“365 new days. 365 new excuses.” Instagram Post

 If my pattern holds, I will make efforts this year to improve various areas in my life and at the end of the year, I will fall short on many of them. No matter, I will still try to cooperate with the Spirit that lives in me as He encourages me to experience the life that Christ offers. This can only be done one step at a time. When you come to grips with being a sinner you don’t need an excuse to fail, to know you will. Thank God for His patient and tenacious commitment to our best life.  

“Keep in step with the Spirit.” Gal.5 Conversations Within” ts 1/1/2021

“10 p.m. is the new midnight.” Instagram Post

 It doesn’t bother me that I rarely bring in the new year, Well, I don’t bring it in awake. Somethings don’t require any effort on my part to occur, The passage of time is one of them. What does require my effort is to value the time given me, and to make the most of it. Sometimes the best use of our time is to get a good night’s sleep. Another is to go with the flow and let things run their course. God is working even when He asks us to take it easy and simply trust.  

“He gives to His beloved even in their sleep.” Ps.127.2 Conversations Within” ts 12/21/2020

"I can’t believe it’s been a year since I didn’t become a better person.” Instagram

I am still a sinner. You would think that after all this time, I would have learned to better tame my tongue, control my thoughts, and put away every unhealthy habit. I still struggle with being self-centered, judgmental, and fall short of loving others as I should. I still worry, and fail to trust God when I know He has never once failed me. Yep, another year and I still need God’s forgiveness and the grace He offers in Christ.  

“If we confess our sins He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleans us from all unrighteousness. 1Jo.1.9 Conversations Within” ts 12/20/2020

”New year, same me.” Instagram Post

 I have a tee shirt given to me by my daughters that says, “Same shirt...different day.” I can get comfortable wearing the same clothing day after day. I have also entered a new year dressed in some of the bad habits of the old. Change is not only hard, sometimes it is slow, and If I am honest, it is too slow. It is easy to dally or procrastinate about bad habits that need to be abandoned and new habits that need to be embraced. Lord help me put on my game face and stop playing around with change.  

“…put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Eph.4 Conversations Within” ts 12/19/2020

“Here's to whatever comes next.” Instagram post

Learning to accept the unpleasant unexpected, stuff that will come our way this next year, is a good step toward dealing with them effectively.  Whatever pops up, rise up a deal with it, don’t fuss or fret over it, fix it. Do it calmly, without complaint, and as my generation is so fond of saying, “Keep your cool.”  

“Do not worry about tomorrow…” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/19/2020

“Is only 364 days until Christmas!” Elf

Looking forward to something, especially something that we have already shared and want to share again, highlights the value of sharing itself. Spend as much time as you can being a witness to the people in your life and include them as a witness to your own. There is a Swedish proverb that says, ``Shared joy is doubled the joy.” 

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/18/2020

Christmas is a celebration of gift giving. Let the celebrations begin! Let the celebrations continue.

What better way to view our lives than as a gift we give in service to others. Position yourself in people’s lives so they may open this gift every time they interact with you. Let them open the present of your presence when you walk into the room. How precious that Jesus is God’s present to us. To see Christ in this light dispels the darkness of all superstition and fear where God is concerned.  

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift” 2Cor.9.17 Conversations Within” ts 11/29/2017

“Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.” Dale Evans Rodgers

When you think about it, it astounds me that people around the world give presents to each other in celebration of the birthday of Jesus. To have lived such a life, one that inspires people everywhere to show love and kindness on your birthday is truly remarkable. What an impact Jesus has made on our world. Of course the same cannot always be said of His followers. I need to remember that any time I represent Him, it should leave His same sweet fragrance in the air.  

“For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” 2Cor.2.15 Conversations Within” ts 12/14/2020

“Merry Christmas, Ya filthy animal.” Home Alone (the Movie)

We love decorating for Christmas. Even on the boat we have lights going around the life lines and up the mast. We string Christmas lights because Christ is the light of the world. The light shines in the darkness, my darkness, the darkness of my shortcomings. To admit this is our first step into His light.  

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” Eph.5.8 Conversations Within” ts 12/15/2020

“This is the message of Christmas. We are never alone.” Taylor Caldwell

It is possible to “feel” alone even sitting on a crowded bus. Someone can “feel” alone even though God's presence is all around them. Christmas is for many, a season that intensifies these feelings of loneliness. Lord help us feel compassion and connect with the lonely. May your Spirit in us encourage and enable them to connect with You. No one should live life alone, and especially at Christmas. 

