Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous." - Albert Einstein

How do we know when something is a coincidence, or is God’s way of giving us guidance? We are cautioned in the Scriptures to not be superstitious, but sometimes, as observed by Yogi Berra, some things are “too coincidental to be a coincidence.” I mean how many times must God give us a sign before we get it. We are encouraged to test the spirits and accept things only when they are confirmed by two of three witnesses. It has been suggested, and wisely so, if we have the witness of God’s word, the witness of good counsel and the witness of divine providence, we can trust that God is leading us.

“You have made know to me the path of life.” Ps.16 “Conversations Within” ts 2/22/2017

Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous." - Albert Einstein

How do we know when something is a coincidence, or is God’s way of giving us guidance? We are cautioned in the Scriptures to not be superstitious, but sometimes, as observed by Yogi Berra, some things are “too coincidental to be a coincidence.” I mean how many times must God give us a sign before we get it. We are encouraged to test the spirits and accept things only when they are confirmed by two of three witnesses. It has been suggested, and wisely so, if we have the witness of God’s word, the witness of good counsel and the witness of divine providence, we can trust that God is leading us.

“You have made know to me the path of life.” Ps.16 “Conversations Within” ts 2/22/2017

'If only God would give me some clear sign! Like making a large deposit in my name at a Swiss Bank.' Woody Allen

Just about everybody knows the frustration of missing your exit on an Interstate. This happens when we fail to see the sign, see it too late, or have a hard time understanding it. If we are in too big of a hurry we can also miss God’s direction, or misinterpret it. I know that too often I am slow to see the signs because my focus is too small. I think too much about my own concerns and not about the greater concerns at hand. Nothing will narrow your focus more than spending too much time in front of the mirror of pride.

“You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 2/21/2017

'If only God would give me some clear sign! Like making a large deposit in my name at a Swiss Bank.' Woody Allen

Just about everybody knows the frustration of missing your exit on an Interstate. This happens when we fail to see the sign, see it too late, or have a hard time understanding it. If we are in too big of a hurry we can also miss God’s direction, or misinterpret it. I know that too often I am slow to see the signs because my focus is too small. I think too much about my own concerns and not about the greater concerns at hand. Nothing will narrow your focus more than spending too much time in front of the mirror of pride.

“You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 2/21/2017

”If you are waiting for a sign this is it.” A Sign

Signs provide direction. It is no surprise that God uses them to give guidance to His children. We would be wise to look for them, but more importantly, we should heed them. We should never ask God to give a sign of something contrary to what He has already made clear. In other words, don’t take it as a sign that God wants you to steal a wallet someone left behind on a table in a restaurant just because you need the money.

“This shall be a sign for you…” Luke 2 “Conversations Within” ts 2/20/2017

”If you are waiting for a sign this is it.” A Sign

Signs provide direction. It is no surprise that God uses them to give guidance to His children. We would be wise to look for them, but more importantly, we should heed them. We should never ask God to give a sign of something contrary to what He has already made clear. In other words, don’t take it as a sign that God wants you to steal a wallet someone left behind on a table in a restaurant just because you need the money.

“This shall be a sign for you…” Luke 2 “Conversations Within” ts 2/20/2017

“Life is in the details.” Unknown

I sometimes get distracted watching a movie and realize that I don’t know what just happened on the screen. No problem of course, I just hit the rewind button. I think it is wise to realize that life has no rewind button. If we check out and miss an important moment we can’t get it back. Be there! Don’t miss out! Harness all your energies and feast on the details of life.

"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Deut.6.5  “Conversations Within” ts 2/18/2017

“Life is in the details.” Unknown

I sometimes get distracted watching a movie and realize that I don’t know what just happened on the screen. No problem of course, I just hit the rewind button. I think it is wise to realize that life has no rewind button. If we check out and miss an important moment we can’t get it back. Be there! Don’t miss out! Harness all your energies and feast on the details of life.

"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Deut.6.5  “Conversations Within” ts 2/18/2017

”Whatever you do always give 100%. Unless your giving blood.” Meme

The wholehearted devotion that God asks of us is a whole life dedicated to the cause of loving others. Jesus assures us that such is a life well spent. And spent it is. It is a life “poured out” in service to others. To give to others wholehearted is not just to give things but to give one’s self. It is an attitude that doesn’t hold back. We become ready and to spring into action when it is required of us. In such an attitude there are no half measures--the whole seed is sown in the ground, only then is it multiplied.

