Friday Focus #43

Take Ownership

Psalm 7:3-5. I have not fully read through the Book of Psalm yet, but this chapter jumped out to me in my head. I read the chapter until I came across something that would be interesting to write about. While reading, a few verses jumped out to me. I had to get some background on them so that I didn't misunderstand what was being said. Here, David is speaking to God. He says, "O Lord my God, if I have done this, if there is wrong in my hands, if I have repaid my friend with evil, or plundered my enemy without cause, let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it, and let him trample my life to the ground and lay my glory in the dust." David lets God know "if" I have done something wrong to his friend or done wrong to an enemy for no good reason, then he says let them overtake me and trample my life to the ground. I like that David even looks at himself saying "if I" where many of us would not. There is no "if I have done wrong" in many arguments, disagreements, and issues in our lives. It usually is finger pointing. When, not if, but when you go to God for your troubles, open up and give Him the chance to show you if you have done others wrong. Maybe the trouble that you are experiencing is due to something you have done, not everything everyone else has done. Be honest with yourself and allow yourself to take ownership for your own problems.

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Friday Focus #38

Give Your Troubles to God

The Book of Psalm is full of crying out to God and venting frustrations and just letting God know you heart. In Psalm 120:1 we are told that the writer (possibly David or another- do some research) took their troubles to God, first. If you read through Psalm 119:169-176 we see that these troubles consisted of straying away from God and wanting to know God on a deeper level. But, first the troubles were taken to God. That takes wisdom to know to whom to turn. It also takes humility to not try and "fix it." The writer "cried out to Him" which is an expression of the writer's despair. If you don't talk to God, then how do you express to God what you feel and what you want? Simply, you don't. And finally God answered the prayer. But what prayer was it? If you read the through Psalm 119 again and see the problems that were spoken then you see that they were in line with what God wanted for them and for us.

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Friday Focus #35

You Are Wonderfully Made

Do you know that verse Psalm 139:14 about being wonderfully made? It is a verse that I personally need to look back on and remember when I feel down or low or unhappy about life. I can feel empty emotionally or even relationally and forget that when people let me down (for whatever reason) that God still loves me and I am important to Him. 

The verse starts off with "I praise You" which indicates the writer being thankful to God. It is not a sarcastic way of expression like Paul did with the churches when he wrote them letters. But a heart felt praising. When you go through a rough time (and we all have had them) thank God afterwards when it is over. Praise Him for the little things. One little thing I love to praise God for is a parking good spot in my neighborhood. That may sound silly, but if you cannot thank God in the small, how will you even see Him in the bigger things? He is always working for you and to show you how you can be thankful. I have been through some tough times and can see God's hand in those times and for that I praise Him.

Next the psalmist writes "for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." I can figure out what wonderfully made can mean, but what about fearfully? Well, that means having a "fear" of God. I don't mean fear like the fear we have of wild animals but a respectful fear, like what one might have for a parent. To know that you are made to respect God and that God made you wonderful shows how the Lord wants you to honor Him for what He does and what He did.

And lastly, "Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Acknowledge that you know what God Has done, whether it is large or small, acknowledge God. Imagine if someone bought you a house as a gift and you never thanked them for it. That may sound silly, but throw that same ideology onto God who we know has us fearfully and wonderfully made. How insane is it to not acknowledge God for that? Humble yourself and stop taking credit for everything and acknowledge the work God has done.

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Wednesday Wake Up #29

Attacking Worry

Recently, a friend of mine exposed me to the word "ruminate." I had no idea what it meant but as we discussed the word I understood it to simple mean worry. An expanded understanding is to think about something over and over and over again- like chewing gum (I'm chewing gum right now). After a while, chewing gum, while initially enjoyable, becomes annoying. the gum loses flavor and your jaw can become sore. It no longer serves the purpose. That can be the same thing as dealing with an issue and not coming to a conclusion. It can keep you up at night. All the possible ways things could go and there ends up being no conclusion. Let's look at how to deal with that.

It is one thing to try to figure out a problem, but it is another to just worry about it. What does worry do for you? Initially one may think it is doing them some good and they will quote some scientific journal about hwy worry is good. But, is worry Godly? It might show you that you care, but then when does worry stop? What else will you worry about? Worry creates anxiety for you to the point where you may need to think about something else or do something else in order to stop worrying. Proverbs 12:25 tells us that anxiety weighs a person's heart down. Good words and words of encouragement make them glad. When you see yourself worrying, change your mind. Do something else. Give your nerves a break.
 

