Paul\u2019s concern for the church at Corinth is about them being deceived. I get it. I believe I’ve been deceived as well.<\/p>\n
My life seems anything but simple. From the divorce of my parents, earning an IT degree, raising four kids, maintaining a home, owning a business \u2026 \u00a0\u00a0Simple is not how I\u2019d describe things. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Maybe my definition of the word is part of the problem. To me, simplicity seems to mean freedom from the complexities of life, uncomplicated. This can\u2019t be what Paul meant. A smooth life was never promised. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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The sun is peeking through again. A bit of warmth slathers my face.<\/p>\n
Have I been wearing myself out seeking something that’s not possible?\u00a0<\/p>\n
From Jesus’ very words, I get my answer.<\/p>\n
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful (<\/em>John 14:27<\/em><\/strong> NASB).<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Simplicity isn’t peace as the world gives it.<\/p>\n These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world (<\/em>John 16:33<\/em><\/strong> NASB).<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Simplicity isn’t a life free of conflict and tribulation.<\/p>\n I know simplicity is possible, but I need understanding.\u00a0 What does true, Biblical simplicity really mean?<\/p>\n Pondering the question, I’m struck by two things:<\/p>\n Jack is getting restless. I know I need to stop soon. I press into God, Lord, show me how to <\/em>live this life Paul is referring to.<\/em><\/p>\n Tossing Jack a toy, Jesus\u2019 words come to mind. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (<\/em>Matthew 6:33<\/em><\/strong> NASB).<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n The verses before this warns us against having a narrow focus on the world and the necessities of life. Do not\u00a0worry then, saying, \u2018What will we eat?\u2019 or \u2018What will we drink?\u2019 or \u2018What will we wear for clothing?\u2019<\/em>\u00a0<\/em>32\u00a0<\/sup><\/em><\/strong>For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for\u00a0your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things<\/em> (Matthew 6:31-32<\/strong> NASB).<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Jesus tells us to have a singular focus on God, His righteousness, and the reign of His ever-unfolding kingdom. \u00a0<\/p>\n This seems hard, but God empowers us every step of the way. “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for\u00a0His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13<\/strong> NASB).<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Hours before He was crucified, Jesus said, \u201cJust as\u00a0the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.\u00a010\u00a0<\/sup>If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as\u00a0I have kept My Father\u2019s commandments and abide in His love.\u00a011\u00a0<\/sup>These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and\u00a0that your\u00a0joy may be made full.\u00a012\u00a0<\/sup>\u201cThis is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you (John 15:9-12<\/strong> NASB).<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Jesus boils things down to simple terms.<\/p>\n Love<\/em>.<\/p>\n How do we love? A<\/em>s He’s loved us<\/em>. <\/em><\/p>\n How much is that? As much as the Father loves Him.<\/em><\/p>\n And He tells us if we love others as He\u2019s loved us, two amazing things happen:<\/p>\n Wow, This is the kind of life I want.<\/p>\n What\u2019s crowding your mind this very moment? What thoughts and emotions seem to keep swirling around in your soul? It could be feelings of hurt, illnesses, concerns for loved ones, money problems \u2026<\/p>\n Would you trade it all for a singular focus of seeking God\u2019s kingdom by loving others?<\/p>\n Use the following verses as a type of vacuum cleaner for your soul, giving everyone and everything to God.<\/p>\n 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,\u00a07\u00a0<\/sup>casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (<\/em>I Peter 5:6-7<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0NASB).<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Linger in the ever presence peace of Christ.<\/p>\n Lord, <\/em>like Eve, I\u2019ve been deceived. I\u2019ve too often allowed the cares of this life to be my focus. I\u2019ve allowed circumstances to make my life feel complicated and anything but simple. Peace as the world gives it is never possible. You are my Peace. <\/em><\/p>\n You have given me understanding and insight.<\/em><\/p>\n With you working in me, I have all I need to live a life of simplicity in You.<\/em><\/p>\n Please remind me quickly when I allow the <\/em>worries and <\/em>distractions of this world to draw <\/em>me <\/em>from pure and simple devotion to you. <\/em><\/p>\n Keep me in the narrow focus of <\/em>seek<\/em>ing<\/em> Your kingdom a<\/em>s<\/em> I <\/em>lov<\/em>e those You place in my path. May I view the challenges and duties of life, not as distraction and bothers, but as ways to serve you and love others. <\/em><\/p>\n W<\/em>ith <\/em>all my love, Amen.<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n Other posts in our series<\/span> In The Moments<\/strong>:<\/span><\/p>\n As Sea Gulls Fly<\/a><\/p>\n The Gift of Presence<\/a><\/p>\n It is Finished<\/a><\/p>\n Behold the Moments<\/a><\/p>\n Tranquility<\/a><\/p>\n Stop Striving<\/a><\/p>\n Joy in the Journey is about the gladness of God\u2019s nearness in the midst of life\u2019s adventures.<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Subscribe to get email notifications of new posts. We post a few times a month. Thank you for reading.\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em> <\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Nonfiction books by the Author:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Because joy is rooted in God and is eternal, it doesn\u2019t ebb and flow with the waves of circumstances. In fact, as we grow in our understanding of joy, we can even experience it more acutely when life is hard. Why? Because God uses trials to conform us into the image of Christ. With this awareness, which gives us glimpses of God\u2019s greater purposes, we rejoice because of His masterful work to free us from needing anything but Him.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n For these reasons, and many others, joy in the Lord is commanded in scripture. It\u2019s not just a good idea, it\u2019s vital to our journey as human beings.\u00a0Rhythms of Joy<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Novels by the Author:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n What happens when a professor figures out how to send messages to his younger self to try and avoid the suicide of his best friend? Did he change more than he bargained for?\u00a0\u00a0Beyond Time<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n By finding two undelivered letters in an old shack deep in the woods, Cassie and Daniel unknowing set off a series of events which uncover a plot to wipe out a whole family Hope Remains<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Please Check out the\u00a0\u00a0Cola City Podcast<\/a>\u00a0. Discussions that impact the vision of reaching every man, woman, and child in a city.<\/p>\n\n
Seek First<\/span><\/h3>\n
Love as He’s Loved us<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Challenge<\/span><\/h3>\n
Prayer<\/h3>\n
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