We can learn how to wisely sidestep strife. Most of the time, a gentle answer is all that is needed. A turn your other cheek attitude is also disarming. A skillful peacemaker refuses being defensive and simply will not let themselves get drawn into conflict. Peace is the way. Peace is the principal goal.
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Rom.12.18
Wisdom can teach us the best way to seek what is best for the ones we love. Without it, even the best intentions of love can produce more harm than good. Like the banks of a life-giving river, wisdom channels love, enabling it to provide goodness in a good way. But, without these banks, unguided love can overwhelm, flood, even destroy.
"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of
When I sit in review of how I act each day, I am often disappointed. I want to do better, and be better. Self-condemnation has not brought better results. But I do find hope in the joy of loving. It is immensely satisfying to look back on the day, and be able to say that you loved others as you were able, and even did a good job loving yourself as well.
“Love never
I take at least one picture everyday to keep a digital journal not only of memories, but the kind of life I am living. Because I attach these pictures in my daily reflections, the simple habit of looking back through them, works in me a deep appreciation of God’s blessings.
“You have drawn the lines for me in pleasant places. I have a beautiful inheritance.” Ps.16 Conversations Within ts 2/16/2024
I have known the joy of being so intently focused on a work project that I lose track of time, and even the desire to eat. My best life is lived this way, when I am so focused on the joy of living I forget any measure of time’s passage.
“They seldom reflect on the years of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.” Ecc.5.
Hard work is tiresome to one, but satisfaction to another. They may be doing the exact same job, but the difference is in the attitude of the heart, not just the hand doing the work.
“This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome
I sometimes wake up bombarded by thoughts of everything I have to do. I am trying to learn a new and better way of waking up. I would prefer to wake up and count my blessings and give God a big thank you “Good morning!”
Enter His gates with thanksgiving.” Ps.100 Conversations Within ts 2/13/2024
Generations continue to testify that the Lord is good. I have found this true in my own interactions. What would God’s goodness be without His greatness to insure it? What would His greatness be without His goodness to give it meaning?
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Ps.
I sometimes have a hard time making up my mind. I am glad that God doesn’t. I always know where He stands on matters. He has the reputation of someone who keeps His word. When I face a crisis, I try to remind myself of what He has promised, and nurture my trust that He always does what He says.
“God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Num.23.19 Conversations Within ts 2/11/
One of the most important things we can know of God is not only that He loves us, but just how much He does. One reason why this is important is because He wants to remove our doubts and fears, and persuade us that He wants nothing but absolute goodness for each of us. "If God is for us, who or what can be against us?"
“And I pray that you…may grasp how wide and long and
I am grateful for God’s friendship. He is there for any and all who look to Him. He is not just our friend, He is a good friend. When I look to Him for a concern, be it big or small, I feel in my heart the encouragement, “I’m already on top of this. No worries mate.” Spoken with an Australian accent of course. :)
You, Lord, are forgiving and
The best way to not lose heart is to nurture a positive disposition about life. Every day rise and greet the sun with gratitude and deepen your understanding of God's amazing love and grace that surrounds you right now.
“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 2/8/
There are so many ways to enjoy this moment. One is to be the reason someone enjoys you. “Happiness [is] only real when shared” Jon Krakauer
“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.” Ecc.9.7 Conversations Within ts 2/7/2024
Say it with fewer words. Choose five good words instead of five hundred. All of us could benefit from learning the value of brevity.
“When words are many, sin is unavoidable.” Prov.10.19 Conversations Within ts 2/5/2024
Shine the light of Jesus not in the face of your neighbor, but on the path of goodness. Light serves best, not when it
“You are the light of the world.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 2/5/2024
There are so many things in life to appreciate. If I appreciate health let me foster it by taking time to thank God for it. A grateful heart is a cheerful heart and good things grow in its soil.
“A cheerful heart is good medicine…”Prov.
Not everyday is “hunky dory.” We all have days when our soda has lost its fizz. There is wisdom when we give ourselves permission to have a down day. There is also wisdom when we put a time limit on it.
“There is a time for everything… a time to mourn and a time to dance…Ecc.3 Conversations Within ts 2/4/2024
If you are overwhelmed at the idea of moving that mountain of a task, begin by moving one small stone. Break a daunting task down into small easily accomplished steps. If you have a hundred pages to write, write one. If you have to cut ten acres of grass, put batteries in your music headphones.
“Wealth gathered a little at a time increases.” Prov. 13.10 Conversations Within ts 2/3/
We are what we do, not what we want to do, or propose to do. Now that I’ve got that straight, Paddle! Paddle! Paddle and catch that wave.
“Be doers of the word.” James
I am learning the value of dismissing thoughts that have nothing to do with right now. If I cannot attend to it at this moment, why should I let it steal my energy by worrying about it? And, it is a form of worry to let a future concern dominate thoughts better directed to where I am now.
“Be where you are!”
The ability to quiet the soul, to gently take charge of our response to chaos, stress, or provocation is indeed a skill worth nurturing. Its reward is a heart of continual joy and peace. Its path is found in a simple trust that God loves us and is working everything for our good.
“Be still and know that I am God.” Ps.46.10 Conversations Within ts 1/28/2024
I want to own my soul--to not surrender it to temporal temptations, or passing circumstances. I would own my soul with a calm, even cheerful patience and a convinced endurance. I want to stick to my life’s purpose and ignore what that is passing so I can possess all that is eternal.
“By your patient endurance you will
In light of Jesus’ invitation to find rest, it is safe to conclude that He wants us to live peacefully. He has made it clear that He does not want us to live burdened lives. If I am weary, I may be trying to carry something He wants to carry for me.
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and over-burdened, and I will give you rest!” Jesus Conversations Within ts 1/27/2024
If I get this right, let me get it right where my own fruit is concerned. I want the people in my life to gather nothing but loving kindness from my branches. Alas, it is not what I want that is the fruit, but what people actually taste when they interact with me. God help me!
“You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?” Jesus Conversations Within ts 1/27/2024
I am always looking to the Scriptures to refine my worldview. For me it is simple, although understanding the Bible isn’t always so. I give the Bible a special place because Jesus did. I trust Jesus, so I trust the Bible. Of course, in my hands the Bible can be a dangerous book. But in the hands of His Spirit, the Word is the wisdom of God, and His POV is life, health and peace.
“Your
