can love others is to include them in our prayers. What a privilege it is to pray for people, and to serve them with our intercessions.

“Brothers and sisters, pray for us.” 1Thess.5.25 Conversations Within” ts 11/22/2017

“If you spend time praying for people instead of talking about them, you get better results.” Unknown

If I am tempted to talk about someone, it would be better to gossip to God instead of others. I find that when I talk to God about others He turns my prayers about them into prayers for  them.  My prayers for grace and mercy for them are often changed into prayers for us. Father has a way of reminding us that the faults we so easily see in others are often disguised in our own thoughts and actions. This is why Jesus told us to pray for us and our, instead of them and theirs.

“Forgive us our debts.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/21/2017

“No matter how much you have hurt me, I still pray for you every night.” Unknown

How like Jesus to encourage us to pray, not just for our friends, but even for those who have wronged us. His encouragement tells us the best way to make something good out of something bad. He is after all, goodness incarnate. He wants us to share in spreading it, and to do so where it is needed most. Surely hurtful people often need healing most. Shower them with prayerful seeds of goodness; perhaps something good will spring up in them.  

“Pray for those who mistreat you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/20/2017

“Nothing proves that you love someone more than mentioning them in your prayers.” Unknown

We should not limit our prayers to saying grace when we eat, or simply asking God for for help in a crisis. We are encouraged also to pray for the people in our lives and purposefully seek blessing for them. God will often use our prayers to water other people’s gardens and rain grace on them. What better way to love someone than to seek favors for them from the One who is in a position to bless them in countless ways.

“As for me, I vow that I will not sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you.” 1Sam.12.23 Conversations Within” ts 11/19/2017

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.

It is one thing to say thank you, and another to live as a grateful person. Gratitude isn’t an occasional, or seasonal activity, it is the ambiance of the person who finds life before God to be the greatest treasure. I want to radiate gratitude, and to be the aroma of it, to be God’s delight and share the deliciousness of each moment together with Him and with those in my life.

“The cheerful of heart has a continual feast.” Prov.15.15 Conversations Within” ts 11/16/2017

“The secret to having it all is knowing you already do.” Unknown

This moment I cannot think of a single thing that I need. When I look back on my life, I realize that this has been the case every other moment every other day. If I lacked something it was probably this knowledge and probably worrying about some future something instead of being where I was. I am amply supplied. I have air in my lungs, and every other basic necessity. As I express gratitude I am coming to realize that knowing you are blessed is itself the greatest blessing.

“I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.” Ps.63.5 Conversations Within” ts 11/15/2017

“Not what we say about about our blessing, but how we use them is the true measure of our thanksgiving.” W.T. Purkiser

There are so many ways to say thank you. We may return a favor or pass a favor forward to someone else. I am pretty sure Father likes that one a lot. Surely one of the ways we can give thanks for the blessings He has sent our way is by blessing others with them. Give thanks to God by giving others a reason to give thanks for you.

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Prov.11.25 Conversations Within” ts 11/14/2017

“There is always something to be thankful for.” Unknown

All the petty stuff we complain about hardly adds up to all the good that surrounds us each day. It is so very true that there is always something to be grateful for, always! Are my eyes tuned to spot all the blessings that surround me? Is my heart inclined to be grateful or to grumble? It is in those moments that challenge us to be grateful where we can train ourselves to see the good, appreciate it and give thanks for it.  

“In everything give thanks.” 1Thess.5 Conversations Within” ts 11/13/2017

“O how I laugh when I think of my vague indefinite riches. No run on my bank can drain it, for my wealth is not possession but enjoyment.” Henry David Thoreau

What are blessings if we do not take the time to enjoy them. Consider all the unused gazebos or porch swings, places set-aside for enjoyment, but hardly ever used. This day too is a blessing, but will I enjoy it? Will I enjoy those around me? I believe we were created to enjoy and be enjoyed--to love and be loved. Lay hold of the absolute joy of being alive and discover the wealth of each moment and each person.

“Always be clothed in your celebration clothes.” Ecc.9.8 Conversations Within” ts 11/12/2017

Joyfully living our life is one way we show God how grateful we are for giving it to us.

One aspect of a full life is simply the sum of living each day to the fullest. We should not confuse the number of activities we can cram into a day with the quality of our interactions with each activity. May the quality of our interactions this day be as though we have lived a thousand years in it. Give thought to all the ways you can enrich every activity, not just the special, but make special even the mundane. Caress life as you would a soft puppy.

“With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” 1Pet.3.8 Conversations Within” ts 11/11/2017

Stoke your stoke.

