Do you look at everything as a spiritual experience? What about paying your bills? This may seem like the most mundane and least spiritual thing that you do, but it is an expression of your character and has a direct influence on your reputation in your community among both believers and non-believers. I spoke a great deal about money because it is an indicator of your values and your heart, for where your treasure is there will your heart be also. Do you think of your charitable giving and financial support of gospel work as a spiritual experience? I want you to manage the rest of your money and pay your bills with the same attitude. 

Have you found any verses in the Bible that give you comfort and caution at the same time? I warned that difficult times would come including false teachers who were so effective that if it were possible that the very elect would be deceived. The verse implies that it is not possible for the elect to be deceived and in this you should find comfort. Yet it also implies that it will be a close-run thing, and as such you are admonished to be diligent and vigilant. Stay on your toes for the threat is great and it will take all the discernment and wisdom available to you to stay in the truth. If you do this you cannot be deceived. 

leaving town for a few days.

Do you live in a Christian nation? You can be glad if you do, even if the definition of this is up for grabs. Different people understand it differently. Even if churches don’t receive direct government support it is easier for your life as a believer if you live in a culture where your faith is readily accepted. Is easier always better? My church grew and spread in a hostile climate. The situation you have now is rare in human history, and the pendulum can swing the back the other way. The nature of faith is such that it should endure whether in sympathetic surroundings or not. How well will your faith endure if it is not popular? 

I told my disciples that I had other sheep who were not of this fold. They didn’t get it at the time, but I was referring to you. Do you understand that this is an enduring principle in my Kingdom? Now that you are safely in the fold I still have other sheep who are not of this fold. Do you understand this better than my disciples did? I want you to rejoice in this, and enlarge your circle to include these sheep. This will require you to enlarge your comfort zone, but that will be beneficial for you even if you find it uncomfortable. My circle will always be larger than yours, and I look forward to the time there will be one flock with one shepherd. Help bring it about.