Wrestling with the concept of God

Ephesians 6:13,18

To enhance your communication with God, it is crucial to confront and overcome obstacles. Engaging in prayer on behalf of others is also important. However, engaging in a struggle or conflict with God during prayer is not supported by scripture teachings. If you engage in a physical struggle with God, you will suffer permanent physical impairment for the duration of your existence. If you engage in a struggle with God, akin to Jacob's, just because His actions do not align with your preferences, you compel Him to dislocate you (see to Genesis 32:24-25). Avoid becoming incapacitated by struggling to understand the ways of God, but instead engage in a profound struggle with worldly matters in the presence of God, for "we are exceedingly victorious through Him..." (Romans 8:37). Engaging in wrestling with God has a profound influence within His dominion. If you want my intercession and I lack spiritual fulfillment in Christ, my supplication has no results. However, when I am fully united with Christ, my prayers consistently result in triumph. Prayer is only effective when there is a state of entirety, as stated in the phrase "take up the whole armor of God...".

It is important to always differentiate between God's flawless intention and His permissive intention, which He employs to fulfill His divine plan for our life. The divine's immaculate intention is immutable. We must grapple with the things that God permits in our life, as they are part of His divine will. Our ability to perceive God's perfect plan for us is facilitated by our response to the circumstances permitted by His permissive will. "We understand that all things collaborate harmoniously for the benefit of those who have affection for God..." (Romans 8:28) is addressed to individuals who steadfastly adhere to God's flawless purpose and His summons in Christ Jesus. God's permissive will serves as a means of testing to unveil His genuine offspring. We should refrain from being indecisive and simply accepting, "Yes, it is the divine intention." There is no need for us to engage in physical combat or struggle with God, but it is necessary for us to engage in a mental or spiritual struggle in the presence of God. Exercise caution while succumbing to laziness and surrendering. Instead, engage in a magnificent battle and you will discover yourself imbued with His formidable might.

Authorized of God

2nd Timothy 2:15

Work and study until you are able to articulate each of your beliefs clearly if you are not able to now. The benefits that come with knowing the truth could be lost on others if you don't. Make an effort to rephrase a divine truth in a way that makes sense to you. God will then use the same justification when you communicate it to another person. However, you have to be prepared to pass through God's winepress, where the crushed grapes reside. To properly communicate God's truth, you have to work hard, try new things, and practice speaking. Then, at some point, that exact expression will turn into someone else's strength-giving drink from God. However, the words will mean nothing to you or anyone else if you are careless and decide, "I'm not going to study and struggle to express this truth in my own words; I'll just borrow my words from someone else." If you make an effort to articulate to yourself what you consider to be the unchanging truth of God, you will be giving God the chance to communicate that truth to someone else via you.

Make it a habit to constantly challenge your own assumptions and give them careful thought. Before you make your stance truly your own by hardship and research, it is not truly yours. The book or speaker you learn most from is not the one who imparts knowledge you did not already know; rather, it is the one who enables you to take a reality you have been struggling with in silence, give it voice, and articulate it bravely and eloquently.

The Magnificent Life

St John 14:27

We are prone to placing the blame for whatever bad thing that happens in our lives on God. But rather than God, it is us who are at fault. Placing the blame on God indicates that we are holding onto some past transgressions in our lives. But once we let go, everything becomes apparent to us like daybreak. As long as we attempt to serve God and ourselves as two masters, we shall encounter challenges along with uncertainty and perplexity. We have to have an attitude of total dependence on God. Living the life of a saint becomes the easiest thing to do once we reach that point. When we attempt to usurp the Holy Spirit's authority for our own ends, we run into problems.

Peace is God's sign of approval whenever you obey Him. He sends an unfathomably profound serenity—the peace of Jesus, not the natural kind, "as the world gives." When peace does not appear, either wait for it to or try to determine why it is not appearing. The serenity of Jesus will not manifest itself if you are acting on a whim, or in an attempt to appear heroic to others. This betrays a lack of trust or unity with God. The Holy Spirit, not your choices, is the source of the spirit of unity, simplicity, and clarity. God calls for simplicity and unity in opposition to our free will decisions.

