- Select Chapter
- Chapter 1: Mystery of God
- Chapter 2: Embracing Divine Balance
- Chapter 3: Spirit of Renewal
- Chapter 4: Nature of God
- Chapter 5: The Impartial Way
- Chapter 6: The Living Spirit
- Chapter 7: Unity in Sacrifice
- Chapter 8: Way of the Master Servant
- Chapter 9: Overcoming Excessiveness
- Chapter 10: The Spirit of God
- Chapter 11: Body and Spirit
- Chapter 12: Living in the Spirit
- Chapter 13: Misfortune of Ego
- Chapter 14: Presence of God
- Chapter 15: Power in Stillness
- Chapter 16: Restoration
- Chapter 17: Leading Without Praise
- Chapter 18: The Self
- Chapter 19: Living The Way of Truth
Chapter 6: The Living Spirit
The Spirit of God is everlasting a
It is called the Supreme Creator
The gateway of the Mystic Creator b
Is called the source of Heaven and Earth
This power flows continuously c
Though it may seem hidden within us,
If we utilize it, it will not grow tired or weary a
a Isaiah 40:28-31; Genesis 1:2; Ephesians 3:7; Ephesians 3:14-21; b Colossians 1:15-16; c John 14:20; 1 Corinthians 6:19.
Trinitarian M.A.P.
Mindset, Aim, and Practice are the three pillars of a spiritually guided path rooted in Love, Trust, and Faith, empowering us to fulfill our God-given mission. Understanding the Love of the Father will shape our MINDSET, opening our hearts to Trust in the teachings of the Son to direct our AIM, and empowers us to deepen our Faith in the Holy Spirit to guide our daily PRACTICE.
Mindset:
-
Awareness of God’s Everlasting Presence:
Understanding that the Spirit of God is continuous, flowing, and ever-present, even when unseen, is central. Today, in a world full of distractions, it’s vital to remember that God is always with us, whether we feel His presence or not. We are called to live with the knowledge that the Creator is always available to guide us, sustain us, and empower us. In the rush of modern life, you should aim to cultivate a mindset of quiet trust in God’s constant presence and provision.- Scriptural basis: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). This emphasizes God’s eternal presence.
-
Embracing the Power Within:
The “gateway of the Mystic Creator” represents the deep connection between God and creation. The same Spirit that was present at creation now lives within believers, empowering them to act with love, humility, and strength. In today’s world, we are often told that power is external or must be earned through achievement. However, true strength comes from recognizing the quiet, continuous flow of God’s Spirit within us. Cultivate an awareness of your inner strength that doesn’t rely on worldly success or approval, but on God’s presence.- Scriptural basis: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). This aligns with the idea that the Spirit equips us with the strength to navigate life’s challenges.
-
Patience and Endurance in Faith:
The power of God is described as never tiring or weary. In a world that values quick results, instant gratification, and high energy, we need to practice patience, knowing that God’s guidance is steady and reliable, even when things seem slow or difficult. Trusting in God’s perfect timing and relying on His infinite patience are crucial in maintaining faith amid life’s struggles.- Scriptural basis: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).
-
Humility and Submission to God’s Will:
Recognize that God’s will is infinite and beyond full human comprehension. Rather than striving for control or understanding everything, we must surrender to God’s plan, trusting that His wisdom surpasses ours. This requires humility, especially in an age that often promotes self-sufficiency and pride. A mindset of humility allows us to step aside and allow God’s will to guide us, knowing that we are part of a greater divine plan.- Scriptural basis: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).
-
Resting in God’s Sustaining Power:
The power that flows from God can restore, sustain, and empower us. In modern times, it’s easy to feel burnt out or disconnected from purpose. Embrace rest, recognizing that the peace and energy God provides are not earned through effort, but given freely. This is especially important in a society that often values busyness over rest and self-care.- Scriptural basis: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
By practicing these principles—recognizing God’s presence, tapping into His continuous power, having patience and humility, and trusting in His will—you can align your mindset with the Will of God. This not only brings peace and purpose but also leads to a deeper connection with the divine flow that sustains and empowers you.
