Philippians 4:12

I know how to get along and live humbly (in difficult times), and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret (of facing life) whether well-fed or going hungry, whether have an abundance or being in need. 

Paul’s secret is the strength given to him through Jesus. Paul kept his focus on God, and God made sure that Paul fulfilled his call on the earth. God will do the same thing for us when we focus on Him and call out to Him when we need help. God will provide for all our needs, but we must believe that He will, like Paul.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s Word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things (center your mind of them, and implant them in your heart).

The battle for our world takes place right between our ears. The only thing we can control is ourselves, our thoughts, and our actions. We cannot control what others say, do, or believe. The choice is for a moment, but the outcome of our lives, whether good or bad, depends on how we choose to set our focus. We must discipline ourselves to focus on the truth of God’s Word. 

2 Thessalonians 2:10

And by unlimited seduction to evil and with all the deception of wickedness for those who are perishing, because they did not welcome the love of the truth (of the gospel) so as to be saved (they were spiritually blind, and rejected the truth that would have saved them).

People choose to be gods to themselves and reject the truth of the Gospel. Sin becomes more enticing and deceptive the deeper they go. Yet they will still keep searching for fulfillment that they can only get from God and be mad at God for not accepting their choice of sin. They are still choosing sin over the Savior.

Hebrews 12:25

See to it that you do not refuse (to listen to) Him who is speaking (to you now). For if those (sons of Israel) did not escape when they refused (to listen to) him who warned them on earth (revealing God’s will), how much less we will escape if we turn our backs on Him who warns from heaven?

Rebelling comes in many forms, and not listening to God is one of them. If we step out past God’s will and away when we have been warned not to, we step away from God’s protection and into the hands of the enemy. Just like a parent who warns a child not to go there; it isn’t safe. God warns us for our benefit and to keep us safe and from harm. 

Ecclesiastes 10:19

Through laziness the rafters (of state affairs) decay and the roof sags, and through idleness (the roof of) the house leaks. The officials make a fest for enjoyment (instead of repairing what is broken) and serve wine to make life merry, and money is the answer to everything.

This scripture describes a government without God as ineffectual and lazy, where nothing gets restored. God is the motivator and gives us the wisdom and provision to supply the needs of the people. When God is left out of the equation, the answer becomes other people’s money (taxation) to fix the problem.  

Ecclesiastes 10:10

If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength; but wisdom (to sharpen the axe) helps him succeed (with less effort). 

Wisdom makes a difference in our daily lives, whether they are hard or easy. God will pour His wisdom into our lives to help us make the right choices, even in the simple things…like not forgetting something important. We get this connection from being born again, connecting with the Word, praising God, and talking to God. Let the wisdom flow. 

Proverbs 18:1-2

He who (willingly) separates himself (from God and man) seeks his own desire; he quarrels against all sound wisdom. A (closed-minded) fool does not delight in understanding, but only in revealing his personal opinions (unwittingly displaying his self-indulgence and his stupidity).

We have free will to think and do whatever we wish. Whether we choose to follow our own created beliefs or act according to God’s Word will be the deciding factor. Men do not govern themselves well without a God. Selfishness and sin will creep into their thinking and actions towards others. We need God’s connection to be our best selves. 

2 Peter 2:18

For uttering arrogant Word of vanity (pompous words disguised to sound scholarly or profound, but meaning nothing and containing no spiritual truth), they beguile and lure, using lustful desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error.  

Word manipulation is widely used to hide truth and disguise evil intent. The pollution of the world infiltrates our lives from every aspect of media that we have today. We must maintain our guard over our ears to protect our spirits and keep our minds healthy. 

Isaiah 66:5

Here the Word of the Lord, you who tremble (with awe-filled reverence) at His Word: “Your brothers who hate you, who exclude you for My Names sake, Have said, ‘Let the Lord be glorified, that we may see you joy.’ But they will be put to shame. 

Empty religion will mock and cast out people who have genuine faith. Don’t be discouraged by those who only give lip service to God and have no love in their hearts. People of faith may be excluded, but God will always be with the believer. They will be put to shame.

Romans 1:18-19

For (God does not overlook sin and) the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who in their wickedness suppress and stifle the truth, because that which is known about God is evident within them (in their inner consciousness), for God made it evident to them.

Our soul (mind, will, and emotions) will sin if not regulated by a spirit connected to God. Where we focus our mind is where our heart will go. A mind renewed by the Word and trusting and concentrating in a relationship with Jesus will keep our inner consciousness clean from sin. God talks to all of us. The choice is ours to listen to.