“If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.” Is.58.10 ESV “Conversations Within” ts 2/17/2017

”Whatever you do always give 100%. Unless your giving blood.” Meme

The wholehearted devotion that God asks of us is a whole life dedicated to the cause of loving others. Jesus assures us that such is a life well spent. And spent it is. It is a life “poured out” in service to others. To give to others wholehearted is not just to give things but to give one’s self. It is an attitude that doesn’t hold back. We become ready and to spring into action when it is required of us. In such an attitude there are no half measures--the whole seed is sown in the ground, only then is it multiplied.

“If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.” Is.58.10 ESV “Conversations Within” ts 2/17/2017

“Some people feel the rain, others just get wet.” Bob Marley

There are many benefits when we choose to live wholeheartedly. And, it is surely something we must choose if we are to do so. We can purposefully decide to live fully in each moment--to wake to our senses and to the wonders of the world around us. We can lay hold of the every moment by laying hold of the One who gave it to us. I would think that wholehearted living will naturally overflow in the giving of thanks just for the privilege of being alive.

“I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” Ps.9.1 “Conversations Within” ts 2/16/2017

“Some people feel the rain, others just get wet.” Bob Marley

There are many benefits when we choose to live wholeheartedly. And, it is surely something we must choose if we are to do so. We can purposefully decide to live fully in each moment--to wake to our senses and to the wonders of the world around us. We can lay hold of the every moment by laying hold of the One who gave it to us. I would think that wholehearted living will naturally overflow in the giving of thanks just for the privilege of being alive.

“I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” Ps.9.1 “Conversations Within” ts 2/16/2017

“I take the good with the bad. I can’t love people in slices” First Knight

When we put our whole heart into loving someone, we love the whole person, faults and all. The thing about loving wholeheartedly is that we love others not as they deserve, but as our commitment to their goodness directs us. This does not mean we have to like everything about them, but it does mean that we always act in a manner that seeks what is good for them.

“Love others as I have loved you.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 2/15/2017

“I take the good with the bad. I can’t love people in slices” First Knight

When we put our whole heart into loving someone, we love the whole person, faults and all. The thing about loving wholeheartedly is that we love others not as they deserve, but as our commitment to their goodness directs us. This does not mean we have to like everything about them, but it does mean that we always act in a manner that seeks what is good for them.

“Love others as I have loved you.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 2/15/2017

Put your heart in it...your whole heart!

I want to be the kind of person that not only knows what is worth doing but adds worth to doing it. The only way this will happen is when we put our whole heart in doing it. This means more than giving it our best. It means that we attach an aspect of our future to it. Someone has compared levels of commitment making to a ham and egg sandwich. The chicken contributes a mere egg, the hog contributes himself. When we put our heart into something we should make sure it is worth going “whole hog.”

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all of your might.” Ecc.9.10  “Conversations Within” ts 2/14/2017

Put your heart in it...your whole heart!

I want to be the kind of person that not only knows what is worth doing but adds worth to doing it. The only way this will happen is when we put our whole heart in doing it. This means more than giving it our best. It means that we attach an aspect of our future to it. Someone has compared levels of commitment making to a ham and egg sandwich. The chicken contributes a mere egg, the hog contributes himself. When we put our heart into something we should make sure it is worth going “whole hog.”

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all of your might.” Ecc.9.10  “Conversations Within” ts 2/14/2017

"I will love you my whole life, you and no other." Braveheart

Have you ever told somebody, “I love you with all of my heart.” Is there any other way to love? Half-hearted devotion is no devotion at all. Some matters require that we give it our all because anything less would be nothing at all. Marriage is of one them. In marriage we give ourselves wholly to one person and only to one person. Can you imagine someone standing to the altar promising to give their intended mate every night of the week but one. In the fidelity of marriage, we give everything or we give nothing.

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 2/13/2017

"I will love you my whole life, you and no other." Braveheart

Have you ever told somebody, “I love you with all of my heart.” Is there any other way to love? Half-hearted devotion is no devotion at all. Some matters require that we give it our all because anything less would be nothing at all. Marriage is of one them. In marriage we give ourselves wholly to one person and only to one person. Can you imagine someone standing to the altar promising to give their intended mate every night of the week but one. In the fidelity of marriage, we give everything or we give nothing.

