The Simple Life

Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:42-44 (ESV)   Once again, God uses if clauses to make a point. If God were your Father, you would love Jesus. This is plain, simple language.   I would say the same to someone today. If you know God, you love God. If you know God, you love Jesus. If you know God, you obey God. If you know God, you know the difference between right and wrong. If you know God, you are not anxious about the future. If you know God, you put no trust in the flesh.   The real issue in life is whe

Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. John 8:34-37 (ESV)   Slavery is evil. Being a slave to sin is the worst of all in that it leaves one with no hope, no future, and no purpose. Even more disgusting is that being a slave to sin is what we choose to do. Those who know the truth and respond to it are free from the power of sin. They no longer need to give in to hatred, anger, jealousy, and the like. They use money instead of loving money and love people rather than using them. Slaves often feel trapped, yet nobody is trapped in sin because Jesus made way for all sinners to be freed.   Those who have understood God's love and placed their trust in Jesus as their Savior have taken the first ste

They answered him, "We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, 'You will become free'?" John 8:33 (ESV)   Heritage can help or hinder your knowledge and love for God and His truths. However, heritage cannot be trusted.   Every person is sinful. Every mom, dad, brother, sister, grandma, etc., is sinful, and the sin in their lives is costly.   We are affected by our heritage and are currently creating a legacy. The atmosphere we create will hinder or help the next generation seek and know God. Whenever we use our heritage to excuse or promote our lifestyle, we distance ourselves from the personal responsibility we should be embracing.   My goal as a dad is to give my family the best opportunity possible to know God and His truths. Therefore, my example is essential, perhaps critical, and my message needs to be precise. What message have you received from your heritage? What message are you giving the next generation? http

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32 (ESV)   "A soldier's confidence in his commander is evidenced by the soldier obeying his commander's orders. A patient's trust in his physician is shown by the patient following the physician's directions. A disciple's sincerity in his professions of discipleship is proved by the disciple walking according to the Master's teaching. It is not that there is any merit in the obedience itself; but it is that there is no sincerity in a profession of faith where there is no obedience." (H. C. Trumbull.)   If we believe in Jesus, we listen to Him. If we do not believe in Him, we do not know Him.   For now, the choice is ours. https://www.podbean.com/relate365

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32 (ESV)   What is the truth, and how often do we need to be reminded of its significance in our lives? There is a list of truths that we remember academically, but forget in our practical everyday decisions.   They are truths such as these: There is a God; I am not Him. God is the creator and sustainer of life. We do not depend on money; we are dependent upon God. God loves me and has a wonderful plan for my life. Being anxious is a waste of time because God is in control. In the end, God wins. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Trusting in anyone or anything other than God will leave us disappointed. You can be happy, successful, and significant, and poor. Knowing God is knowing the truth, and it indeed sets one free to enjoy this life and look forward to the next, whereas li

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32 (ESV)   There are many "if" clauses in the Bible that we often ignore to our detriment. If clauses help us clearly understand what God is saying and always have a contrasting side.   For example, in this passage, we could say, if you do not abide in my word, you are indeed not my disciples, and you will not know the truth, and you will not be set free.   If I want to know God, I need to spend time with Him. If I want to live in the freedom that comes from living the way I was meant to be, I need to live in the context of the way it was meant to be. Sometimes we think of truth as restrictive, yet truth always gives us freedom.   The truth of God's mercy gives me freedom from the penalty of sin. The truth of God's grace gives me freedom from the power of sin and will one day deliver fr

So Jesus said to them, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him." As he was saying these things, many believed in him. John 8:28-30 (ESV)   There will come a time where we all know the truth. We can think that we know the truth now, and perhaps we do. However, one day we will understand that what we "knew" as truth is either true or a lie.   Nobody thinks they believe a lie. Yet, strangely, we believe we can create our truth when there is no such thing as "our truth."   Throughout the years, I have often ended a discussion by quietly acknowledging that we will know the truth one day.  When that day comes, we will experience tremendous joy or regret.   The wise have methods to test what they believe and are not afraid to challenge what

So he said to them again, "I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come." So the Jews said, "Will he kill himself, since he says, 'Where I am going, you cannot come'?" He said to them, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins." So they said to him, "Who are you?" Jesus said to them, "Just what I have been telling you from the beginning.” John 8:21-25 (ESV)   One day there will be a separation. Those who ignored Jesus will be separated from life, from Him for eternity. Those who embraced Jesus will be with Him for eternity.   The Scriptures are replete with examples. The rich man left his luxurious miserable life and is separated from God for eternity. Lazarus, the beggar, left a miserable purposeful life and is enjoying being wit