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” Mat.1.23 Conversations Within” ts 12/17/2020

The hope of Heaven is not about a place we are going so much as it is about someone we are becoming.

It is easy to fall into the trap of focusing our energy on “believing” certain doctrines as a measure of what it means to be a Christian, rather than cooperation with the Spirit of Christ to be transformed into a new creature. The focus of Christ is to secure both a means for our forgiveness and at the same time transform us into little versions of Himself. This is accomplished not so much by following a set of rules as it is by a spiritual union of our soul to His. What is this like? We can invite Him into our heart and see. 

 “The Kingdom of Heaven is within you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/29/2017

How to keep your focus?

Everything that happens in our day is not necessarily a distraction, but an opportunity to help us keep our focus. In other words if I want my focus to be living a life of faith expressing Christian love, I can use whatever is in front of me to do just that. For example, if the phone rings, I can look for ways to express beneficial love to the person on the other end. I can not only create my do list each day, I can also measure the way I will complete it through the lens of love. I can even weed activities that do not allow these expressions.  

 “Abide in me.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/10/2020

“Focus is about saying No.” Steve Jobs

 Sometimes we have to break our focus in order to focus on what really matters. Anybody who has gotten their feelings hurt, knows how hard it is to let it go. This kind of focus can be unhealthy. It is wise to learn how to break our focus away from unhealthy things, like anger, worry, and despair so we can focus on what is good, right and true. 

 “For the grace of God...teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” Titus 2 Conversations Within” ts 12/9/2020

“Always remember, your focus determines your reality.” George Lucas

 Focus is important to me. Experience has taught me that when I focus on the distractions of this world rather than on the reality of God’s word, I have no inner peace, I lose my direction, and my emotions cloud my ability to reason. Like the hub of a wheel, if my center is out of center, my life will wobble. We were innately designed to trust God’s word above all things. To miss this is to miss out.  

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Ps.20.7 Conversations Within” ts 12/8/2020

“You keep putting one foot in front of another and one day you will look back and see you climbed a mountain.” Anonymous

The statement above is true enough, unless, of course, you’re walking in the wrong direction. If we are going to persevere and keep our focus, let us make sure that our focus will take us somewhere we want to wind up. Many hard headed people have lost out on valuable relationships simply because they held onto unhealthy notions, attitudes and actions. Keep on keeping on but make certain you are keeping that which is good.  

“A person who hardens their neck after much reproof will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.” Prov. 29.1 Conversations Within” ts 12/7/2020

“The real labor is to remember, to attend … in fact to come awake. Still more, to remain awake.” C.S. Lewis

Finding life’s center only begins the journey; staying centered will lead us to complete it. Once we find our focus, the next skill is to keep it. It is only by relentlessly keeping that focus that any real progress is made. Once we wake to that “One thing,” God requires from us, the real task is to remain awake. It is not how we begin but how we end that matters.  

"No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/6/2020

“If you think of this world as a place intended simply for our happiness, you find it quite intolerable: think of it as a place of training and correction and it’s not so bad.” C. S. Lewis

Like a good many people my age, I have my pains, but I also have much to be grateful about. Even now, my back has its morning stiffness, but I am grateful that an electric massager is kneading and relaxing my muscles while I reflect. We live in good days. These pains also remind me that this place is not home. We are all passing through. Unlike this place, the new Heaven and new Earth will be in perfect sync with God’s will, and so all that is out of place here will be healed there.  

“...nor pain anymore...” Rev.21 Conversations Within” ts 12/4/2020

“Be unstoppable! The art of never giving up.” Bethany Hamilton

 When we choose by grace and a determined force of will to “keep on keeping on” when we know our goal has lasting value, we mature the decision to live life from within. It is a worthwhile goal to be complete--to join what we know is good with what we do, and to feel good about it. Every choice is an opportunity to further the quest of spiritual maturity.  

“Let endurance have its perfect work that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1.4 Conversations Within” ts 12/3/2020

“Improvise! Adapt! Overcome!” Clint Eastwood (Heartbreak Ridge)

The good fight often begins with our attitude. Once we have won that battle, we can be sure the whatever fight we are in will be a good one. An “I can do this” attitude enables us to figure it out, instead of figuring on failing. A winning attitude will motivate us to adapt and change what is necessary to get it done. Do not let life worries weigh you down, rise up and overcome.   

