Holy Spirit vs. the spirit of the world

John 14:6 "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'

As Christians, we are hilarious to the world we live in.  People think we are arrogant and ridiculous-yet unsophisticated in today's world.  But according to John 3:18, "Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's
one and only Son."  This verse shows that we are not arrogant, we are humble. 

We are humble because apart from God, we are condemned.  On my own, I am nothing.

The world only wants to see Jesus as a way, not the way.

Matthew 7:13, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."  Most people in this world are on the wide path.  This is why people call Christians arrogant.

Most people are filled with the spirit of the world, but a few are filled with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ is the Way.  I will not water down my beliefs.

Our only hope is Jesus-the one way.  And he is not hiding, he is open for people to find.

Like a burning building with many doors; but only one way to safety.  God has called me to stand by that door and call to the "blind" and urge them to safety and life.  Is that arrogant?

Jesus Christ is the Way.  This is not what the world wants to hear, but what the world needs to hear.

Prayer without ceasing

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Today let's focus on "pray without ceasing".  How can that be?  We breathe without ceasing, and our hearts beat without ceasing.  Our other organs work behind the scenes and we don't consciously tell them to work for us.  Can we learn to pray as naturally as we breathe?

In the morning as we wake up we can talk to our God, "OK Father...I'm awake; I'm feeling a little tired and grumpy this morning but I give this day to You and choose to praise You instead!  I praise You for Your beautiful creation, thanks for a comfortable bed and for the breakfast You have provided.  Guide my steps today and show me Your ways."  Then it is time to listen.  This on-going conversation can become a natural part of our day.

So what if I'm feeling weak in spirit and mind and can't even voice my feelings?

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.   Romans 8:26-27

Continue to pray, focusing on people in your immediate surroundings, your family and your brothers and sisters at Valleybrook needing prayer.

Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18

As we spend time praying, God has promised to show us exciting things!

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.  Jeremiah 33:3

It will be exciting to change, grow and practice "prayer without ceasing" as it starts to become as natural as breathing.