SECRET to CONSERVATION

 

Luke 12:15

King James Version

15 And he said unto them, 

Take heed, and beware of covetousness: 

for a man's life consisteth not 

in the abundance of the things 

which he possesseth.

This is fifth in the series of 2030 articles.

Wherein we wondered why planners were focused on 2030.

Along the way, we discovered UN to be the main proponent, apart from the World Bank (re: China 2030).

The UN has 17 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) which all their 193 members adopted.

From the 17, we grouped four relevant goals together:

Responsible consumption and production

"Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns."

Climate action

"Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts by regulating emissions and promoting developments in renewable energy."

Life below water

"Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development."

Life on land

"Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss."

These referred to consumption, production, climate change, emissions, conservation, and sustainable use of ecosystems.

A practical born again tip?

Consume LESS.

Love MORE.

A born again doesn't need all that fluff.

We're not out to impress.

We take what's available, and remain content.

We don't look for what's not there.

We have more important things on our mind.

Such as GOD, JESUS, the HOLY SPIRIT, you.

We're simple, basic, Biblical.

We'd rather focus on how to conserve, than consume.

We'd rather focus on prevention, than cure.

We'd rather focus on praying, than preying.

We acknowledge GOD's power over EVERYTHING.

We trust GOD, with all our heart.

He owns everything.

He is MASTER of EVERYTHING.

There can be no climate change, unless He allows it.

Job 12:15

King James Version

15 Behold, 

he withholdeth the waters, 

and they dry up: 

also he sendeth them out, 

and they overturn the earth.

If only we'd consume less, and love more, we won't have too many landfills, junk, and garbage.

If only we don't desire the trappings, and trends of the world, we'd have less outdated stuff.

If only we don't eat more than we can, we'd have less waste.

While we waste, others go hungry.

I cringe at all that wasted food.

The vain elite consume more than any other household.

Ever noticed all that food fusion, when others can barely have the basics?

People have become so vain at everything.

If we were to be party to other people's parties, we'd all cringe at the waste, and excess.

Toys, trappings, trends.

In a consumerist society, man simply has to have those.

Even if people don't have the cash, they still want to acquire.

They get possessed by their possessions.

What I wonder about more is how earth can carry all our stuff.

How it doesn't wobble from its axis, with all that weight.

How it doesn't get poisoned, from all our plastic.

But you know how it does that?

Through GOD's GRACE.

He doesn't allow us to perish.

From all our foolishness.

Covetousness is an abomination to the LORD.

It is idolatry.

Colossians 3:5

King James Version

5 Mortify therefore your members 

which are upon the earth; 

fornication, uncleanness, 

inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, 

and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Much better we veer away from all that.

Psalm 119:36-37

King James Version

36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, 

and not to covetousness.

37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; 

and quicken thou me in thy way.

With less consumption, there will be reduced production (of junk).

There will be less packaging.

Less garbage.

Our forests, oceans, and animals can breathe.

These won't be choked by our garbage.

GOD doesn't care if you're trending.

All He cares about is you're praying.

And loving Him, and your fellowmen.

If you doubt it, look to JESUS.

He didn't worry about garb.

He didn't worry about grub.

He didn't grab on to anything.

He looked to GOD, for everything.

And gave GLORY to GOD alone.

John 17:4

King James Version

4 I have glorified thee on the earth: 

I have finished the work 

which thou gavest me to do.

JESUS is our LIVING example.

Of who to be, how to be, and what to be.

A born again looks to JESUS alone.

To be with Him -- for eternity -- is our goal.

Lastly, with CHRIST in our hearts, we don't focus on cash, consumerism, and consumption.

We focus on conservation, concern, and consideration.

We begin to care about others.

More 2030 articles here.

Related material:

GOD is in CONTROL of the CLIMATE

Bible DISCOVERY 4: The GOD of RAIN

GOD's GREAT POWER

Image: Clipart Library

LOVE that lasts

 

Exodus 15:2

King James Version

2 The Lord is my strength and song, 

and he is become my salvation: 

he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; 

my father's God, and I will exalt him.

There is a love that lasts.

It is not the love that lusts.

The former is of GOD.

The latter is of the world.

Some things are really that simple.

