Where I put my trust is a daily consideration. I am all too tempted to trust in my own devices when I know how frail and failing they have been. And so, I remind myself that what I am unable to do, is a piece of cake to Him. What remains is for me to call out like one drowning and trust that He will do the rest.
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Ps.20 “Conversations Within” ts 8/6/
I can view my temptations like a trip to the gym. For instance, I can use what I don’t like about myself, as a reminder to nurture what I want to like about myself. I don’t like being a reactive person. So, when tempted to do so, let me see it as an opportunity to practice patiently responding instead.
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Prov.15.1 “
I hate to admit it, but I can be so vain. When I act this way I am not loving God, others, or myself as I should. Vanity thinks only of oneself whereas love values service to others. Vanity is always drawing attention to self. Love on the other hand is understated beauty.
“Love…does not boast, it is not proud.” 1Cor.13 “Conversations Within” ts 8/5/
1.Tell God outright I want His will first, and mean it. 2.Make sure I am already doing what I know is His will. 3.Read and reflect on His word every day. 4.Seek wise counsel from godly people. 5.Consider what gifts He has given to me, and use them. 6.Watch Him open and close doors. 7.Trust the process.
“Do not conform any longer
Chances are that if I am not adding value to others, I am probably subtracting from it. The reason is because I had an opportunity to benefit someone and I withheld it.
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Prov.
Find the proper focus, then abide in it. What is the proper focus? Jesus has convinced me that loving God and loving others is spot on where lasting joy is concerned . I want this love to be the dynamic that defines my journey.
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved
Living on a sailboat and cruising in a van has taught me to check out every noise that doesn’t sound quite right. I always find that something is broken or starting to break and I better give it attention. This is true in relationships as well. Maintenance is an essential skill for a happy home.
“Through laziness, the rafters sag; because of idle hands, the house leaks.” Ecc.10.18 “Conversations Within” ts 8/2/
Always being ready to give an answer about my faith, strongly implies that I wait for a question, not just spout out answers to everyone passing by. If no one is questioning me about my hopes as a Christian, I may want to reconsider how I am living
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1Pet.3.15 “Conversations Within” ts 7/30/25
Jesus told us to anticipate certain things as we wait for the final healing of our broken world. Conflict of all kinds is to be expected. The world is broken, nations, homes, and people. He invites us to rest in the knowledge that healing is coming. We can expect that too!
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 7/29/25
The information age is not as informative as I sometimes think it is. What do I really know about people, or current affairs? It is limited by what I have read or heard from others, and we all know how incomplete that is. If there is any wisdom, it is that I should reserve judgment, and attend to the little I do know.
“The same measure you use to judge others will be used to judge you.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 7/27/
I think most people regard injurious actions to others as a sin, with a few exceptions such as self-defense. Does this mean that non injurious actions are not morally wrong. If what I do does not hurt anybody, is it a sin? For a Christian, sin is what God says. I think we overlook that what offends Him is the true understanding of sin.
“All have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.” Rom.
If God is good, why do we sometimes have to remind ourselves that He is? I am reminded of the meme, “Some see the rose, others see the thorns.” Our focus determines a great deal. Abide in the light of His goodness. It will permeate the darkness and doubts of this world.
“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Psalms 34:8” “Conversations Within” ts 7/26/25
Time unfolds from God’s hand.It is a precious gift that He shares existence with us. He embodies every moment, and invites us to do the same. Fill each moment with your whole being. Stretch out in it as in a bed with the softest sheets. Wrap yourself in the blanket of this moment.
“Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” Eph.5.13 “Conversations Within” ts 7/25/
Anything political leaves a bad taste in my mouth. The idea that someone is trying to package and sell me something immediately turns me off. I have found that true worth and value is apparent, even obvious. Once you have encountered the real deal everything else is just noise.
“Whoever has ears to hear, let them
Stringing one successful choice after another is powerful. We build momentum with tiny but consistent steps in the right direction. When we base our choices, not on fleshly desires, but on what we know is good, right and true we obey our true self, and the Spirit of God working in us.
“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” Prov.4.14 “Conversations Within” ts 7/23/25
There is value in joining one healthy decision to another. Good habits are formed this way. Be mindful of every thought, word, action to insure its health. Realize the power in a single choice. Do not despise the day of small things.
“Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain.” “Conversations Within” ts 7/22/
“I tried that and it didn’t work.” I’ve heard others say this, and I’ve said it myself. But if I am honest, many times I realize that the failure wasn’t with what I was trying, but with my own inconsistencies doing it. Own profitable actions by being consistent in practicing
“Work out your salvation, with fear and trembling, for it is God working in you to will and to do His good pleasure.” “Conversations Within” ts 7/21/25
If there is anything that captures the favorable attention of God, it is when we humble ourselves. Humility is a realistic appraisal of one self and then humbly seeking grace because of what is discovered. God delights in honest humble admissions and graciously blesses such with transforming power.
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1Pet.5 “Conversations Within” ts 7/20/
It dawns on me that much of what I do when practicing mindfulness is sensory related. I wake to sights, sounds, touch, and interact. But there is a whole world beyond my physical senses. That of course is the world of the Spirit. I would learn to be mindful of all things spiritual as well. Doing so enriches all sight and sound and I wake to the Creator of Heaven and earth.
