What would you be willing to put up with for someone you love? Sometimes it is the very person we love that we have to put up with. People misbehave. When they do, the commitment of love patiently does whatever is required to benefit them.
“Love puts up with a lot.” 1Cor.13 Conversations Within” ts 7/20/2021
Photo: St. John's River, FL
If I want to hear refreshing words come out of my mouth, I need to fill my heart with refreshing thoughts. Self-control in what we say is determined by self control in what we think. If we think only wholesome thoughts we will say only profitable words.
“The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 7/19/2021
Photo: Cabbage Creek, Anchorage FL
Our words offer us a unique and powerful way to shape goodness in our interactions with people. We can re-train ourselves to evaluate what we want to say before we say it. If our words are driven by an emotional reaction, we can refrain from saying them, and consider a response that sets goodness loose rather than setting a destructive fire.
“The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 7/18/2021
Photo: Glacier National Park, Hidden Lake Trail
One response always works when interacting with others. Keep it simple by being gentle and kind. When they are being negative, patiently remain positive. Encourage goodness in others by first shaping it in yourself. Our interaction with people is the perfect arena to nurture a gentle and humble heart.
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Eph. 4.32 Conversations Within” ts 7/17/2021
Photo: Lake Tenaya, CA
Learning to live a life owning less can be a life of more--more of what truly matters. Consider all the time that it spent maintaining everything you own. A simple principle is to own less so you can do more of what you truly believe in. Remove all the distractions that drain your time and energy from matters that matter.
“If you want to be complete, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 7/16/2021
Photo: St. John's River, FL
It has been said many times and in many ways. Travel light. Keep it simple. Own less so less owns you. Be frugal in ownership. If you are always tired, it may be all the stuff you are carrying everyday. Give it away and discover the freedom of going through life with less. Sometimes less is more.
“A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 7/15/2021
It is important to handle anger properly. If we hold it in and do not express it, our anger can build up like water behind a dam. When the dam breaks, well, a lot gets broken. It is possible and wise to express our anger with restraint and direct it properly. We should not hold on to anger but deal with what is causing it in a wholesome manner. Use the energy of anger like fire in a fireplace. Don’t let anger use you, and burn the house down.
“Be angry and sin not.” Eph.4.26 Conversations Within” ts 7/12/2021
Photo: Hoover Dam
I have come to believe that when Jesus told Mary that “only one thing is needed,” He was referring simply to knowing what God expects of us right now and then to ask for His help to do it. Most of the time if we wonder what God expects of us, we need only to ask ourselves, what is the best way for me to love the person in front of me right now?
“If you abide in me and my words abide in you, then ask what you will and it shall be given to you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 7/12/2021
Photo: Peavine Falls trail, AL
I have heard people tell me they are no longer “in love” with their spouse. My first thought is, So? What has feelings got to do with keeping the word you pledged when you married? We can love each other with actions even on the days we don’t like each other. This is the kind of love on which a marriage is based, not fickle feelings which come and go.
“Love never fails.” 1Cor.13 Conversations Within” ts 7/11/2021
Photo: Saint John's River, FL
We may feel deeply about the distress of others, but it is the true nature of compassion, when we are able, to alleviate it. It is easier to feel the pains of another than it is to actually come along side them and do something about it. Do not shed sideline tears, get in the game and do something.
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Mat.9.36 Conversations Within” ts 7/10/2021
Photo: Moro Rock Trail, CA
We do well when we do not confuse the love of feelings with the love of action. I may not like someone, but I can still show them respect and kindness, and do what is in their best interest.
“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” Conversations Within” ts 7/9/2021
Photo: Black Rock Beach, FL
I do not always respond to others as I should, especially when someone acts rudely. My feelings get in the way of what I know is good. Kindness is always the proper response. It grows in the soil of a gentle and quiet spirit. We are never more like Jesus than when we turn the other cheek and return grace in the face of hostility. Lord help me!
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” Conversations Within” ts 7/9/2021
Photo: the lineup
Every decision to act immediately on what we know is good, not only ensures that it will get done, but it also strengthens our inclination to live decisively. If I really want to be a person of action, let me cut out the stumbling step of deciding in my head to do something and choose instead to decide with my arms and legs.