“Fight the good fight.” Conversations Within” ts 12/3/2020

An overcoming attitude can turn every aspect of life into an adventure.

 I remember getting out of bed one morning, and just like that, my back went out and I went to the floor. We cancelled our plans for the day and my precious wife and I spent the next several hours figuring out how we could get me off the floor on to the couch. We laughed about it, and I screamed out loud, more than a few times, but on the whole we had a good adventure. Attitude is so powerful it can help one laugh even in pain.  

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.” Rom.15.5 Conversations Within” ts 12/2/2020

Response to PAIN--Positive Attitude in Negative Situations

Learning to live with pain seems to be a skill we must inevitably acquire. Like other life challenges, our attitude can determine our success or failure. A positive attitude may not take the pain away, but it can help us nurture a healthy response to it, and even enable us to bear it with a smile. Someone wisely said, “Keep looking up... that’s the secret of life.”  

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Conversations Within” ts 12/1/2020 

I have played hard and now age is playing hard on me.

I love to play. I do not enjoy the pain that often comes afterward, but I am learning to embrace it as part of living life in a fallen world. I also appreciate that an active life is healthy and though I may hurt afterward, it is worth the price. One thing I do not want to do is make my pains worse by complaining about them. Smile and bear it, bear it and smile. The same soil that yields the fruit of pain also yields the fruit of health.  There is grace expressed in this prescription. 

“We reap what we sow.” Gal.6 Conversations Within” ts 11/30/2020

“I am having a good day!” Meme

 A good day begins with a good attitude joined to an active faith. Set the tone of the day first thing in the morning by rejecting everything negative, and do so by embracing and enjoying every blessing that comes from God’s gracious hands. Live as a citizen of Glory. Every spiritual blessing in Glory is already yours.  

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Heavenly places.” Eph.1.3 Conversations Within” ts 11/28/2020

“How to be happy? Decide every morning that you are in a good mood.” Meme

I wonder how many choices I make that are based on the moon I am in. I would hope that I am learning to make my mood a mute point in my decision making. Make your mood follow your choices and make your choices conform to the demands of love and goodness. Good choices will make for a good mood.  

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved.” 2Tim.2.15 Conversations Within” ts 11/27/2020

"When someone bases their life on principle, 99 percent of their decisions are already made." Anonymous

 To question our choices can be wise, but as wisely suggested, “not making a choice is a choice.” And, there are times when doing this is unwise. Decisions need to be made, hopefully not from fear or any negative emotion. Our choices should reflect our understanding of what is good, right and true. Praise be, help is offered.  “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.30.21 Conversations Within” ts 11/26/2020

FOMO

I learned a new word this week-- FOMO, the fear of missing out. I would have to say that this fear sometimes gets the best of me.  I find it difficult to choose between several options. I second guess myself, and wonder if I make this choice, would another choice have been better. Talk about trying to decide what’s for dinner, or where to surf, not to mention life’s bigger choices. The simple truth is that the best choice may be the one we learn to live with.  

“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Phil.4.11 Conversations Within” ts 11/25/2020

“Don’t find fault, find a remedy.” Henry Ford

 When something goes wrong a self-centered person will often try and blame someone. Fixing blame won’t fix the problem. Someone has wisely said that we should not be concerned with who is right and who is wrong but what is right, and what is wrong. Do not waste energy pointing the finger of blame, just do what needs to be done to right it.  

“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/19/2020

"Purity of heart is to will one thing." Søren Kierkegaard"

There are many desires in my life that remain unrealized. Like most, I want a healthier waistline. I desire a greater control over which thoughts occupy my mind. I want the pure heart Jesus described. When I am honest with myself, I realize that my heart is divided between what I want and what I really want. Lord I ask you to flush out my impure heart and rinse my soul with the grace of your love and goodness.  

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jer.29.13 Conversations Within” ts 11/17/2020

”My religion is kindness.” Dalai Lama

 I am not one to place stock in religion. I say this because I prefer to view my interactions with God as a relationship not a religion. Having said this, I understand that in any healthy relationship there are actions that one practices religiously--with conscientious regularity. I religiously tell my spouse that I love her. There are many wonderful actions that we can religiously practice, and kindness is surely one of them.  