When you worry, I give you a new challenge, seek God's direction. Jesus wants to give us peace and does not want our hearts troubled (John 14:27). God will guide you if you ask Him (Psalm 32:8). God will give you wisdom, if you ask Him (Luke 21:15). We have to be humble enough (Proverbs 22:4) to even want to seek Him. We think we can figure it out on our own and think that we are actually tuned in to God, but we are just trying to figure it out ourselves. We need to unite with the Lord and seek his will for our life in all aspects, not just the one's we choose.
 

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Friday Focus #27

Making a Rash Decision

Life is full of frustrations. Sometimes it seems like no matter what you do or where you turn, there is a problem. It could be a money problem or a relational problem or a job issues, but whatever it is, it seems like the issues are never ending. Job issues may lead you to want to quit, but then what? You need money to live and pay bills and eat. You could open up another credit card and pull all of that money out, but how will you pay it off? Could you cut spending rather than increase debt? In relationships, people will rub us the wrong way and we can be tempted to cut ties. But, have you thought about the the possible repercussions? Better yet, did you ask God for direction? 

One thing you can do is go to God humbly and ask Him to show you what you could have done differently. It is hard to be humble when we get upset at people or life. Making more money is great, but if you do not know how to save and budget, then what difference does it make. Finding a new job is great but if every job you have had there are issues you have that irreconcilable with coworkers or upper management, then maybe that needs to be addressed before quitting. Finding a new friend or significant other is fine, but maybe there is a way you talk to people that pushes people away instead of pulling them in. In Job 6:24 we read that Job was asking Eliphaz to show him where he was wrong regarding a rant. But do we do this with ourselves, others and Go?. When there is an issue you can just "fix it" or you can humbly seek to find out what went wrong and where.

Also, just know that God will guide you, but you have to be humble enough to know that God's way is the best way. If you are not reading your Bible and seeking to understand it and see what God's word has for you, it will make life harder. Life can be hard anyway, why make it harder by not checking the manual. You can't fix a car without looking at the intricate parts of the engine, transmission, and the owner's manual. With people, our brain and our heart (emotions) and owner's manual (the Bible) need to be connected in order to help us through life. In Psalm 31:3 we have to see that God is our rock and our fortress and He will lead and guide us. We have to seek Him and His way.

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Friday Focus #25

Why We Need God Time

Life is busy. There is so much to do everyday. You have to get to school or wake up the kids and take them to school before work. One your day gets started it is so hard to get refocused and spend time with God or even think about what God wants from you since you have been in 5th gear since you woke up. We need God time. It helps keep us focused on what God wants from us which should be (if you are a Christ follower) your number 1 priority.

Try this for a week: make time with God, first. Right when you wake up take 5 minutes to pray and read some scripture. or read the scripture and pray while you are showering. Make that happen. Devotionals can be good, but if you go to those over reading the scripture as a whole, the author of that devotional can become your new god, so to speak. God's word provides direction as we see in James 1:5 that tells us to ask God for wisdom as He gives it to us generously. Go directly to God, not some other source like tarot cards and palm reading. That is not of God. Mediums are not of God. Seek God's direction.

We should seek God's peace in our lives. We need reminders that God wants our lives to be peaceful and that there is peace in Him. We don't need external things and drugs for God's peace. It is free and no one can charge you a dime for it. Look at Psalm 85:8 that tells us that David was seeking to heard what God would say knowing that God will speak peace to His people and not lead them into folly.

We also need understanding. We can try and function on our own and seek what we think is the best way, but since we didn't talk to God, how good can that way really be? We can look at Proverbs 21:2 and see the same thing said there that people think they know which way is right but God looks at the heart. God knows why we do what we do. We just need to seek His way so we know what to do and when to do it.

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Friday Focus #24

Do Not Sit in Shame

When we look at the sword shame you can attribute it to various parts in your life such as guilt, shortcoming or embarrassment. You could feel guilt and shame from getting caught doing something you know you should not have (like stealing). Or you could feel shame from losing a competition (athletic, academic or business). Or you could have been trying to make a solid impression (maybe for a job) and you find out that how you saw yourself is not how you were seen. All these situations and many others can bring about that feeling of shame. It hurts. It hurts in public and it really hurts in private. But remember, God does not want you to carry that feeling. It does nothing good for you nor does it honor Him.

