Philippians 4:8

Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things.

If we continually judge our thoughts by these standards, our minds would find greater peace. When our thoughts do not line up with these standards, we are to reject the thought. We are the gatekeepers of what enters our brains. We can’t ruminate over a negative thought and expect to have peace. Don’t give negative thoughts any time to settle in our thought process.

Galatians 5:23

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature together with its passions and appetites. If we live by the Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit (with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage-our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit).

The flesh (mind, will, and emotions) does not retain the wisdom of Christ. Our born-again spirit does through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We need to question our emotions and not follow them when they lead us into anger, sadness, depression, hopelessness, and more. It takes training and focus to learn to use the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit as our life filter.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit (the result of His presence within us) is love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such a thing there is no law.

The fruit of the Spirit lives in our spirit, and we can tap into it anytime. We cannot go by our feelings and emotions and expect to have the list above. Feelings change constantly depending on our circumstances. Our spirit remains constant.  If we want peace, we must choose to follow our spirit, not our flesh.

Mark 8:34

Jesus called the crowd together with His disciples, and said to them, “if anyone wishes to follow Me (as My disciple), He must deny himself (set aside selfish interest), and take up his cross (expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come), and follow Me (believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, I need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me).

When we understand that we gain eternal life by taking up our cross and following Jesus, it is not a burden. The benefits of being a follower of Jesus outweigh our selfish interests and desires. When we conform to and live our lives according to Jesus’ example, we gain the ability to endure.

James 1:14-15

But each one is tempted when he is dragged away, enticed and baited (to commit sin) by his own (wordily) desire. Then when the illicit desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin has run its course, it gives birth to death.

The Holy Spirit’s conviction and keeping our eyes on the word will keep us from the temptations of sin. When we maintain our guard against worldly desires that do not satisfy, God can keep us protected. All good gifts come down from God, and God will help us find satisfaction in this life that doesn’t lead to sin.

James 1:12

Bless is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the (victor’s) crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Tests and trials will reveal our level of faith and our knowledge of the promises of God. If we turn to and speak the word of God out of our mouths when those trials occur, we are standing on faith.  Our goal as Christians is to be approved by God for believing and operating in the Word.

James 1:7

For such a person ought not to think or expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable and restless in all his ways (in everything he thinks, feels, or decides).

A double-minded person is constantly reversing the words of action in their lives. Either by doubt, being impatient, or unbelief caused by a lack of understanding of God and how He works. Distraction from God and His word creates blessing blockers in our lives. We must agree with God, believe He will do what He says, and wait for the response.

James 1:6

But he must ask (for wisdom) in faith, without doubting for the one who doubts is like a billowing surge of the sea that is blown about and tossed by the wind. For such a person ought not to think or expect that he will receive anything from the Lord.

A person who doubts God doesn’t know God or has studied God. They haven’t gone to the world in crisis, but the world. If we are to trust in God, we are to trust fully. We can only trust when we have the truth of God’s word as knowledge for how to live our lives.

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom (to guide him through a decision or circumstance) he is to ask of God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him.

God relieves the pressure of decision-making when we turn to Him and listen for guidance. The peace of God will help us through, and if the devil tries to attack our minds, we cast down the imaginations and tell the tormentor to leave. We will all have to make decisions, and we want the best possible outcomes. Lean on God and the word first to make those decisions.

James 1:4

And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed (in your faith) lacking in nothing.

Faith is not just a concept; it is something given to us by God, and we need to practice it. Faith comes by hearing and believing the word of God. If we never take the time to learn and hear, we will be weak in faith and easily doubt God. When we know the truth of the Bible, we will not be easily deceived by the world. The bible is our guidebook and our source of steadfast faith.