“The dark threads are as needful in the weaver’s skillful hand as the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.” Corrie ten Boom

This precious survivor of a Nazi concentration camp compared life to a wondrous tapestry that God is weaving. Most of the time we see the disjointed backside with all the meaningless knots and loose hanging threads. Then there is the other side--the eternal side--seen by the Artist of our soul, whose skill is unmatched and whose wisdom joins all of life’s sorrows and joys into one grand and glorious image seen in the face of Christ.

“They dressed Him up in purple, and after twisting a crown of thorns, they put it on Him...” Mark 15.17 Conversations Within” ts 8/30/2016

“We can only see part of the picture, but God can see the whole picture.” Meme

We don’t have to see the big picture to know that there is one. We certainly don't have to worry about the big picture especially when we realize that Father is the artist painting it. Peace of soul is reminding ourselves of this when something tragic happens. A violent brush stroke is but one stroke on the canvas of our lives, and sometimes they are evidently deemed necessary to complete the picture. Trust that when the painting is finished, every brush stroke will blend into a portrait of absolute goodness.  

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Rom.8.28 Conversations Within” ts 8/29/2016

It may be the big picture that matters, buts it is also our little choices that help create it.

The Bible’s big picture is that God created us; asked us to trust Him; we chose not to and messed up our lives and the whole world with us. God then sent Jesus to fix our mess, He started the process and now asks us to trust Him again with our lives. It has always been about trust and comes down to simple faith In His word. We either believe and trust God, or we believe and trust our own way of doing things. That is the Bible in a nutshell as it is said.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” Acts 16.31 Conversations Within” ts 8/28/2016

Many would do great things for God, but more often than not, it is faithfulness in small matters that adds up to a life which honors Him.

The power of our love for God is not the way we feel about Him, but in our actions. It matters little if we have strong emotions where He is concerned, but do not follow them up with the actions of faith. In the final analysis it is what we do that matters most.

“You know these things. You are more blessed if you do them.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/27/2016

"Little by little, a little becomes a lot." Tanzanian proverb

An encouraging word given to someone everyday can be a powerful influence for good, just as critical words can slowly tear people down. Build others up, don’t tear them down. Small investments can strengthen a marriage, a friendship, and a child’s future. We can even give ourselves an encouraging word every day; for we often must believe we can accomplish something before we actually do.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1Thess.5.11 Conversations Within” ts 8/25/2016