Shame started with Adam and Eve when they ate from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. When Adam heard God coming he hid. The text reads he was afraid (Genesis 3:10), but if you know you have done something wrong and the person who told you not to do it is coming back and they will see you did exactly what they said not to do, you will feel shame. Shame starts here but it does not end here as we know that God is our shield (Psalm 3:3) and when we do as He commands (for our own good) then we avoid shame.

For those who have accepted Christ we also know that there is no shame in that. When we   mess up and repent, we sin no more. We do not carry that shame of the sin with us. That is not necessary. Granted, you will remember what you did and seek to avoid that again, but to carry the burden of the shame around with you does not honor God or your mission to fulfill His purposes for your life. 

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Wednesday Wake Up #24

It Cannot Be Unsaid or Unheard

I remember being in a men's group at Saddleback Church a couple of years ago and discussing how saying mean or hurtful things is just like squeezing toothpaste out of a tube. Once it comes out, it cannot go back in. The damage has already begun to take place. "I'm sorry" doesn't take the words back or make it so it never even happened. Another way to think about this too is what we type/text to people. Once they have read it, it cannot be unread. The eyes have already taken those words in. We need to be more mindful of what we say to people (and type) so that our words are coming from a place of love and not from anger that could lead us to regret them later.

If you have read through Proverbs, you have seen a ton of verses that could easily be used as daily reminders for self control. One of those verses is Proverbs 12:18. It compares our words to swords which cut deeply and or tongues (if used by the wise) as a source that can bring healing. Do we really want to be known as the type of person who uses harsh and rash words that just cut at people all the time? Or would you rather be known as someone who is looked at as one who brings healing with their words? I would rather be the latter rather than the former as I seek to do what is pleasing to God, not people. It might be very easy to do what others expect or would do in your shoes, but they don't have to deal with the consequences of your words, but you do. So instead of doing what you may feel pressured to do by people and expected social norms, do what you feel led to do by God.

And sometimes we can get caught up and say that we are just being honest or just speaking the truth. But, is the truth and honesty rooted in helping someone with love that builds them up? In Ephesians 4:29 we are given a reminder to not give into any unwholesome talk and let what comes out of our mouths be what builds others up. What we say needs to be helpful. Not helpful for doing what we want them to do, but what God would want them to do. It also needs to be for their benefit and for those who hear it. 

In Psalm 19:14 we look at the source from where our words should come. As stated previously is it what is it just that it is socially normal to speak that way or does it need to come from God's will. The focus of the verse is on the words and the heart being acceptable to God. He is where we look for our guidance as to what we should be saying and what we let come out from our hearts. Once it is said it cannot be unsaid, so make sure before you say it that it is pleasing to God.

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Wednesday Wake Up #23

When the Going Gets Tough

I once read a quote from Winston Churchill who said "If you're going through hell, keep going." Now, that does not mean keep everything the same and just sit there like a dead duck; it means don't give up. But, how can that be applied to our walk with the Christ? Would God ever want us to give up? What does God want from us anyway?

When times get tough God wants us to be patient. The problems do not always just go away over night. During these times we can stay prayerful in our personal time with God. We can pray for wisdom and the strength to endure (Romans 12:12). Know that God will hear you if you are righteous (Psalm 34:17). Maybe that is why things are tough for you. Have you been living a way that God does not want you to live? Have you been treating your body well? Are you surrounding yourself with Christ followers encouraging you to do what is right in the Lord? Have you submitted your will to Christ and accepted God's grace?

Let us also not grow weary (tired) in doing good. It may be easy to try to get revenge on someone who is doing you wrong, but that is not our responsibility. It is easy to be full of wrath when we go through these trials and tribulations, but that leads us away from doing what God wants us to do (Psalm 37:7-9). In our patience and perseverance we will reap if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9). Every week via text or phone conversation, my accountability partner and I remind one another to stay strong in the Lord. That means don't give up when things get difficult and keep pressing on to do what is right in God's eyes. I encourage you to do the same (Hebrews 3:13).

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Friday Focus #19

What Does the Birth of Jesus Mean?

