"Be faithful in small things, because it is in them that your strength lies." - Mother Teresa

There are so many important matters in life that find their strength in little actions we perform each day. Brushing your teeth. Honoring your parents. Going for a walk. Saying your prayers. Neglect any one of these things and we can certainly reap some big negatives down the road. The faithful attention that we give to these things each day can also create some real positives.

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.” Exo.20.12 Conversations Within” ts 8/24/2016

“Little things make big things happen.” John Wooten

Being reliable in a small matter is the dress rehearsal for reliability in a large matter. Faithfulness is learned by keeping one promise at a time. If we say that we will do something, even something small--especially something small--then we should do it. How can my spouse depend on me to keep my vows if she can’t depend on me to do my daily chores?

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/23/2016

“There are some people so addicted to exaggeration that they can't tell the truth without lying.” Josh Billings

I exaggerate, and sadly this is no exaggeration. Recently I have realized that doing so is not wise, nor is it funny. It is just being unreliable. Exaggeration doesn’t make one’s story more interesting or illustrative, it makes it dubious.  Little exaggerations can add up to great misrepresentations of the way things really are. Faithfulness in small details give an accurate account and is what makes our witness reliable and something others can trust.

“Like a lame man’s legs, which hang useless, is a proverb in the mouth of fools.” Prov.26.7 Conversations Within” ts 8/22/2016

“If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed. If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right.” Admiral William H. McRaven

I am not sure about changing the world but I certainly do want to change myself. I suppose doing that is one way to do the other. The Spirit inside me is showing me the wisdom of acting on small things. Powerful change often begins with a simple decision. Do something right every single day and stick with it.

“Do not underestimate the day of small things.” Zech.4.10 Conversations Within” ts 8/21/2016

“Loneliness does not come from being alone, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to you.” Carl Jung

Loneliness may be more than a state of mind, it may be the state of our friendships. Many of the benefits of friendship lie on a two-way street. My friends may want to be there for me, but if I am not open about my struggles, then they may not know what I am going through. All of us can be pretty good about disguising our feelings. Open up to your friends, and make sure your friends know they can open up to you.

“There is a friend closer than a brother.” Prov.28 Conversations Within” ts 8/18/2016

Christ was abandoned so that we would never have to be.

Most of us have experienced overwhelming circumstances. They can come upon us like thieves, and rob the joy out of living. We may have been betrayed by someone we love, come upon hard financial times, or seen our body turn against us with cancer. No one is immune from the woes of the world. The one thing that a child of God is exempt from is going through these trials alone. We may feel alone but faith assures us we are not.

“I will never leave you or forsake you.” Hebrews 13.5 Conversations Within” ts 8/17/2016

”Best friends are people who make your problems their problems so you don't have to go through them alone.” Unknown

We do not have to be alone to feel alone. How open are we to the people in our lives? Do we have the kind of friends that really know our struggles because we feel comfortable enough to share them? Do I have the kind of relationship with others that they can come to me when they feel alone and afraid? When was the last time you reminded someone that they can call on you at any time? We all need friends like this, and not very many of them, actually. True wealth can be measured in having a few true friends, and more so by being this kind of friend.

“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” Conversations Within” ts 8/16/2016

“I used to think that the worst thing in life was to end up all alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is ending up with people who make you feel all alone.” Robin Williams as Lance Clayton in World’s Greatest Dad

It is commonly understood, if not experienced, that one can be in a crowd of people and still feel utterly alone. If we are not careful we can find ourselves trapped inside a web of self-centered thinking, feeling sorry for ourselves. There are many graces that can free us from this web of “woe is me.” And, like most graces, we must choose to appropriate them. Genuine gratitude can melt the web of self pity. So too can love. The grace of love can change our focus completely. By freeing others we can free ourselves. The actions of love are the cure for most of what ails our world.

“Love one another.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/15/2016

“Loneliness comes to us when we forget that God is our supreme companion.” Unknown

None of us should ever face the trials of life alone. One of the reasons we know this is because God has promised His presence with us at all times. We should not overlook the opportunity to experience His presence by being with people who know and love Him. When Christ lives in our heart, we can also communicate His presence to others simply by being with them. This is why one of the reasons we visit  friends in difficult times.

