I am amazed at the number of small insignificant things that I have allowed to bother me. A scratch on a new surface; an out of place item; or a long red-light has upset the cart of my peace. I am learning how to just roll with it and find that I am happier when something bothers me to just smile and simply not let it.
“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…” Phil.4.12 Conversations Within” ts 10/24/2024
Love really is all we need, except for maybe the wisdom to apply it. Love is the answer to all violence, and every conflict in the world, and every problem facing each of us. Love answers every situation by simply saying “do what is best for everyone, even an enemy. When in doubt, always take a step in the direction of love.
“Love your neighbor as you love
The life Jesus offers is an "over and above" kind of life. It is an abundant life. He wants to make us rich, rich in goodness, in love, joy and peace. His is a wealth beyond measure. At the end of each day I want to smile knowing I have lived abundantly.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/22/
I want the Spirit of Jesus to correct any misunderstandings I have about life. What I want more is that when He does correct me, that I keep in step with it. What good is knowing the right thing but not doing it.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
We are told that God loves us more than we could possibly imagine. I can imagine a great deal so I am drawn to move deeper into understanding the greatness of God’s love. Praise be, His love is great to forgive, great to bless, greater than all the uncertainties and doubts I may have of standing in His presence.
“And I pray that you…may have power…to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ…that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Eph.2 Conversations Within” ts 10/20/
It is the edge of the sword that cuts, the edge of darkness where light appears, and the edge of the cliff where new heights are revealed. God may take us to the edge of our limits before we finally lay hold of His unlimited power. God’s strength is often found on the edge.
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in
When Jesus told His disciples that they could do nothing without Him, He wasn’t saying that they could not put on their sandals, or fix a sandwich. He was saying that doing these things, or any thing for that matter without Him would accomplish nothing of eternal value. He is the 1 beside every zero.
“Apart from me you can do nothing.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/17/
This is such a good reminder to keep my focus on serving others. It is easy to get lost in the dark woods of a self centered life. Think about others. Do for others. Wake to the beauty of service--of contributing.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.” Conversations Within” ts 10/16/
If it should be done, or needs to be done, or has to be done, why not enjoy doing it. Enjoyment is a powerful grace given to us by God. It can lighten any load, make ascending any mountain a soul lifting stroll.
“I tell you these things that my joy may be in you and your joy is made full.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/15/
There are some things you never grow beyond, you can only grow deeper into them. Being a learner is one of them. A thirst for wisdom is the dynamic of a true disciple.
"Let the wise listen and add to their learning and let the discerning get guidance". Prov.1.5 Conversations Within” ts 10/14/
An African tribe was once introduced to the game of Croquette. When one member finished first, he immediately ran back and advised the player behind him until he also finished. This was repeated until the ball of the last tribe member made it to the stick. Only then did they all jump up and down to celebrate. As one person put it, “Find your tribe and love them hard.”
“...we were all made to drink of one Spirit.” 1Cor.12.13 Conversations Within” ts 10/13/
Have you ever not done something simply because you knew you wouldn't have enough time to enjoy it. I would love to build and live in a tree house, but my time left to enjoy it is running out. Now wouldn’t it be great if everything we did was not just for ourselves, but for those who will come after us. A mature perspective finds joy in the benefit of others.
“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children…” Prov.13.22 Conversations Within” ts 10/11/
I know too well the inner conflict of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I used to wonder if others have the same struggle. I am now confident that this malady is common to the human condition. I know it will not change so long as I remain in this body. Thank God, I am promised that the story will not end this
"What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Rom.7 Conversations Within” ts 10/9/2024
It is a sad thing to watch the death of faith in someone. It sometimes happens when God does not answer a prayer the way they think He should. Acceptance of God’s answer is a part of a healthy faith, not that He will give us what we want, but in the character of God’s goodness when He says, “No”, or “wait”, or “I have something better in mind.”
“Can God prepare a table in the wilderness? Ps.78.19 Conversations Within” ts 10/8/
There is, of course, nothing wrong with enjoying the sweetness of an apple, but if it is made sweeter by stealing it, that is a terrible corruption. Lust only knows temporal pleasure at best, and its bitter consequences. Love embraces every pleasure in faith, and transforms it into an ever increasing and lasting joy.
“Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious! But
Lord forgive, and deliver me from my own hypocrisy. I show such supreme arrogance when I judge another, before I judge myself. Your gentle and humble heart quietly beckons every day. Work this precious grace in me to adopt it.
“You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from
I watched someone stopping long enough to carry on a conversation with an old man in a Wal-mart; someone they didn't even know, but who was just looking for someone to talk with. I know someone who brought food and water to an dog left over a long weekend at an animal shelter drop off. He knew that no one would find it before they opened on Monday. Warms my heart.
“Be kind and compassionate…” The Good Book Conversations Within” ts 10/4/
I prefer the fruit of living by what I know is good, rather than just following my feelings or desires. But, is this not a desire? It seems that in the end we always follow our strongest desire. It seems then that the key is to keep at the forefront those desires that are authentically good.
“I discipline my body and make it my slave...” 1Cor.9
A wise approach to life is to just deal with what comes your way. It never helps to fret over it, or complain about it. Smile, then do what needs to be done. Don’t forget the smile, it really does help.
“Therefore do not
Much of life is the manner in which it is lived. When my heart is at peace, peace flows into my every expression--peaceful thoughts, peaceful words, peaceful actions. Walk in the path of the Prince of Peace and His peace will keep your heart.
“The ways of wisdom are pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.”Prov.3.7 Conversations Within” ts 10/1/
When I witness or experience the devastation of nature I am reminded, not that God is mean and uncaring, but that all of us are rebellious children, and as such live in a fallen world. A good parent warns their children about the consequences of bad choices.
“Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life.” Gen. Conversations Within” ts 9/30/
Suffering is easily observed, and aspects of it touch us all. Jesus told us to expect it. He also promised an end to it. His invitation to us is to adopt His gentle and humble attitude, and that doing so will bring a restful peace in us as we endure it.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/1/2024
The knowledge that God takes pleasure in those who trust Him, greatly encourages me to look to Him for just about everything. He likes and appreciates it when I do. I like and appreciate that He likes and appreciates it. Everybody is happy!
"The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love" Ps.147.11 Conversations Within” ts 9/29/
Actions are like poetry; the second line often complements the first. Maybe that is why we call it poetic justice. But reaping what you sow can be such a positive dynamic as much as a negative one. Every seed I plant has the power to positively influence my future, and the future of those I love. Give purposeful thought to the seeds.
“Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground…” Hos.10 Conversations Within” ts 9/26/2024
Over the years, I have tried to nurture being in the moment. At times I found it a challenge. But now that age is with me, I find a wonderful blessing in its bouquet. When tempted to be someplace other than where I am, I realize I simply do not have the energy to be anywhere else other than where I am.
“Be where you are!” Ecc.9 Conversations Within” ts 9/25/
I declare your value to my heart, Lord. Your value is your glory. Your glory is the strength of my life. Without You I have nothing!
“My mouth is filled with Your praise, and with Your glory all the day.” Ps.71.8 Conversations Within” ts 9/24/
If I must speak, let me make sure I am contributing to a healing dialogue, not antagonizing others who happen to share a different point of view.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for
