In the Christian life we never stand still;

. . . we either go forward or gradually slip backward.

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on into perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.

We must go on to maturity in Christ. The Christian who is not making spiritual progress is an open target for the enemy. Satan wants to lead believers astray. That's why some churches have fellowship problems.

Its important that we continue to grow in knowledge of spiritual truth, make progress in discipline and obedience, and walk by faith. We must be rooted in Christ and His Word, not blown about with every wind of doctrine.

Its the Word of God that builds and strengthens us. Today, those who study the Word becomes established in the faith. Satan has a difficult time deceiving the Bible-taught believer. 

A thankful spirit is a mark of Christian maturity. A grounded, growing, greatful believer will not be led astray.  

Elijah's God sent fire from above and consumed the sacrifice

. . . on the mountain, putting the prophets of Baal to shame. A disturbing letter from Jezebel, King Ahab's wife, stole the joy of his mountain top experience.

"You will die within twenty-four hours."

Elijah runs for his life, bent with depression. Walking all day into the wilderness, he sits under a juniper tree and asks God to take his life as he falls asleep. An angel brings him food and water to strengthen him for the forty-day journey ahead. After the trip, the Lord talks to him at a cave where he lodges.

"What are you doing here, Elijah?"

His brow creases. "The children of Israel have forsaken Thy covenant, thrown down your altars, and slain your prophets. I'm the only one left, and they want to kill me."

God sends him to the mountain top. A strong wind jostles him. God is not in the wind. An earthquake trips him. God is not in the earthquake. A fire crackles. God is not in the fire.

Shhhh . . . Listen . . . Its a still small voice. Ahh . . . Its God. I heard it during Hurricane Ike and many other storms.

"Elijah, I still have 7,000 in Israel who have not bowed to Baal.

Knowing that Jesus will soon return is a powerful motive

. . . for dedicated living and devoted service. 

1 John 3:2-3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that when He shall appear we shall be like him; for we shall see Him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

As citizens of heaven living on earth, the Lord's return is our hope. We should never be discouraged. Sometimes our values become twisted and our vigor is wasted on useless activities, clouding our vision so that the return of Christ is not a motivating power in our lives.

Living in the future tense means letting Christ arrange the "things" in life according to the proper rank. It means living with eternity's value in view and daring to believe God's promise that "he that doeth the will of God abideth forever". (1John 2:17)

I'm a citizen of two worlds, but my real home is in heaven. Been thinkin' 'bout home.

From the book of Relevation, John reveals

. . . an awesome scene around the throne of God.

"Who is worthy to open the book with seals?" the angel asks. Silence permeats the saints and angels. No one is worthy. John weeps.

Revelation 5:5-6 And one of the elders saith unto me, "Weep not; behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book and to loose the seven seals thereof." And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne . . . stood a Lamb as it had been slain . . .

This is Jesus, the Lamb of God, humiliated, spat upon, mistreated, and abused when He came to earth and gave his life for the sins of mankind.

Christ takes the book, and a worship service brakes loose. Four beasts and twenty-four elders fall down before the Lamb, having harps and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 

The redeemed of every kindred, tongue, people, and nation sing a new song as the angels fold their wings and listen, never knowing the joy of our salvation. 

And they shouted, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and blessings.

Hallelujah, I'm there. It doesn't get any better than this.

We must not hand our burdens to God peacemeal,

. . . keeping those cares that we think we can handle ourselves. If we keep "the little cares", they will soon become big problems. Each time a new burden arises, we must by faith remind the Lord (and ourselves) that we have already turned it over to Him.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon Him for he careth for you.

If anybody knew from experience that God cares for His own, it was Peter.  Peter shared in some wonderful miracles. Jesus healed his mother-in-law, gave him a great catch of fish, helped him pay his temple tax, helped him walk on the water, repaired the damage he did to the ear of Malchus, and even delivered him from Prison.

How does God show His love and care for us when we give our burden to Him?

• He gives us the courage to face our cares honestly and not run away
• He gives us the wisdom to understand the situation
• He gives us the strength to do what we must do
• He gives us the faith to trust Him to do the rest.

Psalm 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the Lord and He shall sustain thee.

Sooner or later every believer discovers

. . . that the Christian life is a battleground. Our battle is not against human beings, its against spiritual powers of the devil. God has provided an armour for us.

• The girdle of truth
• The breastplate of righteousness
• The shoes of the Gospel
• The shield of faith
• The helmet of salvation
• The sword of the Spirit

Ephesians 6:11,12 Put on the whold armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Prayer is the energy that enables the Christian soldier to wear the armour. We can't fight the battle in our own power, no matter how strong or talented we may think we are.

We are not alone. There are other believers who stand with us in the fight, and we ought to encourage one another.