Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ (that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion); it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I now live in the body I live by faith (by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting) in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

If we trust in our salvation and Jesus, we will follow His commandments. Following Jesus opens doors and options of freedom from sin (guilt and condemnation), whereas before Jesus, we were condemned. Our lives are meant for eternity, and we are to live by faith in Jesus Christ. 

Galatians 1:11-12

For I want you to know, believers, that the gospel which was preached by me is not man’s gospel (it is not human invention, patterned after any human concept). For indeed I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a (direct) revelation of Jesus Christ.

The Bible is our source of revelation of Jesus Christ, and it is more than words on a page. Without knowledge of God and His plan for our lives and loving goodness, there would be no reason to follow Him. The Bible fills in the gaps and instructs us on the love of God for us and why Jesus had to come and rescue us from sin. The Bible is our guidebook to success in this life. 

Galatians 1:3-4

Grace to you and peace (inner calm and spiritual well-being) from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself (as a sacrifice to atone) for our sins ( to save and sanctify us) so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, in accordance with the will and purpose and plan of our God and Father.

Jesus was sent to rescue us from the present evil age. Without salvation through Jesus Christ, our hearts would feel fear and confusion. Jesus is our rock and foundation and ever-present help. To make sound decisions, we need the peace and calm that Jesus and the Word provide. 

Psalm 105:3-4

Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek and require the Lord (as their most essential need) rejoice. Seek and deeply long for the Lord and His strength; seek and deeply long for His face and His presence continually. 

They knew in the Old Testament to value and put their trust in seeking the face of God. Nothing has changed from then to now! The importance of fellowship with God and His word is still vital to our lives and peace of mind. If we long for God in our hearts, we will place our focus solely on His guidance. 

Psalm 18:30-32

As for God, His way is blameless. The word of the Lord is tested (it is perfect, it is faultless); He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. For who is God but the Lord? Or who is a rock, except our God, the God who encircles me with strength and makes my way blameless. 

The word of the Lord is tested and faultless. We are to use the word as a shield and a source of protection in our daily lives. God hears our prayers of faith and instills in us courage and strength through our confessions of faith. We are to speak to our mountains and watch as God turns them into mole hills. 

Habakkuk 3:18-19

Yet I will (choose to) rejoice in the Lord; I will (choose to) shout in exultation in the (victorious) God of my salvation! The Lord God is my strength (my source of courage, my invincible army); He has made my feet (steady and sure) like hinds’ feet and makes me walk (forward with spiritual confidence) on my high places (of challenge and responsibility).

Our faith comes down to the choices we make about whom we believe. Will we believe the lies of the enemy or the truth of God? What comes out of our mouths will either lead us to victory in God or defeat through the devil. When we choose God, we will build ourselves up on the most Holy Word and defeat the forces that are trying to move against our lives. 

Habakkuk 2:4

Look at the proud one, his soul is not right within him, but the righteous will live by his faith (in the true God). 

Pride is a deep pleasure in one’s own achievements. This makes it hard for God to lead the person when their soul is not right within them. The humble willingly listen to the voice of God with a soft heart and humility. The righteous humbly listen to and follow God through faith and do not lean on their own abilities

Habakkuk 2:3

For the vision is yet for the appointed (future) time it hurries toward the goal (of fulfillment); it will not fail. Even though it delays, wait (patiently) for it, because it will certainly come, it will not delay.

God has a vision for an appointed time. He had the vision for our creation and the creation of the world. He had the vision for Jesus and our salvation! God has a vision for His people and their futures, and we must wait patiently as all the pieces come together. God has a vision for the return of Jesus to the earth, and it will certainly come.

Amos 5:24

But let justice run down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream (flowing abundantly).

God does not want us to be outwardly righteous and inwardly corrupt and mistreating people. People can’t lie, cheat, and steal and expect God to bless it.  God calls for justice for those who do not follow His word and abuse their social position and power. God always sees the corruption and evil may seem to flourish until God sends justice to the land. 

Amos 5:14

Seek (long for, require) good and not evil, that you may live; and so many the Lord God of hosts be with you, just as you have said!

Making time for God benefits us greatly. Distraction is a tool of the enemy to keep us away from drawing close to God. If we seek good, our thoughts and perspective change. When we focus on God and His goodness, our lives will change. The more we spend our focus on God, the more we will believe what He has provided for us to be true.