AIM:
-
A Deep Awareness of God’s Everlasting Presence:
We should aim to develop a profound awareness of the continuous presence of God in every aspect of life. This requires us to slow down and seek His guidance in all things. Before practicing the power of the Spirit, we need to deeply recognize and internalize that God is the source of all creation and that His presence is always with us, ready to guide and empower. The goal here is not just an intellectual understanding, but a lived awareness that sustains us in every moment.- Scriptural references: “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (Psalm 145:18); “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
-
A Heart of Humility and Surrender to God’s Will:
The chapter emphasizes the infinite, hidden, and ever-present power of God. We are called to surrender to this divine flow, knowing that we do not have to control or understand everything. The intention should be to approach life with humility, being open to God’s guidance and trusting in His timing. Before applying this power, we must cultivate a heart that is willing to listen, submit to, and trust in God’s will above all else.- Scriptural references: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5); “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
-
Patience and Endurance:
The Spirit of God never grows tired or weary, and we should aim to embody this same resilience in our life. In a world that often values speed and immediate results, we should aim to live with patience and endurance, trusting that God’s plan unfolds in His time. This mindset requires embracing stillness and cultivating the strength to wait on God’s timing without anxiety or frustration.- Scriptural references: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
-
Faith in God’s Continual Provision:
We should aim to trust in God’s power to continually sustain us. The principle that God’s power flows continuously, even when hidden, invites us to depend on Him fully, knowing that we will never be without His strength, grace, and provision. Before we begin to practice this in action, we need to cultivate an unwavering faith that God will never leave us, and that His provision is abundant and never-ending.- Scriptural references: “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing” (Psalm 23:1); “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
-
Reverence for God’s Mystical and Infinite Nature:
The chapter refers to God as both the “Mystic Creator” and the “infinite source.” We should aim to live with reverence for the vastness of God’s nature, recognizing that there is always more to learn and experience of His truth and beauty. This mindset should foster awe, wonder, and a humble acknowledgment that we cannot fully comprehend God’s ways but are called to worship and trust Him nonetheless.- Scriptural references: “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” (Romans 11:33); “The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice” (Psalm 97:1).
In essence, the key aims we should set before practicing the principles from this chapter are a deeper recognition of God’s presence, a heart of humility and surrender, patience and endurance, unwavering faith in God’s provision, and reverence for His infinite mystery. These intentions set the foundation for living in harmony with God’s will and embodying the continuous, sustaining power that He offers.
Practice:
-
Trust in God’s Unfailing Sustenance: Practice placing complete trust in God as the source of your strength and provision. Understand that God’s power is an infinite, continuous well that never grows weary. This means cultivating faith in God’s unceasing support, even when His presence seems hidden. When you face challenges or fatigue, remember that God’s strength is available to you, and rely on His guidance and support, even when it’s not immediately apparent.
- Scripture references: “The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing” (Psalm 23:1), and “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).
-
Live with Humility and Surrender: Practice humility by surrendering your own will and trusting in God’s greater purpose. Just as the Spirit flows through everything, acknowledging your dependence on God helps you align with His Will. This means letting go of personal control, making space for God’s guidance, and allowing His plan to unfold in your life, rather than forcing things to happen on your terms.
- Scripture references: “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42), and “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).
-
Embrace Patience and Endurance: Since the Spirit flows continuously without weariness, you should practice patience and endurance, especially during trials. Instead of rushing to solve problems or striving for instant results, wait on God’s timing, knowing that He will guide you through each moment. By cultivating endurance, you reflect the persistent nature of God’s presence in your life.
- Scripture references: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14), and “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).
-
Maintain a Reverence for God’s Mystical Presence: Practice living in awe of God’s mystery and infinite nature. God’s ways are often beyond our understanding, but embracing this mystery with reverence helps you live with a sense of awe, deepening your faith. In your daily life, acknowledge that God’s will is greater than your understanding and that His plans may unfold in ways you can’t predict or fully grasp.
- Scripture references: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” (Isaiah 55:8), and “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33).
-
Be a Vessel for God’s Love and Power: The continuous flow of God’s Spirit in your life is meant to be shared. Practice being a vessel of God’s love, grace, and power. This involves using your gifts and talents to serve others, knowing that you are part of God’s greater plan. Just as the Spirit of God is never exhausted, let your actions be motivated by love without expecting anything in return, fulfilling your purpose to serve and uplift others.
- Scripture references: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind… and love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39), and “Serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13).
By integrating these practices into your life, you align yourself more fully with the Will of God, walking in His power, grace, and wisdom. In doing so, you embody the flow of the Spirit that sustains all things, fulfilling your God-given purpose with humility, patience, and an unwavering trust in His plans.
Universal Language of Truth
The New Evangelization aims to unite all people and nations through a universal language of truth that speaks to diverse cultures, histories, and faiths. This chapter highlights our commonalities rather than our differences. Through this, we become the "Light" of the Holy Spirit for others to follow in the Body of Christ, illuminating His presence in the world.
-
The Ever-Present Source of Life:
- Christianity: The concept that God’s Spirit is everlasting and a source of all creation echoes the belief in God as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. The idea that this Spirit flows continuously and never tires reflects the Christian view of God’s omnipotence and constant presence (e.g., “In Him we live and move and have our being” – Acts 17:28).