My inquiries surface every time I break the rules. When I obey God, issues arise to keep my mind marveling at the revealed reality of God, not to separate me from God. But disobedience is the root of all issues that arise between me and God. I am ecstatic to know that my Father knows and cares for me, and I can watch and anticipate how He will solve any problem that arises while I obey Him—and there will be many.

Intercessional Devotion

Luke 18:1

Effective intercession through prayer necessitates a genuine belief in the actuality of salvation. Instead, you will merely be transforming intercession into futile empathy for others, so only amplifying their satisfaction in remaining disconnected from God. Genuine intercession entails presenting the one or situation that appears to be overwhelming you to God, until you are transformed by His perspective on that individual or situation. Intercession refers to the act of supplementing the deficiencies in the sufferings of Christ, as mentioned in Colossians 1:24. This is the exact reason why there is a scarcity of individuals who engage in intercession. Intercession can be defined as the act of empathetically assuming the perspective of another individual. That statement is false. Intercession is assuming the role of God, adopting His mindset and viewpoint.

As an intercessor, exercise caution in seeking excessive divine insight on the circumstance you are interceding for, as it may lead to overwhelming sensations. If one possesses an excessive amount of knowledge, surpassing the predetermined limit set by God, one's ability to engage in prayer becomes hindered. The prevailing circumstances of others become overwhelmingly influential, preventing one from accessing the fundamental truth.

Our task is to maintain a profound connection with God, enabling us to comprehend His perspective on all matters. However, we evade this duty by replacing intercession with mere action. However, intercession is the sole action that possesses no disadvantages, as it maintains an entirely unrestricted connection with God.

It is important to refrain from praying for someone to be merely "repaired" in prayer. We must fervently beseech that individual to establish a profound connection with the divine essence of God. Consider the multitude of individuals whom God has led into our lives, just to witness us forsake them! Through intercessory prayer, as we invoke the power of redemption, God manifests something that is uniquely possible through this specific form of prayer.

Uniqueness

St John 17:22

Uniqueness is the individual, boundless aspect of our existence that sets us apart from others. The magnitude of it is beyond our capacity to fully grasp. An island in the water can be likened to the summit of a substantial mountain, and our personality resembles that island. Our lack of understanding of the profound depths of our existence prevents us from accurately assessing ourselves. Initially, we may believe in our ability to comprehend ourselves, but eventually we come to the realization that there exists only one entity who possesses complete understanding of us, and that is the entity responsible for our creation.

Uniqueness refers to the distinctive traits of one's inner, spiritual self, whereas individuality pertains to the distinguishing features of one's outer, physical self. The nature of our Lord cannot be characterized by uniqueness and autonomy, but alone by His complete being— "I and My Father are one" (John 10:30). Uniqueness convergence occurs, and one can only attain their authentic identity through merging with another individual. When an individual experiences love or the divine presence of God, they undergo a profound and significant change. Subsequently, he will cease to persist in preserving his distinctiveness. Our Lord never mentioned an individual's distinctiveness or their solitary status, but instead spoke in terms of the entirety of a person— "...that they may be unified just as We are unified..." Upon relinquishing your autonomy to God, your inherent essence promptly commences its interaction with God. Jesus Christ bestows liberation upon your entire being, including the transformation of your distinctiveness. The metamorphosis is caused by love— individual dedication to Jesus. Love is the abundant outcome of an individual engaged in genuine companionship with another.

Distinctiveness

Matthew 16:24

Distinctiveness can be described as the rigid external barrier that encloses and protects one's inner spiritual existence. Distinctiveness displaces others, creating a division and solitude among individuals. We perceive it as the fundamental attribute of a child, and with good reason. If we mistakenly equate uniqueness with the spiritual realm, we will continue to be socially disconnected. The individual's identity serves as a divine, inherent shield that safeguards the spiritual essence. However, we must surrender our personal identity to God in order to cultivate a spiritual existence that is in communion with Him. Individuality imitates spirituality, in the same way that passion imitates love. Human nature was intricately crafted by a divine being for its own divine purposes, however the presence of individuality distorts and perverts that very nature for personal agendas.

