The peace of Jesus offers to joins together all that has been broken in our world. He is the glue that can mend our broken relationships and He starts with our relations with God, This naturally flows out to bring peace with each other, and even a healing wholeness in our own soul.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/22/2021
That Jesus told a group of Roman soldiers to be content with their pay, simply means that we can choose to be content. Like many good things in life, it's a choice. Decide now.
“Be content with your wages.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/21/2021
When I am at peace, I want for nothing, and when I want for nothing, I am at peace. There is a lesson here I think. Teach me Lord to be grateful, and as such, to be satisfied with today’s bread.
“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Phil.4.11 Conversations Within” ts 12/21/2021
Patience is an attitude that seasons how we wait, how we work and most importantly, how we interact with people. A peaceful soul is the companion of patience.
“…we wait for it with patience.” Rom.8.25 Conversations Within” ts 12/20/2021
Things break down and need repair. A thriving garden requires daily tending. There is a process in every relationship. An attitude that accepts and embraces this, will help us to patiently work through all of life's challenges. Don’t waste energy complaining, just work the problem.
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Rom.12.2 Conversations Within” ts 12/19/2021
I am not the same person I used to be. Change has taken place; is taking place and I am certain the process will continue. There is a great deal of wisdom when we understand that just about everything in life is a process and we cooperate with it. An event may begin the process but the fullness can take a lifetime.
"He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil.1.6 Conversations Within” ts 12/18/2021
It is so remarkable to me that a baby is born into the world, from a poor home, in a tiny village, and centuries later the whole world calendars the event. As the song says without ever mentioning His name, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” His influence is the fragrance of love. What a wonderful birthday gift Jesus has given to the world.
“She gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in clothes and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2 Conversations Within” ts 12/17/2021
The night that Jesus was born was the greatest declaration that God has made about His love for each and every one of us. All Heaven in joyous song proclaimed mankind's greatest hope lasting peace. The song is still being sung around the planet.
“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.” John 3.16 Conversations Within” ts 12/16/2021
If we feel hurried during the Christmas season, it might be that we are living a hurried and hectic life. Hurried and hectic is not a healthy way to live and it will ultimately take its toll on us. A toll is usually charged on expressways. Take the slower and scenic route instead. It is not how much you can cram into the season, but having quality time to enjoy it. Slow down!
“Whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way. Prov.19.2 Conversations Within” ts 12/15/2021
If we are not mindful, the joy of Christmas can be lost in the rush of trying to celebrate it. Resist the temptation of Martha, rushing hurriedly around the kitchen and missing out of spending time with Jesus, her family and friends. Keep your celebrations simple and all your preparations a wonderful part of them.
“My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/11/2021
Most of the time I look with eager expectation to the Christmas season. This year I feel like it has rushed back around. I think this is a symptom of a “hurried along” lifestyle--being driven by routine rather than being deliberate and purposeful in my journey.
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him…” Psalm 37:7 Conversations Within” ts 12/10/2021
When I miss a turn driving somewhere I do a better job getting back on track than I do when I miss a turn following Christ. Often I just keep on driving in the wrong direction until I am so far off course, I will spend the better part of the day just getting back to where I missed a turn. Why? My addiction to always going and not truly being where I am, often means I just keep moving, when I should be going back to where I got off the path.
"Follow me.” Jesus “ Conversations Within” ts 12/10/2021
Many things will compete for my energy today: physical desires, spiritual aspirations, activities that I believe need doing and everyday maintenance stuff like taking off the trash. It is not like God is going to present me with a to do list everyday. He has given me His Word and Spirit. I am assured that when I keep in step with Him I will attend to everything I should do in the way I should do it.
“Keep in step with the Spirit.” Gal.5 Conversations Within” ts 12/9/2021
Once I confessed to a friend the weight of my shortcomings. He kindly reminded me, “Isn’t this why we need Jesus? Jesus is God’s answer to all that steals joy and peace in our world. To choose Him as a partner in life is one of the wisest decisions we can make.
“Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” Conversations Within” ts 12/8/2021
The life expectancy of the average American is roughly 80 years. Eighty years of life adds up to 29200 days. When you reach your 60’s you begin to realize just how little time remains. To put it another way, if you live to be 80 how many Christmas mornings do you have left? It is not accurate to say that people already over 80 are on borrowed time. The sobering truth is that we are all on borrowed time.
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Ps.90.12 Conversations Within” ts 12/7/2021
I read a similar story making the same point and it reminded me of a time I came home and found our Lab Maggie pressing her nose against the bottom of the bathroom door and whining. Nana was taking a shower, and even though Maggie could not see behind the door, it was enough for her to know that Nana was in there, and all she could think about was being with her.
“I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/7/2021
We do not need to be morbid when we think about our approaching death. Contemplating our appointment to cross the river can be a wonderful gift, one that focuses our energy on matters that truly matter. Getting our affairs in order, and then keeping them that way, is a good way to live day to day, even if our transition is years away.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/4/2021
I had the great privilege of sitting with one of the last survivors of the Bataan Death March as he was dying. He looked up at me, smiled, and told me he was a happy man and had lived a good life. That he had survived the death march was remarkable; that he faced death with a confident smile made the greater impression on me.
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Phil.1.21 Conversations Within” ts 12/4/2021
The only way I can have it my way and be a disciple of Christ is when my way lines up with His. Every single day, all through the day, I have thoughts; want to say words, and want to do things that are contrary to the goodness I see in Jesus. I find it necessary to say, “Nope,” can’t go there; shouldn’t say or even think that. Before we can live for goodness, we must first die to all the badness in us.
“I die daily.” The Apostle Paul ”Conversations Within” ts 12/1/2021
It was one of those “sit up and look” moments for me, when someone read the story of the prodigal son returning to his father, and pointed out that the Father “ran” to meet his son. So eager is God to welcome us back into His arms that He runs out to meet us the moment we turn to Him. Never doubt God’s love for you.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him." Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/30/2021
Hang this on your door on the way out. “Be back sometime...out doing what needs to be done.”
“Be a doer.” James Conversations Within” ts 11/29/2021
In recent years a large part of what I decide to eat is by asking how I’m going to feel afterward. What we eat and how much of it can either be satisfying, or bring suffering. The diet of my soul is no different. If I feed it gossip, or the gore of today’s news I feel lousy. If I dine on beauty, my soul abounds in health. It has been suggested that “We are what we eat.”
“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/28/2021
Did Jesus really mean that if I am to be His disciple, I have to give up everything? Is there nothing that I cannot keep for myself? After years of trying to follow Him, I have concluded that not only must I yield every single thing, I have to surrender even my failed efforts to follow Him as I should. Christ desires our complete trust in everything.
“In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/27/2021
My wife and I have lived the better part of a decade as sojourners on land and sea. We split our time living out of a van and on a sailing catamaran. We have come to love the joy of traversing life from one place to another. Our lifestyle only reinforces that we are all passing through this life. Christ even encourages us to view our time here as temporary--a passing moment.
“For I am a sojourner with you, a guest, like all my fathers.” Ps.39.12 Conversations Within” ts 11/26/2021
For someone who doesn’t talk out loud much You sure say a lot Father. I think it is the way You choose to interact with us that sometimes throws us off our game when talking with You. You speak to my soul all the time. You speak in the majesty of the red robed cardinal that just landed outside the window of my van. Tune the ears of my soul to listen to the wisdom that surrounds me and hear your quiet voice that gently encourages.
“They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice b goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” Conversations Within” ts 11/25/2021
(Photo Credit my friend Ellen)
It is a mistake to think that the promise of Jesus to answer our prayers is meant simply for personal privilege when He clearly meant that He would offer assistance any time we are involved in the Kingdom business of loving others.