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 2/13/2017

“Overcome the devils with a thing called love.” Bob Marley

“Omnia vincit amor--love conquers all.” History is replete with examples of the power of love to overcome. As far as I am concerned, Jesus is the clearest example of this. The goodness of love will always triumph. The simple reason for this is God. To overcome with love is to overcome with God because divine love combined with divine power will always win in the end. “Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” Martin Luther King

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Rom.12.21 “Conversations Within” ts 2/11/2017

“Overcome the devils with a thing called love.” Bob Marley

“Omnia vincit amor--love conquers all.” History is replete with examples of the power of love to overcome. As far as I am concerned, Jesus is the clearest example of this. The goodness of love will always triumph. The simple reason for this is God. To overcome with love is to overcome with God because divine love combined with divine power will always win in the end. “Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” Martin Luther King

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Rom.12.21 “Conversations Within” ts 2/11/2017

“We love You too little, when we love anything together with You, that we don’t love because of You.” Augustine

Just as we have deep feelings for those we love, we can also have a deep affection for God. In fact every other love should properly grow out of our love for Him if we want our affections for them to be balanced and a blessing. Of course the love of deep affection has its greatest value when it is expressed in faithful action. So it is with God’s love for us.

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jer.31.3 “Conversations Within” ts 2/10/2017

“We love You too little, when we love anything together with You, that we don’t love because of You.” Augustine

Just as we have deep feelings for those we love, we can also have a deep affection for God. In fact every other love should properly grow out of our love for Him if we want our affections for them to be balanced and a blessing. Of course the love of deep affection has its greatest value when it is expressed in faithful action. So it is with God’s love for us.

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jer.31.3 “Conversations Within” ts 2/10/2017

It is great when I like you, but even better when I love you in those moments I don’t.

The love of like--of deep affection and feeling-- is a wonderful experience. Greater still is the love of action which always seeks the good of those we love even when (especially when) we don’t feel good about the way they are acting. But the best experience of all is when the love of feelings and the love of action are joined and we are overwhelmed with the blessedness of someone who is special to us beyond words.

“Love never fails.” 1 Cor.13 “Conversations Within” ts 2/9/2017

It is great when I like you, but even better when I love you in those moments I don’t.

The love of like--of deep affection and feeling-- is a wonderful experience. Greater still is the love of action which always seeks the good of those we love even when (especially when) we don’t feel good about the way they are acting. But the best experience of all is when the love of feelings and the love of action are joined and we are overwhelmed with the blessedness of someone who is special to us beyond words.

“Love never fails.” 1 Cor.13 “Conversations Within” ts 2/9/2017

“Loving is not just looking at each other, it's looking in the same direction.” Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

A best friend is your partner, your playmate, your companion. If they happen to be your spouse there is nothing like it, nothing in all the world. God was kind to give us such a gift in marriage--to join two people together in oneness. Here two hearts are made one, not just to the love between them but to share the joy of loving others. When two people join in this kind of partnership, the love they have for others has twice the power.  

“So that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom.15.6 “Conversations Within” ts 2/8/2017

“Loving is not just looking at each other, it's looking in the same direction.” Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

A best friend is your partner, your playmate, your companion. If they happen to be your spouse there is nothing like it, nothing in all the world. God was kind to give us such a gift in marriage--to join two people together in oneness. Here two hearts are made one, not just to the love between them but to share the joy of loving others. When two people join in this kind of partnership, the love they have for others has twice the power.  

“So that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom.15.6 “Conversations Within” ts 2/8/2017

Every experience of the “WOW:” a majestic waterfall, a quiet brook, a stunningly beautiful woman, a sleeping baby or a fabulous dessert, are simply the fragrant aroma of His presence nearby.

To appreciate beauty is to appreciate its Artist. Our love for God should naturally be amplified in our love of all that He has made. Romantic love, the love of a mother for her baby, the love of life itself are wonderful extensions of our love for the Creator. God is a river of delights. What a privilege it is to live in His garden, to eat the fruit of His trees, and play in the oceans of His love.

“How beautiful and pleasant you are, O loved one, with all your delights!” Song of Songs 7.6 “Conversations Within” ts 2/7/2017

Every experience of the “WOW:” a majestic waterfall, a quiet brook, a stunningly beautiful woman, a sleeping baby or a fabulous dessert, are simply the fragrant aroma of His presence nearby.

To appreciate beauty is to appreciate its Artist. Our love for God should naturally be amplified in our love of all that He has made. Romantic love, the love of a mother for her baby, the love of life itself are wonderful extensions of our love for the Creator. God is a river of delights. What a privilege it is to live in His garden, to eat the fruit of His trees, and play in the oceans of His love.