- Hinduism: The concept of Brahman, the unchanging and eternal source of all creation, aligns with this idea. Brahman is seen as the ultimate reality, similar to the infinite, continuous flow of God’s Spirit. Both traditions speak to a divine, invisible presence that is the foundation of all life.
- Buddhism: In Buddhism, the idea of interconnectedness and the source of all life, often represented by concepts like the Dharma or Sunyata (emptiness), resonates with the idea of an eternal, flowing force that is the essence of life, beyond human comprehension.
- Islam: Allah’s omnipresence and eternal nature resonate with this concept. “He is the First and the Last, the Evident and the Hidden” (Quran 57:3), reinforcing the idea of a divine, ever-present force sustaining all creation.
-
Humility, Surrender, and Trust in God’s Will:
- Christianity: The call to humble oneself and surrender to God’s greater plan is central in Christianity. Jesus’ example of surrender in the Garden of Gethsemane (“Not my will, but yours be done” – Luke 22:42) mirrors the idea of yielding to the divine flow of the Spirit without seeking to impose one’s own will.
- Judaism: In Judaism, submission to God’s will is a core principle. The Shema, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one,” invites Jews to trust in God’s unity and sovereignty, surrendering to divine authority.
- Sikhism: The Sikh tradition emphasizes humility and surrender to the will of God (Waheguru), encapsulated in the practice of hukam (divine order). Sikhs believe that everything happens by God’s will, and one must remain humble in acceptance.
- Islam: The core tenet of Islam, “submission to the will of Allah,” reflects this principle. Surrendering to God’s will (as found in the submission of prayers and daily practices) is central to Islamic devotion.
-
The Continuous Flow of Divine Grace and Power:
- Christianity: The unending flow of God’s grace, which empowers believers without tiring, is a central theme in Christianity. The Apostle Paul speaks of God’s grace as being sufficient in all circumstances (2 Corinthians 12:9). It echoes the idea of a divine presence that continually sustains and empowers without ceasing.
- Buddhism: The concept of continuous flow can also be seen in Buddhism, where the practice of mindfulness and meditation allows practitioners to tap into the infinite potential of their consciousness, akin to tapping into divine grace or the eternal flow of the Spirit.
- Hinduism: In Hinduism, the flow of divine energy (Shakti) is ever-present, sustaining all beings. The Bhagavad Gita speaks of how Krishna’s energy sustains creation (Bhagavad Gita 10:42).
- Taoism: The original Tao Te Ching also speaks to this continuous flow of the Tao, the unnameable and ever-present force that sustains the universe. It flows endlessly, quietly guiding all things, much like the Christian understanding of God’s Spirit.
-
Simplicity and Silence:
- Christianity: In the Christian tradition, silence is seen as a powerful tool for communion with God, as expressed in Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” The emphasis on simplicity in thought and action, avoiding needless complexity, echoes the biblical call to “walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
- Taoism: The Taoist principle of simplicity and stillness, where one aligns with the Tao by being in harmony with the flow of the universe, aligns with the Christian idea of simplicity in faith and devotion.
- Sufism (Islamic Mysticism): Sufism places great value on silence and simplicity as a means to experience the divine. The Sufi practice of stillness before God is a key element in seeking divine union.
- Hinduism: In Hinduism, the concept of meditation and silence (Mauna) is crucial for inner peace and understanding the ultimate reality (Brahman). Silence allows one to hear the divine voice and attune oneself to divine will.
-
Love for All, Including Enemies:
- Christianity: Jesus’ teaching to love your neighbor as yourself, and even to love your enemies (Matthew 5:44), is directly reflected in this chapter’s emphasis on the Son of God loving both neighbors and enemies, embodying divine love in action.
- Buddhism: Compassion (Karuna) for all beings, including those who may cause harm, is a cornerstone of Buddhist practice. The Buddha’s teachings stress loving-kindness (Metta) toward all sentient beings.
- Judaism: The command to love one’s neighbor as oneself (Leviticus 19:18) is foundational, and the Talmud extends this teaching to include acts of kindness toward others, even to one’s enemies.
- Islam: Islam teaches mercy and forgiveness, with Allah being described as “The Most Merciful, The Most Compassionate.” Muslims are urged to forgive others, even their enemies, reflecting divine love and mercy.
In essence, the principles outlined in this Christian version of the Tao Te Ching resonate with core values found across all major world religions. These include trust in a continuous, sustaining divine force, humility before God’s will, the power of silence and simplicity in spiritual practice, and love for all beings, even enemies. These universal truths guide people of various faiths in their spiritual journey, helping them align with the deeper purpose of life: to live in harmony with the divine and with one another.