James 1:7-8

For such a person ought not to think or expect that he will receive anything (at all) from the Lord, being a double minded man, unstable and restless in all his ways (in everything he thinks, feels, or decides).

Faith is that line in the sand that a believer refuses to cross.  Faith is a connection to God.  A believer by that faith has seen results in the past and builds toward the future.  Faith hears, responds, loves, and listens to God.  If a person feels that they are not hearing from God, check if the faith line has moved with doubt, fear, or feelings. A straightforward adjustment and faith are back on track.  

Psalm 119:98-99

Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for Your words are always with me.  I have better understanding and deeper insight than all my teachers (because of Your word) for Your testimonies are my meditation.  

The deeper connection we want from God comes from reading and meditating on His word.  The bible is our insight into how God thinks and His expectations for us, and what He wants to give us.  God provides us with gifts and opportunities for wisdom and leadership in our lives.  

Psalm 89:1

I will sing of the goodness and lovingkindness of the Lord forever; with my mouth I will make known Your faithfulness from generation to generation.

The power of praise and worship will open up the heavens.  Praise helps us express our love for God and all that He has done.  Worship shows that we know that God is our source and supply. It takes the focus off ourselves and back to God. 

Luke 14:27

Whoever does not carry his own cross (expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come) and follow after Me (believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me) cannot be My disciple. 

Jesus is realistic when He tells believers that trials may come to the Christian. Jesus had tests on this earth and opposition from the enemy. We will have trails on this earth and resistance from the enemy. Jesus gave us the knowledge and authority to overcome those trials through faith.  

Matthew 11:25

At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth (I openly and joyfully acknowledge Your great wisdom), that you have hidden these things (these spiritual truths) from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to infants (to new believers, to those seeking God’s will and purpose).

God willingly reveals truths to the new believer. When we seek God’s will and purpose, God will show us the way. He wants us to succeed in our lives and triumph in the circumstances. When we seek information and guidance from God, He will provide. Lean into God, and we will learn.  

Malachi 4:2

But for you who fear My name (with awe-filled reverence) the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go forward and leap (joyfully) like calves (released) from the stall.  

When we revere the Lord, we will heed His word and lead in our lives. We will fear reverently for His teachings because we understand God and His ways. The Lord will protect us with His healing wings and keep us safe. God will bring joy to our lives as we follow Him and believe.

Proverbs 22:5

Thorns and snares are in the way of the obstinate (for their lack of honor and their wrong-doing traps them); He who guards himself (with godly wisdom) will be far from them and avoid the consequences they suffer.

When we keep our ears open and our hearts soft to hear direction from God, we avoid trouble. The trouble starts when we start to think we know better than God or we reason out the situation. Being stubborn shouldn’t be a point of pride because being obstinate toward God means we may get in the way of our breakthroughs.

Ezekiel 12:2-3

Son of man, you live among a rebellious house, who have eyes to see but do not see, who have ears to hear but do not hear; for they are a rebellious people. 

God’s commands of right and wrong are simple and easy to follow. When people rebel, they want something that is against those commands. They have closed off their ears to hearing the truth and stop recognizing evil. Pray for their repentance so their eyes can open and they can start to acknowledge the truth of Jesus.

Isaiah 60:1-2

Arise (from spiritual depression to a new life), shine (be radiant with the glory and brilliance of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory and brilliance of the Lord has risen upon you. For in fact, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness will cover the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you (Jerusalem) and His glory and brilliance will be seen on you.

Now is the time to remind ourselves of God’s promises to His people. As Israel goes through this time of darkness, God reminds us that His light will come. God will protect and keep His people even through darkness. It is a time to draw nearer to God, look to His light, and focus on Him. 

Mark 2:17

When Jesus heard this, He said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need of a physician, but (only) those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners (who recognize their sin and humbly seek forgiveness).

Jesus was building a relationship with the sinner and making repentance approachable. Sometimes, a sinner may think their sins are too terrible to be forgiven, which is why Jesus came. Jesus creates a bridge to redemption, and salvation is not for the righteous few.