The Simple Life

Answered them Jesus, I told you and you are not believing. The works which I am constantly doing in the Name of my Father, these are bearing testimony concerning me. But as for you, you are not believing because you are not of the sheep which are mine. John 10:25-26 (Wuest)   Those not in God's family do not understand God because they do not possess the Holy Spirit. Therefore, our discussion with unbelievers needs to revolve around Jesus, not logic, rhetoric, policy, or the like.   The rejection of Jesus leaves us helpless and hopeless and is unnecessary. Unfortunately, the Godless world often feels helpless and hopeless and turns to medication, intoxicants, self-indulgence, or the like to "cope" with life. As we substitute temporary "fixes" for God, we remain anxious, alone, and purposeless. Policies, procedures, and practices will never change man's heart; only Jesus is capable of such a feat. Substances, wealth, power, and prestige will prove empty.   Th

Then the Jews encircled Him and were saying to Him, How long are you holding us in suspense? As for you, assuming that you are the Christ, tell us plainly. John 10:24 (Wuest)   If you do not want to listen, you will not hear. Those who seek God find God. Those who want to listen to Him will hear Him. If we wait for God to say what we want to hear, we will live in confusion. God does not need to try to understand us, yet we need to hear and understand Him.   Because He is God, there are many characteristics that we will never fully understand. However, we can know that He wants us, loves us, and pays the price to have us join His family. We can rejoice in what we know and realize that what we do not know will always align with what we know about God's love, mercy, and grace.   I am thankful that God did not make comprehensive understanding a requirement. As a result, I can enjoy being wanted, loved, and provided for without the pressure of understanding how it can be done.   https:/

A division again arose among the Jews because of these words. 20 And many of them were saying, A demon he has and is raving mad. Why are you listening to him? Others were saying, These words are not the words of one demonized. A demon is not able to open eyes of blind people, is he? 'John  10:19-21  (Wuest)   Public debate is nothing new. Confused people act confused, and will always attempt to persuade others that they might be comfortable in their confusion. Those who do right will be accused of doing wrong. Those who love will be accused of being unloving. Those who are generous will be accused of being greedy.   Confusion is a weapon that paralyzes, emboldens rhetoric, and diminishes the quality of life. Jesus was not confused, and those who know Him are not confused. He came to give life. He did not come to provide us with coping mechanisms but abundant life.   Those who know Jesus are not confused. It is that simple.   https://www.podbean.com/relate365

On this account my Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order that again I might take it. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down myself. Authority I have to lay it down, and authority I have again to take it. This commandment I received from my Father. John  10:17-18  (Wuest - The New Testament: An Expanded Translation) God alone gives and takes all life. His ways cannot be altered, and no power in the universe will dictate what and how He works. God’s plan for Jesus was to have Him die for our sins. The evil crowd thought that His death was the end when it was just the beginning. His death was the beginning of life, and as hard as it may  have been to watch, this act of obedience brought life to all mankind. We often struggle with the tough times in life and misread our hard times for abandonment or perhaps God just being random. Feelings are just that, feelings. Facts are different than feelings and need to be pondered on in light of our feelings when we cannot understa

Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And my life I lay down on behalf of and instead of the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this sheepfold. Those also it is necessary in the nature of the case for me to lead, and my voice they shall listen to, and there shall come to be one flock, one shepherd. John  10:15-16  (Wuest)   There is one way to God, and that is through Jesus. Good shepherds do whatever they need to protect and increase their flock. Jesus ensured that all who came to Him would be in His flock, and one day, we will be one big flock.   The oldest tool in Satan's toolbox is getting us to doubt God's love and provision. As sheep cannot always understand the shepherd's way and need to trust the shepherd's heart, we need to trust God's heart. If we have trouble doing this, we don't know God and need to spend time with Him.   Lecturing God on who He should be and what He should be about is futile. But, on the other hand, knowing

I alone am the shepherd, the good one. And I know by experience those that are mine, and those that are mine know me by experience, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And my life I lay down on behalf of and instead of the sheep. John  10:14-15  (Wuest)   Jesus is the "good one." If we dare compare God to anyone, He is good. He is the definition of "good." "Good" may be meaningless to others, but not to God. If we use the word "good" correctly, we mean perfect. God is perfect; therefore, He is good. If I use this term concerning myself, I need to compare it to someone or something else. Compared to God, my "goodness" is like filthy rags.   If we get stuck comparing ourselves to any standard other than perfection, we will slow or even stop our development. There is always more to learn, understand and apply. The day I stop growing, I stop living.   https://www.podbean.com/relate365

