The attitudes and actions of joy are ours for the taking. We can choose a life of joy by choosing to focus on every blessing that is ours. There are many to choose from, but one that is common to all is the simple fact that the sun has risen on a new day.
“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Conversations Within” ts 10/22/2021
Does your name come to mind when people think of someone reliable? I am the kind of person that can be counted on to keep my promises, to be there in a time of need, to support another in distress? Be valuable by being reliable.
"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4 Conversations Within” ts 10/21/2021
It is exactly when someone rises above an inconvenience that reliability shines. Be there. Be there in good times and bad. Never let someone question if you would be willing to do whatever it takes to help when it is needed and when it is within your power to do so.
“What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar.” Prov.19.22 Conversations Within” ts 10/20/2021
What good is talent if you can’t count on the person possessing it? Be faithful in the use of what Father has entrusted to you. Show up when needed. Show up on time. Our ability only has value when we faithfully use it.
“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” 1Cor.4.2 Conversations Within” ts 10/17/2021
There is great wealth in relationships when our family and friends know with certainty that we will be there for them when they need it. It is also wonderful when we know there are people who will always be there for us. Faithfulness within the tribe is a circle of security, joy and happiness.
“The fruit of the Spirit is...faithfulness….” Gal.5 Conversations Within” ts 10/16/2021
In general, Americans try to raise their children to live independently, a sort of “get them out of the nest” approach. I recently heard a father espouse what I think may be better in a number of ways. He is raising his family to live interdependently and to function more like a tribe with a lifelong commitment and dependence on one another. This seems more in keeping with the encouragement of Christ to be our brother's keeper, a sort of “I'm always here for you” kind of approach.
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Conversations Within” ts 10/15/2021
Consider for a moment the substitution “ask not what God can do for you, ask what you can do for God.” At first I thought I liked it, until I realized that without God’s grace I can do nothing worthwhile for Him. The best way we can serve God is to ask not only His will, but His grace to do it. Our need to ask is as great as what we are asking for. When we ask from God what He desires to do for us, we will discover what we can do for Him.
“Apart from me, you can do nothing.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/14/2021
The word translated “noble” in the Scriptures is also translated “generous.” In other words, generosity is noble and a generous person is a noble person. We are never more generous than in our service to others. People admire generosity, and well we should, because the abundance surrounding us is surely evidence that our God is a generous God.
“But he who is noble plans noble things, and on noble things he stands.” Is.32.8 ESV Conversations Within” ts 10/13/2021
Realizing that the cashier did not charge you for an item and returning to the store to pay for it is noble. Refusing to engage in a critical and judgmental conversation about someone is noble. Offering someone a place in line ahead of you even though you got there first is noble. Taking time to be kind to a perfect stranger is noble. Be noble.
“Whatsoever things are noble...think about such…” Phil.4.Conversations Within” ts 10/12/2021
We are encouraged to think about things that are noble but somehow my impressions about what is noble have been corrupted by false notions of nobility. I do not admire what is snooty and sadly that is what I think about when I hear the word nobility. I feel hijacked somehow. Certainly there are many noble things to think about. I suppose one might be when we realize the difference between what is truly noble and what is not.
“Whatever things are ….noble...think about such things.” Phil.4 Conversations Within” ts 10/11/2021
Sparrows die every day, families tragically perish in car crashes, small children are diagnosed with cancer. The universe is a dangerous and harsh place. Yet, despite all these tragedies we are told that none of our sufferings escape the tender affections of our Father God. Only on the Day will we fully understand how He was intimately present with each and every one of us in times of trial. Faith, sweet faith, begins the journey.
“So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows?” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/10/2021
If selfishness is the disease of our world, it seems logical that love is the cure. Love’s energy flows out like light. Selfishness is a black hole. Love moves us to get out of ourselves and instead think of others. Living a life of love liberates us from the dreariness of a self-centered existence into the joy of serving.
“Love does not seek its own things.” 1Cor.13 Conversations Within” ts 10/9/2021
Jesus assures us that every act of kindness is noticed by His Father. And, while showing kindness is its own reward, God also rewards it, and in ways that multiply goodness like rain falling on a sown field. Kindness is a seed that cannot help but grow and mature which is how things work in the economy of the Kingdom of love and light.
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.” Prov.19.17 Conversations Within” ts 10/8/2021
It is great when we know that a good many of our decisions are already made. Integrity guides us to choose honor over dishonor, kindness over cruelty, honesty over deceit. Decide now the path you will take long before you arrive at the crossroads of any temptation to do otherwise.