Independence and self-will are the defining traits of individuality. Our persistent assertion of individuality is the primary obstacle to our spiritual development. When you express disbelief by saying "I can't believe," it indicates that your sense of individuality is hindering your ability to believe. Individuality is inherently incapable of believing. However, our essence inevitably maintains a belief. Exercise vigilant self-observation while the divine essence is actively operating within you. He challenges you to the utmost extent of your uniqueness, forcing you to make a decision. The decision lies between asserting, "I shall not yield," or submitting, so shattering the rigid barrier of selfhood, which paves the way for the manifestation of the spiritual existence. The Holy Spirit consistently focuses on a single matter each time (see to Matthew 5:23-24). Your distinctiveness is what prevents you from "finding common ground with your sibling" (Matthew 5:24). In order for God to unite you with Himself, it is imperative that you relinquish your personal autonomy and surrender your self-entitlement. "...let him renounce himself..." - renounce his inherent autonomy over oneself. Subsequently, the authentic existence, which pertains to the realm of spirituality, is granted the chance to flourish.

The Unbiased Authority of God

Hebrews 10:14

If we believe that our crimes are forgiven solely because we feel remorseful, we are disrespecting and disregarding the sacrifice made by the Son of God. The sole cause for the absolution of our transgressions by the divine being, and the boundless extent of His commitment to obliterate them, lies in the demise of Jesus Christ. Our repentance stems solely from our own comprehension of the atonement achieved by the Cross of Christ, a provision made for us by Him. "...Christ Jesus...became our source of divine wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption..." The reference is from the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 1, verse 30. Upon our recognition that Christ has assumed all of these roles on our behalf, the boundless delight of God commences within us. Wherever the divine bliss is absent, the decree of death remains in force.

Irrespective of our identity or nature, God reconciles us to a state of righteousness with Himself solely through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. God performs this action not as a result of Jesus' pleas, but rather due to His death. It is unattainable by effort, only received through acceptance. Any supplication for deliverance that intentionally disregards the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ is futile. It is a knock at a door different from the one that Jesus has already opened. We express our objection by stating, "However, I am unwilling to arrive using that particular method." Being accepted as a sinner is excessively degrading. In Acts 4:12, Peter conveys God's response that there is no alternative name by which we can attain salvation. The initial perception of God's heartlessness is, in fact, an authentic manifestation of His true nature. His way offers boundless access. "Through His blood, we attain redemption in Him..." The reference is to Ephesians 1:7. To truly identify with the death of Jesus Christ, we must relinquish those aspects of our lives that were never aligned with His teachings and values.

God's justice is in the act of redeeming individuals who are morally corrupt by transforming them into virtuous beings. Our Lord does not feign that we are all correct when we are all incorrect. The Cross of Christ serves as the means by which God achieves propitiation, transforming unholy individuals into holy ones.

Repentance

2nd Corinthians 7:10

The experience of recognizing one's wrongdoing is most accurately expressed in the following phrase: My transgressions, my transgressions, my Redeemer,

It is unfortunate that they are directed towards you.

Experiencing a profound sense of guilt or wrongdoing is a rare occurrence for individuals. This marks the inception of comprehending the nature of God. According to Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit would bring forth a sense of guilt or awareness of wrongdoing in individuals (see to John 16:8). When the Holy Spirit prompts an individual's conscience and leads them to encounter God, their concern is not primarily about their relationship with others, but rather their relationship with God. As expressed in the words, "Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in your sight..." The reference is to Psalm 51:4. The concepts of conviction of sin, forgiveness, and holiness are intricately connected, to the point that only those who have been forgiven can truly be considered holy. He demonstrates his absolution by embodying the antithesis of his former self, through the divine benevolence. Repentance invariably leads an individual to acknowledge, "I have committed a wrongdoing." The most definitive indication of God's presence in one's life is when one expresses a statement and genuinely intends it. Anything less than acknowledging one's silly mistakes is merely an expression of sadness, which is a reflexive response stemming from self-disgust.