These words he spoke in the treasury, as he taught in the temple; but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come. John 8:20 (ESV)   So often, I think I am in charge. So often, I am wrong. No one arrested Jesus because no one but Jesus was in charge. He is the creator and sustainer of all life. He has decided timelines, kings, and kingdoms, and the future is nothing but history to Him. I can plan my day and perhaps should plan my day, but He is in charge of whether I make it to the end of my day in my present state or enter my eternal state.   Sometimes I forget to think through the truths I know and live my life on autopilot. There is a definite timeline, and I am not responsible for creating or implementing it.   The people in Jesus's day were focused on mob rule, as we are today. They ended up making major mistakes, as we are today. When they crucified Jesus, they thought they won for three days. "Thinking" something does not make it accurate. Mob rule can n

They said to him, therefore, "Where is your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also." John 8:19 (ESV)   The greatest tragedy in life, not knowing God, is self-inflicted. We can try to explain our lack of understanding of who He is, yet our reasons are excuses. If I want to know God, I need to spend time with Him. I will never know Him if I ignore His Word and His Spirit.   It seems as if the circumstances of this life control me more than the God who gives life. That is something that can and should be corrected. https://www.podbean.com/relate365

You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. John 8:15 (ESV)   "We are shallow judges of the happiness or misery of others, if we estimate it by any marks that distinguish them from ourselves; if, for instance, we say that because they have more money they are happier, or because they live more meagrely they are more wretched. For men are allied by much more than they differ. The rich man, rolling by in his chariot, and the beggar, shivering in his rags, are allied by much more than they differ. It is safer, therefore, to estimate our neighbour's real condition by what we find in our own lot, than by what we do not find there … Surely, you will not calculate any essential difference from mere appearances; for the light laughter that bubbles on the lip often mantles over brackish depths of sadness, and the serious look may be the sober veil that covers a Divine peace. You know that the bosom can ache beneath diamond brooches; and how many blithe hearts dance under coarse w

So the Pharisees said to him, "You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true." Jesus answered, "Even if I do bear witness about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going.” John  8:13-14  (ESV)   Honest people honestly evaluate and portray their life. Flawed, sinful people portray someone they want others to think they are. Jesus was not sinful, was honest, and portrayed Himself as He was.   I understand the Pharisees’ confusion in that they thought they were talking to another man when they, in reality, were talking with God. Those confused about Jesus, are confused about life.   God sees me as I really am and loves and wants me. Others see me the way I portray myself and want to make sure I am less than them.   God knows me and wants what is best for me, even at His expense. Others don't know me and want what's best for themselves, even at my exp

Victimhood Society has always used the term victim as a code word that erases personal responsibility. Victims cannot do anything about their situations, so they might complain, moan, get angry, gossip, and even start wars. The president of Russia continues to play the victim card as he blames the West for creating an alliance in Europe that threatens Russia's security.  If the victim card is played, hundreds of lives will be affected, millions of dollars wasted, and the hope and dreams of many will be crushed.  When we watch the news and hear national leaders speak, we often see the platform of victimhood their standing on. Pregnant women are “victims” of being female, and therefore subject to becoming pregnant. Medical personnel who do not want to kill the baby, or abort the baby, are creating a lifelong “victim” of the mom for taking away her choice.  Depending on the time and place in history you live, your race or gender can make you a “victim.”  These kinds of victims l

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12 (ESV)   Walking in darkness when there is light available is foolishness. We need not stumble through life. We need not be confused, angry, uninformed, and lost.   Those who know Christ know how to live. Those who enjoy Christ can enjoy life, and will not fear death.   Jesus spoke these words in the early morning hours when the sun was rising, and light brought clarity to the new day.  I encourage you to enjoy the sunrise often, and to ponder the truth of this verse and the hope we have in the "Light of the World." https://www.podbean.com/relate365

