Heaven on Earth

America is a place but it is also an idea of freedom and equality for all. Heaven is a place but also an idea--a manner of thinking and acting. We can bring Heaven to Earth in something as simple as our treatment of others. It is as easy as treating people with the same respect and honor as we ourselves would like to be treated. Here is the gold in the golden rule. Bring Heaven on Earth wherever you go and everyone you meet this day. Everyone is everyone.

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/24/2020 Conversations Within” ts 5/24/2020

One aspect of peace is knowing that all is forgiven

The very best news that God wants us to believe is that when we trust Christ, He does not count our sins against us. Yep, that sin you are so ashamed of, the one you are convinced is going to send you to hell, has been forgiven, and forgotten. In fact, the account of every sin, past, present, and future has already been settled as far as God is concerned. Move forward in the freedom of this indescribable gift. 

“God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them..” 2Cor.5.19 Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/22/2020

“You're really messing with my Zen thing, man.” Tron (the movie)

I sometimes think that when I wake up in the morning the day has declared war on my inner peace. It seems that everything that can go wrong does. Of course I know better. I know that if my peace is tied to the circumstances around me, then my peace will come and go. Tie your peace to the one anchor that will hold you through any storm.

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and steadfast….Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf.” Heb.6.19 Conversations Within” ts 5/21/2020

Lasting peace is the condition of our heart when it is reconciled to God's will.

I am ashamed to say it, but I often blame God when things go wrong. I mean if He is in control of everything, why not blame Him when I drop my wrench in the water, or when I stub my toe. Did you get that...when “I” dropped my wrench and “I” stubbed my toe? I think I expect Him to step in and prevent these things, and when He doesn’t, I get angry. Of course these things seem trivial when someone gets cancer and He allows it. If we want peace, we must make peace with God’s way of doing things. I mean what else is there in a world where personal choice is necessary for a real relationship.

“Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/20/2020

“And I got a peaceful easy feelin.'” Eagles

Love is more than feelings, it is beneficial action. It makes perfect sense to realize the same can be said about peace. The peace of Christ is more than a feeling, it is the state of perfect reconciliation with God, and the wholeness that results from it. All is well, when all is well with God. Peaceful feelings usually follow when we finally resign ourselves to His plans for us. 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/20/2020

People who have no peace within usually declare war on everyone around them.

People who are having a bad day often dump it on everyone else around them. Don’t draw people into your own turmoil.  Become a skillful peacemaker, especially when you own peace needs attention. Make peace within, and we will be in a much better position to spread peace with those around us.

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Rom.12.18 Conversations Within” ts 5/16/2020

“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” St. Francis de Sales

When things don’t go the way I want them too, I have to ask myself if losing my peace over it is really worth it. The truth is that we don’t really lose our inner peace, we trade it away to express our frustrations instead of exercising control over them. Is it worth it? Is it a good trade? 

“Do not let your heart be troubled.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/16/2020

“You know how to clean a windshield? “Wisdom is doing it.” Peaceful Warrior

Most of us know how to do the right thing. The shortfall is that we simply don’t do it. It isn’t what we know but what we do that will determine if we experience goodness in our life. Act on it. Decide right now that you will not settle for less than God’s best, then at the crossroads of today's many choices, choose it. 

“At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, wisdom takes her stand.” Prov.8.2 Conversations Within” ts 5/16/2020

“He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Jim Elliot

It is wise to consider if what we think is gain is truly gain and if a loss is really a loss. Have we really gained anything if we lose our health, along the way? Have we won if we lose our family somewhere on the path of having more?   

“What does it profit a man if he gains the world but loses his soul.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/13/2020

“Life is good because I decided to make it that way.” Unknown

It is easy to see that a good life comes from good choices just as it is easy to understand that a bad life comes from bad ones. The next time I have a choice to make, a good life is in my grasp, if I choose it. It is as simple as that. God will even help us make the right choice if we choose to ask Him. This is what Christian call the enabling power of grace.   

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2Cor.9.8 Conversations Within” ts 5/13/2020

“Everyday may not be good, but there is something good in every day.” Alice Morse Earl

Have I trained my eyes to see goodness? Do I gravitate toward everything wrong or everything right about a situation? Training ourselves to see goodness can boost our confidence in the goodness of God. And, as partners, we can join Him in bringing goodness to the world. 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Rom.8.28 Conversations Within” ts 5/12/2020

“Goodness is love in action.” James Hamilton

Feelings are certainly a part of loving someone, but on the whole, it is action that defines love, and always beneficial action at that. In fact, one can do something good for another even when they feel bad, or  even displeased with them. Goodness is always the goal and manner of a wise love. God is said to be both love and good. We cannot have one without the other. Loving is doing good; doing good for someone is love. 

“God is love. God is good.” The Good Book Conversations Within” ts 5/12/2020

“Be a force of goodness in this world. Be a source of light.” Ralph Marston

 Before you decide anything, decide only what is good. Before we do anything, say anything, even think anything, ask if it is good. Why would we want anything but goodness? Like love, goodness is something that is expressed proactively. Our natural inclinations are not always a good thing. Choosing what is good often means unlearning what is bad. What is good? Energy that results in benefit or what we call a good old fashioned blessing.

“God is good.” Ps.100 Conversations Within” ts 5/11/2020

“God will always provide. It just might look different than what we had in mind.” Unknown

It means a great deal to me that our Heavenly Father knows our basic needs, and that He asks us to simply trust that He will provide them, period! Worrying is not part of the arrangement. And, while He expects us to use ordinary means to secure our needs,  He gives us the assurance that He personally oversees the process.