Access to the realm of God is attained by the intense and abrupt anguish of remorse clashing with the perceived moral uprightness of individuals. Subsequently, the Holy Spirit, who instigates these conflicts, initiates the development of the Son of God within the individual's existence (according to Galatians 4:19). The manifestation of this new existence will occur through deliberate remorse followed by instinctive sanctity, never in the reverse order. Repentance forms the fundamental basis of Christianity. Technically, an individual is unable to engage in repentance at will— repentance is bestowed upon them as a divine gift. The former Puritans would pray for the "ability to weep." If you fail to see the significance of repentance, you are permitting yourself to persist in a state of sin. Conduct a self-evaluation to determine if you have lost the ability to genuinely feel remorseful.

A Metaphorical Representation of Hope

Genesis 9:13

Human beings are intended by God to establish a harmonious connection with Him, and His covenants are specifically designed to facilitate this objective. Why does God not save me? He has achieved and ensured my deliverance, but I have not yet established a connection with Him. Why does God not fulfill all of our requests? He has accomplished it. Will I enter into that covenant relationship? The abundant divine blessings are fully accomplished and perfected, yet they remain unattainable to me unless I establish a connection with God through His covenant.

Passively anticipating divine intervention is a manifestation of disbelief rooted in worldly desires. This indicates that I lack belief or trust in Him. I anticipate His intervention within me in order to cultivate trust in His actions. However, God will not take action in this regard, as it does not align with the fundamental principles of the divine-human connection. In order to establish a covenant with God, man must transcend his physical body and emotions, just as God transcends Himself by extending His covenant to man. It pertains to the belief in God, which is an uncommon occurrence. We solely place our trust in our emotions. I withhold my belief in God until I am presented with a concrete object that I can physically hold, so confirming its existence. Subsequently, I express my conviction by stating, "I now believe." There is a lack of demonstrated faith in that. God instructs individuals to direct their attention towards Him in order to achieve salvation. The reference is Isaiah 45:22.

When I have truly engaged in a commercial transaction with God based on His promise, disregarding all other matters, there is no feeling of personal accomplishment— no human element involved whatsoever. However, what I experience is a profound and all-encompassing feeling of being united with God, which profoundly changes my life and emanates tranquility and happiness.

The Sanctum of Divine Essence

Genesis 41:40

I am responsible to God for the manner in which I exercise authority over my physical being. Paul expressed that he did not undermine or render ineffective the favor of God (Galatians 2:21). The divine benevolence is unequivocal and boundless, and the redemptive labor accomplished by Jesus is comprehensive and eternal. I am not experiencing salvation; rather, I have already obtained salvation. The concept of salvation is everlasting, comparable to the immutability of God's throne. However, it is incumbent upon me to actively use and utilize the divine gifts bestowed upon me by God. To "work out my own salvation" (Philippians 2:12) implies that I bear the responsibility of utilizing the resources bestowed to me.

Furthermore, it implies that I must publicly and confidently manifest the existence of the Lord Jesus in my own physical being, without any element of secrecy or mystery. "I exert self-control over my body and subject it to my will . . ." The reference is to 1 Corinthians 9:27. Every Christian has the ability to exercise complete mastery over their physical body for the sake of God. It is our divine duty to exercise dominion over every aspect of "the sanctuary of the Holy Spirit," which encompasses our thoughts and aspirations (1 Corinthians 6:19). We bear the responsibility for these matters, and we must never succumb to inappropriate ones. However, the majority of us tend to be more critical when evaluating others compared to when we evaluate ourselves. We rationalize our own shortcomings, while we criticize the actions of others solely because we lack the inherent inclination to engage in them.

Paul implored the audience to offer their physical selves as a sacrifice that is alive and active. The decision I must make is whether or not I shall concur with my Lord and Master that my physical form will truly serve as His sacred dwelling. Upon my acceptance, the entirety of the laws, regulations, and prerequisites pertaining to the physical form are consolidated into this disclosed verity: my body serves as the sacred dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.

The Law of Oppositeness

Revelationas 2:7

It is unattainable to have a life devoid of combat, whether in the natural or supernatural domain. Undoubtedly, there exists an ongoing battle in several aspects of human existence, including the physical, mental, moral, and spiritual domains.

