“It ain’t the parts of the Bible that I can’t understand that bother me, it’s the parts that I do understand.” Mark Twain

How can we learn anything if we are not presented with a different point of view. The Bible, at the very least offers us that. God’s word challenges us to rethink some of the things we think. Every good parent corrects their children. Surely a wise God will also do so when we need it. I am learning not only that I need correction, but also to value it. When you think about it, why would anyone resent being told what is right when they are doing wrong.  

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” 2Tim.3.16 “Conversations Within” ts 7/24/2017

“If at first you don't succeed try reading the instructions.” Meme

I believe we need the Bible to make sense out of the many things we see in the world, even to understand what we see in ourselves. But surely we need the living Christ, and the Spirit He sends to live in us, to make sense out of what we read in the Bible. In our hands the Bible can be made to say just about anything we want it to. In His hands the Scriptures are a light on the path.

“The unfolding of your words gives light.” Ps.119.130 ESV “Conversations Within” ts 7/23/2017

“There are no strangers here, only friends you haven’t yet met.” William Yeats

Live a life of love and love the person in front of you. Kindness has the magic to instantly turn a stranger into a friend. You never know when a kind act will bring a stranger into the cherished circle of your closest friends. Every deep friendship began when two strangers met and took an interest in each other.

“The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt; I am the LORD your God.” Lev.19.34 Conversations Within” ts 7/22/2017

“Find your tribe, love them hard.” Unknown

I think the best way to find your tribe is to help create it. Be the kind of person that you would want to hang with. Create loyalty by being loyal. If you want friends who will go out of their way to love and serve you, then be willing to go out of your way to love and serve them. Treat friends like family and family like friends. I can think of few things in life that can surpass the beauty, simplicity, and value of a small band of true friends--individuals who play together, and pray together. Here is church in its purest form.

“Upon this rock I will build my church.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 7/19/2017

“Your vibe attracts your tribe.” Meme

Critical and judgmental people usually hang together, so too the kind and considerate. Choosing a tribe is an important decision in life. Surely helping to shape the character of your tribe is no less important. We all have tendencies to be critical at times. Don’t throw negative wood on the tribal fire. Stoke the tribal fire with kindness and encouragement. Our attitudes and actions rub off on others. What kind of tribe am I helping to create?  

“He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Prov.13.20 Conversations Within” ts 7/19/2017