“There is but one good; that is God. Everything else is good when it looks to Him and bad when it turns from Him.” C.S. Lewis

Each of us have attitudes, desires, and feelings. It would be a mistake to say that we should not let any one of these influence our choices if they are in line with what is good. We are a mix of them all. It is how we measure goodness that counts. We cannot use happiness alone as the measure, because people find happiness in bad stuff all the time. Jesus teaches us that God is wholly good and therefore places value only in goodness. Here is where faith comes into play. Learn to trust what God values which if we are honest, is many times contrary to what we value.

“No one is good except God alone.”  Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 5/25/2019

When you don’t like someone, just love them.

Liking is a feeling. Loving is an action. We do not necessarily need to like someone before we can actually love them and do what is best for them. Of course, sometimes the best thing we can do for someone may just be to slap them upside the head with rebuke. It is probably best for us, if we don’t enjoy doing so.

"Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” Prov.27.26 “Conversations Within” ts 5/24/2019

“If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.” Unknown

Having a plan can be a wise approach to a productive day, but insisting on it without a certain spiritual sensitivity can be very unproductive. We all need a humble approach to living life, one that desires and submits to God’s leading. Make plans, but be willing for the Lord to tweak them, and send you off in a completely new direction.

“The human mind may devise many plans, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established.”  Proverbs 19:21 “Conversations Within” ts 5/23/2019

It is one thing to live “in” the moment and another to live “for” the moment. The first is perfect focus, the latter is a kind of nearsightedness--the inability to see beyond present desires.

There are times when the best use of the present moment is to prepare for a future one. The future does not have to compete with our present focus, indeed a desirable future should direct it. Lasting joy, lasting happiness is surely a better goal than any temporary fix we might surrender to. Make decisions in this moment that will promote health and happiness in the next.

"Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit.” Jesus  “Conversations Within” ts 5/22/2019

Mantra in the moment.

I belong to God. He has adopted me into His family. I accept the forgiveness He offers in Christ. I also accept His invitation to join Him in the joys of the present moment. One joy is the knowledge that my life is in His tender hands and that nothing can separate me from His love. I choose now to wake wholeheartedly to this moment with gratefulness.  Every sight, every sound, every sense physical and spiritual is my opportunity to taste the deliciousness of the life He offers.

“Come and dine.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 5/21/2019

There are times when we ask God for what is needed and He answers by waking us to the reality that He has already provided it.

More and more I realize that the focus of my prayers is on some something in the future when the answer is to change my focus and be where I am in the present moment. As I sit here, I realize that I have everything I need. I may need something tomorrow, or the next day, but right now, all is provided. Perhaps I need to wake to right now and not be concerned about tomorrow.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 5/20/2019

“Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one.” Hans Selye

When I was in high school I did not enjoy running cross countries during PE; I dreaded it. I find it interesting that as I have aged, I regularly exercise, I even seek to put it in my daily routine. What changed is my attitude about the value of activities that require physical effort. Attitude may be the single most important factor that determines the choices we make each day. Attitude itself is a choice and a good attitude has trained one to value what is wholesome and brings lasting happiness.

“I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me...Let those of us who are mature adopt this attitude.” Phil.3 “Conversations Within” ts 5/16/2019

Don’t wear yourself out, not with worry, not with work, not with anything this world has to offer.

Live with ease by living one moment at a time. Focus on matters that matter and at the end of the day we can live in the satisfaction of a life of lasting value. What we do each day should nurture our life, not wear us down. How we do what we do is equally important. Do good work by working wisely and with ease.

“My food is to do the will of the One who sent me and to accomplish his work.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 5/15/2019

“Learn to appreciate difficult days.” Unknown

I have come to believe that the enjoyment of life is one of the goals that God has for us each day. I am glad that my Father wants me to enjoy life. Of course this does not mean that our life will be free from difficulties. God wants us to embrace and appreciate them. Why? Experience teaches us that difficult days are growing days. Learn to put as smile on your face with faced with difficulty because doing so will develop more than just facial muscles.