And yet profound.

As well as GRACE-bound.

I share with you a photo I took months ago.

Bought two dozen flowers for my baby sister.

After a week, only one rose was left, bravely standing.

It was so striking, I had to take that photo above.

Nothing was touched; everything was as is.

People always want proof of what I say.

Well, there's proof.

What makes love last?

What leaves that last rose standing?

I can only think of a set of verses which SPIRIT gave me today.

May this be the kind of love we have for each other.

Founded upon JESUS, this kind of love lasts forever.

These verses encapsulate GOD's love for us.

Through His Son, JESUS.

Who loves Him back.

These verses show how we are to love GOD.

How we are to love each other.

What other love would there be?

Colossians 1:9

King James Version

9 For this cause we also, 

since the day we heard it, 

do not cease to pray for you, 

and to desire that ye might be filled 

with the knowledge of his will 

in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Colossians 1:10

King James Version

10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord 

unto all pleasing, 

being fruitful in every good work, 

and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Colossians 1:11

King James Version

11 Strengthened with all might, 

according to his glorious power, 

unto all patience and longsuffering 

with joyfulness;

Colossians 1:12

King James Version

12 Giving thanks unto the Father, 

which hath made us meet to be partakers 

of the inheritance of the saints in light:

Colossians 1:13

King James Version

13 Who hath delivered us 

from the power of darkness, 

and hath translated us 

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Colossians 1:14-15

King James Version

14 In whom we have redemption 

through his blood, 

even the forgiveness of sins:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God, 

the firstborn of every creature:

Colossians 1:16

King James Version

16 For by him were all things created, 

that are in heaven, 

and that are in earth, 

visible and invisible, 

whether they be thrones, or dominions, 

or principalities, or powers: 

all things were created by him, 

and for him:

Colossians 1:17-19

King James Version

17 And he is before all things, 

and by him all things consist.

18 And he is the head of the body, the church: 

who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; 

that in all things he might have the preeminence.

19 For it pleased the Father 

that in him should all fulness dwell;

Colossians 1:20

King James Version

20 And, having made peace 

through the blood of his cross, 

by him to reconcile all things unto himself; 

by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, 

or things in heaven.

Colossians 1:21-22

King James Version

21 And you, that were sometime alienated 

and enemies in your mind by wicked works, 

yet now hath he reconciled

22 In the body of his flesh through death, 

to present you holy and unblameable 

and unreproveable in his sight:

Colossians 1:23-24

King James Version

23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, 

and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, 

which ye have heard, and which was preached 

to every creature which is under heaven; 

whereof I Paul am made a minister;

24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, 

and fill up that which is behind 

of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh 

for his body's sake, which is the church:

Colossians 1:25

King James Version

25 Whereof I am made a minister, 

according to the dispensation of God 

which is given to me for you, 

to fulfil the word of God;

Colossians 1:26-27

King James Version

26 Even the mystery which hath been hid 

from ages and from generations, 

but now is made manifest to his saints:

27 To whom God would make known 

what is the riches of the glory of this mystery 

among the Gentiles; 

which is Christ in you, 

the hope of glory:

Colossians 1:28

King James Version

28 Whom we preach, 

warning every man, 

and teaching every man in all wisdom; 

that we may present every man perfect 

in Christ Jesus:

Colossians 1:29

King James Version

29 Whereunto I also labour, 

striving according to his working, 

which worketh in me mightily.

How did I come to know these verses were the best on love?

Through GOD's SPIRIT.

A gift from GOD, prayed for by JESUS, when GOD made me born again.

All I know now, I know through the SPIRIT of GOD.

Related material:

GOD's LOVE

GOD's GLORY blogs

BORN AGAIN classics

Image by author

On LIVING light

 

1 Timothy 6:17

King James Version

17 Charge them that are rich in this world, 

that they be not highminded, 

nor trust in uncertain riches, 

but in the living God, 

who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

How to live light in this world?

How to be really happy?

And content?

And at peace?

Follow JESUS.

To live light, FOLLOW the LIGHT.

He will shine a light upon our darkness.

He will cast His light upon all shadows that hound us.

He will keep us on track.

Never again will you stray.

Never again will you be lost.