“I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit--fruit that will last--and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/24/2021
The rigor of the world’s many religions can drag the soul down in spiritual exhaustion. Christ invites us to trust His Father’s works to reach us, rather than our efforts to reach Him. Face it, no amount of human effort will make us worthy of God’s acceptance. The good news is that He has already accomplished all the demands of His justice, and invites us to humbly accept it as His free gift to us.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/23/2021
This meme supposes that wisdom comes only from experience which is not always true. In fact, it is wise to understand that we can live and learn or we can learn then live. We can learn from other people's successes and failures. We can gain wisdom from listening to the wisdom of others. We can acquire wisdom by having a reverant regard for God and His word.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom...Prov.9.10 Conversations Within” ts 11/22/2021
Wisdom gives us a clear picture of the consequences of our choices before we make them so we can choose before we choose. We can consciously choose happiness over misery, and lasting joy over temporal pleasure.
"Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.” Prov.4.6 Conversations Within” ts 11/21/2021
"Know how" means little if we do not act on what we know. Never confuse true wisdom with mere knowledge or understanding. The final measure of whether we are wise or not is in our actions and behavior.
“For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God.” 1Kgs.11.4 Conversations Within” ts 11/20/2021
It is hard, if not impossible to be unhappy and grateful at the same time. Like love, a grateful heart is its own reward. If I am honest, most of my unhappy moments can be traced to some blessing I have overlooked. There is little room for weeds of pessimism if our garden abounds with flowers of praise.
"Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” Ps.95.2 Conversations Within” ts 11/18/2021
One simple example is that if I was born any other time in history I would now be blind. I am overwhelmed by my blessings and just as overwhelmed by the fact that I have done nothing to deserve them. I just want to say it out loud. Thank You Father! I need to live forever, and for no other reason than it will take forever for me to express my gratitude for all that you have and are doing in my life. Thank you for that gift too!
“Hallelujah. I will give thanks unto the LORD with my whole heart…” Ps.111.1 Conversations Within” ts Thanksgiving 2021
Someone has wisely observed that while you may not be able to make a horse drink once you lead it to water, you can put salt in his oats and make him thirsty! People are no different. We can leave them to the consequences of their poor decisions. Perhaps they will tire of being unhappy and desire change. We can position ourselves to pick them up after they fall. Oh yes, do not forget to pray, God uses our prayers in ways beyond imagination.
"I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail…” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/17/2021
I find it reassuring that God Himself has told us not to worry. He not only knows our future, He holds it. He repeatedly assures us that He has made provision for all our needs. He helps remind us of this by encouraging us not to be anxious about them, but to ask Him every single day to set the table and thank Him when He does.
“Do not worry…” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/16/2021
Praise is the sharing of beauty, the completion of our most profound adoration. I praise You, “Jah,” your value is more than I can fathom. Beauty not only surrounds us, but our hearts are inescapably drawn to it. We stop to watch a sunset, a flower in bloom, an act of kindness, because we are made for it, because we are innately made and drawn back to the Source of it all.
“Hallelujah. I will give thanks unto the LORD with my whole heart…” Ps.111.1 Conversations Within” ts 11/15/2021
It seems that a fundamental part of a good life is that we examine our thoughts, words and actions to see if they are healthy. Why think it, say it or do it, if they are not. Health touches every aspect of our life, the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical. What good is physical health if the soul is malnourished? Care for the health of the whole person.
“Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!” Lam3.40 ESV Conversations Within” ts 11/14/2021
It’s not a disagreement but a new point of view. It’s not the end, but a new beginning. It’s not that life is short, but I'm going to live forever, just not here. It’s not getting old sucks, but I appreciate the privilege of age. It’s not damn these aches and pains, but thank you Lord, for the reminder that there is more to life than just this life. It’s not how I see it, but Lord help me see it the way You do.
“All things are yours...the world or life or death or the present or the future--all are yours, and you are Christ’s, and Christ belongs to God.” 1Cor.3.21 Conversations Within” ts 11/13/2021
Once we find the proper focus, the next skill is to keep it. Follow the Spirit lead in this wonderful dance we call life. Swim in the stream of His joy. Do not allow yourself to be lulled into the sleep of mindlessness but be mindful of His leading in all things, at all times.
