Lord, help me never put on an act, or do something for show. Purge all pretense from my words and actions. I would be a “what you see is what you get” kind of guy. No exaggerations, no pretending, no advertising, no politics, just me being me, but at the same time, genuinely trying to be like you.
“Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/23/2020
The degree that I am honest with myself affects my honesty with others. How can I be honest with God or with anybody for that matter, if I cannot be honest with myself. Nurture honesty within your own soul, but don’t stop there. It is one thing to admit to yourself a shortcoming, and another to do something about it. Real change is possible only in the air of honest confession.
“Whatsoever things are true…think about such things” Phil.4.9 Conversations Within” ts 8/22/2020
A knee jerk reaction is usually a reflex, not the result of careful reflection. Reflect on your response to others; don’t just “fly off the handle” and throw words. Saying and doing the first thing that comes to mind, is more than not the last thing the Spirit of Christ would have us say or do. Respond with the actions of love; don’t react with uncontrolled emotion.
“Speak the truth in love.” Eph.4.15 Conversations Within” ts 8/20/2020
There is little doubt that holding one’s tongue is considered wise, but wisdom is knowing when to speak and when not to. There are certainly times when we are compelled to speak up for what is right and condemn what is wrong.. But justice is only served when we have our facts straight and our words are backed up by action. We should be sure to get it right before we attempt to make it right.
“Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Prov.31.19 Conversations Within” ts 8/19/2020
Instead of talking about the need for change, we can work for it. Actions are better than mere words. Do, don’t dawdle with discourse. Don’t wear your opinions on your sleeve, roll your sleeves up and get to work. Don’t waste your time complaining, put your energy into projects that create positive change.
"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." 1John 3.18 Conversations Within” ts 8/18/2020
I find it amazing that on a number of occasions Jesus chose to remain silent. The reason it is amazing is because He is the leading authority on every single subject, yet instead of voicing His knowledge, He said nothing. I suppose we could say that His ”No comment” is a comment, one that invites us to follow His example and keep our peace. Wisdom knows when to stir the pot and when to keep a lid on it.
“But Jesus remained silent.” Mat.26.63 Conversations Within” ts 8/17/2020
Learning to control when I speak, and what I say when I do, is a powerful skill, one that flows naturally into other arenas of life. If I desire self-control, a good place to start is with my mouth. If I can keep my mouth shut, I may do better at pushing away from the table. If I hold my tongue, I will probably do better holding to an exercise schedule. If I can stick to silence I will be more likely to stick to my diet.
“If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.” James 3 Conversations Within” ts 8/16/2020
When I think of all the idle words I have spoken in the light of what Jesus warned about them, I shake my head. His Spirit is always encouraging me to refrain from giving comments. It is often wise to simply say nothing. I sometimes feel like I will bust if I don’t say what I am thinking. It may just be that the more I want to say something, the more I need to refrain from doing so.
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/15/2020
It is such a blessing when two people enjoy bringing joy to each other. To find our pleasure in the pleasure of others, whether it is God, a spouse, our family, friends, even strangers will enrich our own joy. May the Spirit of Jesus join our own happiness to the wonderful life of bringing joy to those around us. One thought worthy of our attention, is what can I do this day that will bring a smile to those I love.
“A married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife.” 1Cor.7.33 Conversations Within” ts 8/13/2020
Different opinions in marriage do not have to compete, they can complement and create a united point of view. Adopt an attitude that listens and learns from your spouse, especially when they offer a different perspective. Compatibility is not necessarily liking the same things, but consciously choosing to please and support your partners when they have interests different from your own. Love is proactive about the other person.
“And the two become one.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/12/2020
A Christian marriage is a lifelong partnership where two people live as one. Both bring all they possess to the table of love and service and combine their energy to every good and wholesome activity. Someone has said that marriage isn’t 50/50 ,it is two people giving 100 % to a life together under the direction and love of God. Be sure to put in your hundred percent without watching to see if they put in theirs.
