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
It is one thing to try and please God in some attempt to merit his blessings and favor, and an entirely differ matter to try and please Him because of one’s gratitude and love. Don’t get me wrong; to have God’s favor is everything, but we can seek to please Him not to earn it, but because we recognize that we already have it. We love Him because He first loved us.
“So we make it our goal to please him…” 2Cor.5.9 Conversations Within” ts 10/23/2021
Our primary purpose should be to please the Lord--not to gain the approval of people. Someone has said that we should have “one Director and one Audience.” I am encouraged that God offers to bless those who live for Him and often by blessing our relationship with others.
“When a person’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, He causes even his enemies to make peace with him.” Prov.16.7 Conversations Within” ts 10/22/2021
There is an amazing peace that stands watch over our hearts when we know that God loves us and is working His goodness in our lives. Consider the evidence for this. Did God send His Son to pay the debt of our sins and offer us His forgiveness? Enough said! Everything else is gravy.
“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Rom.8.32 Conversations Within” ts 10/22/2021