As we celebrate Christmas today, let us remember why we as Christ followers are celebrating. Do we even know what we are celebrating or have we changed the meaning behind our celebration? Is it about Santa Claus and presents? Is it about an evergreen covered in lights and decorations? Or is it truly about celebrating the birth of the one you call your Lord and Savior?

We know the details of Jesus being born found in Matthew 1:18-2:23, but what about his blood line? Look at his bloodline and the great men and women in it in Matthew 1:1-17. But there were also sins among those great men and women. There was adultery, lies and murder. But, while men will say your past defines you and hold you in contempt of bad decisions, the love of God through the redeeming blood of Christ does not. Our sins are washed away and we are seen clean and pure in God's eyes (1 John 1:7). We must walk with Christ seeking what his will is in our life. Jesus was doing God's will while being God in human form. He did not come to us in a large palace and desire a bunch of attention. It was a very humble setting in a barn that many of us wouldn't stay in if it was the last place on earth.

With the birth of Jesus there were prophecies that came true. In Isiah 7:14 promised a virgin birth. In Psalm 2:7 there is a reference to the Jesus being referred to as the son of God which was fulfilled when we read Matthew 3:16-17. There was a even a prophecy that the messiah would be a sacrifice for sin which we see through the death of Jesus (Romans 5:6-8).

If Jesus wasn't born he never could have died. Through his death we are redeemed through him to God for Heaven in the after life if we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior (Ephesians 1:7-10). Our sin separates us from God, but by accepting Jesus we get to reconnect with God. So as you celebrate Christmas, think of and reflect on the reason why you celebrate. Is it the jolly man in the red suit or is the Son of God who suited to shed his red (blood) for us?

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Wednesday Wake Up #19

'Tis the Season

'Tis the season to be jolly. It's a nice lyric. I don't know anyone who wants to be around a Scrooge type of person during what many call the "most wonderful time of the year" where we are "walkin' in a winter wonderland." But there has to be more about this season than just being jolly. This is the season (in conjunction with Thanksgiving) where many people want to donate their time to the homeless and the less fortunate. Now is a great time to start. I am 100% in favor of that. My hope and aim is that we can do more than just be jolly and joyful and loving during this season. I mean think about it, what if God only answered our prayers during holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas? He loves us all the time (1 John 4:19). We need to be loving all the time to Him and then to others as well because that is how people know we are disciples (followers) of Christ (John 13:34-35).

Psalm 41:1 teaches us that we are blessed for being considerate to the poor. This does not just mean the poor in finances. But, it can also mean the poor in spirit, the poor in health, in relationships. Another word used to replace poor was weak. That does not only cover finances. It covers those who need a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear and a loving heart. It covers those who are sick in hospitals. It covers those going through a rough relationship time as well. It covers the emotionally and spiritually weak. The following verses tell us that there are promises of being sustained by the Lord in our sickbed (we get weak too). The Lord keeps us alive and restores us to full health. We don't do these loving acts because of what we get out of it from God, but we do loving things because we love.

And we can't forget about being joyous during these times. But what are we joyful about? Is it because we love the season and the cold and the fireplace being lit with hot cocoa in our hands? Those are nice things and are very comforting, but are we forgetting to give thanks to God for those nice times that we can have that are very relaxing? We can take for granted the lifestyles we have grown accustomed to, while completely overlooking the provider for us. It's like we only want to thank God when things are going well, but we are to thank God in all circumstances and always be joyous and pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). We can't focus on the season without looking at the creator of the season. Can we?

Overall, God wants us to do these wonderful things at all times not just during certain days or months or holidays. He wants us to see Him first (Matthew 6:33). Let us remember to give to others and love others as God loved us first.

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Friday Focus #17

It Won't Last Forever

When I was a kid I had heroes and role models. Most of them (if not all of them) were athletes. Nothing wrong with being an athlete, but there are people who define themselves and hang on to their job or social status. That becomes the most important thing to them. How they are viewed by others or how they see themselves becomes far more important than having a life that is Christ centered. Eventually that earthly glory fades. If you don't believe me then look at the careers of Kobe Bryant, Jerry Rice, Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods. It won't last. No matter what you have done, it does not define you. There is something far more important than earthly glory which is the sacrifice that Jesus made for you.