“Awake! Why are you sleeping?” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/12/2021
Lord, when I wake to you, you wake me to the fruitfulness that can be right here, right now. Every movement of my hands, every thought; indeed everything is brought to light in your light. I thank you for this. I thank you for your expressions of patient love as I learn how to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
“For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.” Ps.36.9 Conversations Within” ts 11/10/2021
Lord, teach me to be attentive and relevant to my surroundings. Encourage me to do what needs doing, rather than complain or worry or any of the empty attitudes and actions that accomplish nothing good. I would follow you down the path of getting done what needs to be done. Find me doing so, when you come for me.
“Be doers…” James 1 Conversations Within” ts 11/9/2021
There are many emotions that can cloud our judgment. Panic, worry, fear, anger, and the resulting stress from them can compound any problem. Learning to calm down and think clearly is a valuable skill. Settle down and begin to figure out what needs to be done rather than draining valuable energy stressing over it.
“And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/8/2021
Do not let guilt and shame cripple you from positive change. God does not want us to feel guilty; He wants us to repent, to stop going in a direction that robs us of life and head off in a new direction up the path of health and peace.
“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 11/7/2021
If the expressions of love are anything, they are practical. Tiny acts of service are where we experience and express the value of being joined in marriage. We speak of the “bonds of marriage.” I prefer the song by Paul Overstreet. “But love don't feel like a ball and chain to me. When I'm close to you, my heart feels wild and free. If you are my jailer, darling, throw away the key. Love don't feel like a ball and chain to me.”
“By love serve one another…” Gal.5.13 Conversations Within” ts 11/6/2021
I think it is wise to think about what we commit to before we commit, but it is surely mature to keep our commitments once we have made them. Marriage is not so much about committing to compatibility and it is committing to complement our partner's differences rather than allowing them to divide us.
“Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” Amos 3.3 Conversations Within” ts 11/4/2021
Love is principally an action sometimes motivated by feelings, sometimes not. As such, we can choose to love someone even if our feelings don't encourage us to do so. Feelings might have put us on the path of a relationship but it is our choices that keep us walking it.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” 1Cor.13 Conversations Within” ts 11/3/2021
How hard do I try to understand what someone is trying to say to me? Do I put more effort into what I want to say to them than in really listening to the other person? The wisdom of the “Good Book” encourages us to put more energy into listening than talking, if we want healthy relationships. Learn the skill of listening and use it.
"Be quick to listen and slow to speak...” James 1 Conversations Within” ts 11/2/2021
Ever hear someone say about their spouse, “We’re just not compatible anymore.” So what? Just because one likes the opera and other likes country music is not an excuse to stop loving your spouse. Put creative energy into your marriage and learn the fun of figuring it out. That's the promise you made.
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Eph.5 Conversations Within” ts 11/1/2021
Marriage is for life, or at least God designed it that way. Its fundamental promise offers a simple but profound assurance, “I’m not going anywhere. The only way this ends is if you leave, I’m here for life.” Marriage isn’t saying “Let's give this a try and see if it works.” It is when two people pledge to live as life partners and then do whatever it takes to keep it that way.
“A man shall leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife and the two become one.” Eph.5.31 Conversations Within” ts 10/31/2021
God is said to be delighted when He sees people express a reverent regard for Him in the decisions they make. What I mean is they express a sort of a “What would Jesus do” approach to living. God smiles when we seek to stand in the center of actions He has promised to bless. Our hope is in His wisdom that never fails rather than our own silly notions.
“The LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” Ps.147.11 Conversations Within” ts 10/30/2021
We experience God’s value when we listen, learn and live His wisdom in our relationships, responsibilities, recreations, and the use of our resources. Duty becomes delight when we realise that our happiness is not so much something we chase after as it is the result of laying hold of our “chief end.” Enjoy God, enjoy life!
“Whatever you do, do for the glory of God.” Conversations Within” ts 10/29/2021
