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.

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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.

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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!

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On NURTURING relationships

 

Genesis 18:19

King James Version

19 For I know him, 

that he will command his children 

and his household after him, 

and they shall keep the way of the Lord, 

to do justice and judgment; 

that the Lord may bring upon Abraham 

that which he hath spoken of him.

As far as I can remember, it's been said: "Charity begins at home".

GOD expects that of us.

Scripture tells us GOD's laws about relationships.

Whether it's among family members.

Or friends, colleagues, or co-workers.

Exodus 20:12

King James Version

12 Honour thy father and thy mother: 

that thy days may be long upon the land 

which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

Deuteronomy 6:5-6

King James Version

5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God 

with all thine heart, 

and with all thy soul, 

and with all thy might.

6 And these words, 

which I command thee this day, 

shall be in thine heart:

Deuteronomy 6:7-9

King James Version

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently 

unto thy children, 

and shalt talk of them when thou sittest 

in thine house, 

and when thou walkest by the way, 

and when thou liest down, 

and when thou risest up.

8 And thou shalt bind them 

for a sign upon thine hand, 

and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

9 And thou shalt write them 

upon the posts of thy house, 

and on thy gates.

Proverbs 22:6

King James Version

6 Train up a child in the way he should go: 

and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Isaiah 54:13

King James Version

13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; 

and great shall be the peace of thy children.

John 13:34-35

King James Version

34 A new commandment I give unto you, 

That ye love one another; as I have loved you, 

that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know 

that ye are my disciples, 

if ye have love one to another.

John 15:12-13

King James Version

12 This is my commandment, 

That ye love one another, 

as I have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this, 

that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Acts 16:31

King James Version

31 And they said, 

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, 

and thou shalt be saved, 

and thy house.

1 Corinthians 11:3

King James Version

3 But I would have you know, 

that the head of every man is Christ; 

and the head of the woman is the man; 

and the head of Christ is God.

Ephesians 5:21

King James Version

21 Submitting yourselves one to another 

in the fear of God.

Ephesians 5:22-24

King James Version

22 Wives, 

submit yourselves unto your own husbands, 

as unto the Lord.

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, 

even as Christ is the head of the church: 

and he is the saviour of the body.

24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ,

 so let the wives be to their own husbands 

in every thing.

Ephesians 5:25

King James Version

25 Husbands, 

love your wives, 

even as Christ also loved the church, 

and gave himself for it;

Ephesians 5:28

King James Version

28 So ought men to love their wives 

as their own bodies. 

He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

Ephesians 5:31

King James Version

31 For this cause shall a man 

leave his father and mother, 

and shall be joined unto his wife, 

and they two shall be one flesh.

Ephesians 5:33

King James Version

33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular 

so love his wife even as himself; 

and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Colossians 3:10-11

King James Version

10 And have put on the new man, 

which is renewed in knowledge 

after the image of him that created him:

11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, 

circumcision nor uncircumcision, 

Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: 

but Christ is all, and in all.

Colossians 3:12-13

King James Version

12 Put on therefore, 

as the elect of God, 

holy and beloved, 

bowels of mercies, kindness, 

humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another, 

and forgiving one another, 

if any man have a quarrel against any: 

even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Colossians 3:14

King James Version

14 And above all these things put on charity, 

which is the bond of perfectness.

Colossians 3:15

King James Version

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,

 to the which also ye are called in one body; 

and be ye thankful.

Colossians 3:16

King James Version

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly 

in all wisdom; 

teaching and admonishing one another in psalms 

and hymns and spiritual songs, 

singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Colossians 3:17

King James Version

17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, 

do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, 

giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Colossians 3:18

King James Version

18 Wives, 

submit yourselves unto your own husbands, 

as it is fit in the Lord.

Colossians 3:19

King James Version

19 Husbands, 

love your wives, 

and be not bitter against them.

Colossians 3:20

King James Version

20 Children, 

obey your parents in all things: 

for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Colossians 3:21

King James Version

21 Fathers, 

provoke not your children to anger, 

lest they be discouraged.

