I have seen a number of FB posts praising Jimmy and Roselin Carter’s expressions of Christian love, but then they bash another Christian group for their practice and belief.

My first thought is that we should never talk about love in a hateful way. It is enough to praise two great Christian examples. Love everybody!

“Love is patient , love is kind.”  1Cor.13 Conversations Within ts 11/24/2023

“Man proposes. God disposes.” Thomas à Kempis

There are so many wonderful opportunities available right now to enjoy the precious gift of life. Put your heart into it, commit your intentions to God’s care and go for it. But, do so with a humble realization, that if and when we accomplish them, it is because God has granted success or not.

“A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.” John the Baptist Conversations Within ts 11/20/2023

“Other people's appetites easily appear excessive when one doesn't share them.” André Gide

 Let me deal with my own appetites rather than those of my neighbor. The best thing I can do for those I love is to deal with me, and leave them to deal with themselves.

“How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?” Jesus Conversations Within ts 11/19/2023

“Your network is your net worth.” Porter Gale

I find it interesting that there is a general interest in someone’s net worth. We want to know just how wealthy someone is. When the Good Book speaks of God’s glory it is speaking about His wealth i.e His value. Jesus invites us to discover and share in it. Indeed the “chief end” of our lives is to glorify God by enjoying all that He is for us.

“Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.” Ps.29 Conversations Within ts 11/19/2023

It bothers me.

I am bothered by imperfections like an misaligned picture frame or a smudge on my TV, or computer screen. Nothing is perfect in this world. Equally true, "nobody" is perfect in this world. I am learning to live gracefully with my imperfections, even as I try to correct them. No doubt I should do the same with the faults of others. Only in glory will we live as “spirits…made perfect.”

We all stumble in many ways. James 3.2 Conversations Within ts 11/18/2023

“You pay God a great compliment by asking great things from Him.” St. Teresa of Ávila

I get the feeling that I have not asked enough from God. One day I am sure that I will wish I had asked for more. One reason is that Jesus says very clearly that praying and specifically asking is evidence that we abide in Him. We are never in a better position than when we are drawing sap from the Vine of Christ.

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." Jesus Conversations Within ts 11/17/2023

”Not by bread alone…” Jesus

A number of years ago I was having some health problems so I started a very strict diet. I was soon frustrated because I felt that all I was doing was thinking about food. One morning I asked God about it, and immediately I heard His reply, “Is not life more than food?” The fact that I already knew these words, and He simply reminded me of them, drove the point home.

“Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Conversations Within ts 11/16/2023

"It is not happy people who are thankful; it is thankful people who are happy."

Try this on for size. Be happy, thankful, and filled with joy. Always be found celebrating life, feasting, and playing with delight every day. According to the Spirit of Jesus, this is always appropriate, the very best use of our time, and God’s will for each of us.

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1Thess.5 Conversations Within ts 11/22/2023

"Honey, time marches on and eventually you realize it’s marchin’ across your face." – Truvy, Steel Magnolias

I am amazed by these video shorts that show celebrities, and the progression of their age from youthful beauty and strength to being wrinkled and weak with age. The transformation is staggering. Now that I am old, I see beauty in age, a different kind of beauty for certain, but beauty nonetheless. I also realize that it is our attitude that enables this sight, or blinds us to it.

“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life” Prov.16.31 Conversations Within ts 11/15/2023

“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” Thomas Aquinas

A friend once suggested to me that the “idea" of God was invented to explain everything we do not yet understand. Now I can appreciate that it is possible to find a scientific reason to explain away events that Christian’s credit to God. Of course, I believe that God is the very foundation of true science. Faith, after all, is faith, but believing doesn’t half to be blind or ignore reason.

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched--this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.” 1Jo.1.1 Conversations Within ts 11/14/2023

“Be a light for those who lost their will to burn.” Facebook post by a friend

Someone you know is going through a dark time. Shine some light their way. An encouraging call, a text, a card or a visit can light up the darkness surrounding them. Rise with the sun this day to lift others up.

“You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” Ps.18.28 Conversations Within ts 11/13/2023

“God doesn't comfort us to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters." Billy Graham

We should not be surprised when we look to God for comfort and He sends us to comfort someone else. How marvelous that God would weave into the fabric of the world the simple equation that to give is to receive. It is absolutely impossible to bring refreshment to others without it splashing over on us.

“God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2Cor.1.3 Conversations Within ts 11/12/2023 

”Prayer should be the key to our day and the lock at night.” George Herbert

It is not so much the power of prayer, but the power of the One we pray to--and, not only God’s power, but His goodness. For what is God’s power without His goodness, and generosity to show it in answer to our prayers?

“Ask and it will be given to you.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 11/10/2023

First things first

In light of the remarkable assurance of Jesus that His Father will add to our lives every single thing we need if we simply put His kingdom first, it seems wise to know exactly how to do this. I would say that at the juncture of every decision, we should consider what He desires from us, and commit ourselves to His grace to do so. Because His Spirit lives in us, I think most of the time we already know what His will is, and we should simply do it.

“Seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and all these things will be added to you.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 11/9/2023

“Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but lying.” Saint Vincent de Paul

A humble moment is when we tell ourselves the truth. A proud moment is when we tell ourselves a lie. Humility and honesty go hand in hand just as pride walks with self deception.

“There is more hope for a fool than for one who is wise in his own eyes.” So says the book of wisdom and so let my heart embrace it. Conversations Within ts 11/6/2023

”Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less.” C. S. Lewis

I believe that true humility usually leads us to focus on others rather than ourselves. However, when we do think about ourselves, humility will lead us to do so in order to better serve others.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Phil.2 Conversations Within ts 11/6/2023

Beware O my soul your smartphone lest it make you dumb.

Contraptions can trap us in a wasteland of empty pursuits. Things are meant to serve us in our pursuit of the eternal, never imprison us to the trivia of the temporal. I use my smartphone every day. The trick is to not let it use me.

“For everything in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--comes not from the Father but from the world.” 1Jo.2.16 Conversations Within ts 11/6/2023

“The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” Stephen Covey

 When I find myself overwhelmed with an unending list of things to do, it helps to focus on the most important one. What is that? It is to consider which one promotes the life focus I chose when I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. I would live for the enjoyment of God's pleasure and to find Him as mine. I am assured that I can do this while blowing leaves or working any daily chore.

“There is one thing that is needed.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 11/5/2023

I would rather kiss and be kissed than be told the definition of kissing.

Let me start this day by thanking you for watching over us last night, for a warm bed and my precious wife resting beside me. I woke up this morning and I am grateful for it. Enjoy this morning’s kiss for you sweet Lord for all your kind kisses every day.

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving.” Ps.100 Conversations Within ts 11/4/2023

“How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing, it is irresistible.” C.S. Lewis

 The pledge of marriage says, “I freely give myself to you and you alone.” It is a beautiful and fitting illustration of holiness. With respect to God, we set ourselves apart to love, honor, serve and cherish Him like no other. This first love enables and enriches everyone else we love…our spouse, children friends, enemies and pets.

"Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” Ps.29:2 Conversations Within ts 11/3/2023

”Consider this remarkable fact: In the Sermon on the Mount, there is not a single word about what to believe, only words about what to do and how to be.” Robin R. Meyers

 I am not sure that I completely agree with Mr. Meyer's summary, but certainly it is unhealthy to put emphasis only on what a person believes rather than what they do. Faith and works go hand in hand. Too many Christians measure spiritual health on doctrinal soundness, rather than behavioral soundness. Christian faith is more an active trust expressing itself in love, than holding to a system of beliefs.

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 11/2/2023

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” Dalai Lama

I do not always speak kindly. I want to, but often say something, then immediately apologize for saying it. It would be better if I used a kindness meter to test my words and the tone of my words before I say them rather than after. 

“Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life” Prov.21.21 Conversations Within ts 10/31/2023

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.” Pathless Pilgrim

 I am moved by the emotional responses of animals. To see an imprisoned animal running with delight when given freedom makes me want to set them all free. When I witness the protective love and care that a cow has for her calf, it intensifies my longing for the day when “the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all.”

“Come, Lord Jesus!” Conversations Within ts 10/29/2023

“When asked if my cup is half full or half empty, my only response is that I am thankful I have a cup.” Sam Leflowitz

When I focus on being thankful for my blessings, it changes the way I interact with everything. It may not change what is unpleasant, but it changes me. It raises me up to see all that God is for me when facing whatever, and to smile at my future.

“In everything give thanks for this is the will of God for those of you in Christ Jesus.” 1Thess.5 Conversations Within ts 10/28/2023

“I shake, but my rock moves not.” Charles Spurgeon

I have moments of rest, just as I have moments of restlessness. God is constant in the directives of His love, but I am not constant in following them. He invites me to stand sheltered with Him on solid ground, but I often choose the quicksand of my own way. Perfect peace is mine to be had, but only when I choose it.

“Because the Lord is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.” Ps.16 Conversations Within ts 10/26/2023

“Gratitude bestows reverence… changing forever how we experience life and the world.” John Milton

 Like most of the people I know, I suffer with the pains of age. I can smile at them too. Nights can be long, but gratitude can change the way I experience it. Our pains can be the gentle reminder to pray for all who suffer in this world and hope for the next. The greatness of my gratitude is the measure of my true wealth.

“On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.” Ps.63.6 Conversations Within ts 10/25/2023

Wu Wei--the art of effortless action…the act of allowing.

We can consciously do nothing, not in a lazy way, but in a believing trusting way. We have heard the expression “Let go, and let God.” Put matters in God’s hands, and leave them there. God has allowed it. Believing in His wisdom, and goodness we can allow it as well.

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Ps.4.8 Conversations Within ts 10/23/2023