. . . paying our bills, and keeping our promises.
Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
"Walking in wisdom" also means that we are careful not to say or do anything that would make it difficult to share the Gospel. It means we must be alert to use the opportunities God gives us for witnessing. "Them that are without" are the unsaved, and they need Jesus.
"Redeeming the time" is what women do when they find a bargain. They buy it. Wise Christians seize opportunities to win souls to Christ.
With grace in our hearts and on our lips, we will be faithful witnesses and not judges or prosecuting attorneys.
. . . selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. Is that how you love God or do you just kind of like Him?
Romans 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Dissimulation is hypocrisy. In order to have an earthly spiritual love life with Christ, we need conviction. Abhor evil and cling to that which is good. Real love is not a wishy-washy emotional experience.
Our problem with conviction is that its not as strong as it used to be. We've become desynthesized to sin because of the world we live in. It doesn't affect us like it used to.
Agape Love may be seen in how you treat people, preferring others over yourself. Kindness and a positive outlook glows on you no matter what happens. A broken love breaks the heart of Agape Love.
You need to be excited about what God is doing for you. Something is wrong with your spiritual love life if negative attitudes replace enthusiasm for Christ.
Are you walking with Him -- following His will, or are you ambling down your own trail?
. . . 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.
. . . 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.
