Matthew 10:27

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be afraid of Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

If we don’t understand heaven and hell, we have no fear of the consequences of sin on the earth because this life is all there is.  What we believe affects our viewpoint on eternity and what we value while here on earth, whether pleasing God or man.  Hell is not a place anyone who has understanding wants to go.  

Ecclesiastes 4:6

One hand full of rest and patience is better than two fists full of labor and chasing after the wind. 

When we learn patience and being able to be patient, we will gain peace in our lives.  The ability to wait on God’s timing and provision with confidence is a faith step.  It takes practice and being willing to submit to God’s timing and not our own.  It also takes some practice in our world where we can have it all now.  The timing of God will always be a perfect time if we can be patient.  

Hebrews 4:3

For we who believe (that is, we who personally trust and confidently rely on God) enter that rest (so we have His inner peace now because we are confident in our salvation, and assured of His power), just as He has said.  

God never meant for us to create our answers to problems using worry and fear. Anxiety and fear never solved a problem or made the answer come sooner.  God meant for us to rest in peace by knowing His power to work on our behalf.   We are to find the answer in the word, pray and believe God for the answer.  Our rest comes from our confidence in God.  

Hebrews 3:13

But continually encourage one another every day, as long as it is called “Today” (and there is an opportunity), so that none of you will be hardened (into settled rebellion) by the deceitfulness of sin (its cleverness, delusive glamour, and sophistication).

Everyone needs help and encouragement from our fellow believers in Christ.  The temptations and the cares of this world can lead us off track and from the word of God.  That is why the church and our friends are there to encourage us to stay on the path.  The devil knows our weaknesses much better than we know our strengths in Jesus sometimes.  

1 John 2:5

But whoever habitually keeps His word and obeys His precepts (and treasures His message in its entirety), in him the love of God has truly been perfected (it is completed and has reached maturity). By this we know (for certain) that we are in Him.  

The word of God is a treasure refined like pure gold.  All knowledge, wisdom, and guidance communicated in the pages of the Bible.  When we first love God and His word, we know that Jesus abides in our hearts and we in Him.  Every day is a new day to go deeper in the word and walk out our faith.

2 Peter 3:11

Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be (in the meantime) in holy behavior (that is, in a pattern of daily life that sets you apart as a believer) and in godliness (displaying profound reverence toward our awesome God),

We will know the signs of the return of Jesus and need to build up our confidence and behavior.  As believers, we have come so far but need to finish this race, not in fear but continually striving to be doers of the word until Jesus appears. We need to guard our hearts and strengthen ourselves and encourage each other in the Lord.

Psalm 27:4

One thing I have asked of the Lord, and that I will seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord (in His presence) all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty (the delightful loveliness and the majestic grandeur) of the Lord and to meditate in His temple.  

A close relationship with God increases our love of His presence.  When we pray and spend time in the presence of the Lord, we increase our strength and confidence.  The love of the Lord radiates from Him, reassuring us and giving us direction.  When we seek the Lord, we will find Him as when we open our hearts to Him.

Psalm 21:7-8

For the King (confidently) trusts in the Lord, and through the loving kindness (faithfulness, goodness) of the Most High he will never be shaken.  Your hand will reach out and defeat all your enemies.  

We may not have the title king in our home, but it is our domain.  Our confidence is in God’s faithful goodness that allows us not to fear in the face of the enemy.  We have the authority and protection of God because we have faith in His ability to protect us.  When we remain steadfast in the trust of God, God remains faithful to us and our needs.

Psalm 16:7-8

I will bless the Lord who has counseled me; indeed, my heart (mind) instructs me in the night. I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand I will not be shaken.  

Our confidence as Christians builds by our fellowship with the Lord.  The word of God shows us His love and guidance to avoid the pitfalls of life.   Whether the counsel is for something large or small, the direction keeps us on the right path.  

John 8:7

However, when they persisted in the questioning Him, He straightened up and said, “He who is without (any) sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”

Jesus keeps it real! We all have sinned and come up short without salvation through Jesus Christ.  We still may slip up from time to time, but when we repent, the blood of the Lamb covers our sin.  Every one of us has to work out our salvation with Jesus.  Yes, we are to recognize sin and not condone it but pray for them to repent and return to God.