James 5:7-8

So wait patiently, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious harvest from the land, being patient about it, until it receives the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts (keep them energized and firmly committed to God) because the coming of the Lord is near. 

We don’t know the day or the hour of the Lord’s coming, but we can know the season. We wait patiently because the Bible tells us the signs of Jesus’s return and to not lose heart until Jesus comes. James reminds us to keep ourselves fully committed to God until Jesus comes. 

Hebrews 10:8-9

After saying above, “You have neither desired, nor have You taken delight in sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings for sin” (which are offered according to the Law) then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will.” (And so) He does away with the first (covenant as a means of atoning for sin based on animal sacrifices) so that He may inaugurate and establish the second (covenant by means of obedience).

Sin is disobedience to God’s commands, and the sacrificial offering was not pleasing to God. Man’s heart had to change from choosing sin to choosing to be obedient to God. Jesus came to do God’s will and remove the barrier of sin through His sacrifice on the cross, bringing salvation. 

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom (to guide him through a decision or circumstance), he is to ask (our benevolent) God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith, without doubting for the one who doubts is like a billowing surge of the sea that is blown about and tossed by the wind. 

Recognize doubt when it tries to infiltrate the faith and kick it out. Go to the verses and repeat them until the dart of doubt from the devil is gone. God is faithful and honors His Word, and we must stand by the Word in faith until the answer comes.  

Romans 3:23-24

Since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God, and are being justified (declared free of the guilt of sin, and acceptable to God, and granted eternal life) as a gift by His (precious, underserved) grace, through the redemption (the payment for our sin) which is (provided) in Christ Jesus.  

We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, but we are saved, redeemed, and washed clean of that sin by Jesus Christ. We don’t have to live our lives under condemnation, which, if allowed, would prevent us from developing our faith. We are to live our faith and pursue our right standing with God. 

Romans 1:17

For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith (disclosed in a way that awakens more faith). As it is written and forever remains written, “The just and upright shall live by faith”.

Our success as Christians depends on our faith. Whether we fully believe in and follow the commandments of the Bible will determine our success. Faith builds us up on the inside to defeat the opposing forces on the outside. If we want to be considered just, we must live by faith. 

John 15:9-10

I have loved you just as the Father has loved Me; remain in My love (and do not doubt My love for you). If you keep My commandments and obey My teaching, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. 

There is wisdom in love and following Jesus’s teachings. Jesus keeps God’s commandments, and we are to follow his example. When we keep those commandments, we avoid sin and separation from Jesus and God. God’s love is so powerful for us that He sacrificed Jesus to save us from our sins. 

Luke 5:17

One day as He was teaching, there we Pharisees and teachers of the Law sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present with Him to heal. 

People were coming from every walk of life to hear Jesus speak because the news of Him had spread. We need to spread the news! Jesus represents hope for the people and freedom from oppression. The power of the Lord was there to heal and demonstrate God on earth. Jesus is still working on this earth today!

Proverbs 4:1-2

Hear, O children, the instruction of a father, and pay attention (and be willing to learn) so that you may gain understanding and intelligent discernment. For I give you good doctrine; do not turn away from my instruction.   

We never stop learning from God, our Pastor, and the Bible. The longer we study the Bible, the more we see and take in God’s knowledge and wisdom. The more we hear from our Pastor, the deeper our relationship grows with the church family. The closer we walk with God, the more our knowledge increases. 

Proverbs 16:8-9

A man’s mind plans his way (as he journeys through life), but the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.

When we are young, we think of a plan for our lives and futures. Our vision is limited, and our plans are often shortsighted, but God sees and knows all and establishes our way. When we let God lead, our personal fulfillment and satisfaction increase.

Proverbs 29:22-23

An angry man stirs up strife, and a hot-tempered and undisciplined man commits many transgressions. A man’s pride and sense of self-importance will bring him down, but he who has a humble spirit will obtain honor.

We choose our attitude every minute of every day. No matter the circumstance, we can choose our outlook, and whether we reach for God’s help or turn away from God will affect the outcome. Our emotions are not to lead our spirit, but our spirit is to lead our emotions by our connection to God.