Never again will you fall into the world's many traps.

JESUS showed us how to live light.

His life was living example.

Especially if we are to minister to others.

That's what a born again is expected to do.

These from the four gospels:

Matthew 16:24-26

King James Version

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, 

If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, 

and take up his cross, and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: 

and whosoever will lose his life for my sake 

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited, 

if he shall gain the whole world, 

and lose his own soul? 

or what shall a man give 

in exchange for his soul?

Matthew 19:21

King James Version

21 Jesus said unto him, 

If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, 

and give to the poor, 

and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: 

and come and follow me.

Mark 12:29-31

King James Version

29 And Jesus answered him, 

The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; 

The Lord our God is one Lord:

30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God 

with all thy heart, 

and with all thy soul, 

and with all thy mind, 

and with all thy strength: 

this is the first commandment.

31 And the second is like, namely this, 

Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 

There is none other commandment 

greater than these.

Luke 9:3

King James Version

3 And he said unto them, 

Take nothing for your journey, 

neither staves, nor scrip, 

neither bread, neither money; 

neither have two coats apiece.

Luke 10:4-8

King James Version

4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: 

and salute no man by the way.

5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, 

Peace be to this house.

6 And if the son of peace be there, 

your peace shall rest upon it: 

if not, it shall turn to you again.

7 And in the same house remain, 

eating and drinking such things as they give: 

for the labourer is worthy of his hire. 

Go not from house to house.

8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, 

and they receive you, 

eat such things as are set before you:

John 3:5-7

King James Version

5 Jesus answered, 

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 

Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, 

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; 

and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, 

Ye must be born again.

That's a big difference from what the world programs you to do.

Wherein you will own nothing.

It serves their dubious and shady plans.

Being born again means you serve JESUS.

You follow His commands, as given by GOD.

And when you do, naturally you share the gospel.

The things of this world hold no attraction for you.

You won't want to accumulate stuff anyway.

But it serves GOD's plan.

1 John 2:15-17

King James Version

15 Love not the world, 

neither the things that are in the world. 

If any man love the world, 

the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world, 

the lust of the flesh, 

and the lust of the eyes, 

and the pride of life, 

is not of the Father, but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away, 

and the lust thereof: 

but he that doeth the will of God 

abideth for ever.

Just so you know, only the WORD of GOD will remain.

Matthew 24:35

King James Version

35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, 

but my words shall not pass away.

Serving the LORD means:

Your mind is not caught up with possessions.

Your heart is not possessed by acquisitions.

Your spirit is not beholden to the world.

Beware -- covetousness is idolatry.

Colossians 3:5-7

King James Version

5 Mortify therefore your members 

which are upon the earth; 

fornication, uncleanness, 

inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, 

and covetousness, which is idolatry:

6 For which things' sake the wrath of God 

cometh on the children of disobedience:

7 In the which ye also walked some time, 

when ye lived in them.

Let go of stuff you don't need.

What to get rid of in your house?

This link tells us.

The rest you don't need?

Give away or sell.

Whatever you sell it for, set aside for the LORD.

Pray He tells you how and where to use it.

But it will surely be for His GLORY.

This verse brings everything into perspective:

1 Timothy 6:7-8

King James Version

7 For we brought nothing into this world, 

and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment 

let us be therewith content.

The times are critical.

The Rapture can happen any moment.

Why drown in stuff?

Why be unaware of the things that truly matter?

Why be caught up in the ways of the world?

Aim to get right with GOD now.

Aim to know His commands.

Aim to follow JESUS.

FOCUS on the LORD alone.

Colossians 3:1-2

King James Version

3 If ye then be risen with Christ, 

seek those things which are above, 

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection on things above, 

not on things on the earth.

That we may be ready when the time comes.

Acts 3:19

King James Version

19 Repent ye therefore, 

and be converted, 

that your sins may be blotted out, 

when the times of refreshing shall come 

from the presence of the Lord.

Related materials:

JESUS as LIGHT

FOCUS on THINGS above

It's all PREPARATION now

We Shall ALL Be CHANGED

BORN AGAIN classics

BORN AGAIN articles

Idolatry

On idolatry

Other FORMS of idolatry

The devil's DEVICES

Image: Clipart Library

What makes GOD show up?

