When God loves, He loves forever.

None of this, “He loves me, He loves me not,” when we speak of God’s love. When Father sets His love on us, its for keeps, Its forever. This also means He is loving me right now. No matter what my circumstances, God promises to piece the details of this day into goodness when we choose to abide in His love. This does not mean that He won't love us if we don't, only that we will experience the benefits of His love when we do.

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jer.31.3 Conversations Within” ts 8/23/2019

”Don’t fall in love with someone who says the right things, but with someone who does the right things consistently.” Unknown

We often underestimate God, and this is certainly true where His love for us is concerned. We may think that God loves the way we love, so we question His love because we question our own. The truth is that God is very unlike us, and His love is a constant-not subject to fickle human emotions. Our Father’s love is more than the way He feels about us. His love is beneficial action.

“God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Num.23.19 Conversations Within” ts 8/22/2019

God is wooing us away from lesser loves.

The more confident I am of God’s love for me the more I realize the great delight of loving Him. The best gift that God can give us is the gift of Himself and a close second is our freedom to discover this. Fear and guilt can never compete with love. Love is the only mature motivation in any relationship.

“By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.” 1Jo.4 Conversations Within” ts 8/21/2019

“Winners forget they are in a race, they just love the run.” With Honors--the movie

I often condemn myself, at least with negative self talk. God doesn’t, He never does or ever will. The best news I have ever heard is that there is NO condemnation for those in Christ. As a matter of fact, because of Jesus, God offers an “A” for the course. He has made a gift out of what no one can earn. Now I am free to learn what it means to know my Creator and His intentions for me without any fear of condemnation. 

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” Rom. 8.1 Conversations Within” ts 8/20/2019

“All religions are the same: religion is basically guilt, with different holidays.” Kathy Ladman

Who doesn’t have guilty feelings? I feel guilty for not thinking or acting like I should. I feel guilty that I have not done enough. Heck, I feel guilty about feeling guilty. The thing is that guilt is not the kind of motivation God is looking for where positive change is concerned. Guilt is just wounded pride. God wants humility. God doesn’t want us to feel guilty, He wants us, with sober judgment, to see our need for change, and humbly ask His help to do so. 

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/19/2019

“God carries a picture of you in His wallet.” Steve Brown

Love is a personal thing. There are many reassurances of God’s love for us. When it says that, “God so loved the world…” anyone and everyone can take that to mean, “God so loved me.” So, what is included in that expression “so loved?” Well, He loves us so much that He made an arrangement with His Son to pay off our shortcomings so that He can justly forgive them, and infuse us with His own eternal life. The offer He makes with us is that we simply trust Him and accept the gift.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/18/2019

“Every little thing’s gonna be alright.” Bob Marley

It is not so much my love for God, but rather His love for me that shapes my confidence that “every little thing’s gonna be alright.”. God has a good record. He has proven Himself time and again to be worthy of our trust. But there is one very good reason why we can know that God will act favorably on our account. Let this one sink deep in your soul and know that all will be well.

“He who did not spare His own son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not also with Him freely give us all things.” "Conversations Within” ts 8/16/2019

The focus of our prayers should not be on what worries us, but on God who is able to deal with it.
A small dime held in front of your eye can block out the brilliance of the sun. Our worries, real or imagined, can block from our sight the power of God to address them. Our confidence in God is determined by how much we know and trust His love for us. God has declared His love and we should never question it, no matter what our circumstances or our shortcomings. Trust that God is not only love, but that He loves you and is mighty to save.

“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” Zech.3.17 "Conversations Within” ts 8/13/2019

“Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time.” Oswald Chambers

I depend on people in my life for a number of things and on the whole find them reliable. All of these people make mistakes, or have an off day, but I still rely on them. Why would I ever lack confidence in God? If I put faith in fickle humans, why would I ever doubt and infallible Father. It may be that we lack confidence because we wonder if we are worthy enough. The point is that God is faithful to keep His word because of His character, not ours. 

