Any nation at any time–however spiritually alive–is always potentially only a generation away from paganism and mind-defying evil.”
–Ravi Zacharias

“Paul was devoted to a Person not to a cause.  He was absolutely Jesus Christ’s, he saw nothing else, he lived for nothing else.”
–Oswald Chambers

Sometimes I just don’t get it (no, more like most time).  When we see the times around us; the condition of the nation and the world, I don’t get it.  When the moral standards continue to drop and abominations rise up, I don’t get it.  When there are signs and tremors and wars and confusion, I don’t get it.  The “it” I’m referring to is the lackadaisicalness among Christians.
Then I go back and read the prophets of the Old Testament.  No wonder Jeremiah was in exasperation at the people of Israel.  Joshua declared that the people would not keep their word and not keep the standards established by God, and sure enough one generation removed and Israel is in a mess.
We could cite several reasons for our dilemma, but one will suffice here.  People in the church today leave the things of the faith; they leave the principles of doctrine.  The Word has become secondary or even lower in the order of service most Sundays.  I read where most people not of the “Boomer” generation state that fellowship is the most important reason for church followed by “worship.”  I put worship in quotation marks because the vast majority of people do not even understand what worship really is.
A.W. Tozer wrote a few years back, “In our day, we seem to overlook the divine principle of what ought to happen in the life of a truly born-again man.”  Change must occur!  The old is gone, man is now a new creation, yet it seems that many persist in clinging to the old life and any attempt to bring that to their attention they will cry “legalism.” 
The writer of Hebrews states, “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.” (6:1, NKJV)  I like the way the NLT reads, “So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God.”  In other words, quite playing games and grow up.  Mature in your understanding, “Go on to perfection” (KJV).
There are a host of gimmicks and gadgets and hypes out there, but very little conviction.  There is plenty of those who peddle a brand of Christianity, but neglect the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Go back to the Word; then let the Holy Spirit enrich it to your soul.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires.”
–2 Timothy 4:3 (NASB)

I remember trips taken as a kid with Mom and my Grandma Jones to Denver. Often we would go to certain restaurants to eat. It was required that Grandma tell a story when we left Boulder. She would tell the same story over and over. It always ended with a bear jumping off a bridge into the lake that we passed over.
There are stories that should never be repeated, but there are some stories that should be repeated over and over. The Scriptures and the stories of men and women of old should be told like that. The story of the Incarnation (Christmas) and the crucifixion and resurrection should continually be repeated. The story of how God sent His only Son to died for mankind should be told.

“Tell me the old, old story Of unseen things above;
Of Jesus and His glory, Of Jesus and His love.
Tell me the story simply, As to a little child,
For I am weak and weary, And helpless and defiled.”
–Kate Hankey

These are stories meant to be told around the fireplace or the campfire. They are stories to be read sincerely and earnestly. These are stories that should be told not in frivolity, but in seriousness. They are stories that contain the thought of eternal life, and how man can obtain it. These are stories, no matter how old, that are always are refreshing to the soul.

“Tell me the story softly, That I may take it in,–
That wonderful redemption, God’s remedy for sin.
Tell me the story often, For I forget so soon,
The ‘early dew’ of morning Has passed away at noon.”

In this world of fear, terror, and danger, these stories should be a comfort. To see how God worked and provided and cared for His people in the past should give comfort in the present. These are stories to help us through the cares of the world, help us in times of fear and sorrow. These are the stories that give us courage to face the onslaught of the enemy.
Read or hear a good story and you become part of it. You see yourself with the characters and can identify with them. Tell these stories over and over and they become part of you. You are one with them for now, because of the experiences of life, you can relate.

“Tell me the same old story When you have cause to fear
That this world’s empty glory Is costing me too dear.
Yes, and when that world’s glory Is dawning on my soul,
Tell me the old, old story: Christ Jesus makes thee whole.

Tell me the old, old story,
Tell me the old, old story,
Tell me the old, old story
Of Jesus and His love.”

Remember, He is with you; He cares for you. The story is old, but the truth is reality.

“Come and hear, all who fear God, And I will tell of what He has done for my soul.”
–Psalm 66:16 (NASB)