Health is the equilibrium between the physiological components of my body and the various factors and influences in my environment. In order to preserve optimal well-being, it is imperative that I possess an ample amount of internal fortitude to combat external factors. All external aspects of my existence are intentionally crafted to bring about my demise. The essential components that support my existence also contribute to the decomposition and breakdown of my physical form after death. My ability to resist and combat challenges contributes to the equilibrium necessary for good health. This also applies to the cognitive aspects of human experience. To preserve a robust and dynamic mental life, I must engage in constant struggle. This endeavor yields the cognitive equilibrium known as thought.

From a moral standpoint, it is same. Anything that fails to enhance my moral character is considered an adversary to the virtue that resides inside me. The extent to which I achieve moral perfection in my life determines whether I am able to overcome challenges and cultivate virtue. However, it is imperative that we strive to uphold moral principles. Morality is not a random occurrence; it is obtained via the acquisition of moral virtue.

And it is equally true on a spiritual level. Jesus proclaimed, "In the realm of existence, you will encounter distress and suffering..." (John 16:33). Consequently, anything that lacks spirituality results in my decline. Jesus proceeded to declare, "...however, take heart, for I have triumphed over the world." I must acquire the skills and strategies to combat and triumph over the obstacles that confront me, thereby fostering a state of equilibrium characterized by moral purity. Encountering opposition becomes a source of pleasure.

Holiness is the harmonious equilibrium between my inherent disposition and the divine principles established by God, as shown through Jesus Christ.

The Attainment of Christian Perfection

Phillipians 3:12

Assuming that God intends to transform us into flawless examples of His abilities is a deceptive notion. God's objective is to unite us with Himself. The primary focus of holiness movements is often centered around the idea that God is creating exemplars of holiness to be shown in His museum. If you embrace the notion of personal holiness, your life's ultimate objective will not be directed towards God, but rather towards what you perceive as the manifestation of God in your life. How can we assert that it is impossible for it to be within God's will for me to experience illness? If God deemed it necessary to afflict His own Son (Isaiah 53:10) according to His divine plan, there is no reason why He would not also afflict you. The manifestation of God in your life is not determined by your adherence to a predefined notion of saintliness, but rather by your authentic and dynamic connection with Jesus Christ, as well as your unwavering dedication to Him regardless of your physical condition.

Christian perfection is distinct from, and unattainable as, human perfection. Christian perfection refers to the state of having a flawless connection with God, which is evident even in the seemingly little areas of human existence. Upon heeding the summons of Jesus Christ, one immediately becomes aware of the futility of one's obligations. The subsequent realization that occurs to you is that other individuals appear to be leading impeccably coherent lives. These experiences could lead you to believe that God is not needed, and that you can achieve God's expectations for your life by your own human endeavor and dedication. It is impossible to achieve this in a world that has declined. I am compelled to exist in a state of absolute harmony with God, wherein my existence evokes a deep longing for God in the lives of others, rather than garnering admiration for myself. My self-reflections impede my effectiveness in serving God. The objective of God is not to refine me for the sole purpose of displaying me as an achievement in His collection; rather, He is guiding me towards a state where I might be effectively utilized by Him. Allow Him to exercise his autonomy.

Legal and Religious Teaching

James 2:10

The moral code disregards our human shortcomings, including our heredity and infirmities. It requires us to adhere strictly to moral principles. The moral code remains constant, regardless of one's social status or level of vulnerability. It is enduring and perpetually unchanging. The moral rule, established by God, does not compromise its strength to accommodate the weaknesses of individuals by pardoning our flaws. It remains immutable for perpetuity. If we lack awareness of this, it is because we are not fully alive. Upon our realization, our existence swiftly transforms into a calamitous tragedy. "At one point, I existed without being bound by the law. However, when the commandment was introduced, sin became active again and I experienced spiritual death." (Romans 7:9)

Upon our realization, the Spirit of God promptly convicts us of our transgressions. Until an individual arrives at the realization that there is no prospect of improvement, the significance of the Cross of Christ appears nonsensical to them. The experience of feeling guilty for wrongdoing inevitably results in a scared and restrictive perception of the legal system. It causes a person to feel despair— "...sold under sin" (Romans 7:14). As a remorseful transgressor, I am incapable of achieving reconciliation with God by my own efforts—it is unattainable. The sole means by which I can achieve reconciliation with God is via the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. I need to eliminate the fundamental notion that my obedience alone can make me righteous in the eyes of God. None of us can ever fully adhere to God's commands with ultimate perfection!