I find that my resolve at the beginning of the day is not nearly as resolved at the end of the day. I may decide in the morning to walk that evening, or only eat during meals not in between them.  But by the end of the day what I set out to do has often lost its umph and I give in and do the exact opposite. Perhaps it is wise to build into the rhythm of each day a pep rally to pump our umph back up. One young man kept his daily stoke by setting aside a time to pray three times a day. Having a prayer rally is one way to have the cheer of God attend your pep rally.  

“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food...” Dan.1.8 Conversations Within” ts 11/10/2017

“One’s greatest challenge is to control oneself.” Kazi Shams

Am I a slave of my desires or master over them? Can I say no to myself when it is in my best interest to do so? We become what we do and do and do. If I repeatedly give into a desire to talk when I shouldn’t, or eat and drink too much, or have judgmental thoughts about others, I strengthen their hold over me. If I daily practice holding unhealthy desires and thoughts in check, I will be a master not a slave.  

“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” Prov.25.28 Conversations Within” ts 11/9/2017

“Never do something permanently foolish because you are temporarily upset.” Meme

Surely one of the things we must control is our temper. An uncontrolled temper will always get the best of us. Refuse to make decisions when angry, except for one--decide to cool off. Stop talking, and turn your ears to the inner voice that reminds you of what truly matters. Say no to anger by reminding yourself that it has never given you a single moment of happiness.

“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;  do not fret—it leads only to evil.” Ps.37.8 Conversations Within” ts 11/8/2017

“Self-discipline The ability to make yourself do what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not.” Elbert Hubbard

The power to say no to yourself is made more powerful every time we do it. Everything gets easier with practice; it’s when we first start out that it’s tough. We must often drag certain desires behind us until they catch up with what we have decided is best for ourselves. We can be encouraged that the benefits of self-discipline always catch up to us.

For the grace of God... teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age...” Titus 2 Conversations Within” ts 11/7/2017

The only remedy I know for poor self-control is to keep flushing out what you want until all that remains is what you really want.

My dilemma has always been how to keep what I want most in life at the forefront of my list of desires, to make sure that what I want this moment is what I really want most. I suppose this must be accomplished one decision at a time. Define what you want most, then pursue it with all of your heart until it defines you.

“Let the word of Christ dwell richly in you.” Col.3.16 Conversations Within” ts 11/6/2017

“The man who has no inner-life is a slave to his surroundings.” Henri Frederic Amiel

Sometimes I react, other times I respond. When I do the first I lack self-control; when I do the latter I possess and practice it. We must learn how to master our own heart if we would know peace. According to Jesus, it is truth that will make us a master instead of a slave. We must speak it to our heart, even preach it when necessary. We must internalize it, then purposefully act on it. The master responds; the slave reacts.  

“The fruit of the Spirit is self-control. Gal.5 Conversations Within” ts 11/5/2017

“If you are looking for someone dependable, caring, truthful, loving, reliable, loyal, God is available.” Meme

In an ever changing world, it is good to know that some things never change. There is nothing fickle about God. He is a precious constant. Our circumstances may change, but God’s love for us will not. He is as constant as the rising sun, and the ocean waves that lap the shoreline. He will not cease to give His tender mercies or fail to keep His promises to those who trust Him.  

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” Conversations Within” ts 11/4/2017

“Improvise! Adapt! Overcome!” Clint Eastwood (Heartbreak Ridge)

Hardship often accompanies positive change. Do not yield to the negative temptations of complaining, or giving up. Figure it out.  Use your energy to improvise and improve the situation whatever it is. As always, we can improve the situation by first improving our attitude. Don't cry about breaking your right arm, laugh as you learn how to use your left.

“Do all things without grumbling…Give thanks in every circumstance…” Phil.2 1Thess.5  Conversations Within” ts 11/3/2017

“Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” Meme

I want and need to be comfortable with change. The sooner we can adapt to any positive changes in the transformation of our character, the sooner we can peacefully cooperate with them. Go with the flow where positive change is concerned. Join the dance, and rejoice at every opportunity to grow.

“Keep in step with the Spirit.” Gal.5 Conversations Within” ts 11/2/2017

”Every end is a new beginning!” Meme

I find it interesting that in the Scriptures every new day is said to begin, not in the morning, but in the evening. The end of the day is the beginning of a new day. Just when we think something is over another something has only begun. Every ending is a new beginning to those who have the living hope of a fruitful and even eternal life.  

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”  Conversations Within” ts 11/1/2017

“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”

There are very few things in life that cannot be improved by a simple attitude adjustment. So powerful is this sweet grace it may just be the single most important thing we can do at the beginning of every new venture. Look at everything from the standpoint of eternity, and train yourself to see with the eyes of Heaven.