The thief does not come except to steal and to kill, and to destroy. I alone came in order that they might be possessing life and that they might be possessing it in superabundance. I alone am the shepherd, the good one. The shepherd, the good one, lays down his life on behalf of and instead of the sheep. John  10:10-11  (Wuest)   True shepherds are unique in that they are more concerned for the sheep than themselves. We often focus on the need to care for ourselves to care for others, and rightfully so, yet Jesus gave us many examples of being laser-focused on the sheep and their well-being.   We need to have more shepherds leading our churches and ministries and fewer CEOs. Shepherds may be less flashy, but are most effective in caring for the sheep, and caring for sheep, not themselves, is what shepherds are all about.   https://www.podbean.com/relate365

All, as many, as came before me, are thieves and robbers. But the sheep did not listen to them. I alone am the door. By means of me, if anyone enters, he shall be saved, and shall go in and shall go out and shall find food. John 10:8-9 (Wuest)   Those who step into leadership roles to satisfy themselves rather than serve the King will eventually rob the people of their resources, dignity, and hope. They will guard their ability to control, and those they were sent to serve will ultimately serve them.   Leaders who continually look for recognition as leaders are not leading but using their people for personal gain. Leadership is not about personal gain; it is about community gain.   https://www.podbean.com/relate365

Therefore Jesus said again, Most assuredly, I am saying to you, I alone, in contradistinction to all others, am the door belonging to the sheep. John 10:7 (Wuest)   Regardless of our feeling, thoughts, desires, and ideas, Jesus is the only way to God. He is the only way and the only one who can give purpose to this life.   Illustrations abound concerning those who have ignored Him and tried to find their way on their own. In the end, they are frustrated, fearful, angry, or discouraged. Contrast those lives with the lives of the apostles who were excited about their future in their last moments on earth.   The way to God is exclusive, yet it is available to all who call upon His name. Only the foolish ignore such an invitation.   https://www.podbean.com/relate365

“Most assuredly, I am saying to you, He who does not go through the door into the walled-in enclosure for the sheep, but climbs up from some other quarter, that one is a thief and a robber. But he who enters through the door is a shepherd of the sheep. To this one, the doorkeeper opens. And the sheep hear his voice, and he personally calls the sheep which are his private possession by name and leads them out. Whenever he puts forth all who are his very own, before them he proceeds, and the sheep follow with him because they know his voice. John 10:1-4 (Wuest)   The shepherd enters the fold through the same gate as the sheep. The shepherd knows the sheep. The sheep know the shepherd. The shepherd does not send the sheep; he leads the sheep. Leadership needs to be organic within the community they serve. Placing someone in an ivory tower diminishes their ability and, eventually, their desire to lead. https://www.podbean.com/relate365

Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, "Are we also blind?" Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, 'We see,' your guilt remains.” John 9:40-41 (ESV)   We often misinterpret what the Scriptures say by twisting them to be focused on us instead of God. God declares things; He does not discuss them. Therefore, God has no reason to "talk it out," clarify His position, or justify His answer.   Once we misinterpret what the Scriptures say, we use what we understand to abuse others. Like Satan, we would love to have others bow at our feet, even though that honor belongs exclusively to God.   All correct interpretations of Scripture will humble us. We will either allow Scripture to accomplish its work, or God will take care of this later https://www.podbean.com/relate365

So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, "Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner." He answered, "Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see." They said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" He answered them, "I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?" And they reviled him, saying, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from." The man answered, "Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the

They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. So the Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, "He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and I see." Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath." But others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" And there was a division among them. So they said again to the blind man, "What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?" He said, "He is a prophet." John  9:13-17  (ESV)   Life needs and has a context, and those who ignore Jesus can never live within its context. Conversely, those who live outside the proper context will fight for significance and security and be anxious or numb throughout life. Often, we try to solve the emptiness that comes from living out of context by medications, counseling, alcohol,

