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,
God embodies all that is good, right and true. To walk in truth is not only to turn our back on everything that is not true, but to cherish the light given in His word. God doesn’t have an opinion, He doesn't need one. Everything He says is the very definition of truth.
“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.“ Jesus Conversations Within” ts 6/21/
Don’t try to determine if someone is worthy of compassion, practice compassion without condition. Be rich in love, and generous in sharing it. Treat people better than they deserve, simply because God has treated us this way. Compassion will do far more good in the world than a criticizing or condemning.
“But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, rich in love and faithfulness.”
It matters little to think about living forever if I am not living life now. I am excited at the prospect of life without end, but eternal life doesn't begin when we die, it is connected to this very moment. It is not just the quantity of our interactions, but the quality that matters.
“Whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts
According to Jesus, eternal life is knowing God. I suppose one reason is that It will take an eternal life to experience all that He desires to be for us. When we have lived ten thousand years, we will have barely started discovering the many new and wonderful things about Him
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” Jo.17.3 “
I think it is important to love yourself the way Jesus told us to, and especially in reference to loving our neighbor. The way we seek goodness for ourselves becomes the measure of how we love others. Goodness is for everybody.
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 6/16/25
I would praise God not only in words, but in deeds-- in ruminations; by walking in a forest; or swimming in an ocean; in the celebration of life itself. How could I not praise and prize your great worth to me Lord. Your lovingkindness is better than life.
“I will praise the LORD all my life…” Ps.146.2 “Conversations Within” ts 6/15/
Mourn your sins, but don’t spend too much time bemoaning and feeling sorry for yourself. God does not want us to sit around feeling guilty; He wants us to repent, which simply means that we see our need for change, and humbly ask His grace to do so.
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 6/10/
There is great joy when we choose to live productively. Produce! Be a fruitful tree so that others may glean goodness from your branches. Come to the end of a day with a smile knowing you have served and brought benefit to the world.
“Be fruitful.” Gen.1.28 “Conversations Within” ts 6/10/
I am privileged to live nestled in nature. The fact that God created humans, and then placed us in a garden to tend it, makes me think it is important to spend time everyday outside breathing the fresh air of creation. Don't live like a fish in a fishbowl. Swim the oceans.
“The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Gen.215 “Conversations Within” ts 6/
Did you get it wrong? No worries, get up and try again. Keep at it. Keep on keeping on. Bring it all down to what you are going to do next, what you are going to do right now. Don’t keep score, just enjoy the game.
"A righteous man falls seven times but still gets up" “Conversations Within” ts 6/9/
To enjoy a simple day of work, and life’s many simple pleasures is a gift from God. Accept His invitation to embrace the joy of life everywhere in and around you. Arise every day and choose a better approach to living.
“There is nothing better for a person than that he should
It is enjoyable, even easy to do what you love doing. Train yourself to love only what promotes health. Find pleasure in goodness. Always choose joy. It is safe to do only what pleases you, when what pleases you, pleases your Father in Heaven. He is life, health and peace.
"Train yourself for godliness…it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." 1Tim.4.7 “Conversations Within” ts 6/4/25
Wisdom knows when not to waste breath talking with some people. If you know someone has made up their mind and will not listen, keep quiet? A wise person knows the value of being silent. Hold your peace, don't give it away to an argument.
“Do not cast your pearls before swine.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 6/3/25
If the truth will set us free, as Jesus taught, it follows that a lie will lock us away in darkness. What is truth? Jesus amazingly told us that He is the truth, and then asked us to trust and follow Him. Religion tells us to submit. Jesus asks us to decide.
“You believe in God, believe also in me.” Jesus “Conversations Within”
I dine with sinners all the time. My wife and I eat together every day and we are sinners. When you come face to face with your own sinfulness, you realize the futility of condemning others. Embrace and love others as you wish to be embraced and loved.
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”
If I want what God wants, and I ask for it in the faith that He has given me, why would I not expect a favorable answer? Prayers that get it done belong to those who walk on the King’s highway, and are on the King’s business. Keep your business His business and witness what happens. Effectual prayer is a partnership.
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5.16 Conversations Within” ts 5/31/25
Freedom comes to us one choice at a time. We may resolve to lose weight, quit smoking, start exercising, but any success will come from our next right choice. God offers us every encouragement and His enabling grace, but He decidedly leaves the choice to use them to us.
“The fruit of the Spirit is… self control.” Gal.
There is so much beauty in the world. There is also so much that is ugly. Every choice I make adds to one or the other. Embrace beauty! Create beauty! Be beautiful!
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Eph.2.10 “Conversations Within” ts 5/29/25
A full life is simply the sum of living each day to the fullest. Do not confuse the number of activities you can cram into a day with the quality of your interactions. Discover the wealth found in every moment as if you have lived and loved a thousand years in it.
“With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” 1Pet.
