Proverbs 12:14

A man will be satisfied with good from the fruit of his words, and the deed of a man’s hands will return to him (as a harvest).

What we believe in our hearts, we eventually speak.  The bible tells us to monitor our thoughts and not allow thoughts contrary to the word of God to form.  Why! Because we will create with our words what we imagine in our minds.  When we keep our minds clear of the negative, we will only speak the life-affirming words of God.  

James 2:14

What is the benefit, my fellow believers, if someone claims to have faith but has no (good) works (as evidence)? Can that (kind of) faith save him? (No, a mere claim of faith is not sufficient- a genuine faith produces good works.) 

Our faith in God will show by our actions and gains in this life.  Our faith will move us over obstacles that others will not be able to climb.  Faith is something that works in our lives to accomplish our goals and beliefs.  If our lives are idle, then so is our faith.

James 2:1

My fellow believers, do not practice your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of partiality (toward people- show no favoritism, no prejudice, no snobbery.)

Racism can be called the sin of partiality and is not color-dependent.  People can be partial in many ways because they want to grant favor to one group and withhold from another.  It isn’t ok with God in any form, and as Christians, we should practice walking in love for everyone and not be partial in any way.  

2 Peter 3:3

First of all, know (without any doubt) that mockers will come in the last days with their mocking, following after their own human desires.

We see this now as people turn entirely against God and mock anything that comes out of the bible.  We should not be afraid of the signs of the times but be about doing the work of God.  Don’t get offended by what others are doing but pray and be a stabilizing influence before Jesus comes back.  

1Peter 5:9

But resist him, be firm in your faith (against his attack-rooted, established, immovable), knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world.  (You do not suffer alone.) 

The devil wanders around, looking for cracks in the defenses.  He sends thoughts that are not ours and problems.  We don’t have to get mad, cry or worry, but God says we must RESIST the devil.  We are to stand our ground on the word and speak our faith and raise the shield.  Faith is a force of resistance to the attacks of the enemy.  Resist and be firm in your Faith.  

1 Peter 4:12

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test you (that is, to test the quality of your faith), as though something strange or unusual were happening to you.

Peter has wisdom and insight into this problem.  Peter took a faith test and denied Jesus right before Jesus went to the cross.  Did Peter grieve in his heart that he failed the test that Jesus said was coming?  Yes!  But! Even though he failed, he picked himself up and went forward with Jesus.  We should not be surprised that we will be tested, but we should pick ourselves up and keep going with Jesus no matter what. 

1 John 3:7

Little children (believers, dear ones), do not let anyone lead you astray the one who practices righteousness (the one who strives to live a consistently honorable life-in private as well as public-and to conform to God’s precepts) is righteous, just as He is righteous.   

Right standing with God is so important.  If we don’t have right standing, our prayers are hampered, and trouble comes into our lives.  We have to practice God’s word on forgiveness of others, walking in love, not letting the offense come into our lives, and repentance to remain in right standing.  God is with us to show us the way.

Hebrews 6:1

Therefore let us get past the elementary stage in the teachings about the Christ, advancing on to maturity and perfection and spiritual completeness, (doing this) without laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.

We all have goals that we are working toward in our lives, and each plan requires increasing our knowledge and faith.  We can’t stay at the same level of understanding of God and go forward, and it would be like a teenager never leaving kindergarten.  As we advance with God, we can grow spiritually and mature as Christians.  

1 Corinthians 2:2

For I made the decision to know nothing (that is, to forego philosophical or theological discussions regarding inconsequential thinks and opinions while) among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified (and meaning of His redemptive, substitutionary death and His resurrection).

Sometimes it is better to know nothing when it comes to learning from God.  When our minds are open to learning and understanding the word, we are not stifled by philosophies or theological doctrine.  We can trust the word of God without the interference of the opinion of man.  We then can be fully persuaded of and open to the redemptive power of Jesus and the cross. 

1 Corinthians 1:9

God is faithful (He is reliable, trustworthy and ever true to His promise-He can be depended on), and through Him you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

When we have faith in God, we have faith in His reliability.  The more we experience the faithfulness of God, the more we will step out in trust and knowledge that His word is true.  We all believe in something, whether saint or sinner; however, the God kind of faith overcomes in this world.  Our future depends on what we believe, and so does our direction.