God tweaks prayers. Tweaking our prayers is one way He fine tunes us to Kingdom concerns.

I want to know that my prayers have a positive and eternal influence in the lives of the people I love. How can I know this? I mean if I ask God for something for someone is He obligated to give me what I ask for? We all know that He doesn’t do that. I have come to appreciate that He tweaks our prayers so that the answer He gives reflects His wisdom and goodness which just happen to be better than our own.  A part of trusting God is trusting the process He uses.

“Cast all you care on Him because He cares for you.” 1Peter 5.7 Conversations Within” ts 7/25/2018

“I fear the prayers of John Knox more than all the assembled armies of Europe.” Mary, Queen of Scots

 How do we know that our prayers have any influence where God is concerned? Well, for one thing He assures everyone that He hears our prayers when we call out to Him in truth. What does this mean? This word is often joined to other words in Scripture such as good and right. Why would God not listen to our prayers when we ask for things which are good and right and therefore true to His purposes. This is at least part of what Jesus was referring to when He told us to pray in His name--to ask for things He would be proud to represent to His Father for us.   

“The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth.” Ps.145.18 Conversations Within” ts 7/23/2018

There is no harm in asking, certainly where God is concerned.

If there is any one activity that should characterize our prayers it is simply that of asking. Every sentence in the Lord’s prayer is a request. After all, Jesus did say “Ask and you will receive.” We are pointedly told,  “You do not have, because you do not ask.” When in doubt, ask. When in need, ask, and we are always in need. We need God’s grace, God’s guidance. We need His protection and provision. Our need is as much in the asking as it is in what we are asking for. And when He answers, don’t forget to say “Thank you!” 

“For everyone who asks receives.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 7/22/2018

“If you propose to speak, always ask yourself, is it true, is it necessary, is it kind?” Buddha

How precious is the gift of speech. How precarious as well. The power to build up and tear down, to praise and to curse reside in that tiny muscle in our mouth.  The above quote is a good measure on whether we should open our mouth and let our words fly out into the world. Just because something is true does not mean it should be shared. Is it really necessary to say it and is it kind? How we say something can determine if it is a kindness or not.

"Speak the truth in love." Eph.4 Conversations Within” ts 7/21/2018

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” George Bernard Shaw

We should not assume that we understand what someone has said. We should clarify what we heard. We should not assume that people have understood what we are trying to say, we should clarify it. Clear communication is clarified communication. If you want your someone to know something or that you understand what they have said, leave no doubts. 

 “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” Prov.18.13 Conversations Within” ts 7/21/2018

“Say what you mean. Mean what you say.” Proverb

Keeping this bit of wisdom would cut out a great deal of speech simply because we all say things we do not mean. We especially do this when we are angry, or worried or “down and out.” We also make promises we do not keep. Better is a life of doing than talking about doing. Our speech should be a deliberate thing as should our manner of living.

 “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” Prov.17.28 Conversations Within” ts 7/20/2018

"90% of being married is just shouting "what" from other rooms.” Unknown

I can't hear you! My wife and I say this just about everyday. Talking room to room can be difficult. You have to shout, and repeat yourself most of the time. Finally we give up and do what we should have done in the first place and that is position ourselves to communicate effectively. Of course there is more to this than physical proximity. It takes sincere and purposeful energy to communicate when sharing matters of soul. Half-hearted communication is not really communicating. When we speak or listen do so face to face and heart to heart.

“The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” Exo.33.11 Conversations Within” ts 7/18/2018

"There should be no yelling in the home unless there is a fire." David O. McKay

Our tone and facial expressions often communicates louder than our words. How we say something is probably as important as what we say. The tone in our voice is its own communication. The tone we use says as much, if not more, than the words we choose. It is probably a good idea when speaking to people never to use a tone or a sentence that could end calling them or even implying the word “stupid.”

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Prov.15.1 Conversations Within” ts 7/17/2018

“What we have here is a failure to communicate.” Cool Hand Luke

Communication is vital to healthy relationships. It involves not only hearing what the other person is saying but also making sure they are hearing correctly what we are saying. Feedback is essential in this two way exchange. It may be wise to ask others what they think you are trying to say, or to repeat back to them what you think you heard them say. In any case we must often listen and speak on several frequencies at the same time --not just the words, but emotions and motives as well.

