As far as obedience to God is concerned, we learn this by patiently enduring suffering.

Iron righteousness, fiery holiness, and stern obedience to God. If these are true of our personality and behavior the Spirit of God will wield the Word of God through us according to the will of the Father. But to try to go out and "do great things for God," as currently is encouraged, is not wise. Remember, it is possible to use the name of Jesus to perform mighty deeds even when the Lord does not know us. So we should concentrate on knowing Christ and everything else shall follow.

As we mentioned before, praying in the Spirit is necessary if we are to live the life of victory in Jesus. Praying according to our fleshly mind is better than no prayer at all. But in order for prayer to be effective and enjoyable we need to learn how to get hold of God and pray along with Him according to His will.

The best prayers there are, are the ones God invites us to pray: "Ask of Me and I will give you the nations for your inheritance."

If we are to survive spiritually in the future we must each day set aside a place and time for prayer.

If we are to survive spiritually we must meditate in the Scriptures continually.

If we are to survive spiritually in the days to come we must place all of our treasures on the altar of God, ready to give any one of them to Him when He asks for it.

We must live in and by Christ so we can stand under the enormous spiritual pressures that are to come along with the increasing immorality.

If we are to survive spiritually in the coming days we must put on the whole armor of God, being always prepared to defend ourselves. The hour of attack will come later, when the Commander in Chief appears in the air and we go to meet Him.

Part of our defensive posture is that of remaining alert and praying for our fellow saints. Remember, one of Satan's chief weapons is that of criticism, gossip, and slander. We must never, never, never think or speak evil of another person, especially a brother and sister in the Lord. Christ is very displeased when we wound His Body in this manner.

Satan obtains many victories in the Christian churches by inciting the unwary believers to gossip about and slander other Christians. Such behavior is common in the churches because God's people do not understand spiritual warfare.

Learn to Live in the Heavenlies

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. (Colossians 3:1—NIV)

In the first chapter of the Book of Genesis we read that God separated the waters into the water that was under the expanse of the sky from the water that was above the expanse of the sky. I think scientists one day will discover outer space is bound by water. Certainly rain clouds are not above the expanse of the sky!

The separation of the waters is a type, I believe, of the manner in which God redeems human beings.

To be continued.