The World

not the earth but
the sum of cultural
values
thinking
choices
behaviors
powers even laws
that are
opposed to God...
it is the
living out of our
fallen nature -
rebellious
self-centered
proud
sensual
basically full of sin -
orchestrated and
dominated by satan - the
king of this world - and
all who live under his

power and thus enemies of
The King of kings -
this is the atmosphere
in which we live out our
calling to be witnesses of the
Kingdom of God - thus
spiritual warfare rages
within and without
composed of many skirmishes-
opportunities to choose
between  rival kingdoms though
temptations often disguise
their true indentities in order to
lure us into minor
"turning aways" that
down the darkened path
can ultimately result in a
mortal "turning away"- a
victory for the losing side -
in such an embattled world
standing for the Truth of

the Kingddom of God
insures that we receive the
same hatred and persecution as
Jesus -sometimes the same
death sentence - but likewise 

that we also conquer with Him for
He has overcome this world
with all its might and corruption
our challenge is to bring the 

Good News of His Selfless Love 

and Forgiveness...Mercy and 

New Life in the Power of the 

Holy Spirit to a broken world...it is

Only by Grace that
true Justice can be attained...
Only by His Spirit can Truth be 

enthroned bringing Light to the darkness...

Only by Redemptive Suffering can
life's sorrows be ransomed...
Only by Supernatural Power can
our fragile nature be transformed 

and in turn Redeem our world
but even then we will be resisted 

unto death...so...how do we proceed?
we can begin now-today- to
seek the Lord first-
be faithful in our calling to
Love Him and one another in
authentic
transparent
vulnerable and

supportive relationships to
help win our common cause
while embracing the Cross to
entwine with  His
Passionate Victory by
accepting what comes in
living out our duties 

in each of our particular 

circumstances faithful to the Lord...

spending time with Him
learning to hear His Voice then
speaking His Word of Truth in Love
using the Gifts of the Spirit
He has bestowed upon us
but in all this
let us not forget to
find our true Joy and Peace
in the One who
First Loved us
Gave us His All and
calls us to be
in this world but
not of it...

Reflection/Discussion:

-Where do you experience the influence of the world in your daily life?
-What challenges do you have in living out your relationship with the Lord?
-Describe your prayer life.
-How are you growing in knowing His Word?
-What Gifts of the Spirit do you have?
-How are you using them?
-What supportive relationships do you have to follow the Lord?
-How can you develop authentic, transparent, vulnerable relationships?