“Count it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” James 1.2   “Conversations Within” ts 5/15/2019

“When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.” Peter Marshall

In His wisdom God has declared the value of hardship and has woven it into the natural world. Gravity works against us, and at the same time works in our favor. Without weight resistance, our strength and health will fail. We need such pressures on us to grow strong, and to keep us strong. Do not seek a life free from natural pressures and difficulties, but seek to appreciate and nurture physical and spiritual strength using them.

“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?” Heb.12.7 “Conversations Within” ts 5/14/2019

“Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s all small stuff.” Richard Carlson

It is clear that God does not want us to worry, or be stressed out about anything big or small. This is good news. Who wants a stressed life? It is healthy to remind ourselves that not only do we want a life free from stress, God also want this for us. This means when we are stressed, it is not so much the circumstances as it is our response to them that needs attention. Stress isn’t so much about what is going on around us, but in us.

“Do not be anxious about anything…” Phil.4.6  “Conversations Within” ts 5/13/2019

“Take it easy. Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy” The Eagles

Learning to “take it easy” is a wise approach to living life. Why stress over anything? Take life as it comes, and take it with ease. Consider a few ways this has been expressed. “No worries.” “Every little things gonna be alright.” How do we know everything will be OK? We can adopt a laid back approach because we have laid our burdens down at the feet of Christ.

“My yoke is easy…” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 5/12/2019

“The trick is growing up without growing old.” Casey Stengel

Nurture a childlike enthusiasm for life, but don’t act childish about life’s disappointments. Life is full of them, and our attitude about them should be mature enough to face each day despite them. We can be old enough to wisely deal with the aches and pains of life, and young enough to keep going outside to play.

"You will come to the grave in full vigor, Like the stacking of grain in its season.” Job 5.26 “Conversations Within” ts 5/11/2019

“It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams.” Gabriel García Márquez

If you are able to get out of bed, do so. What is there for each of us except to live with lasting purpose until God comes for us one way or the other. It dawns on me, that if I am able to rise, I can always rise to enjoy all that God is for me. I can always be thankful, and put my heart into what I am doing. I can always love and serve the people in my life. I can always pursue life simply, modestly, and with a gentle and humble heart. Make sure your life’s purpose will out live your physical health.

“This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord…” Eph.3.11 “Conversations Within” ts 5/10/2019

“Don't grow up! It's a trap.” Jonah Lake

I can think of many good reasons why Jesus told us that we must become as little children to enter His kingdom. Children put simple faith in their parents, and childlike trust is all that God asks from us. Children live with enthusiasm, live curious, and never stop asking questions and exploring. But the one quality that Jesus highlighted is the simple humility expressed when children do as they are told, and likewise when we submit to God’s directions.

“Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven…” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 5/9/2019

I may not be able to live my life with no regrets, but I can try to live today without any.

Bring it home, bring it home to now. What a gift that God grants to us in our simple choices. Always choose joy. Choose it now, choose it every time a new choice is offered. I have known the sorrow of regret. Everyone of us can know the joy of making the "next right decision". We have all done it wrong. Decide right now to do it right and keep heading in the same direction.

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret…” 2Cor.7.10  “Conversations Within” ts 5/8/2019

How far do your dreams reach?

I am beginning to understand that eternal life does not begin after I leave this life. It began the moment I was joined to Christ--an experience I am still seeking to understand. One daily activity that brings it closer to home is when I follow His lead, and die daily to a self centered life and rise daily to a God centered one.  Every day is both a kind of death and resurrection, and just one more day that touches eternity.

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Jesus  “Conversations Within” ts 5/7/2019

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

Don’t act your age, act in keeping with your heart. Now is the time. Live life now. Every moment will pass into the next. Everyday of an eternal life is inseparably connected to this day, this moment. Do not let this moment, any moment pass you as a spectator; join in the dance and accept God’s invitation to live fully in it. “Carpe deum, seize the day.”

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2Cor.4.16 “Conversations Within” ts 5/6/2019

Why we talk with God about God.

There are at least two good reasons why a person would talk with God about God. Sometimes we express spontaneous adoration, like when we tell a spouse or a friend that we appreciate some quality that they possess. It is wonderful to be captured by beauty, and more so when we trace it back to the reality which created it. Other times when we talk with God about God we are  reminding our heart of what we believe about Him and what we can expect from Him.