“I was naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/14/2016

“I’ve been full of alone lately.” John Wayne (The Shootist)

There is a difference in quiet solitude and in being lonely. The first is desired, even beneficial, the latter not. It is good to be able to be with yourself and enjoy it. But nobody wants to be lonely. We can all profit from learning the skill of quiet solitude. But loneliness leaves us feeling hollow and unappreciated. True friendship is one antidote that will cure it. It is wisely said, “The surest way to have a friend is to be a friend.”

“There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Prov.18.24 Conversations Within” ts 8/13/2016

“One day can change everything.” Meme

If one day can change everything, then a good word can announce it. We are given the assurance that all is accomplished, that everything is going to be all right. We are promised the “happily ever after.” Today we wait for it in its fullness, not as those who place hope in empty promises, but as those who trust in the empty tomb!

“Comfort, O comfort My people,” says your God.” Is.40.1 Conversations Within” ts 8/12/2016

“Food, like a loving touch or a glimpse of divine power, has that ability to comfort.” Norman Kolpas

I think one reason God is there for us when we need it is so that we can be there for others when they need someone too. God often comes to us in the comforting presence of a friend. The best comfort food is knowing that people care, and they care enough to express it. No one should face life’s difficulties alone. Serve up a plate of comfort. They will feel better, and you will feel better too.

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.” Ps.43.2 Conversations Within” ts 8/11/2016

“You can’t feel sad when you are holding a cupcake.” Meme

We all need comforting from time to time. Who doesn’t want to feel better when we feel bad? I should think it important to evaluate what makes us feel better. Chocolate cake may make one feel better, but if I am a diabetic, this kind of feeling better may not be better. This is just as important when we offer comfort to others as it is when we seek it ourselves. If we want to love on someone, let us love on them wisely.

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent…” Phil.1.9-10 Conversations Within” ts 8/10/2016

“Finding someone who you don't have explain things to, they just understand, is so comforting.” Meme

My soul is consoled by the knowledge that God knows me better than I know myself, and yet, He loves me. This is not because I am worth loving, but because He is love, and has committed Himself to my transformation. I do not need to explain myself to Him or make excuses for my behavior. He knows I am broken and that I need fixing. There is a quiet understanding between us that the healing He has started will eventually be completed. Until then, we both patiently accept the process.

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil.1.6  Conversations Within” ts 8/9/2016

“Everything is going to be okay.” Meme

I sometimes find that the worries of life can weigh my spirit down, that is until I remind myself of one simple truth: is there anything more wonderful than being loved by God? To know this is to rest in the simple knowledge that He is faithfully watching over our lives with lovingkindness and mercy. New mercies are ours with each rising sun--a new mercy for every new challenge. Our Father’s faithfulness has no equal, so it is okay to tell yourself, “It really is going to be okay.”

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 Conversations Within” ts 8/8/2016

“Whatever you are facing right now, there’s a way out.” Paul Jukes

We all are overwhelmed by life’s difficulties from time to time. Various worries weigh us down. At such times, it is good to center ourselves on the actions of our faith, hope and love for Christ. Our faith teaches us to trust God with matters beyond our control. Our hope encourages us to remember His promises, especially that He works all things for our good. And love shows us the path to take when are not sure which way to go. When in doubt, always take a step in the direction of loving others, for it is on this path where we experience God most.

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/7/2016

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." John Muir

It is not surprising that nature is often a serendipitous and awe-inspiring experience. Nature is the music of its Maker. How could we not get more than we expect from interacting with One who always does more than we can expect or imagine? God is an overflowing spring of refreshment--to walk in His presence is to be splashed with His joy and gladness. Every waterfall, every bubbling brook or flower swaying in the breeze moves to the music of His song and our delight echos His own. .

“And His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with His glory.” Ezek.43.2 Conversations Within” ts 8/4/2016

Nature is one lens that enables our faith to magnify the greatness of our invisible God.

What a creative imagination our Father has. It is expressed to us in all creation. Through the years, I have become convinced that our heavenly Father enjoys spending time with us in the earthly sanctuary of the natural world. We were made for the outdoors, just as we are made to experience God in all of His beauty, majesty, and awe.