The whole potency of the moral rule becomes apparent to us when we recognize that it is accompanied by both a requirement and an assurance. However, God never compels or forces us. Occasionally, we desire for Him to compel us to comply, while other times we desire for Him to refrain from intervening. When God's will is fully dominant, all pressure is eliminated. By consciously electing to follow His commands, He will extend His omnipotent abilities to aid us, spanning from the farthest celestial bodies to the furthest reaches of the planet.

By the Grace of God

1 Corinthtians 15:10

Our persistent discussion of our own shortcomings is a disrespectful affront to the entity responsible for our existence. Accusing God of neglecting us is a fallacious claim when we complain about our own inadequacy. Develop the practice of scrutinizing, from a divine standpoint, those matters that may appear unassuming to human beings. You will be astounded by the remarkably improper and rude behavior towards Him. We often use expressions like, "Oh, I shouldn't assert that I am sanctified; I am not a saint." However, to assert this in the presence of God implies, "No, Lord, it is implausible for You to rescue and purify me; there are certain opportunities that have eluded me and numerous flaws in my mind and physique; no, Lord, it is not feasible." While this may appear modest to some, in the eyes of God, it is a rebellious attitude.

Conversely, what may appear humble in the presence of God can be perceived as the complete opposite by individuals. Expressing gratitude to God and acknowledging one's salvation and sanctification is regarded by God as the utmost demonstration of humility. It signifies a state of full submission to God, where one possesses unwavering certainty in His existence. Do not concern yourself with whether your words appear humble to others. However, it is crucial to have a humble attitude towards God and fully rely on Him for everything.

The sole relationship of utmost significance is the one between oneself and their individual Redeemer and Lord. If you steadfastly prioritize this above everything else, disregarding everything else, God will accomplish His intended objective via your life. An individual life might hold immeasurable importance in the context of God's intentions, and it is possible that your life could be the one.

The Preeminence of Christ

St John 16:14

Contemporary holiness movements lack the authentic and challenging nature found in the New Testament. There is no aspect of their existence that necessitates the death of Jesus Christ. Only a pious atmosphere, prayer, and devotion are necessary. This particular encounter is not supernatural nor miraculous. It is not associated with the sorrows of God, nor does it bear the metaphorical representation of "the blood of the Lamb" (Revelation 12:11). The object in question lacks the Holy Spirit's endorsement and does not possess any visible indication that would elicit a profound and admiring response of "This is a creation of the omnipotent God!" However, the New Testament exclusively focuses on the divine actions and excludes any other subject matter.

The New Testament illustrates the Christian experience as one characterized by an individual's fervent and intimate commitment to the figure of Jesus Christ. All other forms of purported Christian encounters are disconnected from the individual of Jesus. Regeneration, or the process of being born again into the kingdom where Christ reigns supreme, does not exist. Our sole notion is that He serves as our exemplar. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is recognized as the Savior well in advance of being regarded as the exemplar. Today, he is depicted as the symbolic leader of a religion, serving as a basic illustration. He possesses the qualities mentioned, but He possesses an immeasurable amount of more qualities. He embodies salvation; He represents the message of God!

Jesus proclaimed, "...when the Spirit of truth arrives, He will exalt and honor Me..." The reference is from the Bible, specifically John 16:13-14. By fully embracing the revealed truth of the New Testament, I am bestowed with the divine gift of the Holy Spirit. This gift enables the Holy Spirit to elucidate the significance of Jesus' actions to me. The internal workings of the Holy Spirit replicate all the external actions performed by Jesus Christ on my behalf.

The Affluence of the Impoverished

Romans 3:24

The proclamation of the grace of God elicits a profound yearning in the depths of human beings and, at the same time, provokes a strong aversion due to the fact that the reality it unveils is neither agreeable nor readily accepted. Some individuals possess a sense of self-importance that motivates them to be kind, yet they struggle to receive a gift from others. I am willing to sacrifice my life for martyrdom; I am committed to devoting my life to service— I am prepared to do any task. However, please refrain from subjecting me to extreme humiliation comparable to that of the most morally reprehensible individual, and simply inform me that accepting the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is all that is required.

