We are hated

"If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." John 15.19

We cannot be surprised by the world's hatred for us. This is part of the Christian faith. We should find it strange if the world loved us. In this case, it would show we have nothing to do with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Show me the way

"In the morning let me hear about your faithful love, because I've put my trust in you. Show me the way I should live, because I pray to you." Psalm 143.8

No matter how simple the words of a prayer might be, when there is sincerity, sooner or later, the answer comes.

Small, but unshakable

"...For assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17.20

God does not demand of us anything that we cannot do. Jesus teaches that the secret of faith is not in its size. For us to do great things, faith must be pure.

Faith and works

"What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?" James 2.14

Salvation comes by faith.
But what is the kind of faith that brings salvation and the kind that does not?
Faith that is accompanied by attitudes, actions and sacrifices is the faith that saves. How can a person live by faith in Jesus without having to sacrifice their own will?
But the faith that does not save is like that of the demons. They believe in God, yet they are still demons. See this in James 2.19.

Dead faith

 "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." James 2.26

The text leaves no doubt: faith without works is dead, hopeless. And what has been impeding people from taking actions of faith?
The feelings of their hearts.
These feelings are hindering people from the sacrifice that brings results.

Our all in exchange for His fullness

"...to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3.19

The Lord Jesus promised His faithful followers the fullness of His Spirit. Have you ever imagined yourself being filled with the Holy Spirit just as the Lord Jesus was?
Yes...
But for this to happen, He also demands your all.
It is your all in exchange for His fullness.

Great pride

"Say to the house of Israel, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the pride of your power, the delight of your eyes, and the yearning of your soul, and your sons and your daughters whom you left behind shall fall by the sword.'" Ezekiel 24.21

The Temple of Solomon was reduced to ashes and, in its place, the temple of Muhammad was erected. So the prophecy to the people who had once been the glory of the Lord was fulfilled. Why?
Because of pride.
Pride is the reason why many people fall. Especially those who once belonged to God.