The Holy Spirit delivers us from humanity's failings and comes with a simple list of lifestyle changes that turn our weaknesses into blessings. These verses are similar to a product service manual, that makes it possible to understand new design and management practices that will keep us alive and well. Fellowship is much more than turning up at a meeting and communion is much more than drinking and eating food elements once a week.

We are called for one reason only... to live & preach the gospel! To compensate for the sacrificial attitude needed to obey God's plan, we have a perfect arrangement where our sins and failings can be forgiven as we serve the Lord with an undivided sense of purpose. That is why the Lord told us to seek first the kingdom of God (position and purpose), then he blesses our lives with all other needs. MAT 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things (natural needs and assets) shall be added unto you. This is God's way and produces doers rather than hearers... it also gives us a lifelong measure to rest upon. What is the urgent calling we have all been equipped to do? MAR 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. This requires sacrifice, faith and commitment (ongoing sense of urgency). That is, if you think your life and the life of God's children are worth saving.

Newton's third law is not only universal, but is also spiritually sound as well... 'For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction'. Engineers understand that unless that which is built is stronger than the forces working against it, it will collapse! Human life is no different. Unless we exert a greater force against death, then death will prevail. Spiritual life is equally bound by this truth... that is why the bible is primarily a book that teaches us how to fight against the certainty of death, with stronger powers that offer the certainty of life. Thus, the battle for spiritual life (the preservation of the soul), should be our first priority. Paul explains this reality... EPH 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood (natural forces), but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (spiritual forces). This is the true battle that should be the focus for everyone, at all times.... especially us.

There are two basic principles underlying spiritual growth and development in Godly service (love). MAT 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God (spiritual priorities), and his righteousness (free from natural obstacles); and all these (natural) things shall be added unto you. Putting God first (prayerfully) in both thought and deed, is an inescapable priority. The following verses cover two vital aspects of God's methods for our person development and effectiveness. This means that fellowship and the gifts are a priority for you.

God not only reveals the nature of the two primary trees in creation, he also uses similar metaphors for spiritual guidance and understanding. We are reminded that we are firstly, spiritual purposed creatures.

Every living being is involved in a battle for survival. After that comes the emotional needs such as happiness, love, peace, etc., but when there is no apparent struggle for life, then all the emotional pleasures replace the necessities. Modern thinking would have us believe that the 'present time' is the only real thing and all else is an illusion or a distraction. This is a very dangerous attitude, because it assumes that our natural pleasures of each day is the only thing that counts. Each living person also has a soul that needs to be kept alive, because we are dual beings. While most are busy keeping the body and mind alive and happy, those who are wise are taking steps to keep the soul alive. Only the knowledge of true salvation makes this possible. 2COR 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (we no longer fight the same battle for survival and emotional comforts that the world does), but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; God reveals the real battle and the best method to win it.

It is amazing how some things never change. We are warned by Mark, 10:24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches (or power) to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. We also understand that wealth and power lead to a sense of entitlement and pride, making it very hard for the essential trait of humility and patience to be practiced (these being the only effective approach to God and his blessings). It is also not surprising that the age of entitlement (vast wealth and resources on tap for all Western nations) is taking its toll on both Christians and the nations themselves. Increasingly in our narcissistic age, we see a deluded self-belief and inflated sense of importance, made possible by technology and politically correct bullying.

Repentance is much more than feeling bad about your failings and shortcomings. Rather, it defines a willingness to obey God and to be directed by his principles of life. Feeling sorry or guilty is not what God expects, he wants people to make changes, to make commitments and stand by them. We need to obey his directives to receive the Holy Spirit and to use it to build a truly Christian lifestyle; full of mercy and blessings. A walk with God means submission to him and a change of direction. It also means that we will take responsibility for our own actions... not blaming others nor pretending to be spiritual. Thus we agree to both live by God's word and to offer the gospel to the unsaved. We are God's prophets; a living walking testimony.

Human government is powerless to prevent wars, diseases, disasters, nor are they able to care for all the earth's people. The world is divided into political and religions groups; none can properly care for their own people, nor are able to implement a lasting system of peace and hope. Most are either powerless or selfish, accepting the suffering of others, while trying to maintain their beliefs and lifestyles. None are addressing the world's problems, none are fighting for all the world's people. Thankfully, there is a far better way available.

We live in a world where literally thousands of choices can be made every day. These collectively consume time, energy and resources; ultimately determining our personal destiny. Despite the numerous choices we make from moment to moment; there are only two primary choices we are effectively making every day... whether we live or whether we die. The right choices need to be made every day if we value our lives.