The Simple Life

"I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. John 17:6-7 (ESV)   Jesus said: "I have manifested" or rendered apparent God's name to those to whom He was assigned. We are all created to do the same. We have the opportunity to live in a manner that demonstrates who God is to those we influence. We are not responsible for changing the world; we are responsible for living in a way that reflects Christ.   When you live right, you cause conviction, and problems arise. Jesus did all things right and was loved one minute and hated the next. I can expect no different.   God created us to do something that we can do. We can demonstrate our dependency on Him and show our world who He is by how we live. We can "render apparent" God's name. https://www.podbean.com/relate365

I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. John 17:4 (ESV)   We all want to know that our lives matter. So, when we see Jesus, we will long for the words "Well done, my good and faithful servant." God will not lie, so we lived well if we hear those words.   Every person is created with a purpose, and Satan will do all he can to hinder us from accomplishing this purpose. He always works in ways we find acceptable, and cleverly weaves life circumstances into distractions from our purposes.  The Godless believe in randomness and can never find lasting purpose in any activities.   God created me, wants me, and has plans for me. I need to always live in the context of this truth. https://www.podbean.com/relate365

And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. John 17:3 (ESV)   Whenever I get to a definition in the Bible, I pause and think, as it can clarify much about life. For example, this verse defines eternal life as knowing the only true God.   The definition for the phrase "that they know you" is: (from Strong’s) "A prolonged form of a primary verb; to "know" (absolutely), in a great variety of applications and with many implications - allow, be aware (of), feel, (have) known (-ledge), perceive, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand."   Those who know God trust God. Those who do not know God struggle with significance and security in this life and are afraid and unsure of the next.   Peace and purpose come from knowing God, not controlling God, so knowing Him is vital for today and forever https://www.podbean.com/relate365

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you…. John 17:1 (ESV)   We are created to glorify God, and Jesus is our example of how to live in this manner. All people, apart from Jesus, are sinful and, because of our sin, cannot glorify God. That is why Jesus came to this earth to die on our behalf. He died so that our sins would no longer be a barrier between God and us. His payment for our sin is complete and available to all who place their faith in Him.   Glorifying God is simply living in a manner that shows the world who God is. We are not Him, but we get to live to show the Godless who He is. We are not perfect but forgiven. We are not needed but wanted. We are not masters but servants. We are on a journey, not home. We are children of the King, not orphans. I am thankful. https://www.podbean.com/relate365

Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:32-33 (ESV)   Trying to find purpose in this world without Christ is futile. Likewise, trying to find peace in a war zone is ludicrous. Yet, we keep looking, hoping, and even praying that somehow this world will be a place of rest, comfort, and security.   When we sin, we live in chaos, and when we live right, we live in a war zone. We were made to find peace in the middle of the tribulation, but not in the middle of sin.   For now, we get to choose our pain.   https://www.podbean.com/relate365

When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. John  16:21-22  (ESV)   There are moments in life that seem most uncomfortable, yet when culminated, bring tremendous joy. The goal for pregnant moms is not to stay pregnant, but to deliver the baby and to do life together.   There is always change, inconvenience, and pain involved in life, and this pain yields tremendous joy. Those who love God and are used by Him will suffer just because they love God and are used by Him. However, in the end, the joy that comes to the obedient will far outweigh the pain, suffering, and inconvenience. Satan has long used comfort as a lure to bait us into adopting a meaningless life.   Loving God and obeying Him is not always the

So they were saying, "What does he mean by 'a little while'? We do not know what he is talking about." Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, "Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, 'A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me'? Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.” John  16:18-20  (ESV)   So often, it appears we lose when we win. Those who die to themselves, live. Those who choose to be slaves to God are free. Those who confess their sin are forgiven. I am significant when I lose my purpose in God's plan. The poor are rich, and the weak are strong.   When Jesus talks about time, He speaks as one who lives outside of time. So, when He told His disciples that they would see Him again in a little while, He talked about something (time) that we can only imagine.   Th