In the story of the young rich man (Matthew 19:16-22) we learn that a young rich man asks Jesus what Good deed he must do in order to have eternal life. Jesus questions the man's view of good and then tells him that you must keep the commandments and he gets specific into which ones. Then the man replies and says he has kept them all and he needed to know what else he needed to do in order to have eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor. The young man heard that and turned away from Jesus sadly because he had a great number of possessions.

This begs the question, what is holding you back from following Christ wholeheartedly? Is it that you are more dependent upon earthly things than submitting to God's will in your life? What is getting in the way of a full dedication to following Christ? Is it it pride? Is it thinking that you are "good enough" for Heaven? There is no good enough when it comes to us. There is either walking with Christ or not. It is your decision, not one that people make for you. Don't be like the young rich man who would rather have what is earthly than that which is godly (Psalm 40:8).

On the next Wednesday Wake Up we will go through Matthew 19:23-30.


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Friday Focus #16

Avoiding Hurts Doesn't Help

Have you ever heard the saying "hurt people, hurt people"? It simply means that people who have been hurt and are still hurting emotionally will go about hurting other people. In essence it creates a domino effect of hurt. I get hurt by someone and then I go on and say or do something to someone else that hurts them. The cycle continues. But, I ask you, is that the life God wants from you? Does God want you to go around being hurt? Does He want you to go around hurting others? Or does God want you to heal from that emotional pain?

One thing avoiding hurt does is it can eat at us. It can gnaw away at who we have become in Christ and slowly evolve us into someone else that has seemingly forgotten what Christ means to us. When carrying a hurt we can overeat, drink alcohol in excess, use drugs, even go on shopping sprees. All of these things (and others) can serve as band aids to the hurt that we feel when we think of that person, that time frame in our personal history or what was done/said that hurt us. When you break a bone, you don't put a band aid on it, you get surgery if necessary or at least a cast. But a band aid to a major problem does nothing. God wants you to stop putting band aids on your hurts. God wants us to come to Him for all things. We see that truth in Matthew 9:20-22. The woman who had had a monthly flow for 12 years believed that if she just barely touched Jesus's clothes that she could be healed. He acknowledged her when she touched his clothes and told her that her faith has made her well. Jesus wants us to reach out to him when we are hurt emotionally or sick physically. 

Tell God what is going on with you. Tell Him about what happened. You can complain to God. He can take it. He wants to hear from you the same way you want to hear from your own children (if you have them) if they have some hurt in their life. God wants to comfort us and heal our broken hearts (Psalm 147:3). Write down what bothers you. Put it in a journal if need be. For things in the past, try to remember that they are not still happening to you. Stop reliving that hurt too. Be around people who encourage you to do and be what God wants from you. Thinking about it often or all the time doesn't help to heal you which means you cannot be who you need to be for God's Kingdom. Be well, be with God.

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Wednesday Wake Up #15

Giving Thanks to God and Loving Family

As we get ready for Thanksgiving tomorrow let us not forget what is really important. It isn't about the food and the fixin's. It isn't about the football games (hard for me to say that one haha). But our focus should be on God first and then the family unity.

As we look at Psalm 100, the title of this chapter is A Psalm for Giving Thanks. The focus is giving thanks to God. The opening 2 verses tell us to make a joyful noise to the Lord and serve Him with gladness. We are to come in God's presence with singing. We are to be singing the Lord's praises. Yes, there are times were God needs to hear from us that we are upset, but are we complaining more to God than we are giving thanks to Him. We overlook what we are thankful about many other days of the year. Can't this be the year the beginning of a time where we let God know that we are thankful to Him for all He has done. Personally, God has done so much in my life from the jobs I have had, the people I have met, the schools I have attended. But, even more so the things I overlook every day. I don't always thank God for the fact that my car works (a huge blessing if you have known me since my first car in 1997). I have forgotten to thank God for where I live. I could have lived in a horrible neighborhood with horrible neighbors and crime, but I don't. When was the last time I thanked God for those simple things? Now is a very good time. And tomorrow. And for years to come.

And when it comes to family, how often do we tell them not just that we love them, but how we appreciate them? Do we come home and complain about work and life problems? Can't we start greeting each other with love and a "holy kiss? (Romans 16:16 and GotQuestions.org)" Let us pray with the family as we should. If we are not praying with the kids and our spouses and significant others, how then are our relationships based in God's word? We need to honor our parents, not just during holidays, but at all times (Exodus 20:12). Fathers need to not provoke their children to anger (Colossians 3:21). Mothers can wisdom and kindness to their children (Proverbs 31:26).

