A lot can be said about teaching ourselves how to stop. Stop heading in the wrong direction. Stop getting involved in aimless controversies. Stop habits that you know are unhealthy. Stop yourself from always commenting. Learning when and how to stop is one of the best ways we can start valuing the present moment.
“Stop being anxious…” Phil.4 Conversations Within” ts 3/24/
I hate missing a turn and having to backtrack. Even so, I am getting used to it. There is no sense complaining about it, just turn around and get back on track; the sooner the better. Smile and hit your best recovery shot. Endure the process with grace and goodness.
“Let endurance have its perfect work.” James 1.4 Conversations Within” ts 3/23/
Sometimes doing “all things” through Christ, means doing some things we would rather not do at all. Not everything done in His name is glorious, but doing something because it is what we should do, rather than want to do, brings glory to it.
“I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” Phil.4.13 Conversations Within” ts 3/22/2022
I can appreciate the wisdom in these words because I have not heeded them on a number of occasions. I am glad there is a redo button on many things, but a lot can be said for the simple economy of effort when managing time and resources. Slow down and get it right, rather than rush and get it wrong.
“Whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” Prov.19.2 Conversations Within” ts 3/21/
Boy, I can relate to this. I tend to be a rigger. Duct tape, and zip ties are favorites. This approach will often work in a pinch and get the job done, but on the whole I think it is better to use a more permanent approach. Certainly things like relationships require more than a zip tie, duct tape approach.
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2Tim.2.15 Conversations Within” ts 3/20/2022
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When we are convinced that doing something is healthy for the body and soul, keep at it. Just because you “fall off the wagon” doesn’t mean you lie in the dirt. Get up, brush yourself off, get back on and keep going.
“...for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again,” Ps.24.16 Conversations Within” ts 3/18/2022
We can’t go wrong when we center ourselves in God’s will. We can do nothing right when we don’t. When things go wrong there are a few options to consider. One is that I am out of His will, another is that I am facing some trial because I am doing His will, and He wants me to patiently endure while He sets things right.
“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Heb.10.36 Conversations Within” ts 3/15/2022
We all face inner battles. We desire something like health, but then we also desire things contrary to it. To experience physical and spiritual health is to experience an inner battle for them. This is why we say things like, “We are our own worst enemy.” No two ways about it, train yourself to manage yourself.
“For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” Gal.5.17 Conversations Within” ts 3/8/
Everybody has things they have to do, but don’t want to do. For instance, I hate doing paperwork, but it is required for many important matters. Practically speaking it is in our best interest to make choices based on what we know is good, right and true, rather than our emotions or desires that run contrary to them.
“And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.” Rom.7 Conversations Within” ts 3/7/
It is good to remember the words “us” and “our” are included in the prayer Jesus taught us to pray. For one thing, we ask “Forgive us our trespasses,” lest we be tempted to forget our own shortcomings and arrogantly judge others for theirs. It also reminds us that these blessings are shared.
“Our Father…Give us…Forgive us… Lead us…” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 3/6/
Self control is expressed as much in what we do as in what we refuse to do. We practice it by saying "no," but also by saying "yes." Saying “Yes” to everything healthy, is an easy way to say ‘No” to all that is unhealthy. Live on the positive side.
“Every athlete exercises self-control in all things.” 1Cor.9.25 Conversations Within” ts 3/5/2022
God does not promise to give us everything we ask for, but whatever we need to accomplish His purposes. When we ask for today’s bread, hopefully it reminds us to spend the day walking in His ways. What is His way? His way is to love and serve others. Be confident that He will give you everything we need to do just that.
“Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 3/17/
A mature wisdom will make you a doer. A mature person doesn't pointlessly talk about it, or worry about it. Their energy is directed to getting done what needs to be done. Lord make me a person of action, not one who worries or complains. Find me about your business when you come for me.
Be doers. Conversations Within” ts 3/16/
Consider for a moment that God is not only the Great Shepherd of the sheep, He is the Good Shepherd. What would His goodness be without His greatness to insure it? What would His greatness be without His goodness to give it meaning? This is why there is no need to worry. God is great, God is good!
