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. 

Proverbs 4:5

Get (skillful and godly) wisdom! Acquire understanding (actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation)! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not turn away from her (Wisdom) and she will guard and protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.  

No matter our age, there are still more things we can learn from God. Our daily lives are filled with complications that we can avoid with the wisdom of God. The Holy Spirit will speak to us and be our guide if we trust that inner voice. When we keep the word of God before our eyes, we build the relationship and our ability to hear from God.

Proverbs 22:17

Listen carefully and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge; for it will be pleasant if you keep them in mind (incorporating them as guiding principles); Let them be ready on your lips (to guide and strengthen yourself and others).

God recommended that Joshua continually meditate on the Book of the Law to gain wisdom and have success. Paul recommends we renew our minds with the word for our success. Our job is to listen carefully to the wise and apply it to our lives. Wisdom is key to overcoming here on this earth, and God guides us with the bible. 

Proverbs 16:3

Commit your works to the Lord (submit and trust them to Him), and your plans will succeed (if you respond to His will and guidance).

God knows the beginning from the end and can clear a path that we may not even see exists. Our trust is crucial, not trying to figure out how God works. When faith is working, faith doesn’t worry about how God performs the miracle. Our goal is not to limit God and learn to lean into Him for our needs.