Malachi 2:9-10

So I have also made you despised and abased before all the people just as you are not keeping My ways but are showing partiality (to people) in (your administration of) the law. Do we not have one Father? Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously with one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers (with God).

Whether we follow God and the word or not will be evident in our actions toward everyone around us. If we need to correct our course, we need to start with the thoughts that do not line up with the Bible and cast them down. When we can walk with a humble heart with the Lord, we can be guided onto the right paths. 

Isaiah 60:14

The sons of those who oppressed you will come bowing down to you (in submission), and all of those who despised you and treated you disrespectfully will bow down at the soles of your feet, and they will call you the City of the Lord, the Son of the Holy One of Israel. 

God will always protect and watch over Israel! No matter what oppressor comes or nation tries to rule in that land, God has a plan and a covenant.   When we hear of wars and see nations rise against nations, remember God has a plan, and Israel will not be defeated. 

Ecclesiastes 9:11

I again saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the strong, and neither is bread to the wise nor riches to those of intelligence and understanding nor favor to men of ability; but time and chance overtake them all.

The most significant advantage that man has on this earth is to trust in God. Nothing that we have of ourselves necessarily gives us an advantage in this life because everyone has trials. God knows our future from our past and can guide us through all circumstances. So, our trust should be in the Lord and the Lord alone.

Psalm 112:1-2

Praise the Lord! Blessed (fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God) is the man who fears the Lord (with awe-inspired reverence and worships Him with obedience), Who delights greatly in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on the earth. The generation of the upright will be blessed.

When we commit ourselves to invest in God and His Word, we draw closer to God. The more we learn, know and experience God through time spent, increases our faith, trust, love, and respect for God. This kind of relationship of seeking God blesses our lives in so many ways. 

Joshua 7:20-21

So Achan answered Joshua and said, “In truth, I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel, and this is what I have done: when I saw among the spoils (in Jericho) a beautiful robe from Shinar and two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I wanted them and took them. 

Achan violated the instructions of God, and by doing this, Achan and his family lost everything and were stoned. We can listen to God and disregard His leadership in our lives. We can covet things God tells us to stay away from and sin. We can honor God with our lips, and our hearts are far from Him.  Or we can choose to listen and gain favor and prosperity.

Genesis 5:23-24

So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. And (in reverent fear and obedience) Enoch walked with God; and he was not (found among men), because God took him (away to be home with Him).

Enoch found favor in the sight of God, and he walked with God! Enoch had a strong relationship and faith in God because he spent time in God’s presence. Our faith will increase when we do the same and set aside time to spend with God.

Genesis 5:1

This is the book (written record, the history) of the generations of (the descendants of) Adam.When God created man, He made him in the likeness of God (not physical, but a spiritual personality and moral likeness.)

Adam received his likeness from God, and so have we all these generations down. God created a people then, and God still sees us as His people now. Time does not change our relationship with God. We were always in the family and always in the plan of God. God loves us that much!

James 1:12

Blessed (happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God) 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.

Temptation never comes to a person to give them a reward but to take away. Pressure comes into our lives and tests our resolve, but when we have decided beforehand to maintain our commitment to our faith, we won’t move. Remember that the promise of our reward for remaining righteous is far greater than we can imagine that any sin could offer. 

1 Peter 4:8

Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins (it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others)

Love doesn’t take account of a suffered wrong. Love is understanding and realizes that no one on this earth is made perfect without the help of Jesus. It doesn’t mean we should let ourselves be abused but not let the offense come. Being a Christian isn’t a sign of weakness but spiritual strength and personal integrity. 

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).

Our faith and salvation in Jesus aren’t just to be believed but acted out. Just like an apple tree bears apples according to its kind, so should we, as Christian’s bear fruit according to Jesus. By acting according to the word of our faith, we develop our spirits and confidence in God.