“How beautiful and pleasant you are, O loved one, with all your delights!” Song of Songs 7.6 “Conversations Within” ts 2/7/2017

“Love as distinct from ‘being in love’ — is not merely a feeling. It is a deep unity, maintained by the will and deliberately strengthened by habit…” C. S. Lewis

It is amazing what people are willing to endure when they love someone. Affectionate love is a powerful motivator. The love of will power is strengthened by the love of feelings and vice-versa. We all have days when feelings must be ignored in order to properly love someone. But how wonderful it is when the love of feelings and love of action come together in perfect unity.

“So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.’ Gen.29 Conversations Within” ts 2/6/2017

“Love as distinct from ‘being in love’ — is not merely a feeling. It is a deep unity, maintained by the will and deliberately strengthened by habit…” C. S. Lewis

It is amazing what people are willing to endure when they love someone. Affectionate love is a powerful motivator. The love of will power is strengthened by the love of feelings and vice-versa. We all have days when feelings must be ignored in order to properly love someone. But how wonderful it is when the love of feelings and love of action come together in perfect unity.

“So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.’ Gen.29 Conversations Within” ts 2/6/2017

“Be modest in speech but excel in action.” Horace

We should all strive to be exceptionally good at doing. When it boils down to it, progress is the result of action. Nothing is accomplished without it. Decide on a positive course, then act on it and stick with it. When I survey the landscape of lasting transformation, I realize more and more that the journey will always be a journey. Even in Heaven we will always be moving, progressing, as one brother put it, “further up and further in.”

“Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Jesus  Conversations Within” ts 2/4/2017

“Be modest in speech but excel in action.” Horace

We should all strive to be exceptionally good at doing. When it boils down to it, progress is the result of action. Nothing is accomplished without it. Decide on a positive course, then act on it and stick with it. When I survey the landscape of lasting transformation, I realize more and more that the journey will always be a journey. Even in Heaven we will always be moving, progressing, as one brother put it, “further up and further in.”

“Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Jesus  Conversations Within” ts 2/4/2017

”It feels good to be lost in the right direction.” Unknown

If we are to make progress, let it be for something good. A disease can progress. Who would not want to be more gracious, more kind, more loving? The light of such a life only shines brighter and brighter. We are not being overly positive when we seek to be only positive.

“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.” Prov.4.18  Conversations Within” ts 2/3/2017

”It feels good to be lost in the right direction.” Unknown

If we are to make progress, let it be for something good. A disease can progress. Who would not want to be more gracious, more kind, more loving? The light of such a life only shines brighter and brighter. We are not being overly positive when we seek to be only positive.

“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.” Prov.4.18  Conversations Within” ts 2/3/2017

“Stay the course.” John Gresham Machen

Sometimes to go forward we simply hold fast to the path we are already on. I mean if we are convinced of the goodness of what we are doing, then why not keep on doing it. But let us first be sure that what we are doing is something the Lord of love would approve. Once convinced, “stay the course.”  If it is not already going up hill, we can be sure it will eventually do so. How else do we grow stronger?

"The righteous will hold to his way, And he who has clean hands will grow stronger and stronger.” Job 17.9 Conversations Within” ts 2/2/2017

“Stay the course.” John Gresham Machen

Sometimes to go forward we simply hold fast to the path we are already on. I mean if we are convinced of the goodness of what we are doing, then why not keep on doing it. But let us first be sure that what we are doing is something the Lord of love would approve. Once convinced, “stay the course.”  If it is not already going up hill, we can be sure it will eventually do so. How else do we grow stronger?

"The righteous will hold to his way, And he who has clean hands will grow stronger and stronger.” Job 17.9 Conversations Within” ts 2/2/2017

“Progress has little to do with speed, but much to do with direction!” Timber Hawkeye

A step in the right direction is progress no matter how small the step. We can accomplish just about anything by putting one leg in front of the other. We should never underestimate the power of a single step, especially when that step is something as simple as asking God for the strength to take one. Look to Him, and “keep truckin!”

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord.” Ps.37.23 Conversations Within” ts 2/1/2017

“Progress has little to do with speed, but much to do with direction!” Timber Hawkeye

A step in the right direction is progress no matter how small the step. We can accomplish just about anything by putting one leg in front of the other. We should never underestimate the power of a single step, especially when that step is something as simple as asking God for the strength to take one. Look to Him, and “keep truckin!”

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord.” Ps.37.23 Conversations Within” ts 2/1/2017

“Identify your problems but give your power and energy to solutions.” Anthony Robbins

We can spend too much time focusing on what is wrong. So much so, that we never make progress toward what is right. This is especially true where personal growth is concerned. Obstacles are always found on the road to growth. Don’t be deterred by them, but willing to take a detour over or around them if needed.