“Walk in the Spirit and you will
The humble in heart are hardly, if ever, demanding, or complaining, or any of the negatives we associate with arrogance. Indeed, humility is the reason such people touch the world around them with gentleness. Lord make me such a person.
“Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your
Firm footing in life’s many battles is not only knowing where you stand, but knowing what you really want. Do not trade what you want now for what you want most. Define it, defend it, especially from the temporal trinkets of this world.
"Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! Ps.143.10 “Conversations Within” ts 7/15/25
Hardship is the norm in a fallen world. But so too is God’s grace. Woven into the fabric of life is the goodness that comes to everyone who endures. One aspect of a mature inner life is practicing the simple skill of perseverance.
“Consider it pure joy…whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1 “Conversations Within” ts 7/15/25
I remind myself that the Lord is giving even when He takes away. I believe this because my faith tells me that our Father cannot help but work anything but goodness where His children are concerned. This of course makes a priority out of knowing that I am His child. Christ in us is the hope of this glory.
“The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job “Conversations Within”
Don’t expect positive change from negative energy. Hate just breeds more hate. Do I really believe that the love Jesus exemplified is what the world truly needs now. Do I believe that this love conquers all? Let me seek change in the world with love, His sweet love.
"Love bears all
Decide and you will feel better. If you decide right, you will always feel better. Decide wrong and you may feel better only for a while. Decide then to make decisions that bring lasting joy, not just temporary comfort. For me it has become simple, choose the worldview of Jesus.
“Follow me…” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 7/
I like that Jesus tells us not to worry. I always like it when He tells me to do something I already like doing, and I certainly like not worrying. He is teaching me the freedom that comes from telling myself, "I ain’t gonna worry about right now." Why worry about tomorrow or anything when all things are in His loving hands.
“Stop worrying about even one thing…” Phil.4 “Conversations Within” ts 7/8/25
There are so many stories not only in the Scriptures, but in everyday life that teach us to trust in God’s goodness even when tragedy strikes. He encourages us to not only believe in a bigger picture but that He is the one painting it, and when it is finished, all will be good.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no
Few things can compare to a good night’s sleep. As of late, arthritis is robbing me of having one, as it does so many. I remind myself that after a bad night, I can still embrace the abundance that Jesus promised. Let’s face it, hardship is also promised. Take your turn at bat with a smile. It helps!
"When you lie down, you will not be
One of the first sins recorded in the Bible was shifting responsibility--blame. The women blamed the serpent, and Adam blamed not only his wife, but also God for creating her. Lord, remind me to stop trying to fix blame, and instead, fix the problem.
“The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.” Gen.3 “Conversations Within” ts 7/5/25
If we are not mindful, our joy can be lost in the rush of trying to get it on camera. There is nothing wrong with taking photos, but as with most things keep it simple. Live life, don’t spend it posing and posting, to convince others, maybe even yourself that you are.
“Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. “Only one thing is important.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 7/4/25
Sometimes we cannot choose to be healthy; ill health can strike anyone. But, and this is an important contrast, we can always make healthy choices even in the midst of being sick. Never underestimate the power of one healthy choice multiplied over time.
“...may you prosper and be in health, even as your soul
Oh how the world changes in the light of a grateful heart! The greatness of our gratitude is the measure of our true wealth. Nurture gratitude and you heart will rest knowing that life is unfolding under the designs of a loving Father.
“I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD” Is.45 “
There is a story of a man who politely asked Thomas Jefferson for a ride across a river. Someone asked him why he had asked “that man” instead of any of the others for the ride. The man replied that Jefferson had a “Yes” face. Father, give me a face that says yes when someone needs help.
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Hebrews 13 “Conversations Within” ts 7/1/25
Be generous in service, and overwhelm people with kindness. Embrace the actions of love, and always focus on bringing goodness to others. Lavish people with encouragement, and praise. We should not restrict our generosity just to giving money, but with everything good enrich the world.
“A
Lord, I know You don’t want my money or my time, just my heart. When You have my heart You will have my all. Let me address the needs of the world by giving You my heart, and as I give You mine give me Yours in return.
“God loves a cheerful
There is no real risk where trusting God is concerned. What may appear as a risk to us has already been determined by Him. This is especially true when He asks us to invest in giving to someone when we cannot see any promising returns. His promise is our greatest insurance.
“Cast your bread upon the waters, for you
The happy life is a generous life--always giving, overflowing, and making a positive difference. The generous person is always holding their hand out to give, not to take. There is so much joy in thinking of others, instead of being trapped in the pursuit of selfishness. Jesus is right, it is more blessed to give than to receive.
“Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will
Gratitude isn’t an occasional, or seasonal activity, it is the ambiance of finding life before God to be the greatest treasure. I want to radiate gratitude, and to be the aroma of it, and share the deliciousness of each moment together with Him and with those in my life.
“The cheerful of heart has a continual feast.” Prov.15.
I want my body to be my servant, not my master--to answer my call, not vice versa. If I want my body to serve me, I certainly need to take care of it, but not overindulge it. The key to self-control is knowing which desires to pursue and which ones to redirect.
“I discipline my body and make it my servant.” “Conversations Within” ts 6/23/
The fact that God is in charge, and that He allowed His Son to suffer a cruel death, might bring little comfort to us if our main goal is to avoid all suffering. But consider another perspective that brings enormous comfort.
‘He who did not spare his own Son,