“Speak the truth in love.” Eph.4 Conversations Within” ts 7/16/2018

“The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy.” Meryl Streep

The power to feel another’s feelings means that no one needs to experience life alone. Compassion connects. Empathy empowers. Sharing is a fundamental part of love. We share life together. Love links us to one another in fellowship, family and community. 

“Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.” Rom.12.15 Conversations Within” ts 7/14/2018

Put yourself in their shoes.

I can relate. We say these words when we wake to an experience that someone else is having, and we feel what they are feeling. Relating this way can be a powerful motivation for compassion. We feel another's pain and we offer comfort. Such comfort may be a word of kindness, a hug, a blanket for a cold night, a meal shared with some hungry person. Compassion moves us not just to feel for them but to act for them. 

"If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” 1John 3.17 Conversations Within” ts 7/13/2018

Age carries some unique graces. Beyond just having more experience, the bumps and bruises of life tend to soften the rigidity of our response toward failure in others.

Compassion is often born in us from personal failures and nurtured by the mercies we’ve received. Failure in others is a wonderful opportunity to show compassion. Who hasn’t failed? Who doesn’t need mercy? Showing compassion can be particularly hard if someone has failed us. But this is one of the few times that looking back remembering our own failures can produce a positive influence on whether we show compassion or not.

“Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 7/12/2018

“Compassion is an action word with no boundaries.” Prince

 Everyone needs compassion simply because everyone has needs they are not able to fulfill. Be compassionate to the person in front of you. They may be out of sorts as we say, but we can sort out the best response that will encourage and help them. It is often negative minded people who need our compassion and positive energy the most. Do not abandon such people, but hold them with the grip of grace and overwhelm the darkness of their negative outlook with the light of positive love. 

“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 1Pet.3.9 Conversations Within” ts 7/11/2018

”Compassion is to look beyond your own pain, to see the pain of others.” Yasmin Mogahed

That person who was rude to you, or the one who cut you off in traffic, or who got up on the wrong side of the bed, the same bed you slept in, are probably all going through some emotional something. Sometimes the greatest hindrance to being compassionate is when we get so caught up in our own emotions that we are blind to the hurts others may be feeling. We must get over ourselves and get past our own feelings if we are to show love, understanding and compassion to them. 

“Turn the other cheek.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 7/10/2018

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” Dalai Lama

Compassion happens when our heart truly discerns suffering in others and moves us to respond with unconditioned kindness. To do this we must often look past our own feelings so we can bring into focus the feelings, not just the actions of others. Someone may lash out at me in anger; compassion looks past our own hurt, and sees the hurt in them that is tempting them to act the way they are and respond not in kind but in kindness. 

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Col.3.12  Conversations Within” ts 7/9/2018

“Have a balanced breakfast with complex carbohydrates, protein, and some fat preferably high in Omega-3s and with at least 5 grams of fiber.” (Internet suggested list of things to do everyday)

There are many suggested  lists on the internet of things we should do every day. All of them are generally health related. When we think in terms of health we usually think first of our physical health but we would do well to give attention to our emotional, mental and spiritual health as well. Do I have a healthy lifestyle? God’s wisdom inclines us to give some thought to what we do each day. Let us at least do that. Let us at least set aside time to consider, to think, to ponder, and plan a healthy day body soul and spirit.

 “Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.” Haggai 1.5  Conversations Within” ts 7/7/2018

“Look for something positive in each day even if some days you have to look a little harder.” Unknown

Gratitude is an adjustment in attitude as well as action, and we are wise to practice it everyday. We may have to change the way we see things to express it sincerely, but nothing is as powerful a grace as an authentically grateful and trusting heart. Set aside time every single day to give thanks for God’s blessings, even the ones that are disguised as hardship.

“In everything give thanks…” 1Thess.5.18 Conversations Within” ts 7/5/2018

“People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily. Zig Ziglar

I need forgiveness everyday. I need it from the people in my life; I need it from God. That is why I find it necessary and wholesome to confess and ask forgiveness of my personal offenses every day. Like a daily shower, God promises to forgive and cleanse us when we do. Confession is not just to clear the conscience, but to motivate us to follow through and seek to rid ourselves of the offenses we commit. Confessing our sins can provide us a good checklist for attitudes and actions that need changing every day.