“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Jesus "Conversations Within” ts 8/12/2019

“Relax, I’ve got this.” God

There is no safer place to be than in God’s hands. I am convinced that God wants us to live confidently, not in fear or worry. Our confidence is in His commitment to us not necessarily in our commitment to Him. He knows what fickle people we are. He wants us to discover how faithful He is. 

“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Is.41.10 "Conversations Within” ts 8/11/2019

“Christ says, "Give me All. I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You.” C. S. Lewis

What Christ asks from us is very much a marriage. He asks from us the pledge of our life and offers the pledge of Himself to us. This joining, this “marriage” is why Christians are called the “Bride of Christ.” I gratefully acknowledge that I am the Lord’s, and overwhelmed by the promise that the Lord is mine. Think on it. It staggers the imagination to realize all that Christ is to us. Live with the confidence that a wife has in the love of her husband.

“For all things are yours...the world, or life, or death, or things present or things to come. For you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God! “ 1Cor.3.22 "Conversations Within” ts 8/10/2019

“Income tax has made more liars out of the American people than golf has.” Will Rogers

There is no doubt that Jesus supported the right of the government to tax its citizens. His world view is not bothered by the sense of responsibility that we owe to others. But what exactly do I owe? It seems logical that if God has given me life, then I owe Him my life. How then am I to give it to Him? He has asked that we offer Him love and service and has made it rather clear that we do that by loving and serving others.

"Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." Jesus  "Conversations Within” ts 8/10/2019

“You don’t throw a life away just because it’s banged up a little.” Chris Cooper (Seabiscuit-the movie)

Life beats us up at times and an important part of living it is recovery. Many events can knock us down: physical injury; emotional trauma; an illness; financial bankruptcy; drug addiction even the death of a loved one. Recovery can take a while, but it is essential that we get back up after being knocked down. It is also important to remember that help is available and to use it.

“Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit.” Ps.30 "Conversations Within” ts 8/8/2019

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” Mark Twain

It took a while, but I have come to understand that I was given the gift of life and the reason why belongs to the One who gave it to me. I belong to God and as such my daily purpose is to live for His enjoyment. To borrow and elevate a phrase; “I serve at the pleasure of THE PRESIDENT-the One who presides over all Creation. Here is life pure and simple; discover what pleases God and do it.

“You are not your own, you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” "Conversations Within” ts 8/7/2019

When a million years have passed, we will still be finding new ways to experience His love.

I am excited by the promise of living forever. This surely means that I better learn how to truly live today. What good is an eternal existence if it is not an eternal life? Life is so much more than mindless motion. The Creator whose name is “I Am” invites us to experience the joy of this moment. Do not wait for eternal life to begin one day. Embrace it this very moment by laying hold of everything God is for you right now.

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” Jesus "Conversations Within” ts 8/6/2019

“If you want to get warm you must stand near the fire: if you want to be wet you must get into the water. If you want joy, power, peace, eternal life, you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them.” C.S. Lewis

I would be a mess without the tender influences of God’s Spirit working in me. He is patiently teaching me the dance of life, to find the joy in each moment,  to enjoy goodness and to be useful to others. He leads me in paths of simplicity, and to live with gentle restraint. He stirs my heart away from judgment and wakes me instead to compassion. Where would I be and what would I be without His amazing companionship. Tohu va vohu!

“Apart from me you can do nothing.” Jesus "Conversations Within” ts 8/5/2019

“Life in every breath!” The Last Samurai

To live each day as if it were your last is not the same as living each day to the fullest. The first attitude may tempt us to grasp at life with a kind of gasping for your last breath panic before the air runs out. Lay hold of the joy that is found in the present moment and rest in the knowledge that in Christ there are more moments to come. Don’t live life as if today is your last day, it is not. It may be your last day here, but you will survive death. “Live in the light of eternity” as one person put it, and discover not only life but eternal life.

“I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus "Conversations Within” ts 8/4/2019

There is life, then there is life indeed. The difference is not only in duration but in emphasis.

Living “the life” is in God’s eyes not what we sometimes associate with it, like travel or days of sun and sand. I am privileged to do both of these, but God’s prescription for a life well lived is doing good, living generous, being useful to others and building community. That which is life indeed not only has value but lasting value. Invest your life in those things which will follow you into forever into the endless days of eternal life.

“storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.” 1Tim.6.19 "Conversations Within” ts 8/3/2019

“Pain is inevitable. Misery is optional.” Adage

Attitude is never more important than when dealing with the pains of life. A positive mindset, reflected in things like gratitude, or an enduring and overcoming spirit can determine if our pains cripple us or spur us to get our game face on. Abandon attitudes that lead to misery and refuse any temptation to ever feel sorry for yourself. Find joy in the struggle.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” James 1 "Conversations Within” ts 8/2/2019

What is there to do but stir my pains into all the other ingredients in this stew we call life.

We have all known physical and emotional pain. We should expect more of both. There is a unique kind of peace when we learn to accept, even embrace our various pains as a part of life in this place. I dare say that there is an opportunity for joy to be found in them as well. Make peace with your pains.  It is often true, “No pain, no gain,” even if we do not understand all the ins and outs of them.

“For the joy set before him, Christ endured the cross.” Heb.12.2. "Conversations Within” ts 8/1/2019

“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” C. S. Lewis

There is nothing quite like the feeling that something isn’t as it should be. We all know that something is amiss, not only in the world of suffering but in our on personal struggles. When something isn’t right we want to fix it, and that is an aspect of God's grace. We don’t go to the surgeon until we admit we need one. We don’t cry out for a lifeguard until we realize we are drowning. We don’t look to the Savior until we humbly confess that we need Him.

“Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Rom.10.13  "Conversations Within” ts 7/31/2019

“Oh Happy Day!” Edwin Hawkins

Am I supposed to hurt like this as soon as I get out of bed everyday? Many of my aging friends feel the same way. Pain is a daily reminder not only that I am growing older but that the world is not as God ultimately intends. I have every reason to smile when I focus on the simple fact that this is not my permanent home. Our life in this place is temporary. I may hurt now, but the healing dawns and that blessed hope of living without pain swells within.
  
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”” “ Rev.2.4 "Conversations Within” ts 7/30/2019

“Pain is your friend.” Dr. James Farrington.

Without pain we wouldn't know the stove was burning our hand until the burn was severe. Pain beneficially helps us to avoid greater injury, or repeating actions that may hurt us. It tells us when we need medical attention and where the problem is. There is great value in pain. This is of course true as much with emotional pain as it is with the physical kind. Negative consequences are one of God’s ways of instructing us in wise living. Give an appreciative nod to God when some action causes you pain, then learn from it.

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Heb.12.11 "Conversations Within” ts 7/29/2019

Pain, all pain, is a part of life; get used to it.

If you have ever had a toothache, then you know there is no pain quite like it. I vividly remember several nights of agony trying to cope. The pain was so excruciating I asked God how He could conceive of something that horrible, and include it in the blueprint of Creation. Don't get me wrong, I know the value of pain when it tells us something is wrong and needs attention, but does the pain ever need to be that bad? Well, evidently so. Why waste time trying to figure out why, just deal with it as best as you can.

"Man is also chastened with pain on his bed, And with strong pain in many of his bones.” Job 33 "Conversations Within” ts 7/28/2019

“What we have here is a failure to communicate.” Cool Hand Luke (the movie)

“We are not communicating.” My wife and I say this frequently and usually with frustration. A good bit of the time it is simply because one of us is doing something and is distracted when the other is speaking. Good communication requires that we pay good attention. It is important to speak clearly and just as important to listen well. It helps when we give people our full attention when we listen to them, and patiently make sure we have it when we talk. This works for prayer as well.

“Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.” 1Sam.3 "Conversations Within” ts 7/27/2019

“Trust is the most important part of a relationship, closely followed by communication.” Vanessa Lachey

Without trust, communication is lost in the static of any doubt others may have about us. This pretty much means that we must gain someone’s trust before they will put any faith in what we are saying. This happens when others see that what we say and what we do match up, and they see it not once or twice but over time. This would suggest that we should principally speak with our actions not our words. Powerful and influential words come from the powerful practice of the truths they represent.

“Speak the truth in love.” Conversations Within” ts 7/25/2019