There are a number of ways to assign value to something or someone. Usefulness is one, or the joy they bring to us. We can bring both to God and should, but He has already assigned our value to Him simply by the price He was willing to pay for our restoration. Our value to God and to ourselves is determined by that, more than any other thing.
“God so
Living on a boat for years gave me a lot of practice at this. Something is always breaking on a boat. After a while you learn to patiently accept it, and focus on fixing it, rather than wasting energy being frustrated by it. When any problem arises, turn your attention on the steps to repair it. This wisdom not only works to fix broken stuff, but also to fix something broken in a relationship.
“Love is patient…” 1Cor.13 Conversations Within ts 7/20/
Unfortunately some people have never learned how to deal with depression. This only highlights the value of belonging to a tribe of people who aggressively love one another. Of course, people overcome by depression, may not have learned the value of belonging, which means that we must love them into the tribe, rather than wait for them to join.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good
I am persuaded that the battle for our thoughts will continue till we leave this place. I would prefer not to be discouraged by this, but rather encouraged that the positive energy of God is working grace in me to at least identify a negative thought when it pops up.
“Cast down every imagination and every thought that competes with the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” 2Cor.
A smile is a contagious kindness. It can shower people with a gentle rain of refreshment, and germinate joy even in the garden of a stranger. We can not only affect others with a smile, we can transform our own radiance. Smile at yourself, and melt that tendency to be so serious. Let it turn away the anger of others, and take the wind out of the sails of your own.
“Let your face smile on us, LORD.”
Opportunities for pleasure abound, Creation is saturated with them, each of them a gift from God's hand. It is only in love that we can enjoy each pleasure as God intends. Selflessness can enslave us to pleasure. Love can free us to enjoy them, not be enjoyed by them. God imparts joy to put the last touches on pleasures when they are rightly taken from His hand.
“At your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Ps.16 Conversations
Our position, and possessions aren't ours to grasp, but to sow like seeds in the hand of a community farmer. Do not hold on to what is entrusted to you, use it to serve the tribe.
“Who, being in very nature a God, did
Jesus encourages us to love our neighbor in the same way that we love ourselves. Surely this means that we consider if our choices are actually showing love to ourselves. Be sure to show graces like kindness, forgiveness and beneficial actions to yourself so you can show proper love to others.
“Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 7/15/
I am often tempted to force things, to make things happen when, where and how I want them to happen. This is especially true when I am going somewhere. It is a source of frustration when I get off my schedule. There is wisdom in letting things happen when they happen, and going with the flow.
“At the right time, I, the LORD, will make it happen.” Is.60.
Lord, thank you for teaching me the skill of looking up when I am down. It is certainly a skill we need in this place. Work this grace in me like an ever flowing fountain, a wellspring of your goodness.
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” Conversations Within ts
The power of attitude lies in what we believe is true. If what I believe is true is not true, no matter how positive my attitude, it will have no lasting value. Remember the story of the person burning in Hell repeatedly telling himself, “It’s not hot, and I'm not here.” Be sure that your beliefs lay a solid foundation under your attitudes.
“The truth will set you free.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 7/11/
The world I live in was passed down to me by the generations that came before me. I will contribute to the world that I leave to the next generation. Let me leave the world a better place than I found it. Lord, help us understand that your intent is that we do not live in isolation, but in community.
“We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for every good work.” Conversations Within ts 7/10/
The value of a mirror is only when it reflects accurately. In one very real sense, people were created to be living mirrors. Everyone is made in the image of God, and so to be a faithful reflection of what that means. I am pretty sure that the measure of how well we faithfully mirror Him is how faithfully we love others.
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your
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Individual passages in the Bible can be taken out of context, just as the whole Bible can be. The Scriptures should be used for the purposes designed by the One who inspired it. It is wise to remember that the Devil quoted from it with an unholy purpose.
“Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.” 1Sam.3.7 Conversations Within ts 7/8/
Everyone is unique and can bring something uniquely good to the world. There is value not just in knowing your God given talents, but in using them to benefit the whole. How will I contribute to the body, what can I do today to love the tribe?
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” 1Pt.4.10 Conversations Within ts 7/5/
There is a connection between self control and our mouth. It may just be that self control can be learned by deciding not to speak when we want to. It takes practice and great discipline to refrain from speaking. If I want self control to refuse one more bite at the table, perhaps I can learn it by refusing to open my mouth at all.
“We all stumble in
Everyday I watch my precious wife rise with one purpose, and that is to love the people in her life. Her love knows no bounds, and she extends her kindness to whoever happens to be in front of her at the moment--her grandchildren or a stranger on the streets. She is tireless in this pursuit!
“She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” Prov.31 Conversations Within
Good morning Father. It dawns on me as I open my eyes, that this new day is the overflow of Your goodness and tender mercies. And what is the reason for the gift of this day, but to enjoy this grand adventure we call life. Thank You!
“This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Conversations Within ts 7/2/
Death is certain. What happens after death is also certain. Now, what I believe will happen, and what will actually happen are not the same. I know my understanding is incomplete, even flawed. But I have faith, and I have hope, and what I know of God’s love here and now assures me that His love for me will continue, which certainly means I will continue.
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” The Apostle John Conversations Within ts 7/1/
Take stock of the way things are, then remind yourself that that’s the way things are, and move forward. Never fret or worry about the way things are. If you are able to do something about it, then do so. If not, well that’s the way things are.
“My grace is sufficient for you…” God Conversations Within ts
If the way we think about our health is plaguing us with worry, fear, and doubt, or simply dominating our thoughts, it would be wise to change the way we think about it. Trust God to provide all that is needed for today's tasks, and believe that He will give us what health is needed to attend to them.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life...your heavenly
It staggers me to realize that the Good Book tells us that God pays close attention to the smallest details in our lives. Everything we say, and indeed, before we even say it is known to Him. The more I ponder this, the more I consider if a good bit of what I want to say is worth saying at all.
“Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.” Ps.139 Conversations Within ts 6/27/
I find it difficult to make certain decisions. My response, more often than not, is to simply put off making them. This is, of course, a decision itself, and one that piles up my decision platter. There is a bit of wisdom which encourages us to handle things decisively, one time. Decide and be done with it.
“There is… a time to keep, and a time to throw away.” Ecc.3 Conversations Within ts 6/26/
I can be my own worst enemy. Overthinking, worry, frustration, and stressing out are all unhealthy practices. The Spirit of Jesus is teaching me a new way. We can adopt a laid back approach to life because we are invited to lay our burdens down at His feet. Live with grace and ease.
“My yoke is easy…” Jesus Conversations Within ts 6/25/
True love focuses on seeking another’s well being, and as such overlooks any disappointments they may have brought us. We can learn to ignore hurt feelings, and direct our energy instead toward finding some positive attitude or action that reflects the simple goodness of love.
"love...always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 1Cor.13 Conversations Within ts 6/24/
Learning how to deal with hurt feelings is surely a skill worth developing. One very good reason to do so is that we do not want our feelings to get in the way of responding in love to people when they do injure us. Love is always the right choice. So how do we deal with hurt feelings? Jesus pointedly says, “Try forgiving them."
“Forgive one another, as God has forgiven you…” Eph.4.32 Conversations