“I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"; And You forgave the guilt of my sin.” Ps.32 Conversations Within” ts 7/4/2018

“The secret to your future is hidden in your daily routine.” Mike Murdock

Our routines express our values. We normally spend our time and energy on things that we value, what Jesus calls “treasure.”  He encourages us to invest our life in matters that have a lasting, even eternal value, and not on the temporal trinkets of this life. Is my treasure really a worthwhile treasure? Will the rewards be worth the time and energy I give to them everyday? Sometimes is it wise to sit back and reevaluate what we are doing with our time? 

“Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 7/4/2018

We’re gonna have to work at this everyday.”

Usually when we say or hear these words, a few things like relationships, or some healthy lifestyle change come to mind. Some things require daily attention if they are to bring us health and happiness.  It is wise to give thought to what these things are, and then give thought to when and how to do them each day. Someone said “plan to plan.” Include a reminder session everyday first thing in the morning and a review session before you retire at night. Work your garden and work it everyday.

“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek You.” Ps.63 Conversations Within” ts 7/3/2018

“What you do everyday matters more than what you do every once in a while.” Unknown

There are certain activities that I do every day. I read God’s word. I prayerfully reflect and write. I remind myself of who I am, and my purpose in life. I pray for others. I play. I listen to music. I enjoy a good meal. I spend time with my friends. I spend time in nature. Life is in many ways routine. The things we do every day, define us and determine the health of our body and soul.

“Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.” Ps.145.2 Conversations Within” ts 7/2/2018

"Allah says submit. Christ says decide.” Kingdom of Heaven

Choice is a precious gift. With it comes many possibilities, some good, some bad. With it also comes freedom and delights of choosing a loving relationship. There is no such thing as forced love. What a subtle but significant difference is reflected in a commandment and in an invitation. The relationship that God desires is more akin to a marriage than to indentured servitude. 

“Come to me...and I will give you rest”  Jesus Conversations Within” ts 6/30/2018

“When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.” Roy E. Disney

Our values are vital to our decision making process. Life presents us with many choices that produce inner conflict. We sometimes refer to them as temptations. We are given the opportunity to do something we might want to do but know we should not do it because it is not good for us. Well defined values practiced into habit and habit into character make it easier to resist such temptations.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1Cor.10.13 Conversations Within” ts 6/29/2018

“Good decisions come from experience, and experience comes from bad decisions.”

It is often said that we live and learn but this is not the best approach. Wisdom inclines us to learn and live. One does not have to put their hand on the stove to discover it will burn you. Many bumps and bruises can be avoided if we adopt a humble and teachable spirit and seek the wisdom that comes from listening to the Spirit of God. Decide to learn, then live.

“Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.
Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.”
Prov.4.5 Conversations Within” ts 6/27/2018

“Don’t make a permanent decision for your temporary emotion.” Unknown

Someone wisely said, “Your emotions are a gauge not a guide.” Feelings should follow, not lead. The reason is that our feelings can lead us to believe all sorts of things, many of which are simply not true. Emotional decisions many times will get us into trouble. Wisdom teaches us to use sober and sound thinking not our feelings to make good choices. The next time you are tempted to make an emotional decision, give pause to it, and think it through.

“He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But he who walks wisely will be delivered.” Prov.28.26 Conversations Within” ts 6/27/2018

“Life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make, makes you.” John Maxwell

Considering the sheer power of a single decision, you would think that we would give more thought to them. To go right, or go left, or to not go at all will lead us somewhere. But grace awaits us there if we look for it. Our next choice can powerfully express it. No matter how many bad decisions we have made, our next decision can be a good one, the right one. Make it! 

“Choose this day whom you will serve.” Josh.24  Conversations Within” ts 6/26/2018

Be happy! Choose the superior delights of joy.

We make hundreds of decisions every day. Our every choice expresses the simple desire to be happy. Everything we do, we do to further our happiness. The problem is that some things that we think will make us happy, wind up stealing it from us. Embrace the Spirit’s leading to make choices that bring a lasting, rather than temporal happiness. Such an approach highlights the difference between mere pleasure and joy. Pleasure may make us feel good, but may actually be bad for us. Joy will govern a desire for pleasure and keep it pleasurable.

“The fruit of the spirit is...joy” Gal.5.22 Conversations Within” ts 6/25/2018