“For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.” Ps.86.5  “Conversations Within” ts 5/3/2019

“Say your prayers and take your vitamins and you will never go wrong.” Hulk Hogan

Some activities are unquestionably good for us. Healthy relationships are a good example and what we do to maintain health in them is why they have such important value to each of us. Sometimes we put these relationships on autopilot and just go through certain motions to maintain them; but on the whole it is wise to give personal attention and concerted effort to them on a consistent basis.

“God, you are my God. I will earnestly seek you.” Ps.63.1 “Conversations Within” ts 5/2/2019

You don't have to understand how a car works to drive it, nor do you have to understand how prayer works to say your prayers.

Someone wisely said, “If your child asks you what time it is, don’t tell them how to build a watch.” In other words, the simple answer is better than a complex one. I think the same is true where prayer is concerned. Approach God straightforward as a trusting child and keep it simple. Tell Him what you want, and trust His wisdom to sort it out. Place your concerns not only in His hands, but also trust His heart.

“Cast all your care on Him because He cares for you.” 1Pet.5.7 “Conversations Within” ts 5/2/2019

Sometimes God may send you to answer your own prayers.

We do well to remember, that God will sometimes send us on a errand of service in response to what we have asked Him to do for others. Prayer after all, is a two way street. I remember once praying for a missionary friend and asked Father to provide for her financial needs. He immediately replied back, “Sure, send her a check.”

“Give and it will be given unto you.” Jesus  “Conversations Within” ts 5/1/2019

“One of the best things we can do for anyone is to speak to God on their behalf.” Unknown

If Jesus told us to pray for others, we can be certain that doing so will make a positive difference in their lives and in our own. Jesus repeatedly invites us to taste the pure joy of loving and serving and the absolute impossibility of bringing refreshment to others without it splashing over on us. What better way to serve someone than to draw blessings from the well of God’s grace and wisdom with our prayers.

“...and pray one for another…” James 5.16 “Conversations Within” ts 4/30/2019

Don’t forget to say your prayers.

It is said that C.S.Lewis knelt beside his bed every night, just like a child,  to say his prayers. There are some habits that we should never grow out of and truthfully, we should only grow deeper into them as we get older. Bedtime prayers are one of them. What better way the close out the day than to speak with God. In is said that Daniel set aside three times a day to pray. Whatever rhythm we choose, speak often with the One “from whom all blessing flow.”

“I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers.” Philemon 4 “Conversations Within” ts 4/29/2019

Live humbly, simply, and in the peace of a gentle and quiet spirit.

Humility often begins with an honest appraisal of one’s personal shortcomings. But if we are not careful, we can get stuck on feelings of personal shame and never truly repent and do something about them. Take your sins to the cross, ask for and accept God’s forgiveness, then move forward in the wonderful peace that comes on the path of submission to His will. To sit in shame is just another expression of a self-centered focus and wounded pride. Mourn your sins, but forsake them not bake them in the oven of your hurt pride.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit...those who mourn...the meek--the broken.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 4/27/2019

“Accept what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be.” Unknown

Gentle hearts do not inwardly fight against what God is allowing to come their way; they learn from it. Hard times are like the goads that farmers of old used to prick the sides of an ox to guide them while plowing a field. In the same way, God uses such times to instruct us in spiritual maturity. Don’t fight what is. Change what is in your power to change if it needs changing, and trust God with the rest. By all means learn the value of God’s discipline.

“It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” Jesus to Paul on His Damascus Road deliverance. “Conversations Within” ts 4/26/2019

“Carve upon the contours of my heart the forbearance of your love, for it in only your love that I seek, nothing else.” Farhan Shabir

Gentleness is often expressed in forbearance. In other words, it puts up with a lot where circumstances and people are concerned. Such forbearance is properly embraced with people because of  compassion and humility. To put up with others for any other reason may sow seed of bitterness and resentment in our heart. Forbearance looks to God to make the final decision on all matters.

“Let your forbearance be made known to all men. The Lord is near.” Phil.4.5 “Conversations Within” ts 4/25/2019