“The integrity of the upright guides them,..” Prov.11.3 Conversations Within” ts 10/7/2021
There is nothing showy about walking with integrity. We are not out to flash our faith but to practice it even when, and especially when no one is looking. True integrity would choose to do what is good, right, and true even if God Himself wasn't watching.
“The integrity of the upright guides them,..” Prov.11.3 Conversations Within” ts 10/6/2021
We sometimes speak of the physical “integrity” of a building or structure to say that it is sound or not. The same can be spoken of where people are concerned. Am I of sound character? Do I have a healthy inner life? Am I in good condition where my relationship with God, family, friends and co-workers are concerned. How is my integrity? Will I stand up under the pressures of life?
“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned…” Titus 2.7 Conversations Within” ts 10/5/2021
Photo: Ortona South Lock, FL
All matters matter to someone with integrity. Being honest is a manner of living, and telling even the smallest of lies should be unacceptable. Lord, give me what grace is necessary to purge all exaggerations, or any desire to put myself in a better light, but instead care more to walk honestly in Your light.
“You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/4/2021
Be honest with yourself. Speak only the truth when you have conversations within. The best way to do this is to come sit in the light of God’s Spirit. We can’t see anything in the darkness of self conceit.
“But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light…” Eph.5.13 Conversations Within” ts 10/3/2021
I think it is important to keep tabs on yourself--to know not only your limitations but your inconsistencies. I fall short. I sin. I don’t practice what I preach. Admitting our own hypocrisies is a good step in turning from them. Don’t pass judgment on others, judge yourself.
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.” 1Tim.1.12 Conversations Within” ts 10/2/2021
The Spirit is teaching me to resist always being on some journey, and instead be where I am. When I don’t, I miss so much beauty surrounding me. Walking down the dock, trying to get to my vehicle so I can get to the store, so I can get somewhere else...it is easy to miss the clouds above, the flower growing out of a crack in the sidewalk, the bird singing in a tree, even if the tree is in Walmart’s parking lot. Don’t miss out on what is right in front of you.
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy…” Ps.16.11 Conversations Within” ts 9/30/2021
Photo: Mall parking lot
The early morning hours are my favorite part of each day. The “quiet time,” as some call it, centerers and nurtures my soul. Cultivating this time is my best shot for experiencing peace and quiet when my circumstances are anything but quiet. A quiet heart can shield us from a noisy life, and can even spill over into one and calm it down.
“But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.” Ps. 131 Conversations Within” ts 9/29/2021
Our Father is said to be the Lord of peace and He graciously gives it to those who look to Him. We do not need to work for it but simply accept it as a gift. We accept it when we humbly accept that He can work all things for our good, even what we're going through right now. Give God your cares and He promises to give you His calming grace.
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way.” 2Thess 3.16 Conversations Within” ts 9/28/2021
Learning to remain calm despite our outer circumstances is of great value. Peace of soul, and a patient attitude promote clear headed thinking. Keep your cool. Teach yourself how to stay calm until calmness is your natural state of mind.
“In your patience, possess your soul.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 9/27/2021
Photo: ICW, SC
Acceptance powerfully works peace in our heart. It is not simply shrugging our shoulders and saying, “ O well, It is what it is.” The acceptance here is adjusting our expectations to the reality that God is at the helm. He will steer us through whatever storm comes our way. The present crisis cannot undo the future He has planned for us. This is the definition of security.
“You hold my lot.” Ps.16 Conversations Within” ts 9/25/2021
Photo: Sittin on the dock...
Ever hear someone say, “All I want is some peace and quiet?” Much of life is the manner in which it is lived. The movement of our thoughts, words and actions can flow like a peaceful stream, or rage like a flooding river. This means that peace is how we choose to think, and how we choose to do things. In this sense we don’t find peace, we create, experience and express it.
“The ways of wisdom are pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.”Prov.3.7 Conversations Within” ts 9/24/2021
Photo: John Muir Trail, CA
Only in glory will we understand the full extent and effectual power of God’s grace. If humans are capable of showing mercy to an enemy, how much more God? If the parents of a murdered child can extend forgiveness to the murderer, how much more is God’s grace the great hope of us all. Do we really believe that we can be more gracious than God? In the end I believe we will all be overwhelmingly surprised by the extent of His grace.
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”. 1.cor.2.9 Conversations Within” ts 9/23/2021
Photo: Fort George Inlet, FL