Colossians 3:22

King James Version

22 Servants, 

obey in all things your masters 

according to the flesh; 

not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; 

but in singleness of heart, 

fearing God;

Colossians 3:23-24

King James Version

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, 

as to the Lord, and not unto men;

24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive 

the reward of the inheritance: 

for ye serve the Lord Christ.

1 Timothy 5:1-2

King James Version

5 Rebuke not an elder, 

but intreat him as a father; 

and the younger men as brethren;

2 The elder women as mothers; 

the younger as sisters, 

with all purity.

1 Timothy 5:3

King James Version

3 Honour widows 

that are widows indeed.

1 Timothy 5:8

King James Version

8 But if any provide not for his own, 

and specially for those of his own house, 

he hath denied the faith, 

and is worse than an infidel.

1 Timothy 5:14-15

King James Version

14 I will therefore 

that the younger women marry, 

bear children, 

guide the house, 

give none occasion to the adversary 

to speak reproachfully.

15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.

1 Timothy 5:17-18

King James Version

17 Let the elders that rule well 

be counted worthy of double honour, 

especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

18 For the scripture saith, 

thou shalt not muzzle the ox 

that treadeth out the corn. 

And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

1 Timothy 5:19

King James Version

19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, 

but before two or three witnesses.

1 Timothy 5:20

King James Version

20 Them that sin rebuke before all, 

that others also may fear.

1 Timothy 5:21

King James Version

21 I charge thee before God, 

and the Lord Jesus Christ, 

and the elect angels, 

that thou observe these things 

without preferring one before another, 

doing nothing by partiality.

1 Timothy 5:22

King James Version

22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, 

neither be partaker of other men's sins: 

keep thyself pure.

If we are true born agains, we can surely get GOD's laws right.

I would never want to lose that anointing from SPIRIT.

For it is He who reminds us everything JESUS taught.

And makes things wonderfully clear.

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How an INDIVIDUAL must be

 

Philippians 2:12

King James Version

12 Wherefore, my beloved, 

as ye have always obeyed, 

not as in my presence only, 

but now much more in my absence, 

work out your own salvation 

with fear and trembling.

We were all born helpless.

Cold, hungry, in shock.

Needing every help we could get.

Then, one day, we got all grown up.

Are we independent now?

On top of the world?

Or in the dumps?

Whatever state you may be in, know GOD is there for you.

He did give you JESUS.

Through JESUS, we have a chance at real life.

He offered us eternal life.

John 3:16

King James Version

16 For God so loved the world, 

that he gave his only begotten Son, 

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, 

but have everlasting life.

He offered us salvation.

John 3:17

King James Version

17 For God sent not his Son into the world 

to condemn the world; 

but that the world through him 

might be saved.

He offered believers a place with Him.

John 14:2

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.

Through any of your life's up and downs, you're never alone.

GOD created you.

He had an eye on you, as He did with prophet Jeremiah:

Jeremiah 1:5

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.

What, then, must you do as an individual?

What are you responsible for?

JESUS was clear:

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.

Without JESUS, we are nothing.

John 15:5

King James Version

5 I am the vine, 

ye are the branches: 

He that abideth in me, and I in him, 

the same bringeth forth much fruit: 

for without me ye can do nothing.

Without love, we are nothing.

The King James Version of the Bible calls it "charity".

The version below calls it "love":

1 Corinthians 13:1-4

International Children’s Bible

13 I may speak in different languages of men 

or even angels. 

But if I do not have love, 

then I am only a noisy bell 

or a ringing cymbal. 

2 I may have the gift of prophecy; 

I may understand all the secret things of God 

and all knowledge; 

and I may have faith so great 

that I can move mountains. 

But even with all these things, 

if I do not have love, then I am nothing. 

3 I may give everything I have to feed the poor. 

And I may even give my body 

as an offering to be burned.[a] 

But I gain nothing by doing these things 

if I do not have love.

4 Love is patient and kind. 

Love is not jealous, 

it does not brag, 

and it is not proud.

Now you know the guideposts for living, as an individual.

Never can you say again you don't know GOD's laws.

But life is about relationships.

We all interact with others.

And that's what we intend to write about in the next pages.

Click to read the succeeding posts.

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