The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, "Why did you not bring him?" The officers answered, "No one ever spoke like this man!" John 7:45-46 (ESV)   No one ever spoke like this man is an understatement. Jesus is God, in the flesh. He has no opinion, no perspective, no jealousy, anger, hatred, or disillusionment.   He spoke with authority because He is the authority.   An encounter with Jesus leaves you wondering about your own life. A discussion with Him will challenge your opinions, change your perspectives, erase jealousy, anger, and hatred and allow you to live in reality.   Your conversation with Jesus leaves you in awe of who He is and His love for you, and you discover your worth in Him and because of Him. When I listen to the Godless world, I am confused by many opinions, I lose my perspective, and I see people driven by jealousy, anger, and hatred. The immense disillusionment or purposelessness drives addictive behaviors,

When they heard these words, some of the people said, "This really is the Prophet." Others said, "This is the Christ." But some said, "Is the Christ to come from Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?" So there was a division among the people over him. John 7:40-43 (ESV)   People always have opinions. Yet, opinions can never verify facts. People have feelings. Yet, feelings can never verify facts.   People have traditions. Yet, traditions can never verify facts.   People have laws. Yet, laws do not determine right and wrong.   We often rule by majority vote, yet the majority is only the majority, and may be wrong. The only way to know the truth is to discover it, and we must continually challenge our opinions, feelings, traditions, laws, and majority opinions. God's Word is the only hope for humanity. https://www.podbean.com/relate365

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'" Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:37-39 (ESV) Jesus is truth, and everything He said is in the context of truth. Therefore, if we do not understand something, we need to pause, realize who said it, and look for the proper context. There will be times where we live in a bit of confusion because we have believed the truth that Jesus says, yet we have yet to experience the reality of that truth.  This makes us human, and proves that we are not God, and is a good thing to grasp.   In the end, all things will be revealed, and Jesus will be proven correct in everything He said. We come into God's family by faith

Jesus then said, "I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. You will seek me and you will not find me. Where I am you cannot come." The Jews said to one another, "Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him? Does he intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? What does he mean by saying, 'You will seek me and you will not find me,' and, 'Where I am you cannot come'?" John 7:33-36 (ESV)   Throughout the Bible, we are told that if you seek God, you will find God. Yet, here, Jesus tells the Pharisees that where He is going, they will not be able to go, and in essence, they will not be able to find Him.   Those who seek God in places He will not be will never find Him. Therefore, the idea of seeking God means that we are looking for Him. The Pharisees had a preconceived notion of who God was, and looking for Him in that context was a waste of time.   Where are you looking for God?

Some of the people of Jerusalem, therefore, said, "Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities know that this is the Christ? But we know where this man comes from, and when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from." John 7:25-27 (ESV)   This is the same, and most significant, struggle humanity has had and will ever have. If we are confused about Jesus, we are confused about life.   Trying to understand who Jesus is without knowing the plan from the beginning is difficult. It makes no sense for the creator and sustainer of the universe to come and dwell among His creation. It makes no sense that He chose Mary to be His mother, allowed His crucifixion, and allowed those who followed Him to be martyred.   If you know the story, you know that this is a love story. If you do not see the story, you think this is some religious crazy cult leader.   In context, Jesus is The Ch

Has not Moses given you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why do you seek to kill me?" John 7:19 (ESV)   Jesus asked a simple question to religious people who refused to see their problem. Moses was esteemed by this religious crowd who proudly and boldly proclaimed obedience to the law. Yet, the law spoke of not murdering, and they wanted to murder.   Religious people hate when you point out their inconsistencies, and they often create a new rule to justify breaking the old one. As a result, religious laws are often sprinkled with verbiage and loopholes that resemble the tax code more than the law of God.   In this case, the religious crowd decided that the devil was powering Jesus. They said: "The crowd answered, "You have a demon! Who is seeking to kill you?" (John 7:20 (ESV))   Satan's oldest trick is to twist God's words and help people think they are pleasing God when disobeying Him. His tricks continue today, and God's Word is our only defens

"The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood." John 7:18 (ESV)   I am the final say on nothing overly substantial. My world can change in a moment, and all my built-up power and authority would be over. Every person begins their physical life dependent and ends their life dependent, even though we spend the middle years trying to find independence.   We seek respect, inclusion, and significance. We desire to position ourselves to be secure. We wear ourselves out trying to find these things that are already ours if we are in Christ.   If I worked my whole life hoping that I would earn a position in my family one day, I would be wasting my time because I am already a member of my family. Not only would I waste time, but I would also confuse those around me, and, in the process, destroy any hope of enjoying the life and position I already have.   Those who are a part of