The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, "Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?" Some said, "It is he." Others said, "No, but he is like him." He kept saying, "I am the man." So they said to him, "Then how were your eyes opened?" He answered, "The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash.' So I went and washed and received my sight." They said to him, "Where is he?" He said, "I do not know." John 9:8-12 (ESV)   Validating your disagreement with another can be an art form. You can validate your thoughts by convincing arguments, surrounding yourself with those you control, or numerous other techniques. Regardless of how you validate your wrong idea, it remains wrong. Those gifted in rhetoric are most susceptible to believing their lies and must have regular checks in place.   Statistics are often manipulated to say wha

“As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud and said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, "Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?" John 9:5-8 (ESV)   When Jesus is a part of life, there is light. When Jesus is absent, we live in darkness.   For now, the choice is ours. What will it be for you today? https://www.podbean.com/relate365

As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.” John 9:1-4 (ESV)   We often think we know the reasoning behind many human events. Yet, in reality, we remain clueless. God has a plan and is working that plan. One day, His plan will prevail. Then, those who decide to walk with Him will have no regrets.   When we are confused, we need to focus on God's character, not on human details. For example, the water in rapid rivers is challenging to see because it keeps moving. We see the water, but we keep seeing new water, and the droplets we saw a moment ago are already gone.   Our lives are similar to the droplets. We see them, notice the direction, yet, in the sc

“Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad." So the Jews said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. John 8:56-59 (ESV)   Abraham rejoiced because God is not the God of the dead but the living. So likewise, when Jesus was born, the entire universe witnessed a miracle. Those who knew what was happening rejoiced. Those who had no clue continued with their mundane, purposeless lives because they missed the significance of the moment. Abraham was and is not dead; he is very much alive and in the very presence of God, as are all those who died in Christ. Jesus spoke of things as they are, not as they might be.   Christ's birth caused those who knew God to rejoice and those who opposed Him to shudder. His death caused darkness in th

Jesus answered, "If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, 'He is our God.' But you have not known him. I know him. If I say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him, and I keep his word.” John 8:54-55 (ESV)   The problem is simple. Those who accuse Jesus of being of the devil do not know Him. So, likewise, those who do not acknowledge Jesus as God's son do not know Him. Those who do not know Him are the ones who are of the devil. But, as usual, they see others the way they are. I've been told stories of Shamans in the jungles of South America who called God the enemy God because, in their world, He was the enemy.   Here the religious people thought Jesus was evil when they themselves were evil. The problems today are the same problems that have been around since the beginning of time, and Satan works the same. Therefore, all who doubt God's authority will one day be regretful.   Th

The Jews answered him, "Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?" Jesus answered, "I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge.” John 8:48-50 (ESV)   The Godless seek glory for themselves. The Godly seek recognition for their God and Savior. The Godless cannot make sense of those who choose to live pointing to someone or something other than themselves.   Without God, this life is all one has. With God, this life is but a vapor, a cloud that vanishes quickly in the wind. Without God, one spends enormous time and energy trying to squeeze purpose from the purposeless, love from the unloving, and satisfaction from things that cannot satisfy. https://www.podbean.com/relate365

“Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God." John 8:46-47 (ESV)   When we convict people of sin in our minds, we see the motivation behind their actions as the same one we would apply to ourselves. So, for example, I may accuse someone of being greedy for buying a luxury car, though I never talked to them about their reasoning because I would be greedy if I bought that car. Censorious and accusative statements that come from us often reflect our struggles. In our attempt to point to them, we exposed ourselves.   Every human is sinful and struggles with sin. However, we like to keep the idea of sin vague in our lives and specific in others, even though God describes the struggle in candid terms. The more clearly we see ourselves and the world, the more precious God's mercy and grace become, while those who are "good" peopl

But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. John 8:45 (ESV)   This is a sad reality. But Jesus tells the truth, and because it is the truth, it is hard to believe. The truth might sound hard to believe, yet the lies we make up should be harder to consider if we think about it.   God creating the world would be an excellent example. The Bible makes it clear that God is the creator and sustainer of life. If this is true, God is in charge, He has a plan, and we will answer Him.   The tricky thing to grasp is the idea of being able to speak and create something from nothing. We cannot do that, so we assume God cannot do that. Instead of attributing creation to God, we begin to make up theories that would allow us to avoid the absolutes of God.   We now live in a world that many believe was created accidentally, seems incapable of sustaining itself, and the concepts of marriage, gender, and purpose are blurry at best. When I say that God created the world with a plan and purpose, c