Grace and peace are inseparable. To have one is to possess the other. Grace is always for the present moment and holds the promise of a brighter tomorrow. Our knowledge of such is more than intellectual, it is experiential. To know it is to know God and experience His presence in all things, and at all times.
“May grace and peace be yours in abundance through full knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord! “Conversations Within” ts 9/22/2021
Photo: Stone Mountain, GA
One great thing about God's grace is that He keeps it coming. He is not shy in showing it, and He heaps it on us every day. Do not be afraid to ask for more of it! Appropriate it when it comes. Pass it on to others as an instrument of His mercy. Thank God for His amazing grace, and rightfully expect more of it. We honor His generosity when we do.
“He gives more grace.” James 4 Conversations Within” ts 9/21/2021
Photo: Sipsey Wilderness, AL
Some of the world’s most broken people have left a lasting blessing on others as their life’s legacy. God is able, and especially so, not only to mend a broken life but use it for great goodness when it is placed in His hands.
“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 9/20/2021
Photo: Cedar Breaks National Monument
No matter what life’s challenges bring our way, God’s grace is abundantly able to equip us for every goodness. Grace turns “tragedy into triumph;” it is the transforming power which writes a happy ending to all our stories. Sometimes grace works quietly and we must wait for it as we do the passing of winter into spring.
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” 2Cor.9.8 Conversations Within” ts 9/19/2021
Photo: Pisgah National Forest
We have all said something like this, “If i can just get through this day, everything will be alright.” I have come to realize that If we make it at all, it’s all grace. God’s grace will see us through. One day we'll look back and see all the workings of grace that brought us through every crisis we faced in this temporary life, and the “gravy” that is ours in eternal glory.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Eph.2.8 Conversations Within” ts 9/18/2021
Photo: St. John's River, FL
So many important things are bumped off our daily activities, simply because we have not scheduled them as top priorities. Have I scheduled time to exercise, eat right, get a good night’s sleep? Does loving my family, my neighbor, nurturing my soul with the means of grace top my list for today. Do not allow the stuff of life rob you of that which is life.
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1Tim.4.8 Conversations Within” ts 9/17/2021
Photo: Pisgah Forest
What is one thing you want more than any other? What would it take to make it happen? What are you going to do about it today? What are you going to do about it tomorrow?
“ For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 9/16/2021
Photo: Florida Sky
Every choice to be kind can add up to a life of kindness. Nurture a vision of the kind of person you want to be, then feed it every day one choice at a time. Never underestimate the power of a single decision, then decide goodness and only goodness for yourself and others.
“Do not underestimate the day of small things.” Zech.4.10 Conversations Within” ts 9/14/2021
Photo: Yellowstone
A big change can be made in many small changes, and a book of a thousand pages is written one page at a time. Bring your focus down to right now. Take the small step in front of you, keep at it, and before you realize it, you can replace a bad habit with a good one.
“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Prov. 13.11 Conversations Within” ts 9/10/2021
Photo: Yellowstone
What are the most important things that we need to attend to every day? Most of us would say that our relationships, our health, and our responsibilities should make the list. It is one thing to say this and another to actually make them a priority. We can sacrifice them all by getting caught up in the urgent demands of everyday living and not giving ourselves to the important matters of life.
“Seek first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness…” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 9/10/2021
Photo: Marquesas atoll, FL Keys
The principle of “little by little” works in both good and bad. Our health can be lost a little at a time. It can also be gained. A life can be thrown away by little but unwise decisions every day. But small changes in lifestyle can lead to a rich and abundant life. Identify those little attitudes and actions that steal from you and replace them with those that promote spiritual and physical health.
“Wealth gathered a little at a time increases.” Prov. 13.10 Conversations Within” ts 9/8/2021
Try as we may, we are unable to reproduce in a lab what our Creator works in the womb of a mother. So many things that we become are written our unique DNA. Gender, hair and eye color, the developing energy of life designed to support health are all present in every tiny human life. The only thing missing is nutrition, and the love and care of the parents. How beautiful that God makes us partners with Him in the creation of every human.
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” Conversations Within” ts 9/8/2021
How precious is the gift of life. From the moment we are conceived in the womb, our Heavenly Father gives His creative attention to our body and soul, intricately weaving the wonder of a life made in His image--one capable of loving and being loved.
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” Conversations Within” ts 9/6/2021
I would venture to say that the teachings of Jesus bring the light of life to our lives, and we become that light in our dark world when we follow them. Our relationships; the manner that we employ and care for our resources; our work and play become beacons of light of a life well lived under His Lordship.
“Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” Phil.2.15,16 Conversations Within” ts 9/5/2021
Photo: ICW Vero Beach, FL
Light is not heard, it is seen and enables us to see. People do not see our words; they see our actions. Lord help me speak with my actions and be heard more by what I do.
“Walk as children of light.” Conversations Within” ts 9/4/2021
Photo: Key West, FL
If we cannot lead others by our example, then we should refrain from trying to point something out with our words. Don’t be a naysayer. Instead say “no” to speaking harsh, critical, mocking and judgmental words. Resist the temptation to point out faults, humbly work to fix them.
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life…You should mind your own business…” 1Thess.4 Conversations Within” ts 9/3/2021
Photo: St. Mary's GA (credit James Farrington)
We gain nothing by being disrespectful and we can certainly hurt any cause we believe in when we act that way. Showing respect to another underscores the value of our values. Treat people not as they treat you, but in keeping with everything you know to be good, wise and kind.
“Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.” 1Pt. 2:17 Conversations Within” ts 9/2/2021
Photo: Mangrove trail, Key West, FL
My wife sometimes accuses me of being fickle for changing my mind. The truth is that there are times when we should change our mind once we realize a decision is wrong, or not the best. Perhaps we learned something after our choice, a sort of a "hind sight is better" kind of thing. On the whole it is good to stick to our word. People should be able to rely on our word to do something. But we should not let our pride get in the way of changing our mind when we need to.
“And he answered, ‘I will not’; but afterward he regretted it and went.’” Jesus (Parable of the Two Sons) Conversations Within” ts 8/30/2021
Photo: Moon rise, Arches National Park, UT
We all make hundreds of decisions every day. Some right, some wrong. This is not to assign moral implications to every wrong decision. Making a wrong turn on a trip isn’t immoral. But indecision can become a bad habit. I think it is wise to realize that we all make wrong decisions but a fear of doing so should not cripple us with a life of indecision. Make a choice and live with it.
“...a double-minded man, is unstable in all his ways.” James 1.8 Conversations Within” ts 8/29/2021
Photo: Trail Ridge Road, CO (elevation 12,183)
I often find it difficult to choose when I have many options to choose from. I go back and forth because I wonder if I choose one, will it be better if I choose another. It seems to me that before I make any choice I can choose to content myself with whatever choice I make. Learn acceptance, and to be satisfied that God knows our thoughts before we think them and He is looking after everyone who wants His will in everything.
“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Phil.4.11 Conversations Within” ts 8/27/2021
Photo: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Life’s many choices can create anxiety when accompanied with second guessing. It is one thing to think through a decision and another to over think it. In the end we must be willing to live with our choices and realize that when we commit them to Our Heavenly Father He can tweak them for the best.
“The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” Prov.16.9 Conversations Within” ts 8/27/
Photo: Big Sur, CA
Look up, look down, look all around and glory declares the greatness of our Creator. Nature wakes my soul, not only to His presence, but also His gracious provision and bountiful care. Every rock and tree and flower beckons us to discover all He desires to be for us in life.
“The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Ps.23 Conversations Within” ts 8/26/2021
Photo: Paine's Prairie , FL
I am fascinated at the simple usefulness of the human hand. My hands can do things that no tool in my tool box can come close to doing. In fact, every tool in my tool box requires my hands. The human eye also has no match. We’ve all said it, no picture can do justice to the beauty we take in with our eyes. Hand, eyes, indeed every part of us is Masterfully designed.
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Ps.139 Conversations Within” ts 8/25/2021
One simple way to encourage others is to smile when you see them. A smile sends a silent, yet powerful burst of positive energy in someone’s direction. It communicates not only acceptance and that you are there willing to help if they need it.
“The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.” Num.6 Conversations Within” ts 8/22/2021
Everyone who desires it, can become an instrument of peace in a world at war. We must first drop our own weapons of judgment, stop shooting back with hostile words and actions and extend the healing hands of kindness.
“Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the sons of God.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/22/2021
There is a unique freedom to be found when we are so caught up in loving others that we forget about ourselves. I am not saying that we neglect taking care of ourselves, but we choose to direct the energy of our life to point outward in service to others like an overflowing stream, rather than inward, like a stagnant pond. 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.
“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/21/2021
Photo: Pacific Crest Trail, Ansel Adams National Forest, CA
