My rights as an American do not take priority over my responsibility as a Christian to love my neighbor, and not the neighbor who agrees with my political and religious views. If Jesus told us to love our enemies, He pretty much has everybody in mind. Everybody means everybody, no exceptions.
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” Conversations Within ts 4/22/
When I have asked God for something and He has refused it, it is not that He was unable to give it, but unwilling and for good reason. That He was unwilling means that He has something better in mind. God will not give us anything that does not mirror His greatest gift. Would we really want Him to do so? Sometimes He says “no” because He has in fact, already said “yes” to a greater good.
“All the promises of God are “Yes in Christ.” 2Cor.1 Conversations Within ts 4/20/
Sleep patterns sometimes change as we age. Many older people experience nights tossing and turning rather than sleeping. It is what it is, and it helps me to know that God is Lord of my nights as well as my days. His grace truly is sufficient whatever changes come. Adapt and overcome with this grace.
“Yours is the day, yours also the night…” Ps.74.16 Conversations Within ts 4/19/
I set aside time every day to read and reflect and know the simple value of thinking things through. Sadly I also know the stress of overthinking things. Make a decision, and get on with it, even if it means setting it aside for a better time.
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Prov.14 Conversations Within ts 4/18/
I am often reminded by my wife that I can stress over matters that are out of my control. If I put something in God’s hands, I should leave it there.
“Cast all your care on Him, because He cares for you.” 1Pet.5.7 Conversations Within ts 4/17/2023
“Keep it simple” is more than a motto, it is a manner of living, it moderates what we purchase, how we eat and drink, it even guides our conversation. Complexity and overindulgence tend to compete with our peace. Simplicity promotes and protects it.
“...we behaved in the world with simplicity.” 2Cor.1.12 Conversations Within ts 4/16/
I am certain that God loves me. I am equally certain that He doesn’t approve of every choice I make. I shouldn’t conclude that because He loves me, He is happy about everything I do. His love comes with purpose, part of which is to prepare me to live free of selfish lusts, and dwell in a place where love is the only dynamic of every choice I make.
“For we are
The Spirit of Jesus is always helping me keep the right focus. For instance, Instead of saying, "that person needs to repent", the better focus would be that “I” need to attend to my own behavior.
“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? Jesus Conversations Within ts 4/14/
Humility leads us to a sober judgment about ourselves. Paired with meekness, both lead us to pray with Jesus, “Not my will, but your will be done.” In this paired frame of mind we can realize our full potential.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 4/13/
In my interactions with God I have found that there is little if nothing forced about grace. He looks for sons and daughters not slaves. He graciously allows people to deny His existence, and so should we. People need His grace to believe, but they also need the freedom to choose if real love is to
“There is no fear in love.” 1Jo.4.18 Conversations Within ts 4/10/2023
If your religion burdens you, as all religions tend to do, then hear the precious invitation of Jesus. Stop trying and begin trusting. The drowning need only to relax in the arms of the lifeguard.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest…I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Jesus Conversations Within ts 4/9/2023
Just because God is silent doesn't mean He's not working. Sunlight calls silently to the forest; the leaves of Spring silently answer. So too will every blessed purpose that God wills to bloom in our lives.
“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence.” Ps. 62 ESV Conversations Within ts 4/9/
I have friends who believe that when you die, that’s it. Energy passes back into the universe from where it came. If this is true, then none of us will know the difference. But, if Jesus is telling the truth, every one of us will transition at death and stand before the Judge of all the earth. The good news is that Jesus offers to stand beside us if we want Him to.
"But if anybody does
Jesus spoke some hard words which require us to consider if we really want to be His followers. He made it very clear that He does not want disciples who follow their own ideas about love and peace, but are willing to align with His. And, align we must. It is the only way He can heal us with the truth.
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 4/7/
One important question might be, “What is love?” Beyond feelings, love is an action word, namely actions that seek goodness and well being. Of course one person's definition of goodness can differ from another’s. Jesus told us to treat people the way we want to be treated. Certainly kindness, compassion, and respect express it.
“Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 4/6/
In a culture so diverse in opinion, there is a wonderful opportunity to set an example of showing respect to those who do not share our point of view. We can respectfully disagree by making sure others know that our commitment to their well being will not be compromised by any opinion, including our own.
“Lead the way in showing honor.” Conversations Within ts 4/3/2023
Self control begins the moment we choose to live our life by what we know is good, right and true, instead of just following our feelings and desires.
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 4/3/
After wiping out, and we all do, the next choice, the right choice is to get back up, and go at it again. I have a t- shirt that reads, “Wake. Surf, Repeat! You get the idea.
“Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 4/1/
Jesus foretold His death, His resurrection and His return. The first two have already happened. We wait for the last. I do not know if Christ will return before I die, only that He will surely come for me. Whether it is in death or in life, I want what I do everyday to confidently prepare me for the meeting.
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you also may be where I am.” Conversations Within ts 4/3/2023
The resurrection of Jesus is the single greatest expression of God’s involvement in the future of every person who has or ever will be born. Does God have plans for us after we die? The resurrection offers a resounding “YES!”
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 4/2/
Faith is somewhat like having a title of ownership. It is the confident proof of the spiritual realities expected. Is Heaven my future home? God considers faith in the resurrection of Christ as the evidence that it is. The resurrection of Jesus is the reality behind our faith. Father assigns great value to the faith we put in Him.
“Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen.” Heb.11 Conversations Within ts 3/28/
It has become a part of my personal reboot sequence. “Never feel sorry for yourself.” All the pain that life brings us does not necessarily add up to misery. There is joy, even in suffering for those who nurture it. Such joy is sown in the heart that trusts in the promised realities of the resurrection of Jesus.
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Rom.8.
Humans have come up with a number of explanations for the prevalent suffering in the world. I suppose if understanding can lead us to a remedy, then there is value in trying to understand the why behind it all. But there are times of senseless suffering that stagger us all. Trying to figure it out may not serve us better than if we just deal with it the best way we can.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Gal.6.2 Conversations Within ts 3/26/
There are realities, then there are ultimate realities. Death is surely a reality. But from the viewpoint of the resurrection of Jesus, eternal life is the ultimate reality of those who believe. Suffering is a reality, but it cannot compare to the ultimate reality of the glory that will be ours in the eternal state. We can choose to live life in view of the ultimate, not just what is now and passing.
“This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.” 1Cor.2.16 Conversations Within ts 3/26/
I deeply admire people with chronic conditions, who rise up each day and latch on to the fact that there is always something for which to be grateful.
“In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you who are in Christ Jesus.” 1Thess.5 Conversations Within ts 3/25/2023
