Every day I have to navigate the waters of many relationships. The waters may be still at times, they may be turbulent other times. The ores of love and kindness are the only way that I know to run the river with a peaceful and joyful heart, and leave only goodness in my wake.
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I do not think of my relationship with God as a religion. On the whole, I think that man made religions are a problem in the world, including the Chritian religion. I say this because Christ did not come to establish a religion, but to open the door to a relationship with His Father. If I practice something religiously, kindness would be good choice.
“God is love…Love is kind” The good Book Conversations Within ts 6/23/
I am grateful for my daily experiences of God. I am grateful that He relates to me as a Father, not just as the LORD God. Knowing this changes everything about the way I relate to Him. It does not take away from his standing as God, it adds definition as to what kind of God He is.
“When you pray, say, Our
Fundamental to that enduring attitude that takes life as it comes, is the simple faith that when we ask God for daily bread, He provides it. He does so as much in things that come our way, as He does in feeding us.
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Col.4.2 Conversations Within ts 6/17/
When I find myself discontent after I have prayed for daily bread, let me question not that You have provided it, but whether I am grateful for what you have put on my plate.
“I am the bread of life.” Jesus
I believe that God speaks to anyone who wants to listen. We can have that heart to heart talk with Him but it is important to prepare our hearts to listen. Do not discount the fact that God speaks through others. He has always been about connecting us to each
“Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.” 1 Sam.3 Conversations Within ts 6/13/2024
The power to enjoy does not lie in our circumstances, but in our hearts. Peaceful surroundings mean little if the heart is not at peace. Lasting happiness comes from within, and is sustained by the singular knowledge that all is well, when I am well with God.
“The joy of the Lord is my strength.” Neh.8.10 Conversations Within ts 6/12/2024
The discovery of joy in some activity can create within us a desire to take only those paths that produce it. If it brings me no joy, why do it? If it has brought me joy, remembering can motivate me to return to it. When joy is at the end of a decision, endure the process that brings it to you.
“...the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Neh.
Respect for life, all life, grows naturally out of our respect for God. Lord, teach me how to respect everything that You have made. I confess that sometimes I cannot figure out exactly how to do this, but I am grateful for the attitude behind free range eggs.
“In His hand is the life of
I have grown fond of the many Youtube videos the show beautiful scenes of nature from around the world playing contemplative music in the background. I have added watching them to my morning quiet times. The Spirit speaks in the light of nature and in the light of the Scriptures.
“Their voice goes out into all the
The Spirit of Jesus helps us discern all that is healthy and unhealthy; right and wrong; wise and unwise. When I think about it, why would I want anything unhealthy, or wrong, or unwise. Experience has taught me that there is no joy down that path.
“Stay in step with the Spirit.” Conversations Within ts 6/8/
I woke this morning without any fear of danger. I know that danger exists in the world, but for the most part, I have lived protected from it. Let me pray and do what I can so that the children of this world can lie down in safety. Oh Prince of peace, bring peace to the nations, and make me an instrument of
“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Ps.4.8 Conversations Within ts 6/7/2024
Joy is the love of what you do. It carries no guilt, no burdens, no doubts. Joy doesn’t try harder simply because joy delights in whatever its hand finds to do. You can take out the trash with a smile.
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Neh.8.10 Conversations Within ts 6/6/2024
Learning how to manage ourselves is a valuable life skill. How powerful and profitable the ability to control our emotions, desires, tongue, and thoughts. Only when we choose the emotions we embrace; which desires to fulfill; what words we say; and what thoughts we allow, can we breathe the air of true
“The fruit of the Spirit is self-control.” Conversations Within ts 6/5/2024
When I speak about my love for God, at least a part of it is very much saying what I like about Him. We love in many ways. One thing I “love about Him is His understated beauty. I like that He did not write “made by God” under every rock or tree. I like that His presence is not overbearing but subtle, like a pleasant but elusive aroma in the forest.
“I love you, O LORD, my strength.” Ps.18 Conversations Within ts 6/4/
Imagine someone who is always thinking of ways to improve your life; who is always surprising you with some act of kindness. What a blessing it would be to know someone who is always encouraging you, building you up, lending you a helping hand; who is always there for you. Well, we have such a person. Jesus called Him the Spirit of truth.
“...for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Phil.2.13 Conversations Within ts 6/3/
Every request in this prayer is of equal importance. I am especially drawn to the words “the will to choose it.” I often find myself knowing what is good, but the will to choose it gives way to other desires. I am certain the answer lies with God, because He is the One who “works in me to will and do.” He asks me to do my part which is work out what He works in me.
“...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to do his good pleasure.” Phil.2
Know how, abounds in our times. We can Google any subject and instantly find out how to do most anything. Just this morning I encouraged someone to YouTube some videos on healing a sprained ankle. But know how, is not wisdom. Wisdom is always in the doing, not the knowing.
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My life also is a living seed. We may sow our lives in the soil of selfish pursuit and reap destruction, or sow it in the soil of service and reap everlasting joy. Like the seed, our greatest potential is powerfully released when we stop living only for ourselves and begin living for the benefit of others.
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I am so grateful that God does not keep track of my failings. Love compels Him to forgive and forget. I may try to forget the injuries of others to avoid the bitter taste of unforgiveness. God forgives and forgets our sins for our benefit not His. Isn’t thinking
“Love…keeps no record of wrongs.” 1 Cor.13 Conversations Within ts 5/29/2024
I am still learning what it means to find joy in God, not just from Him. I know that happiness is not found in “things” I get from God but found in God Himself.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has
The light of love has a way of keeping negative thoughts from coming to light. I think stuff all the time that in the light of love just shouldn't be said. We all would do well to think before we speak. Ask, will this help or hurt? Wisdom can help us keep our opinions to ourselves.
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth,
Live on the positive side of life. Run in the direction of every God approved activity. There is great wealth in what God approves and dwelling there stirs joy in the heart, and brings a smile to the face.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Heavenly places in Christ.” Conversations Within ts 5/22/