“Immediately they left their nets and followed him.” Mt.4.20 ESV Conversations Within” ts 7/7/2021
Photo: Key West Anchorage
Know your purpose and attend to it faithfully. One purpose given to us by the Creator is the simple enjoyment of life. Be faithful to it. Enjoy communion with God, with family and friends. Have fun! Find joy in your work, in a simple meal, in sharing and serving others. Here is the substance of life. Enjoy it.
“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Ps.118.24 Conversations Within” ts 7/6/2021
It is important to think. It is important to act. If we think but do not act or if we act without thinking we can go in circles. Think, but don’t overthink it. Thinking serves action by helping us act wisely. But act we must.
“Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 7/5/2021
Photo: Alabama River
It is wise to listen to one’s thoughts and teach ourselves to sift out everything negative. We should purge every unwholesome thought. We can also go on the offensive and fill our mind with everything good and encouraging. Run from negative thinking and run in the direction of positive energy.
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” Phil.4.8 Conversations Within” ts 7/4/2021
Photo: Rainbow Falls, Pacific Crest Trail, CA
There are few things in this life that are all pleasure or all pain. Boat life has its share of both as does childbirth, or raising children, getting a degree, or getting married. When you think about it, most of our joys in life are a mix of struggle and reward. The popular saying, “No pain no gain,” and “No cross, no crown,” express this. The Spirit of Jesus teaches us to not ruin the pleasure by complaining about the pain.
“For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross.” Heb.12.2 Conversations Within” ts 7/2/2021
Photo: Oak Mountain State Park, B'ham, AL
We all say and do things in the “heat of the moment” that we later regret. If we don’t want further regret, we can ask forgiveness from those we lashed out at, when we were under the influence of our emotions. Even better, the next time we feel the heat rising, we can remind ourselves to “keep our cool.”
“But you, keep your head in all situations…” 2Tim.4.5 Conversations Within” ts 7/1/2021
Photo: Redwoods
Sometimes we must wait to see everything Jesus had in mind when He said on the cross, “It is finished.” God will have the final say in everything. We can be assured that His wisdom and love will win the day.
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Conversations Within” ts 6/30/2021
Photo: North Jetty, FL
Prayer seems tricky at times. If I ask God to save a struggling marriage I should probably keep in mind that God allows people to make bad choices. All submission to Him is voluntary and He never forces people to follow Him no matter how hard we pray. This is how it works, and it reflects His wisdom. Where does this leave us? Well, we can be assured that the same wisdom that designed choice is also able to work good despite our bad ones.
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Rom.8.28 Conversations Within” ts 6/29/2021
Photo: Inter Coastal Waterway, FL
I want to express confidence in my prayer life. This is not to say that I want God to give me whatever I ask for, but I can have confidence that He will answer me in such a manner that always reflects His wisdom and goodness.
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give what is good to those who ask.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 6/28/2021
Photo: Trout River, FL
When Jesus said to ask, seek and knock I am pretty sure He is giving us an invitation to experience everything God wants to be for us in life. When Christ told us to ask for bread, and to ask for it every day, He was telling us that our need is as much in the asking as it is in what we are asking for. When we ask something from the Creator, we are doing what we were created to do.
“Call to Me and I will answer you…” Jer.33.3 Conversations Within” ts 6/27/2021
Photo: Glacier National Park, MT
We would be hard pressed to find a better life than choosing love as the governing dynamic of everything we do. Jesus made it very clear that love is beneficial action. Love God. Love others. Love your enemies. Love yourself. Immerse yourself in the love of Christ and His joy will follow you all the days of your life.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 6/27/2021
Photo: Yosemite National Park, CA
This idea is true on so many levels. What good is it to know how to eat healthy, and exercise but not do it? The same can be said of our spiritual practices. Knowing God is of no value if we do not trust Him. Jesus has told us He is the way, the truth and the life, but He has no value to us, if we follow our own ways over His. At some point each of us must choose not only what spiritual path to follow but to actually follow it.
“I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 6/24/2021
Photo: St.Augustine, FL
To value instruction and wise advice is itself wise. Why would we despise correction? I can think of no good reason why we would not want to be corrected when we are wrong.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Pro.1 Conversations Within” ts 6/23/2021
Photo: Canyonlands National Park
We show proper honor to God when we treat others with respect. Every person we meet is made in His image, every living thing is His creation. In this light, honor everyone and give every living thing the reverence and respect you give to their Maker.
“Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” Prov.14.31 Conversations Within” ts 6/22/2021
Photo: Lobos Point, CA