We must acknowledge that it is impossible to acquire or achieve anything from God alone via our personal endeavors. We must either acquire it through a donation or go without it. The most profound spiritual benefit we have is when we attain the understanding that we are completely without in resources or possessions. Our Lord remains devoid of strength until we reach our destination. His assistance is futile as long as we have a belief in our self-sufficiency. In order to get access to His kingdom, we must pass through the entrance of extreme poverty. If we possess an abundance of wealth, especially in terms of arrogance or self-reliance, God is unable to assist us. The reception of the Holy Spirit occurs just when we have a spiritual hunger. The Holy Spirit bestows and activates the inherent essence of God inside us. He bestows upon us the invigorating essence of Jesus, rendering us genuinely animated. He assimilates the previously incomprehensible and embeds it inside our beings. Once the concept of "the beyond" becomes part of our understanding, it quickly ascends to a higher level, bringing us into the realm where Jesus resides and rules (see to John 3:5).

The Declaration of Divine Authority

Galatians 6:14

By contemplating the Cross of Christ, my devotion does not merely turn inward, nor am I solely concerned with my own holiness.

Instead, I became intensely focused on the interests and priorities of Jesus Christ. Our Lord was neither a hermit nor an excessively devout individual engaging in asceticism.

Although he did not physically isolate himself from society, he was constantly internally detached. He was not distant, but rather resided in a separate realm. Indeed, he was deeply immersed in the mundane realities of everyday life to such an extent that the religious individuals of his era leveled accusations against him, claiming that he indulged excessively in food and alcohol.

However, our Lord never permitted any hindrance to impede His dedication to spiritual authority.

Genuine consecration does not involve the belief that we can decline to be utilized by God at present in order to accumulate our spiritual strength for future use. This is an irreparable error. The divine essence has liberated several individuals from their transgressions, although they are currently devoid of any profound fulfillment in their existence without a genuine perception of liberation. The contemporary religious practices seen worldwide bear little resemblance to the fervent sanctity exemplified by the life of Jesus Christ. I beseech that you do not remove them from the world but rather shield them from the malevolent forces. We are meant to exist inside the world, yet not be influenced by it. This separation is internal rather than exterior, as stated in John 17:16.

We must ensure that nothing hinders the sanctification of our spiritual prowess. Consecration refers to our commitment to serving God, while sanctification refers to God's role in separating us from sin and making us holy. We must consciously decide to focus solely on what God finds interesting. When confronted with a complex dilemma, one can choose the appropriate course of action by asking oneself, "Does this matter align with the interests of Jesus Christ, or does it pertain to something that is fundamentally opposed to his spirit?"

The Central Nexus of Spiritual Potency

Galatians 6:14

In order to comprehend the potency of the divine entity (namely, the revitalizing vitality associated with the resurrection of Jesus) within the confines of mortal existence, it is imperative to contemplate the profound sorrow experienced by God. Detach yourself from your individual preoccupation with your own spiritual state, and approach the contemplation of the divine tragedy with an unreservedly receptive mindset. Upon immediate reception, the divine force of God shall manifest within your being. "Direct your gaze towards me..." (Isaiah 45:22). It is imperative to direct one's focus towards the external source in order to cultivate and harness internal force. The reason for power loss can be attributed to a lack of attention on the appropriate subject matter. The Cross yields several outcomes such as salvation, sanctification, healing, and others. However, it is not within our purview to actively promote or preach any of these effects. Our primary objective is to proclaim the message of "Jesus Christ and His crucifixion" as stated in 1 Corinthians 2:2. The act of professing Jesus will inherently yield its own effects. It is imperative to emphasize the central focus on God in one's preaching endeavors. Even if the audience appears disinterested, their transformative experience will be inevitable. When I express my own thoughts, their significance is no greater than the significance of your thoughts to me. However, when individuals engage in the act of exchanging the veracity of God's teachings amongst themselves, they will inevitably come across it repeatedly. It is imperative to direct our attention towards the significant aspect of spiritual potency, namely, the Cross. By maintaining communication with the aforementioned locus of authority, the potential energy it possesses becomes manifest in our personal experiences. Within holiness movements and spiritual experience gatherings, there is a notable emphasis on the outcomes resulting from the Cross rather than on the Cross of Christ itself.