 

Matthew 18:10

King James Version

10 Take heed 

that ye despise not one of these little ones; 

for I say unto you, 

That in heaven their angels do always behold 

the face of my Father which is in heaven.

I speak from my own experience.

Many, many decades of experience.

Wherein my heart remained forever childlike.

Not childish, but childlike.

Forever creative.

Expectant.

Trusting.

Hardy.

Curious.

Experimental.

Resilient.

A listener.

Happy.

Cheerful.

Hungry.

Thirsty.

That ought to be a baker's dozen.

But that's how I came to JESUS, the Bread of Life.

No matter how I erred, JESUS stayed through.

No matter how long it took me, JESUS was just around.

No matter how much I sinned, JESUS waited for me.

All because He knew I had a childlike heart.

I'd merely dust myself off, and get back up again.

I've always approached GOD from a child's point of view.

Wherein I'd pray to Him directly.

With no fear, but only with sincerity.

With delight, and lots of playfulness.

But when my sins took their toll, I knew it was time.

Time to get right with GOD.

Surely you know that feeling.

When you can't stand self anymore.

When you know you're doing something wrong.

But our heavenly Father is merciful.

He is patient.

He waits for us to come around.

He knows we will.

For He predestined us to do so.

Jeremiah 1:5-7

King James Version

5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; 

and before thou camest forth out of the womb 

I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee 

a prophet unto the nations.

6 Then said I, Ah, Lord God! 

behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.

7 But the Lord said unto me, 

Say not, I am a child: 

for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, 

and whatsoever I command thee 

thou shalt speak.

Matthew 22:14

King James Version

14 For many are called, 

but few are chosen.

Matthew 24:31

King James Version

31 And he shall send his angels 

with a great sound of a trumpet, 

and they shall gather together his elect 

from the four winds, 

from one end of heaven to the other.

Matthew 25:34

King James Version

34 Then shall the King say unto them 

on his right hand, 

Come, ye blessed of my Father, 

inherit the kingdom prepared for you 

from the foundation of the world:

John 10:27-28

King James Version

27 My sheep hear my voice, 

and I know them, and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life; 

and they shall never perish, 

neither shall any man pluck them 

out of my hand.

He created us for a purpose.

Only a curious child would keep at it.

Forever asking questions.

Mulling the answers.

Checking what fits.

Content when it does.

When it isn't, we keep asking.

Searching.

Exploring.

And asking more questions.

That was my natural approach.

A heart that remained childlike forever.

Despite my many years.

Which seemed to delight the LORD.

JESUS liked us playful.

It's the only way I'm able to weave all these articles.

At the amazing speed SPIRIT gives me.

And getting it to you right away.

One day, His apostles asked Him:

Matthew 18:1

King James Version

18 At the same time 

came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, 

Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

JESUS responded:

Matthew 18:2-5

King James Version

2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, 

and set him in the midst of them,

3 And said, 

Verily I say unto you, 

Except ye be converted, 

and become as little children, 

ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself 

as this little child, 

the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 And whoso shall receive 

one such little child in my name 

receiveth me.

Further reinforcing it with:

Matthew 18:6-7

King James Version

6 But whoso shall offend 

one of these little ones which believe in me, 

it were better for him that a millstone 

were hanged about his neck, 

and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

7 Woe unto the world because of offences! 

for it must needs be that offences come; 

but woe to that man 

by whom the offence cometh!

Only by being childlike, and trusting, can we become teachable.

Fertile ground for SPIRIT to teach us.

We need that purity of heart.

Innocence of mind.

Natural excitement.

A prayerful heart.

That GOD may show up.

And have His SPIRIT teach us.

Everything about His Son, JESUS.

Who teaches us to worship GOD.

All these, through SPIRIT's guidance.

How did I figure out all these things?

By being repentant.

Sincerely grieved over my sins.

Being forever childlike with GOD.

He sent His SPIRIT to teach me everything I needed to know.

GOD loves a playful heart.

A heart attuned to His will.

His ways.

His heart.

Psalm 14:2

King James Version

2 The Lord looked down from heaven 

upon the children of men, 

to see if there were any that did understand, 

and seek God.