“And by my God I can leap over a wall.” Ps.18.29 Conversations Within” ts 1/31/2017

“Identify your problems but give your power and energy to solutions.” Anthony Robbins

We can spend too much time focusing on what is wrong. So much so, that we never make progress toward what is right. This is especially true where personal growth is concerned. Obstacles are always found on the road to growth. Don’t be deterred by them, but willing to take a detour over or around them if needed.

“And by my God I can leap over a wall.” Ps.18.29 Conversations Within” ts 1/31/2017

“My goal was to lose 10 pounds this year. I’ve only got 15 to go.” Anonymous

Funny how personal growth for many of us is to stop personal growth around our midsection and/or back side. Like many I would like to lose some weight, but I pretty much hover around the same size from year to year. The reason is simple, hovering is not making progress. Whatever we want to accomplish can be achieved, not by hovering, but by establishing where we are and heading out to where we want to be. Oh, this works for other things besides shedding a few pounds.  

“I press on to make it my own…” Phil.3.12 Conversations Within” ts 1/30/2017

“My goal was to lose 10 pounds this year. I’ve only got 15 to go.” Anonymous

Funny how personal growth for many of us is to stop personal growth around our midsection and/or back side. Like many I would like to lose some weight, but I pretty much hover around the same size from year to year. The reason is simple, hovering is not making progress. Whatever we want to accomplish can be achieved, not by hovering, but by establishing where we are and heading out to where we want to be. Oh, this works for other things besides shedding a few pounds.  

“I press on to make it my own…” Phil.3.12 Conversations Within” ts 1/30/2017

“Prayer is consciously hanging out with God. Being with God in a deliberate way." Malcolm Boyd

Listening is a deliberate action, not something we do passively, but actively--with focused intent. So it is when we listen to others; so it is when we listen to God. We can resolve to center our attention not only hearing what God is saying, and not only understanding what He is saying, but trusting what He is saying by keeping it.

“Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.” 1Sam.3.9 Conversations Within” ts 1/28/2017

“Prayer is consciously hanging out with God. Being with God in a deliberate way." Malcolm Boyd

Listening is a deliberate action, not something we do passively, but actively--with focused intent. So it is when we listen to others; so it is when we listen to God. We can resolve to center our attention not only hearing what God is saying, and not only understanding what He is saying, but trusting what He is saying by keeping it.

“Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.” 1Sam.3.9 Conversations Within” ts 1/28/2017

“Seek first to understand; then to be understood.” Stephen Covey

How can I become a better listener? Well, if my mouth is moving, I am not listening. If I am thinking about my response while they are talking, I am not listening. If I am not giving them my full attention, I am not listening. To listen better, listen deliberately. Tune your whole self--eyes, ears and heart--to the person who is speaking. Listen so well that you could explain their point of view to someone else, even if you disagree with it. Understanding begins when we stand and look where others stand and look.

“If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” Prov.18  Conversations Within” ts 1/27/2017

“Seek first to understand; then to be understood.” Stephen Covey

How can I become a better listener? Well, if my mouth is moving, I am not listening. If I am thinking about my response while they are talking, I am not listening. If I am not giving them my full attention, I am not listening. To listen better, listen deliberately. Tune your whole self--eyes, ears and heart--to the person who is speaking. Listen so well that you could explain their point of view to someone else, even if you disagree with it. Understanding begins when we stand and look where others stand and look.

“If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” Prov.18  Conversations Within” ts 1/27/2017

“The first duty of love is to listen.” Paul Tillich

Listening is itself an act of love. It is a singular kindness that we freely give to people when we stop long enough to give them our personal attention. Lord knows we should not try and impress people with what we know, but to make others feel their own importance to us by giving them our complete attention. If we were to ask someone we just spent an hour with how they felt about the conversation, would we have left them with the impression of how important we are to them, or how important they are to us?

“...give preference to one another in honor…” Rom.12.10 Conversations Within” ts 1/26/2017

“The first duty of love is to listen.” Paul Tillich

Listening is itself an act of love. It is a singular kindness that we freely give to people when we stop long enough to give them our personal attention. Lord knows we should not try and impress people with what we know, but to make others feel their own importance to us by giving them our complete attention. If we were to ask someone we just spent an hour with how they felt about the conversation, would we have left them with the impression of how important we are to them, or how important they are to us?

“...give preference to one another in honor…” Rom.12.10 Conversations Within” ts 1/26/2017