“Love is kind.” 1Cor.13 Conversations Within” ts 11/18/2020

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." William Arthur Ward

 Did I ever tell you how grateful I am for you? Yes I am talking to you if you are reading this. I am grateful that you are a witness to my life. I am thankful for the privilege to be a witness to yours. We share posts, pictures and prayer request of good, even bad days. There is so much beauty in my life because we do. Let me say it, “Thank you!” I can't say it enough. You are one of the reasons for the joy in my life. Father, thank you for the blessings of family and  friendship.  

"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God." Phil.1.3 Conversations Within” ts 11/24/2020

“Did you take your medicine today?”

At first glance it might appear that saying thank you is only a gift we return to others for some benefit they have given to us. The simple truth is that we do ourselves a good turn as well when we make gratitude a regular part of our interactions with others. There are a number of medical studies that conclude that happy and grateful people live longer and experience better health than those who are unhappy and ungrateful. 

“A joyful heart is good medicine.” Prov.17.22 Conversations Within” ts 11/24/2020

Most of us are grateful when we think about it; the trouble is that we probably don’t think about it enough.

I think it is a good practice to pause and give thanks before we eat a meal, not only to remind ourselves of all we have to be grateful for, but to nurture a grateful spirit. A grateful heart is one of those things that promotes nothing but goodness, and the rhythm of saying, “Grace,” returns  grace, because it stirs joy in us and then back to us.   

“Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Ps.100 Conversations Within” ts 11/24/2020

“When in doubt don’t.” Adage

I try to practice this adage when making decisions. The problem is that I am one to always question myself, so I can find reasons to doubt every decision. Another adage I like is, “Live decisively.” I believe that the wisdom that comes from above can join being cautious and being decisive together so that our actions do not cripple us, but enable us to live with confident joy. 

“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” Ecc.11.4  Conversations Within” ts 11/16/2020

“I believe in one less god than you do.” (speaking with an atheist)

 I have often said that we should make room for the doubts of others because God certainly does. Why should I insist that people move at the same pace, or be on the same page I am where God is concerned? God has done nothing but help me move through my doubts into faith. Don't shove religion on people, and humbly give people room to express their doubts.  

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Heb.11.6 Conversations Within” ts 11/15/2020

“Jesus is the politics of the new age, he is about the establishment of a kingdom…” Stanley Hauerwas

The politics of Jesus, if any, might be summarized by His encouragement that when we pray we say to the Father, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” Jesus spoke often of seeking God’s will and doing it. Perhaps the “one thing” that matters in any and every circumstance is knowing what God wants from us and humbly ask Him for His grace to do it. The Kingdom of God comes to earth first in my own heart.  

“Only one thing is necessary.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/13/2020

“How do you keep a wave upon the sand?” The Sound of Music

 There are matters in this universe that will simply have their way. There will always be cause and effect. It is what it is. I find great comfort knowing that even though I cannot grasp the wind in my hand or control the path of a storm, or a million other natural wonders, My Father oversees them all. Everything works His magic, which means I can trust that no matter what the cause, He will rule the final word in how it affects.  

“You rule the swelling of the sea; When its waves rise, You still them.” Ps.89.9 Conversations Within” ts 11/12/2020

Have I ever failed to answer you?

It dawns on me that I have never once asked God for something when I did not get an answer. He has not always given me what I asked for, but He has always answered. Reviewing this has left me with the strong impression that I have not asked nearly enough. I fear that so many things have escaped the influences of my prayers and His gracious offer to answer them.  

“Call to me and I will answer…” Jer.33.3 Conversations Within” ts 11/11/2020

“God cannot pour riches into hands already full.” Martha Snell

It astounds me to realize that I can harden my heart to God’s grace and doing so, wind up missing out on His intended blessings. It is rather clear that our Father does not force us to follow Him. I think it is also rather clear that anytime I convince myself that I  do not need God’s help, and try to go it alone, I fall flat on my face. Grace is there for the talking, take it, use it, enjoy it.  

“I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!" Gal.2.21 Conversations Within” ts 11/10/2020

“Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace.” Jerry Bridges

It’s all grace. We are surrounded by it every single day. Every urge we have for goodness, for positive change, to forgive someone, to keep our words in check, to hold our temper, or express kindness comes from God’s sweet grace working in us. Appropriate it, give thanks for it, and cooperate with it.  

