How serious am I about winning the battle of positive change? Make preparations in the morning for the battle you know is coming this evening.
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” Prov.6.6-8 Conversations Within” ts 6/19/
The common observation that just about everything easy is also bad for us should incline us to nurture our appreciation for what is hard. A large part of living well is learning to do the exact opposite of what is easy.
“The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to
Like most Father, I have conflicting desires. Lord help me keep at the forefront of them all every positive desire by doing something positive right now. Encourage me to see it though so that when the sun sets this evening, the healthy desires win the day.
“Keep in step with the Spirit.”
If I diligently nurture my desire for physical and spiritual health, then I will more than likely choose the attitude and actions that promote it. The desires of the heart determine one’s choices, so put energy here. Diligence is the key.
“Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.” Prov.4.23 Conversations Within” ts 6/16/
People often say that they do not have the willpower to overcome various bad habits. But God can give us everything we need for positive change, even willpower. When able, people always give expression to their strongest desire at the moment. Grace helps us define which desires to embrace.
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will
Things may look uncertain to me, but nothing is uncertain to the One who holds my future. Everything uncertain to me is certain to Him. I may not know what is around the bend in the river, but I know the river will eventually flow into the ocean of His tender mercies.
“You hold my lot.” Ps.16
Learning to live content with a measure of uncertainty is healthy. One reason is that we are sure to have it. Experience has taught me that God does not always lay out the details of what is in store for us, only the promise that He is working everything for our good. Don’t worry about uncertainty, Embrace the adventure and discover the joy of discovery.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer.29.11 Conversations Within” ts 6/12/
I believe worry is a temptation, just like every other evil. And like every other evil, the best way to deal with it is not so much to resist it, but to redirect our thoughts away from it to living life fully. Get on with living and leave behind all that isn’t.
“Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Prov.12.25 “
Wisdom brings together what we know, and what we do into perfect unity. Peace is the fruit of making choices based on goodness, rather than passions, emotions and desires.
“The ways of wisdom are pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.” Conversations Within” ts 6/10/
Never confuse your problem with worrying about the problem. If you can do something about it, then do it. Work the problem; don’t waste energy worrying about it.
“Do not worry…” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 6/9/
Let your worries trigger a mindful, rather than emotional response. When tempted to worry about something, turn your energy instead toward someone who is worthy of your trust. Do not let worry trigger your fears; purposefully choose to let it trigger your faith.
“Cast all your care on Him, because He cares for you.” 1Pet.5.7
I enjoy testing the truthfulness of this statement for several reasons. One is its simplicity, and two, is that I want a simple answer to all of life’s questions. As best I can tell, when Jesus said that only “one thing is needed” He was saying that we should know what God wants from us right now, and to ask for His grace to do it.
“You are worried and anxious about so many things, but only one thing is needed.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 6/7/
A mature self-respect is the power to reject provocation. Self-respect produces self-control and vice-versa. Control your emotions; don’t be controlled by them.
"Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good." Prov.19
Adapting to the changes that come with age is wise. We learned to walk when we were young; we learn how to walk slower and with greater care as we get older. Grow older with grace, and give new meaning to the admonition to “act your age.”
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2Cor.4.16 Conversations Within” ts 6/6/
Successful adaptation begins with attitude. An “I will figure this out” mindset is the first step in doing so. Humbly accept what God has allowed for your good; get the creative juices flowing and ask for wisdom to respond accordingly. Adapt!
“I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” Phil.4.12 Conversations Within” ts 6/5/
The love of God has been teaching me how to live on the positive side of life. When we give our energy to everything healthy, we leave nothing for attitudes and activities that are not.
“...be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Rom.12.2 Conversations Within” ts
God offers us a relationship but people often settle for a religion. He has been persistent in His refusal to settle for such. He has made it clear that I am free to decide, even to decide unwisely. Any loving relationship requires this freedom. Everything about the nature of love is voluntary.
“We love him, because he first loved us” 1Jo.4.19 Conversations Within” ts 6/3/
If I ask my wife to bring me something, and I find it on my desk, I do not consider this a coincidence but a simple interaction. If I ask God to help me recover a ring I accidently dropped in the water, and a hour later when i pull up the anchor, i find the ring on top of it, is that a coincidence, or just God answering my prayer?
"Ask and you shall receive." Jesus
Setting a weight loss goal is generally considered healthy. Setting a goal to nurture our inner life is also worthy of our efforts. We are, after all, body and soul--a physical and spiritual creature. Live with wholehearted focus.
“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1Tim.4.8 Conversations Within” ts 5/30/
Love is aggressive in seeking good, even good for someone acting evil. Stopping someone from harming another is doing the perpetrator a favor, just as much as overlooking a personal injury and refusing to take vengeance. Let compassion be the governing dynamic of every action, especially towards an enemy.
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” Rom.12.14 Conversations Within” ts 5/29/
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The very moment I realize that my heart is not peaceful, is a moment of grace. The realization tells me that I have left the path. It is here we must train ourselves to stop ambling on, and return to the path.
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” Col.3.15 Conversations Within” ts 5/28/
I woke up this morning with my usual pains. I am grateful I woke up. With most things in life, our focus will shape an attitude of gratitude or complaint. Train yourself to see as God sees.
“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” Phil.5.18 Conversations Within” ts 5/27/2022
It is so easy for me to get drawn out of the present moment into some future concern, even though I can do absolutely nothing about it right now. There are times when it is best to deal with it when it comes, not before it comes.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Phil.4.19 Conversations Within” ts 5/26/2022
What do we do when someone refuses to practice love and practices hate instead? Love them of course. Love them even if they don’t appreciate it, and even if they have nothing but hostility toward you. We can always seek goodness for someone, even an enemy.
“But love your enemies, do good to them.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/25/2022
A true understanding of the Bible results in a deeper love and respect for God and others. Anything else simply means we have not understood and therefore we are not acting as we should.
“And this is my command.
If we listen to what we want to say before we say it, we have a great tool to measure if our thoughts and attitudes are consistent with a gentle and humble heart and the imperatives of love.
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith.” 2Cor.13.5 Conversations Within” ts 5/23/