“Have this attitude in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Phil.2 Conversations Within” ts 10/31/2017

“Do not be afraid of change, it is leading you to a new beginning.” Meme

Growth requires change. This pretty much means that we should learn to embrace it if we want to grow. Of course there is good change and bad change, and it is the good kind we want. God always leads us to the good kind. This is something to be grateful for, and gratitude usually puts us in the proper frame of mind for accepting His guidance, even learning something new.

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Is.43.19 Conversations Within” ts 10/27/2017

If something is good keep repeating it.

Some things bear repeating. Jesus repeated Himself. I suppose He did so for emphasis so that we would not miss His message. Let me repeat what He emphasised to emphasize it to my heart. He wants us to live joyful and fruitful lives. We cannot do this without Him. He promises to answer our prayers and give us whatever we need to answer His call. His call is for us to love one another. Ask away!

“I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit...so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/27/2017

Life in every breath; every breath a prayer.

Every interaction of prayer involves both asking and receiving. Even when we show gratitude we must first take from God the very breath we give back in thanks. Before our lives can offer anything of value to God, or to others, we must first receive power and grace from Him. Here is the single most important skill we must learn in life. Discover what God requires of us each moment, then ask His help doing 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 10/26/2017

”God is like oxygen. You can’t see Him but you can’t live without Him.” Meme

I will do nothing this day without the benefit of air, and I will do nothing this day without God. Both are invisible to my eyes, yet integral to my life. Neither are obtrusive, yet always with us.  Without them nothing can be done. Even though we are not required to keep them at the forefront of our thoughts to benefit from them, the one thing we must do, is breathe.

“Apart from me you can do nothing.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/25/2017

One does not quench thirst by knowing that there is water in the bottle but by drinking it.

It is one thing to know that God loves you and another to embrace its benefits. If we do not heed the Spirit’s counsel when He gives it, we will not experience the blessings that come from doing so. All of the commandments we receive from God are expressions of His love for us. Instruction about sex, marriage, food, or drink express His great wisdom, and are offered to enrich our experience in them. God is for our enjoyment, not against it.

“Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/24/2017

“Those who are the happiest are those who do the most for others.” Booker T. Washington

Many have said “I love you” as their final message to the people closest to them. Jesus pretty much did the same to His disciples before He was crucified. He equally added that we should live our lives accepting the love He continues to offer.  Love can be offered but is must be accepted is we are to reap its benefits.  One benefit of accepting Jesus’ love is to embrace it as the principal activity of life and discover the simple joy of loving others.

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” Jesus

“Above all things, I believe in love.” Ewan McGregor

Sometimes, when we say one thing, we are also saying another. To say that I believe in love may very well mean that I also believe in God. To say that I believe in God is certainly to say that I believe in love. The reason is because God is love, but is love God? The latter is a maybe the former is a for sure. The problem is in our understanding of love, and more than likely our understanding of it is flawed. God is love only insofar as God defines love. But surely God’s is the very definition of true love.

“God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” 1John 4.16 Conversations Within” ts 10/22/2017

“I do not worry about what will happen, only what needs to be done.” Lucius Hunt (The Village)

I realize that I think and talk too much about certain things. Instead of worrying about losing weight, or getting enough exercise, or having enough money, or being healthy, I should just do what needs to be done. Worrying about these things is a complete waste of time. Give your energy doing the tasks at hand, not worrying “if this,” or “if that,” or “if only.”

“Do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear… your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Conversations Within” ts 10/20/2017

Live humbly, live simply, live modestly.

I am convinced that the fruit of a frugal heart is to live simply. A cluttered life with all its distractions can make it hard to focus, and a proper focus is vital to so many important matters. Jesus told us that we should be satisfied with an “honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work.”  An aspiration to make as much money as we can may distract us from the exercises of love. There is great wisdom in the simple prayer, “Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion.”

“Be content with your wages.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/20/2017

“Maybe the life you wanted is buried under everything you own.” Joshua Becker

We have all heard the adage, “What you own, owns you.” Life becomes cluttered when we spend all of our time, paying for, then maintaining stuff. Own less so that less owns you. We can free up the resources of our money, time and talent when we purposefully reduce our possessions. Be frugal in ownership.

“A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/19/2017

Live in the focused light of eternity. Make investments, not just for the few years of retirement left to us here, but also those which will support us in the economy of Glory.