“But by the grace of God I am what I am,” 1Cor.15.10 Conversations Within” ts 11/9/2020

“For grace is given not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them.” St. Augustine

It’s all grace where my life with God is concerned. I have no personal footing to stand on that merits His favor. What I cannot do, He has done in Jesus. Every good thing that I am able to do is a reflection of this. I am not earning a place in Heaven when I do something good. Eternal life is His gift to all who look to Christ. Doing good works like love is its own reward.  

“For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Conversations Within” ts 11/8/2020

“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” Meister Eckhart

 There are others prayers than giving thanks, but giving thanks can express them all. What  I mean is that we can ask God for something and actually thank Him before He answers. What better way to express faith and confidence in His goodness. 

 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1Thess.5  Conversations Within” ts 11/6/2020 

“We should never say, ‘All we can do is pray, like looking to God is our last desperate measure.

People who practice prayer know it is never the last thing we do, but have made it the first habit. This does not mean that we do not do what we are able to do and should do. Prayer is where we find the wisdom in what we should do and the very strength to do it. Prayer can also be proactive and head things off before there is a crisis. Pray! 

“Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/5/2020

“I’d rather pray sitting in a crowded train than to put it off till midnight when...one’s mind partly in a stupor and partly in a whirl.” C.S.Lewis

When is the best time to pray? The answer may very well be whenever someone or something comes to mind. God may be bringing them to our mind simply for that very purpose. There is nothing wrong with having a time and place set to pray, but why not pray sitting at a red light, or in line shopping. I am confident it would be time better spent than looking at our smartphones.

“I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers,” Phil.1 Conversations Within” ts 11/4/2020

“If you see me talking to myself, I am having a staff meeting.” Meme

I sincerely desire that my daily schedule grow out of my intercessions for others. What I am saying is that what we do everyday, can grow out of insights we gain from our prayers for others. Speak often with God for the people in your life. Then follow up by doing what He instructs you to do for them. Praying consistently for them is a good place to start.  

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.” 2Tim.2.1 Conversations Within” ts 11/3/2020

“Be faithful in small things for it is in them your strength lies.” Mother Teresa

 A father will often ask his children to responsibly take out the trash every day before he entrusts the family car to them for the weekend. Faithfulness in small matters is the dress rehearsal for it in matters of greater importance. Say your prayers. Keep watch over your thoughts and words. Whatever God has entrusted to you, do your best with it. 

 ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/2/2020

The relationship that God desires is more akin to the delights of a marriage than to some indentured servitude.

Do I see myself as one engaged to Christ? Am I off the market as we say about an engaged person. Fidelity to Christ is what the good ole fashioned word “holiness” means. This means that I will not give a second thought about anything that betrays the commitment that I belong to the Lord--not in thought, word or deed.  

“And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy.” Hos.2.19 Conversations Within” ts 11/1/2020 

“The words you speak become the house you live in.” Hafiz

 Do we have the power to create our reality with our words? Consider the person who says, “I can,” and the one who says, “I can’t.” How about someone who says, “I’m having a good day, and one who says the opposite.” There is certainly power in our words and often the kind of day we are having is greatly influenced by them. 

"Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/30/2020

“The policy of being too cautious is the greatest risk of all.” Jawlaharlal Nehru

 There is a time to watch and wait. There is also a time to act. It is important to act with caution but it is also important to act. Wisdom knows when to do what. The good news is that wisdom is not only gained from the trial and error of experience, but from humbly asking for it from our Heavenly Father. He promises to give it when we ask. Go ahead and ask. Act at lease on that.  

“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” Ecc.11.4 Conversations Within” ts 10/29/2020

“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” D'Angelo

 The promise of Jesus of an abundant life is not conditioned on the kind of weather we are having. What I am suggesting is that in Christ we can experience the abundant life even if our partner in marriage is not being a partner, or our health is declining, or we have lost our job or any other negative circumstances we might find ourselves in. The reason is that the life that Jesus offers is first spiritual--the very healing of our inner life. Everything else will eventually follow, in this life or the next. 

 “I have come that you might have life, abundant life.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/28/2020

“Major on the majors.” Adage

 It is easy for us to give our energy to matters that don’t really matter. A productive day can be lost to a thousand unimportant things that pop up every hour. Put your hand to the plow and finish the task before you go to another. Just be sure you are plowing in the right field.  

“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/27/2020