The contemporary critique of the church's perceived weakness is deemed valid. One factor contributing to the lack of strength is the absence of emphasis on the authentic source of spiritual authority. Insufficient attention has been devoted to the calamitous event that transpired at Calvary, nor have we adequately explored the profound significance of redemption.

What is the object of your inquiries?

Hebrews 12:2

In contemporary discourse, there is a prevalent emphasis on the notion of "looking up" and "keeping one's chin up," among other similar exhortations. These expressions reflect society's attempt to maintain a positive outlook and evade confronting the harsh realities of existence. However, the significance of the upward gaze is contingent upon the subject of observation. The act of conducting research yields few benefits if it solely entails adopting a superficially positive outlook without considering the practicalities and challenges involved.

The Christian individual perceives and conducts themselves in a manner reminiscent of the snake-bitten Israelites, who were cured upon gazing at the brazen serpent. The invitation extended by God in Isaiah 45:22 is to "look unto me, and be ye saved." As believers, we engage in the Christian lifestyle by directing our focus towards Jesus, as stated in Hebrews 9:28. However, the significance of faith is contingent upon its aim, and the act of having faith holds meaning solely when directed towards the observation of Jesus.

Much of our contemporary act of searching yields no results, as it is devoid of any specific object of inquiry. Any entity, excluding the figure of Jesus, can only be seen as a source of dissatisfaction. He represents the sole object of the soul's attention that brings contentment. The individuals directed their gaze towards him, resulting in a sense of enlightenment and a lack of guilt reflected on their countenances (Ps. 34:5). Relying on optimistic attitudes such as "looking up" and "smiling through" with a sense of unwarranted hope, akin to the character Micawber, is insufficient for overcoming challenges. Direct your gaze towards Jesus.

Purpose of Intention

Psalm 123:2

This stanza provides a depiction of complete dependence on the divine entity. Similar to how a servant's gaze remains fixed upon their master, it is imperative that our attention is consistently directed towards and concentrated upon the divine entity. This is the process by which individuals acquire understanding of His facial expression and how the divine being discloses His presence to humanity (see to Isaiah 53:1). The depletion of our spiritual fortitude commences when we cease directing our gaze towards the divine. Our endurance is depleted, primarily due to cognitive challenges rather than external adversities. It is a common fallacy to believe that one has been excessively exerting oneself, assuming an elevated stature akin to that of a deity, rather than embodying the qualities of an average and modest individual. It is imperative to acknowledge that no level of effort can be deemed excessive.

As an illustration, one may encounter a pivotal juncture in their personal journey, whereby they make a resolute commitment to align themselves with a higher power, namely God, and subsequently experience the inner validation of the Spirit, serving as a corroborative affirmation of the righteousness of their actions. However, after a considerable passage of time, spanning weeks or even years, one gradually arrives at the realization that their actions may have been characterized by an excessive display of vanity or superficiality. Did I adopt a position that was beyond my capabilities? Your acquaintances who possess a propensity for logical thinking approach you and express, "Do not engage in foolish behavior." It was evident from the initial discussion of your spiritual awakening that it was a transient inclination, and that you would be unable to endure the associated challenges. Moreover, it can be argued that the divine being does not anticipate individuals to persist through hardships. The individual's response entails acknowledging, "It appears that my expectations were overly optimistic." This statement suggests that the individual's expression of humility implies a shift away from dependence on a divine being towards a reliance on secular perspectives and judgments. The potential risk arises when individuals, in a state of no longer depending on a higher power, fail to direct their attention towards that higher power. The realization of personal loss often only occurs when an individual experiences an abrupt cessation of progress, a circumstance that may be attributed to divine intervention. Promptly address any spiritual depletion in your life. Recognize the presence of any factors that may be creating a barrier between oneself and a higher spiritual power, and promptly undertake the necessary actions to modify or eliminate those factors.