Do not simply walk past where you are. Wake to it. Embrace it. Caress the moment as you would a soft puppy. Do not miss the riches of all that is in front of you right now. The Creator, of that which is life, indeed, invites you to join Him in the joys of this present moment.
“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Eph.5.14 Conversations Within” ts 2/19/2021
(Photo: Mono Lake, CA)
I was raised in the days of segregation and integration. When Christ entered my life, I knew by His inner encouragements that any form of prejudice was wrong. I immediately embraced people of a different race despite the reaction of those in my circle. It took me a while to realize that while I had repented against racial prejudice, I was still being prejudiced against people who were being prejudiced against others. Hate is hate, and hate is never appropriate for any who names the name of Christ. Love draws no exclusive circles.
“Love your neighbor...Love your enemies.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 2/18/2021
(Photo: Zion National Park, UT)
It brings me great comfort to realize how often Jesus encouraged us to not be afraid. The relationship that God desires with His children is not based on fear but on the acceptance of His love. The Christian message is not “Be good and God will love you.” The message is that we are not good but God loves us anyway. His love is not so much how He feels about us, as it is His kind intentions and purposeful actions for our best life.
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1Jo.4.18 Conversations Within” ts 2/16/2021
(Photo: Grand Canyon, AZ)
Peace is the state of oneness with our Creator--a unity of the mind, of the will and our emotions. He is the glue that creates oneness. He heals the fragmentation of our fallen world. He binds together our separation; from knowing and loving ourselves, with others and even with nature. Our Father invites us to live in this peace, in the absolute unity He shares with His Son and His Spirit.
“I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one--as you are in me, Father, and I am in you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 2/14/2021
(Photo: North Jetty, Jacksonville, FL)
God brings oneness to all His attributes. He joins them together in absolute beauty. His love is a holy love, His holiness is loving. His love is a just love, His justice is loving. His light, goodness, mercy and love are all bound together in perfect completeness. God knows nothing of darkness. God has always been one in love and its goodness.
“God is love.” 1Jo.5 Conversations Within” ts 2/13/2021
(Photo: Arizona desert sunrise)
As best as I understand it, to do something in the name of Christ is to do it in a manner that is consistent with all He values. If I pray and ask God to do something in the name of Jesus, would Jesus proudly represent my prayer to His Father. I think it is safe to say that doing something in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, isn’t so much repeating these words like some incantation, as it is doing it with the love of actions that benefit people’s lives.
”Baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 2/12/2021
I find in myself, not just a desire to be different, but to be whole, complete and at peace with who I am. My hope is to finally experience that what I know, what I do, and how I feel will merge into oneness, possessing no inner conflict, just the singular desire for all that is good, right and true. How precious this powerful desire, to become what God has envisioned for us all in Christ.
“Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” 1Jo.3.2 Conversations Within” ts 2/11/2021
(Photo: Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park)
Hope is often realized one day at a time. Grace is the governing dynamic of the changes that God is working in us, and the fruit of progress, even in small increments, is the measure that we are cooperating with it.
“By the grace of God, I am what I am.” The Apostle Paul Conversations Within” ts 2/10/2021
The very essence of hope is to see that so many things are possible to those who believe. I want to live this day in discovery; discovery of what is possible when I lay hold of all that God desires to be for me. To know God as a partner in life is to abide in the endless hope that He is for His children, and that He fully intends to enrich the pursuit of life by living it with us.
“Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you shall find. Knock and the door will be opened.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 2/8/2021
(Photo: Oregon Coast)
When I look at my relationship with God, and the changes taking place in me, I remind myself that God started this project; I am confident He will finish what He started. Everyday I find myself struggling to correct poor attitudes and unhealthy thoughts. In the midst of my struggle I feel His gentle smile and inwardly hear Him whisper something along these lines,
“Just keep cooperating with me, we will finish this together. "Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will complete it...." Philippians 1:6“Conversations Within” ts 2/7/2021
(Photo: Oregon Coast)
The object of our hope will determine an outcome of joy or disappointment. Minimize temporal wants and desires, and maximize your hope for all that has lasting value. Center your future hope on matters that matter, and learn to smile when the supermarkets of this world are out of the candy you desire. Most of what brings lasting joy, will not last when the sun sets on this life. Hope is good when what we hope for is worth hoping for.
“Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Pet.1.13 “Conversations Within” ts 2/6/2021
(Photo: The Captain, Yosemite, CA)
How precious is the promise of tomorrow. There is a singular grace expressed when we do something today because of the benefit it will bring us in the future. Why? We expect to be around to enjoy it. This hope is the catalyst that moves us to productive living. And, it is not just our tomorrow, but the tomorrows of those we love. Someone beautifully said, "The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit."
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 “Conversations Within” ts 2/4/2021
(Photo:Washington Oaks Gardens, FL)
Life is God’s gift to each of us. Giving our life in service to others is our gift to them. We are all unique, and the contribution we make during the time allotted to us has its own unique quality to build up the whole. Do not withhold your contribution. Use the gifts God gave you and be His gift to others.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." 1 Pet.4.10 Conversations Within” ts 2/3/2021
(Photo: Battery Point Lighthouse, Crescent City, CA)
I think that deep down the driving force in each of us is simply a desire to be happy. So, what gives lasting happiness? According to Jesus, it is to live for God’s pleasure by living a life of love and service to others. For me, this has been an "acquired taste," as said by a respected brother. Nonetheless, it is showing itself to be true. Jesus repeatedly invites us to taste the pure joy of loving and serving, and the absolute impossibility of bringing refreshment to others without it splashing over on us.
“I tell you these things so that my joy may be in you and that your joy will be made full.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 2/3/2021
(Photo: Glacier National Park, MT)
Lord, help me see all Creation as the gift it is, to diligently care for it, and pass it untarnished to all who will come after me. Thank you for the fantastic privilege to enjoy and explore the earth, to cherish my time playing and gently caring for your garden, and the garden of our children.
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” Gen.2.15 “Conversations Within” ts 2/2/2021
(Photo: Yellowstone National Park-the first)
People will use you. Let them. I am not saying that we should let people abuse us, but to be useful to others is a wonderful way to live life. A part of the patience of love is that we can think about serving others for our own reasons not someone else's. Assign greater value to service not selfishness.
“...in humility value others above yourselves…” Phil.2.3 “Conversations Within” ts 2/1/2021
We should make no mistake about it. We love others when we serve them. The love that Christ asks of us is not to love people with our feelings but with beneficial action. Feelings often follow, but Christian love is serving people in the simplest terms. It is to bring goodness to their life. The reason why this is important is because love is its own reward and to give it is to receive it. Taste this joy and you will never look back.
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 1/31/2021
(Photo: Death Valley, CA)
Jesus said that we would know His followers by their fruit, the fruit of love and service. This is a pretty straightforward indication of what He is looking for when we name His name over our lives. I had an older friend share with me the other day that in His view, God is delighted when He sees us showing kindness. Do not get caught up in the trappings of religious garb as a measure of your spirituality. A simple “faith expressing itself in a love that serves others, is all that matters.”
“...through love serve one another.” Gal.5.13 “Conversations Within” ts 1/30/2021
(Photo: Grand Canyon, AZ)
I enjoy sharing my life with family and friends. It is equally important for them to be able to share their life with me. Take time to share your stories, but be sure to take time and listen to theirs. We all need a witness to our lives. Be sure and share your life not just your stuff.
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Heb.13.6 “Conversations Within” ts 1/28/2021
(Photo: Yosemite National Park, CA)
Tell your story. Tell it because there are people who need to hear it. The stories in the life of a child of God are sweet tales of the many ways He has protected, provided, and guided those who trust Him.Telling your story is one beautiful way to remind others that God works on behalf of those who look to Him.
“People will speak of your mighty deeds, and I will proclaim your greatness.” Ps.145.1 “Conversations Within” ts 1/27/2021
Each of us is writing a story by the way we live life. Someone has wisely suggested that we write a story worth reading. I want my life to highlight the value of knowing and loving God. I can think of no better way to do so than by following His simple prescription that whatever I do, I can do in faith, hope and love. Of course, faith and hope only have meaning when they express love.
“These three remain, faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love.” 1Cor.13 “Conversations Within” ts 1/26/2021
(Photo: Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, CA)
What is the Bible but the story of God’s interactions with His people. All the short stories in it add up to one grand story that tells of our Creation, our rebellion, our tender redemption and ends with “And they lived happily ever after.” Jesus' death and resurrection is the turning point in the story. He is the hero who slays the dragon, and rescues His Bride. As someone pointedly put it, “History is His Story,” and “the Greatest story ever told,” the story of God’s great love for us.
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” Gal.4 “Conversations Within” ts 1/25/2021
(Photo: Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA)
