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

This ENDS disappointment

 

John 8:32

King James Version

32 And ye shall know the truth, 

and the truth shall make you free.

Do you know how to end all disappointment?

Do you know how to live freely, and happily?

Do you know how to have peace?

Perfect obedience to GOD does it.

A true born again accepts that.

Wholly, heartily, joyfully.

There is a very humbling truth --

Consider how prayers get answered:

1 John 5:14

King James Version

14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, 

that, if we ask any thing according to his will, 

he heareth us:

It's always "according to his will".

That's the secret of progress, happiness, and peace.

And primarily of salvation.

We are saved from our wilfull selves.

We are saved from our corrupt ways.

We are saved from our erroneous thinking.

GOD always knows what's best for us.

We can rebel all we want, but that's GOD's truth.

Being born again teaches you to accept GOD's laws.

It's the only way you can understand Scripture.

It's the only way SPIRIT can teach you.

JESUS commanded we be born again:

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 what makes us true children of GOD.

This perfect obedience to the Father. 

JESUS did teach us how to pray to GOD:

Matthew 6:10

King James Version

10 Thy kingdom come, 

Thy will be done in earth, 

as it is in heaven.

JESUS is the perfect example of perfect obedience.

He was consistent in His love for the Father.

He was that spotless lamb, who died on the cross for us.

By His blood, we have been saved from our sins.

The Bible speaks of this perfect obedience:

Luke 22:42

King James Version

42 Saying, 

Father, if thou be willing, 

remove this cup from me: 

nevertheless not my will, 

but thine, be done.

John 6:38

King James Version

38 For I came down from heaven, 

not to do mine own will, 

but the will of him that sent me.

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.

All that JESUS did, was dedicated to the Father.

It always honored the Father.

He taught us to do the same.

He existed only to do GOD's will.

Why should we not do the same?

Why should we want to perish from our sins?

Why should Scripture not correct us in our thinking?

Does it make sense to follow the enemy of CHRIST?

Everything that is in the world, is not of GOD.

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.

Decisions are easy when GOD makes you born again.

You live, and breathe, Scripture.

You follow GOD's commandments.

You follow the path paved by JESUS.

All become peace.

With acceptance, comes peace.

With obedience, follows peace.

And never disappointment.

More practical tips here.

Rekated material:

GOD's WILL

GOD's WAYS

GOD's TRUTH

BORN AGAIN articles

BORN AGAIN classics

Image: Clipart Library

A life TRANSFORMED

 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.

What to expect once GOD makes you born again?

Prepare to be transformed.

You lose all complexity.

You repent of your sins.

You want to get right with GOD.

Naturally, your lifestyle will get simple.

It will become basic, and yet fun, and fulfilling.

You will not be caught up with the Joneses.

You will not want the things of the world.

Your focus will be on JESUS alone.

You will want to know how to really love.

You will not be caught in the trappings of the world.

The things of the world will not hold any appeal for you.

You will see the world for what it really is.

JESUS spoke of it:

Luke 16:15

King James Version

15 And he said unto them, 

Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; 

but God knoweth your hearts: 

for that which is highly esteemed among men 

is abomination in the sight of God.

Apostle John spoke of it:

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.

1 John 5:19

King James Version

19 And we know that we are of God, 

and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

Why, then, would you have any part of that?

A believer knows better.

We are guided by the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD.

We are taught the ways of JESUS.

The LORD showed us how to live.

Matthew 4:4

King James Version

4 But he answered and said, 

It is written, 

Man shall not live by bread alone, 

but by every word that proceedeth 

out of the mouth of God.

Life will become fun.

Life will become meaningful.

Life will become worthwhile.

All because you have CHRIST in your heart.

He will show you how to worship GOD.

He will show you how to love.

He will show you what real life is.

This life we have on earth is nothing compared to what JESUS promised those who believe in Him.

He promised us eternal life.

Only by being born again can you see all that.

You will not want to return to your old life, for sure.

2 Corinthians 5:17

King James Version

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, 

he is a new creature: 

old things are passed away; 

behold, 

all things are become new.

All I write on this blog, I've experienced for myself.

Everything must be authentic.

That's what I searched for all my life.

And now, I have it, and know it.

All because GOD made me born again.

What a difference that sure made!

More articles here.

Related material:

Sin AWARENESS

HOLINESS

BORN AGAIN classics

Image: Png Mart