“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Ps.23.1 Conversations Within” ts 3/10/
Whenever I am tempted to worry about something, I feel an inner encouragement that reminds me that God has the final say about everything in my life. Our Father has got it covered, our future is secure. The practical application of this truth is that there is no reason to worry when we embrace that He is not only able, but also willing to act on our behalf.
“You hold my lot.” Ps.16 Conversations Within” ts 3/9/
Gas prices, food prices, living expenses and inflation may tempt us to anxiety. God knows our needs, and we have His personal word that when we attend to matters that matter, He will attend to matters that enable us to do so.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear…your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Jesus Conversations Within” ts 3/8/2022
Most of us have had that “out of control” feeling at one time or another. Things may very well be out of "our" control, but the good news is that God is the Captain and always in control. I find great comfort knowing that He is at the helm of my boat smiling despite any storms that come our way.
“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Jer.32.17 Conversations Within” ts 3/10/
For everything that love is, there are also things that love is not. For instance, “love is not easily angered.” The patience of love keeps anger in check. Love can put up with a lot where people are concerned. Love keeps its focus and will not allow anger or anything to take away its firm commitment to bring only benefit. And who do we love? Everybody, of course.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” 1John 4.7 Conversations Within” ts 3/1/
God is love. He so loved the world that He gave us His Son Jesus. The greatest commandment is to love, The greatest of “these” is love. Love is the preeminent commandment of Jesus. All this pretty much means that love should be the governing dynamic of everything we do.
“The only thing that matters is faith expressing itself in love.” Gal.5.6 Conversations Within” ts 3/1/2022
I am convinced that love is the best measure of our attitude and actions if we want a life that has lasting value. Simply put, love, beyond emotion, is any action which brings goodness to everyone around us. It is a life devoted to usefulness and service. It is a life enriched with the presence of God for no other reason except that God is love.
“God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” 1John Conversations Within” ts 2/25/2022
The Bible has been given a singular place among all books. Clearly there are challenges to understanding some of its teachings. I agree with St. Augustine because He agrees with Jesus. If our understanding does not promote a greater love for God and others, we have not understood the Bible as we should.
“And this is my command. That you love…” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 2/25/
Pretty simple question to ask, but to answer and attend to it can make a world of difference. Do we not in many ways create our own world one act at a time. So, how do we decide what is most important? It is the testimony of many that wisdom not only can help us see it but to help us choose the best way to go about it. And where do we get wisdom?
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1 Conversations Within” ts 2/25/2022
I think far too much about the time left to me in this place, when I would do far better to fully embrace the time given to me right now. If I give this moment the energy of my whole heart, when my last moment arrives, I will have lived a full life.
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” Ecc.9.10 Conversations Within” ts 2/24/2022
How would I characterize my character? What qualities do I express in my attitudes and approach to living? Am I patient, and kind with others? Do I naturally serve them and find joy doing so? Lord give me a vision of the kind of person that brings You pleasure.
But the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.” Ps.147.11 Conversations Within” ts 2/23/
I am grateful for the daily struggle to be more like Jesus. It is clear evidence that He lives in me speaking His truth to my heart. I spar to let go of attitudes and actions that run contrary to the new desires that are now running in me. God is clearly working to change me, the best thing we all can do is to cooperate with Him.
“...for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Phil.2.13 Conversations Within” ts 2/22/
t is my understanding that God knows everything there is to know about each of us, and yet, despite our foolish choices, even the ones we will make tomorrow, He remains committed to enriching our lives today. In many ways He is like a good parent teaching a teen to drive; He keeps His hands ready to take the wheel.
“I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 2/21/2022
I can unashamedly say that I love Jesus. Far more important than that is that He loves me. I have found Him to be the single greatest influence in my life, and every hope I have of life, even endless life is in Him. I want to represent Him well to others. I am not always sure how to do this best, but one thing I do know is not to arrogantly shove Him into every conversation.
“Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart...” 1Pet.3 Conversations Within” ts 2/19/