No matter which holiday has arrived let us remember to give thanks to God and let Him lead us as we connect with our families and friends whether it is a holiday or just any old day. Let us love regardless of the day (John 15:12).

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John 19: Remember Why

Remember Why

John 19's focus is on Jesus and his crucifixion. I cannot say that there is a parable or words of wisdom from Jesus. I cannot say that he performed another miracle. This chapter is a huge reminder. This is a reminder of the prophecies coming true and of why Jesus died.

In John 19:24, we see a prophecy fulfilled from Psalm 22:18. When Jesus was on the cross soldiers gambled for his clothing. How is it possible a reference from generation before could come true? 

In John 19:36-37, we see another prophecy fulfilled from Psalm 34:20. Once again, how is it possible a reference from generation before could come true? God's power is bigger than we can even fully explain.

Jesus's death on a cross was the ultimate example of God's grace for us. Remember John 3:16 and "for God so loved the world?" If God not love us then He would not have come down in Heavenly human form to reunite us with Him. Think about it this way, for all that we did wrong and all that we still will do, God still loves us. God didn't send Jesus just for 5 or 6 people who lived at that time. Jesus's sacrificial death was for all of us who accept him as the son of God and want to receive that redemption. The next time someone upsets you or breaks your heart, think of the God sized forgiveness in the size of Jesus.

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Friday Focus #12

It Is Time for Something Better

Some relationships are a mess. There is constant bickering and long droughts of bitterness.  You want to be supported and they want to be right. You love them too much and they don't love you enough. There just doesn't seem to be a future. But I can almost guarantee you there is a disconnect. Staying disconnecting from God is like not recharging your smartphone after using it all day. It will DIE!!! You have to plug back in to reading the word (2 Timothy 3:16-17), yes the Bible. Start with a chapter a day. Read Proverbs. There are 31 chapters. you can read one chapter per day for a month. 

We also need to submit to God's will (Psalm 143:10). How do we know what God's will is? If you don't read God's word and let that marinate and you think on it and apply what you read, then it would be hard to know what God wants from us. We are making decisions that are not conducive to our spiritual growth which is affecting our relationships. Before you check everyone else, check yourself. What else could you be doing on your side in the effort of change and relational growth with God in order to have better relationships with others?

Don't forget about prayer. When things go wrong we can find ourselves trying to fix everything and everyone. We feel like we are shaped to help, which can be true, but it is not your responsibility to fix. Our responsibility is to pray and include God (Philippians 4:6). Isn't that part of the reason why there is an issue any way? We try to fix things separate from God. We need to include Him and let Him do his work.

And also there is accountability (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). How can we grow spiritually all by ourselves. If there isn't someone that you can confide in and have walk with you through your life, it makes things that much harder. We need to be able to check in with people and have them check in with us and keep us accountable for what we want to be different in our lives according to God's will. That accountability with another Christ follower and you allows God to be present in the relationship in order to help the other parts of life benefit as well. It isn't easy, but it can be be done.

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John 10:34-38- Responding Like Jesus

Responding Like Jesus

Remember that saying and those elastic bracelets "What Would Jesus Do?" Do we ever really stop to think about it? I mean think about how we think and how act and react. Are we in line with how Christ would respond.

Now, in reading through the gospels, you know that the Pharisees hated Jesus and wanted to stone him for claiming that he was blaspheming and saying he was God when they didn't think he was. In John 10:31-33, the Pharisees said they were not mad at the works he did, but only at their accusations of his blaspheming. After the Pharisees picked up stones to stone him his response (instead of anger and threats and violence) was that of truth and a refocus. The Pharisees were schooled so to speak on who Jesus was and what he did. In verses 34-38, we see Jesus reaffirm him being in God and God working through him. He didn't back down and just give in. He didn't give a sarcastic answer, he said what was true. He also gave more evidence which serves as some what of a redirection. He tells them to look at the works he has done and also references scripture (Psalm 82:6) when he said "Is it not written in your law, 'I said, you are gods.'" He reminds them that the works he is doing are of God and speak to who he is, even if they didn't want to believe him.

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