 “...for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/10/2020

“If you help enough people, you don’t have to worry about money.” Dave Ramsey

I appreciate the story of the generous farmer, who was asked by a friend if he was ever worried that he would go broke because he gave so much away. The farmer simply answered, “I shovel out to others what God provides, and God always shovels back. God has a bigger shovel.” This simple truth is that we can never out give God. 

“Give and it will be given unto you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/9/2020

“It is what it is and it ain’t what it ain’t.” Hayes Carll

I am amazed that telling yourself these simple words can help us move forward when dealt a bad hand. Complaining doesn’t help. Worrying can only worsen it. But a simple acceptance of what’s going on can position us to get going and find a solution. Don’t waste precious energy bemoaning what is and what ain’t, become a force of energy to fix it.  If it can’t be fixed, at least fix your attitude about it. 

“Count it all joy, when you face various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James. 1.2-3 Conversations Within” ts 5/8/2020

“All the trees are losing their leaves, and not one of them is worried.” Donald Miller

The seasons of life change; they also bring change. Sometimes things change for the better. Other times...well, we won’t mention that. Wisdom would have us not only expect these changes, but embrace them as par for the course. Adapt, that's the way things are. The peaceful heart learns to accept what the Creator has woven into the fabric of life. It helps when we realize that the Creator also happens to be our loving Father.

“For everything there is a season.” Ecc. 1 Conversations Within” ts 5/7/2020

“Don’t worry today beloved. God will provide. He always does.” Anonymous

 I have never known a day without God taking care of my needs. He sets the table for each and every one of His children. Wherever I find myself, He has already made provision for it. Do not waste energy worrying about your bills, your health, or anything for that matter. This very moment everywhere in the world the bills of billions of birds are eating from His gracious hand. 

“Are you not more valuable to Him than a bird.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/6/2020

“We've got a roof over our head, and the kids have all been fed, and the woman I love most lies close beside me in our bed. Lord, give me the eyes to see exactly what it's worth, and I will be the richest man on earth.” Paul Overstreet

People are surely blessed when they know they are blessed. It is a great privilege to lie down in the green pastures of the Lord, and how very green they are. When I take stock of all God has given me, my family, my friends and in all I possess, I am overwhelmed with thankfulness. Lord, please remind me every day how good I have it. 
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"The lines have been drawn for me in pleasant places, I have a beautiful inheritance. Conversations Within” ts 5/3/2020

“You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.” Winston Churchill

There are times when the wisest response is no response, and to simply ignore what other people are saying or doing. Silence can be a powerful message especially when coupled with the intents of love. Do not add to the foolishness of others by being drawn into being foolish yourself.

“Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.” Prov.26.4 Conversations Within” ts 4/25/2020

“The only time you should look down at someone, is when you are helping them up.” Jesse Jackson

When Jesus told us not to judge others He was not telling us that we should not be discerning of wise and unwise behavior. He was warning us against an arrogant condemning attitude, one that criticizes without compassion or caring, just hurling words without loving the person in question. Love should always give direction to the way we view and treat everyone. And of course, love needs wisdom and discernment to guide our efforts to seek what is best in the best way. 

"May your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” Phil.1.9 Conversations Within” ts 4/23/2020

“You've got to know when to hold 'em...Know when to fold 'em” Kenny Rogers

Learning how to keep your opinions to yourself has great value, both to ourselves and to others with whom we share them. If we cannot contribute anything positive to our dialogue, opening our mouth with negatives does not help, and in fact just makes everything worse. “Know when to walk away” from critical, condemning and judgmental conversation. 

“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” Prov.21.23 Conversations Within” ts 4/21/2020

“The road of life is rocky, and you may stumble too. So while you talk about me, someone else is judging you.” Bob Marley

Jesus is pretty clear about passing judgement. Don’t do it! It doesn’t matter if we don’t like them, or if we disagree with them, or if they do something we think is foolish, don't judge! Mr. Marley is right when we talk about others, someone else is judging us. Who? The Judge of all the earth and His judgment is the only one that counts.

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/20/2020

“Instead of criticizing, find out how to help.” Shunryu Suzuki

It has been suggested by many that instead of criticizing someone, try praying for them instead. Express your sentiments to God and follow His leading in the conversation. I am sure that He will lead the conversation away from condemnation and season it with compassion. Try to lift people up with grace and goodness instead of putting them down with petty judgments.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people…” 1Tim.2 Conversations Within” ts 4/19/2020

“Be an encourager. The world has plenty of critics already.” Unknown

I have noticed how much easier it is to criticize than to encourage, to tear down rather than to build up. Shame on me for ever criticizing another, or standing in judgment of anyone. Lord help me turn my empty criticisms into humble intercessions. Let me commend people to your care rather than condemn them with my prideful judgments. 

“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Ps.19.14 Conversations Within” ts 4/18/2020

“If at first you don’t succeed, try following the instructions.” Unknown

Lasting joy is ours when what we want and what we actually need merge into one. It is in this peaceful garden, we discover our Father’s designs. His prescription is that we enjoy the works of His hands, and who better would know how to do so than the Master Designer. Eat, drink, and work under His direction. Follow the law of love in every relationship and drink the delights and joy of simple obedience. 

“Abide in my love. You will abide in my love when you keep my commandments.” Jesus  Conversations Within” ts 4/17/2020