I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. John 16:12 (ESV)   Life is seasonal. I am thankful that God did not make a massive list of things in my life that needed correction and present them to me as a young believer. The list would have been long (and probably still is.) and I am sure I would have experienced some significant disappointments. God knows our hearts and knows when He needs to present various challenges. Therefore, His timing will be perfect, and the results blessed.   The key in life is to be sensitive to what God is doing in our lives today to be prepared for tomorrow's challenges. We should also be excited about what God is doing in all of His children. It is not our responsibility to address "the list"; it's His. Satan would enjoy having others point out the many sins (according to them) in our lives to overwhelm us and keep us from enjoying God and His purposes for us today.   Peter had some reasons to be overwhelmed with

And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. John 16:8-11 (ESV)   There is a right and wrong, and all will know the difference one day. If we do not believe in God, we cannot believe in right or wrong. If all things are relative, then no one can ever judge another on how they live.  We should be bothered by the suffering of the innocent in the war between Ukraine and Russia. Killing, maiming, and destroying others' property is obviously wrong. Yet, the president of Russia thinks that the destruction is necessary, and even promotes it as some sort of necessary evil.   How can anyone see the war as right? Once again, if there is no God, there is no right and wrong, and each man will do what is right in their own eyes. In this case, the one w

But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. John 16:6-7 (ESV)   Life is seasonal, and each season thrust upon us is new, exciting, and mysterious. These seasons are normal, yet unpredictable, and often challenging. We enjoy routine, predictability, and the security that comes from them. Yet, if we take the time to analyze what is happening, we realize that most of what lies ahead is unknown, leaving us little opportunity to prepare adequately. Even if we had a clear vision of what is ahead, we might procrastinate in our preparation and never be ready for the next adventure.   The fact that Jesus has gone before us, knows what is ahead, and will prepare us and walk with us is an incredible comfort. Those who walk with God will be prepared for what lies ahead because of Him and His prepara

But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' John 16:5 (ESV)   We have tendencies to focus on ourselves and our problems and how the lives of others will affect us. If someone leaves us, we fear its impact on our way of life, our significance, and our security. Our mind flows towards self, and few question what lies ahead for the one leaving.   The disciples should have known the plan from the beginning, that Jesus came, lived, was crucified, will rise again, and ascend back to the Father. While He lived on earth, the disciples knew their place, but what was their place after He left?   Well, when Jesus left, He did not leave. This is similar to the ideas that when a believer dies, they do not die, or that we do not lose when we give. Of course, these concepts take some time to become a reality, but, as they do, we experience tremendous freedom in this life and no fear of the next.   Jesus was finishing the plan and would physically lea

I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. John 16:1-4 (ESV)   Realistic expectations are vital to purpose-filled lives. If we are dedicated to listening to God and  following Christ, we can and should expect the same treatment Christ was given when He followed His Father . We stand firm if we know the expectations and our circumstances change, and life becomes challenging. Job did things right and was targeted by the evil one. Daniel and Joseph were obedient and suffered. The disciples were mocked and killed, and today, Christians worldwide pay a great price for loving God a

But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: 'They hated me without a cause. John 15:25 (ESV)   We are capable of hate. We are capable of hating for no legitimate reason. Hatred for something may be justified, but hatred for people is unacceptable.   In this verse, people hated Jesus. Any reason one gives for hating Jesus is manufactured, and yet, there was a large majority, at the time, willing to crucify Him for trumped-up charges.   Hatred is too easy to store and dispense, and it gains momentum as the gossip, innuendos, and disgust grow. It is the gossip, innuendos, and disgust that is sinful, not the actions of Jesus. But unfortunately, so often, we do the same by listening to gossipers and forming an opinion based on hearsay rather than first-hand knowledge.   I would say that most people shouting to  crucify Him did not know Him, and perhaps never spoke to Him, yet they thought they needed to condemn Him.   It is strange how the more we progress, the more we

Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name because they do not know him who sent me. John  15:20-21  (ESV)   Those who have the wrong expectations in life will struggle with life. What should we expect if we listen to God?   If we do all things right, love God, and love others, we should expect opposition. This sounds wrong, but it is proven repeatedly in Scripture and validated in life. Jesus was gossiped about, slandered, beaten, and crucified, while crowds watched in seeming amusement. His followers were rejected and killed.   God gives His children significance and security apart from conditions in this earthly war zone. When those who love God suffer, it is not for doing wrong; it is for living in a manner that reflects God's love, mercy, and grace to the universe. Sat

If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. John  15:18-19  (ESV)   The word hate here connotates the idea of being detested. Jesus was hated or detested by the very people He created. Yet, Jesus' response was always one that demonstrated that He knew the truth and applied the truth.   He did not change the truth because He was detested. He did not wage campaigns to convince those that detested Him that they were wrong. Instead, he continued to speak the truth because He loved.   Those who detested Him got further and further into their furry and eventually fled; they needed to destroy the messenger to stop the message. They did not realize that truth cannot be destroyed. Three days after they thought they had eliminated the truth, they were proven wrong, and, to this day, continue to create

No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing, but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:15 (ESV)   All that Jesus heard from His Father He made known to his disciples. This is an essential principle in life. When we learn something, we need to share what we have learned with someone in a way that they can understand it. We do not keep what we have learned to ourselves, but we should always look for a way to give it away.   The more we learn, the more we give away, leaving us hungry for learning more. This is not referring to being a "know it all" and continually telling others what you know and what they do not know. Instead, this is sharing what God is teaching you to help, reprove, rebuke, and exhort those you influence.   Truth is only a weapon against evil, not people, and should be shared, not hoarded. https://www.podbean.com/relate365

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down his life for his friends. John  15:12-13  (ESV)   How has Jesus loved us? This is how we are to love others.   The word "commandment" is an injunction, an authoritative prescription, a precept. This is a commandment from God, not a suggestion. We can examine Jesus's life, know what it means to love, and see if we measure up to the example He gave us.   We often compare our lives to those who do not live in the truth, and we can feel good about the idea that we are not as bad as them. However, when we look at Jesus, we can dismiss the idea of being like Him, because He is God and we are not.   God has told us His will for us, and it is not difficult to understand.  Jesus is perfect and was able to put life into its proper context, and He came to serve, not be served. Therefore, we would be wise to follow Him. https://www.podbean.com/relate365

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11 (ESV)   Jesus tells us the truth, so we can live in the context of the truth and enjoy the life with which He has gifted us. He did not share His opinions, ideas, or random thoughts; He shared the truth. Sometimes we think God desires to be a cosmic killjoy, when, in reality, He desires us to live in the context of how we were created. Those who insist that man should do what is right in their own eyes and ignore God's plan will prove God's Word to be correct. In addition, they will need to deal with the constant onslaught of depression, anxiety, and other ailments that reflect someone living outside the truth.   There are fruits of the Spirit, and if they are not being demonstrated, we embrace a lie and need to head back to the Scriptures to see what God has said, and adjust our lives accordingly. Truth sets you free; it will never enslave you.   https://www.podbean.com/rela

If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:6-7 (ESV)   The abiding principle is critical to our mental health and purpose in life. We are miserable if we abide by what other people say, the news, social media content, or what we do not have.   Life's nourishment comes from abiding in Christ alone.   As we abide in Him, we begin to adjust our lives according to the truth. The truth sets us free and aligns us with the will of God. We then become amazed at answered prayer, because our prayers are in the context of the will of God.   Peace, significance, and security are barometers of where our hearts are abiding. https://www.podbean.com/relate365

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5 (ESV)   God never asks us to do something we cannot do. Like sheep, we are asked to stay by the shepherd. In this verse, we are told to "abide" in Him. We need not focus on productive lives if we abide in Him because our lives will be fruitful. As a tree's purpose is to produce fruit, our purpose is to produce fruit, and the only way we will ever accomplish this will be by abiding in the right place.   I am glad God did not demand that I should be perfect or always give an excellent response. I am relieved that God did not require some religious ritual or specific family heritage. All God asks is that I abide in Him. I can do that. https://www.podbean.com/relate365