Related material:

What GOD Looks For

What GOD delights in

CHILDLIKE series

PREDESTINATION

Student of SPIRIT

GOD's LOVE for children

Having a CHEERFUL heart

Image: Pixabay through Pexels

Simple LIVING comforts

 

A simple style rocks!

Colossians 3:2

King James Version

2 Set your affection on things above, 

not on things on the earth.

Why does my heart delight in simplicity?

GOD made me that way.

Always have been.

It also comes from being born again.

We focus on JESUS alone.

Colossians 3:1

King James Version

3 If ye then be risen with Christ, 

seek those things which are above, 

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

So, while going about my morning routine, I was thinking to myself simple stuff:

For lighting a room, one bulb would do.

For softer light, a lampshade would do.

Simple measures, really.

We could also design simple homes.

Or buy simple homes.

Wherein there'd be two to three bedrooms, one toilet and bath.

A kitchenette, a living room.

A free-standing house, with some space all around it.

That would offer a bit of space to roam, to garden, to entertain.

Not the usual flashy way, of course.

We want to live right, but not ostentatiously.

The important thing is people get along in it.

Condo living is also ideal.

Same with rented rooms.

The cheapest, safest, and most basic.

We want to worship GOD, not the things of this world.

We do not want to be possessed by our possessions.

Our time here on earth is but temporary.

Why do we act as if we're fastened to our possessions?

Why do we act as if we're going to live forever on earth?

A born agains trusts in the LORD to provide for our needs.

We let the LORD design our life and work.

We let Him design our house.

By the LORD's life, we live.

JESUS lived simply.

Why should we do otherwise?

So, a simple house would do.

Simple furnishings suffice.

Who cares if you bought it at a flea market?

Who cares if it was handed down to you by your folks?

Who cares if it cost almost nothing?

(All the better, I say.)

Important thing is it serves you and your family.

Choose low-maintenance stuff.

Choose simple, basic stuff.

Choose hardy stuff.

Are you really so concerned what the Joneses would say?

I never did.

Peace in my soul reigned.

Focusing on simple, livable stuff gives you more time for worship.

Of course, I'm presuming you're born again.

And if you're not, I'm wondering why you're not.

Even as I'm a graduate of Architecture, I was never impressed with complexity.

On and on, I sought simplicity.

I preferred clear thinking.

An organized way of thinking.

Who better to organize my thoughts than SPIRIT?

John 14:26

King James Version

26 But the Comforter, 

which is the Holy Ghost, 

whom the Father will send in my name, 

he shall teach you all things, 

and bring all things to your remembrance, 

whatsoever I have said unto you.

Sure you need that latest coffeemaker?

Or the trendiest high-definition tv?

Or that glitzy sofa?

Or that high mattress?

(Which reminds me of a tomb.)

(Which also makes me think you'll need a ladder.)

Or new garden furniture?

I once designed bohemian-style.

We scour the flea markets.

We get creative when we're low budget.

Mostly, we make do with what's available.

Being born again further simplified that.

Now, all we need is JESUS.

Apostle Paul did say our citizenship is in heaven.

Philippians 3:20-21

Christian Standard Bible

20 Our citizenship is in heaven, 

and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, 

the Lord Jesus Christ. 

21 He will transform the body of our humble condition 

into the likeness of his glorious body, 

by the power that enables him 

to subject everything to himself.

JESUS also said He's preparing a place for us.

John 14:2-4

King James Version

2 In my Father's house are many mansions: 

if it were not so, I would have told you. 

I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, 

I will come again, and receive you unto myself; 

that where I am, there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

Why, then, should we be caught up in the things of the world?

1 John 2:16

King James Version

16 For all that is in the world, 

the lust of the flesh, 

and the lust of the eyes, 

and the pride of life, 

is not of the Father, 

but is of the world.

How is your home like?

Sure you need all those things?

What is your family like?

Much to ponder on.

I know what I chose.

Rather, Who I chose.

It's always been JESUS.

And a Bible.

That I may know His WORD.

And live accordingly.

Related material:

PEACE through JESUS

The Quack Architect

BORN AGAIN dress code

BORN AGAIN classics

EDUCATION from SPIRIT

Image: Rachel Claire