Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to (walk with God and) please Him, for whoever comes (near) to God must (necessarily) believe that God exists and that He rewards those who (earnestly and diligently) seek Him.

We need to not only have faith in the word of God but God Himself. We must believe that God is what He says He is and can do what He says He can do. We can’t let our experiences negate our faith but seek God diligently for the answer and receive confirmation from Him. Our faith is not in the natural but in God’s supernatural power and works.

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.

Jesus conquered death, sickness, fear, lack, hell, and the curse when He was crucified on the cross. When we are saved and born again, we have the connection to all that Jesus did living inside of us. We must trust and focus on Jesus and believe in His completed works. It is finished, and our redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus, who is the substitute for our sins.   

2 Timothy 3:1-2

But understand this, that in the last days dangerous times (of great distress and trouble) will come. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane.

This description matches the times we are living. How do we cope? Focus! When we keep the focus on Jesus and the word, we will not be distressed by the times. The word is our strength, direction, and protection. The word keeps our minds sound and fear at bay. Keep the focus on the word.  

2 Timothy 1:7

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but (He has given us a spirit) of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline (abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control).

It has been said, “That fear tolerated is faith contaminated.” All fear must be dealt with and replaced by faith, and if not, that root of fear could develop into something more significant. When fear tries to enter the thoughts, use the sword of the word. Speak faith and cast down that imagination, and overcome the fear. 

2 Peter 1:10

Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you (be sure that your behavior reflects and confirms your relationship with God); for by doing these things (actively developing these virtues), you will never stumble (in your spiritual growth and will live a life that leads others away from sin).

We have a call on our lives as Christians, and to fulfill it, we must develop our character. Our character should reflect biblical values and positively represent Christian values. To do this, we must grow in the word, and if we make a mistake, work to do better. We have an essential job to help others and lead others away from sin.   

2 Peter 1:3

For His divine power has bestowed on us (absolutely) everything necessary for (a dynamic spiritual) life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.  

Jesus came to re-establish the connection to God that Adam lost. With our salvation, the divine power opens up our spirit to hear from God. We have a link to God and gain personal knowledge of Him through the word. Our job is to keep the link open and flow through the word and prayer.  

1 Peter 4:1

Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh (and died for us), arm yourselves (like warriors) with the same purpose (being willing to suffer for doing what is right and pleasing God), because whoever suffered in the flesh (being like-minded with Christ) is done with (intentional) sin (having stopped pleasing the world.)

As Christians, we must strengthen ourselves like warriors to withstand suffering and persecution. Our goal is always to please God and not the world. When we put on the whole armor of God, we arm ourselves for the days we are tested. We must remember that Jesus has overcome this world!

John1:5

This is the message (of God’s promised revelation) which we have heard from Him and now announce to you, that God is Light (He is holy, His message is truthful, He is perfect in righteousness), and in Him there is no darkness at all (no sin, no wickedness, no imperfection).

The God of light sent Jesus as a message of revelation and truth down to earth for our salvation. There is no darkness, sin, wickedness, or imperfection in God. Yet God still stretches out His hand to save us as sinners and redeem us for eternal life. Salvation is the message of love that God sent through His son Jesus to us who will believe in Him.  

Romans 8:7-8

The mind of the flesh (with its sinful pursuits) is actively hostile to God. It does not submit itself to God’s law, since it cannot, and those who are in the flesh (living a life that caters to sinful appetites and impulses) cannot please God.

We have to get a grip on the flesh; otherwise, we will live under guilt and condemnation because of our actions or reactions to life. The flesh will get upset with the slightest provocation and blow our day of peace. Trust the spirit led by God and take control over the thoughts and the reactions that are un-Godly. It takes practice, but the rewards are tremendous, and peace is one of them.  

Philippians 3:14-15

I press on toward the goal to win the (heavenly) prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature (pursuing spiritual perfection) should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you.  

As a believer, it is important to keep pressing toward the goal of the heavenly prize. We hope to hear the “Well done, faithful servant” from God, and we will if we don’t give up. No matter what the world is doing, we keep our focus on the goal and God and pursue spiritual perfection.