One aspect of being frugal is knowing the best place to invest your resources. Jesus gives us His investment advice. Invest in the eternal--in things which will give the lasting return of joy. We all have the same resources--money, time, talent and possessions. Christ advises us to spend these things in the actions of loving others as the best way to invest these things in our future. Oh, they also pay dividends for a meaningful and happy life now.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth...but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/18/2017

“Waste not want not.” Adage

There is value in learning to value what has been entrusted to us. Waste is the mark of an ungrateful person, but one who appreciates and is grateful will take care of all that God has given them. Frugality begins in the child who takes care of their toys and matures into the responsible adult who keeps their lawn mower in good working condition.

“There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up.” Prov. 21.20 Conversations Within” ts 10/17/2017

“The greatest wealth is to live content with little.” Plato

I think contentment goes hand in hand with the realization that we sit at our Father’s table each day and He invites us to eat what He has set before us. Contentment is being satisfied with the menu God has chosen for the day. The measure of our thanksgiving is one measure of our contentment. The measure of our contentment is the true measure of our wealth and happiness.

“I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” Phil.4.11 Conversations Within” ts 10/16/2017

“Bloom where you are planted.” Meme

Sometimes following God’s guidance is simply remaining where you are. Instead of trying to get out of your current situation, give your very best to it and ask God to use you to make it better. This is especially true in things like marriage. But it is also true in other areas as well...your job, or a friendship. If we try to run every time it gets tough, we can miss the character development God wants to work in us. We may find that once our heart changes about where we are, we may not want to be anywhere except where we are.

“Each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.” 1Cor.7.24 Conversations Within” ts 10/14/2017

“Some people talk as if meeting the gaze of absolute goodness would be fun. They need to think again….Goodness is either the great safety or the great danger - according to the way you react to it.” C. S. Lewis

I think we sometimes are bothered by the ways God has chosen to communicate with us. We might prefer if He were more direct. If He wants something from us, why doesn’t He just come out and make it plain? But when we consider our poor record keeping the simplest commands we may come to appreciate His wisdom. Consider what it would mean to be in the presence of a being wholly committed to what is good when we are not behaving so. Of course this is the whole point of sending Jesus.  

“God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them.” 2Cor.5.19 Conversations Within” ts 10/13/2017

“A blocked path also gives guidance.” Mason Cooley

God is said to position Himself against the proud and resist them. If I find my path closed off, my attitude may very well be the reason. Much of our progress, or the lack of it, comes down to our pride. If I stubbornly insist on doing things my way, I may find that it is God blocking my efforts instead of blessing them. Do we not cage a stubborn and unbroken stallion, but give the open range to the humble and trustworthy steed whose heart belongs to its master.  

“God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4.6  Conversations Within” ts 10/12/2017

“If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties.” Francis Bacon

How do we measure the value of God's wisdom and guidance? He promises to give it at the crossroad of our every decision. I am certain that uncertainty is one of the ways He leads us to the wise path. In short, when we have doubts about doing something, we probably should not do it. Uncertainty should at least provide the certainty of needed caution. If we are unsure of what to do, there is nothing wrong with waiting until we are.

“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” Is.20.31 Conversations Within” ts 10/11/2017

“One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” Henry Miller

Sometimes discovery is the best way to counsel someone. This is particularly true when maturity is the goal, not just the next move someone needs to make. For this reason I am sure Father does not explicitly tell us what to do every time we ask Him. He would rather we go through the process of discovery and acquire some new skill for living. We may want God to just tell us the next step, but He is guiding us not so much to a place as He is to become a more mature person.  

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” Ps.32.8 Conversations Within” ts 10/10/2017

I wish God would just tell me what to do.

A lot of people have said these words. The truth is that God probably already has given us His counsel. Our uncertainty many times is due to our neglect or forgetfulness. Father’s guidance is often found in the guidelines He has given to us in His Word. Before we can get God’s direction and blessing for a particular decision, we first need to make sure we are core committed to go in His overall direction. What direction is that? He will always lead us in the direction of faith expressing itself in love.

“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Gal.5.6 Conversations Within” ts 10/9/2017

“I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare.” C.S. Lewis

To give sacrificially is to express faith in God’s willingness and power to provide for your own needs. There is a sweet contentment when we learn to live on less in order to give more. One thing is for sure, we can never out give God. Joyfully pass the plate of provision that is passed to you. There is always another plate coming around for all who sit at His table.

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/7/2017

”Put your whole heart into everything you do.” Vivian Baxter

Live wholeheartedly. Let every action express your best efforts. Bring your full attention to the people who have your attention. Stir the creative energy in you and give your whole self to improving the lives of others. Hold nothing back. Be hilarious in your giving and share your joy with wild abandon. Bake delicious sweetness into every moment and fill the air with the aroma of a generous heart.

