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