“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Col.3.14 Conversations Within” ts 8/11/2020
Faithfulness is one defining attitude and resulting action of marriage. To be married in God's eyes is the resolve of two people that says, “I may not like you right now, but I will always love you.” I’m not going anywhere, I’m here for the long run. I will keep my pledge and always remain committed to your highest good.”
“Let no one split apart what God has joined together.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/10/2020
There is a unique dynamic in marriage. We sometimes express anger toward our partner when we would withhold doing so to a perfect stranger. I think one reason for doing this is that we know our spouse will overlook our shortness with them because they love us. It is strange that we give them this complement, even when we are being rude to them. It is also sad that we would ever be rude to anyone but especially one who shares life with us.
“...avoid quarreling...be gentle, and show perfect courtesy toward all people.” Conversations Within” ts 8/9/2020
If I want a better marriage, or a better anything for that matter, let me take the lead and bring it another step closer to reality. Let me work on the changes I would like to see by working on myself. If I want a more sensitive and caring partner, then let me be one. If I want to be around positive and enthusiastic people, let me lead the way. Change what you are able to change by changing yourself. If I want God’s kingdom to come on earth, let it come first in my own heart.
“Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/8/2020
Lord, help me refuse to say any judgmental words about another, by first refusing to have them even in my thoughts. Who am I to judge another? You are the only qualified Judge. You alone know fully, and yet You love mercy and show it daily. Forgive me for all my idle thoughts and words. Forgive my petty criticisms, and make me an instrument of kindness in a world overrun with self-appointed judges.
“Judge not!” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/7/2020
I read a meme recently that struck a familiar chord. It said that our most destructive behavior is often what we are the most defensive about. Am I honest enough with myself to name my most destructive behavior. Surely once I get it out in the open with myself, I can then be honest with God about helping me do away with it. What we all need from time to time is some good ole fashioned repentance. Be honest and name your damaging attitudes and actions, then with His help, walk away from them.
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Prov.18.12 Conversations Within” ts 8/6/2020
Yesterday I asked my wife to tell me something that she was absolutely sure about. Without hesitation, she replied, “I know you love me.” I have often consoled myself that if my wife, knowing all my faults and shortcomings loves me, then surely God loves me despite them as well. I am sure of it, not because I am worthy of His love but because He adopted me into His family knowing me better than anyone has or ever will.. He is the very definition of unconditional love.
"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1Jo.3.1 Conversations Within” ts 8/5/2020
What kind of relationship do I have with God? Do I feel close to Him, or is He like a distant relative or just a stranger? I have always been impressed that of all the terms that Jesus used when He spoke to God, Father was His favorite. Do I feel comfortable enough to call Him Dad? I pray that the Spirit of Jesus affirms in our soul that we are in fact His children, and that realizing it, that we live like sons and daughters of our loving Father.
“For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.” Rom.8.16 Conversations Within” ts 8/4/2020
I do not want to pray to some God that I have invented in my mind, nor do I want to make believe that when I approach Him I am someone I am not. I am sure I do both. When I interact with Him I want to come as I am, and I want to speak and listen to Him as He is, not as I would want Him to be. In the end I am sure He will correct any false notions that I have about us both. My sincerity can sincerely be wrong. Thank God, He never is, nor can be.
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jer.33.3 Conversations Within” ts 8/3/2020
Like many works of creation, God is invisible, but His movements are seen everywhere. God rarely speaks out loud, but His words ring true in our heart. He moves in silence, but He is anything but silent. He is always giving guidance to those who will listen. His words are light and life. Most of us talk to Him in prayer, but do we sit still long enough to listen to Him. And, when He speaks, do we discover the joy of doing as He has said?
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Ps.119 Conversations Within” ts 8/2/2020
I know friends that are so full of life that being around them is contagious. I want more than to just live a full life, I want to inspire others to live the best life that God has for us all. God is a wonderful life coach. He is there every morning when I open my eyes, not in some intrusive way, but to inspire me to live wholeheartedly. He motivates me to share the absolute joy of the good life-not getting but giving, not in material possessions but in usefulness to others.
“I have told you these things that my joy may be in you and your joy made full.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 7/31/2020