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?” Job 12 Conversations Within” ts 8/3/2016

"The proper study of mankind is man in his relation to his deity." D. H. Lawrence

Of all the works of God, mankind is especially remarkable. God put a bit of Himself in each of us. We are endowed with many of His attributes. Like the Creator, we are creative--in art, in music, and in machinery. Learning to appreciate the artistry of God in our own body and soul is not only one way we give thanks to Him, but it gives us the motivation to be the very best that we can be. We can present ourselves each day as an offering of praise to God by living gratefully and living wholeheartedly. By presenting ourselves in service to others, and we can discover life’s purpose.  

“I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.” Ps.139.14

“Light is the symbol of truth.” James Russell Lowell

God not only created the beauty of nature, but the very means we use to enjoy it. One of which is light! Light is God’s first work in the universe. God is light, so it makes perfect sense that He would paint it on the canvas of nature. A photographer will tell you that light is everything when it comes to capturing an image. What is the beauty of the forest, or of the ocean unless it is bathed in the luster of light? Is not night’s beauty the light that penetrates the darkness. Surely it is the light of the soul that also enables us to appreciate the beauty of light in nature.

“And God said, ‘Let there be light.’” Gen.1.2 “Conversations Within” ts 8/1/2017

“All the trees are losing their leaves, and not one of them is worried.” Donald Miller

I am staggered not only by nature’s beauty, but also how the Spirit uses it to teach us so many things. Jesus is especially fond of using analogies from nature to teach spiritual lessons for living. A walk in the woods can be as instructive as any sermon. I vividly remember a scorching summer day watching a family of young sparrows drinking from a water spigot. One tiny drop after another was falling into the upturned beaks of these hot and thirsty birds. As plain as any voice I have heard, the Spirit gently said, “As I care and provide for these birds I will certainly care and provide for you. You are of more value to me than many sparrows.”

“speak to the earth, and it will teach you…” Job 12 “Conversations Within” ts 7/30/2017

“Nature is the art of God.” Sir Thomas Browne

If nature is the art of God, then surely faith gives us the artistic eyes to truly appreciate it. I have never told a painting how much I appreciate its beauty, or message. I reserve giving thanks to the Artist. To give thanks to “mother nature” and “father time” is giving thanks to nobody. We properly give thanks to the person who can appreciate it. Would it not be rude to say thanks to a plate of food and not to the chef that prepared it. Give thanks for nature not to nature.

“How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” Ps.104.24 “Conversations Within” ts 7/30/2017

“Once you believe that God is speaking directly to you, there is no discussion.” Jon Krakauer

I can relate to these words by Krakauer. When God speaks, there is really nothing left to add. I have often tried arguing with Him, but in the end what is there to do but acquiesce, and then watch grace slowly turn acquiescence into a humble and complete acceptance--even grateful acceptance. God’s word can be tough to hear at first, until we remind ourselves not only of the greatness of His wisdom but the goodness of it as well.

“Not my will by yours be done.” Jesus   “Conversations Within” ts 7/29/2017

“God speaks in the silence of the heart.” Mother Teresa

The Scriptures, among many other things, are a divinely inspired record of God’s interactions with His people. It would be silly to think He has stopped doing so. God is still speaking if we  listen. He speaks in the Scriptures of course, but also in nature, through people and acts of providence. He speaks to the heart and reminds us of promises He has made, and of His many encouragements for wise living. The living Christ has sent His Spirit to live in our hearts. We can be certain He is not silent.

“Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 7/25/2017

“The capacity to learn is a gift; The ability to learn is a skill; The willingness to learn is a choice.” Brian Herbert

It is considered wise to learn from our mistakes but many times we could just call them our bad choices. We all make them consistently, so school is in session most days. The question is will we learn? Some have called it the school of “hard knocks.” I suppose it is bad enough to make a poor choice in the first place, but worse still, to keep repeating it. I’ve got enough bumps on my noggin.

“As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.” Prov.26.11 “Conversations Within” ts 7/25/2017

“When the student is ready the teacher will appear.” Tao Te Ching

Never lose a teachable spirit. Humbly acquire one if you don’t have one. Be eager to learn. Unearth the absolute joy of discovery. Every conversation is an opportunity to learn, especially when we keep a running dialogue with the Spirit of God. He is our constant companion, always eager to answer our questions and teach us the wisdom of living. Just as children must learn to understand their parents, we also must patiently learn to hear and understand the Father. He speaks in so many ways. The key to hear Him begins in a willing heart. Ask Him!

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” Jer.33.3 “Conversations Within” ts 7/25/2017