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2Cor.9.7 Conversations Within” ts 10/6/2017

“I knew you would say no.”

The older I get there is an awakening of a sweet desire to be remembered by my family and friends as a “yes” person, not a “no” person. I remember well the story of a man who once stood beside a river looking for a way to cross. Several men, Thomas Jefferson among them, rode up on horses. The man politely asked Jefferson for a ride and was given one. Someone asked the man why he had asked “that man” instead of any of the others for the ride. The man replied that Jefferson had a “Yes” face. Father, give me a face that says, “Yes.”

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Hebrews 13 Conversations Within” ts 10/5/2017

“Give without remembering. Take without forgetting.” Meme

Give and expect nothing in return. Such expectations rob us of the joys of authentic love. True love gives because love is its own reward not because we expect to be rewarded in return for offering it. The joy of love comes from knowing that we have brought goodness to someone, and even on occasion to an enemy. Such knowledge is reward enough.

“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/4/2017

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of others.” Charles Dickens

Be generous in service, and overwhelm people with kindness. If we would be truly happy, embrace the actions of love--always focused on bringing goodness to others. Lavish people with encouragement and praise. We should not restrict our generosity to something like money. We can be generous with words, with service, by listening wholeheartedly to those who need a friend, and by showing appreciation to those who have served us. .

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:24-25 Conversations Within” ts 10/3/2017

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” Anne Frank

A tight fisted person gives nothing, nor are they able to receive anything. An open hand is able to do both. Do not hold too tightly to blessings that come your way, in fact, do not hold onto things at all. Share what it is entrusted to you! It is better to be an overflowing spring of refreshment than a stagnant pond. I have never known a generous person who was poor.

“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.” Prov.11.24 Conversations Within” ts 10/2/2017

“Say your prayers.”

I often rise with the simple prayer, “Good morning Father.” I say this more for my benefit than His. I am sure God is always having a good day. The reason I begin each day this way is that I want to wake to Him as I wake to the day. Prayer is not so much for God but an activity that certainly works positive change in us. This is not to say that He does not find enjoyment in our prayers. I love the verse that says that He rejoices over us with singing. I hope that when He hears my voice, He smiles and sings.  

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Phil.2.13  Conversations Within” ts 9/30/2017

“If you talk to God, you are praying; If God talks to you, you have schizophrenia.” Thomas Szasz

Why would we expect our interactions with God to bring any benefit if all we do is talk, but never listen? I am sure that God speaks to people all of the time. Sadly, we do not always hear what He is saying. I have noticed that He is rather quiet mannered. We may be too busy and distracted. Our inner life may be so full of noise that we drown out His quiet words. Effective prayer is learning the value of quieting the soul. We may find that instead of talking “to” God we may start talking “with” Him.

“Be still and know that I am God.” Ps.46.10 Conversations Within” ts 9/29/2017

“Keep praying, but be thankful that God's answers are wiser than your prayers.” Meme

We usually think prayer is asking God to do stuff, but there is so much more to prayer than just asking. We nurture grateful attitudes. We talk to God about God and at the same time, about our own quirks. Some of my favorite times are just sharing the joys of the present moment with Him. Still, we should not stumble thinking that we are asking too much from Him. We are never in a better position than we are looking to Him for assistance.

“Ask and it will be given to you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 9/29/2017

“God is everywhere so pray anywhere.” Meme

Father has made it rather convenient for us to talk with Him. His presence surrounds us. He invites us to meaningful and fruitful dialogue. If we are worried about our wrongdoings, He takes the initiative and offers forgiveness so that no offense on our part will come between us. We should not let anything rob us of a beautiful and intimate relationship with Someone so fascinating.  Wake to Him and speak the words in your heart.  

“In Him we live and move and have our being.” Acts 17.28 Conversations Within” ts 9/27/2016

“Prayer will become effective when we stop using it as a substitute for obedience.” Aiden Tozer

People often pray in order to get right with God, but once we are right with Him, God will surely use the prayers that follow to set things right in the world. Getting right with God is not something we earn, but something we experience. It begins when we agree with what His Spirit is speaking in us, both in our attitude and actions. Why would God not answer the prayers of someone who is in full agreement with Him?  

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.’ James 5.16 Conversations Within” ts 9/26/2016

“Never forget that if you are God's child through Jesus Christ, you are praying to a Father who couldn't love you more than he already does.” Bill Hybels

The secret of prayer is simply to pray. In truth there are no secrets, just the encouragements of God Himself to come and talk with Him as to a Father, one who loves and cares for His children. The better our understanding of this Father-child relationship, the more fruitful our conversations with Him will be.

“When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 9/25/2016