Romans 8:13

For if you are living according to the (impulses of the) flesh, you are going to die.  But if (you are living) by the (power of the Holy) Spirit you are habitually putting to death the sinful deed of the body, you will (really) live forever.

We are a spirit. We have a soul, and we live in a body.  When we learn this, we can clarify the order of leadership over our flesh (body) and soul (mind, will, and emotions).  The spirit is to rule over the flesh and the soul with the help of the Holy Spirit and the word of God.  Without this knowledge, people tend to follow their feelings and feelings change and the flesh rules. 

Romans 1:20

For ever since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through His workmanship (all creation, the wonderful things that He has made), so that they are without excuse and without defense.

Man’s creation is in the image of God, but without God, man does not have the full wisdom and insight of the creator or creation.  God knows down the very cell how everything is made.  A man couldn’t see a cell until the invention of the microscope.  The workmanship of God and His creation stand as a witness to His divine power.  

Romans 1:11-12

For I long to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift, to strengthen and establish you; that is, that we may be mutually encouraged and comforted by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.

Our Church community is essential for us to thrive in the body of Christ.  Just like a baby needs touch to thrive, we need fellowship and encouragement from fellow believers.  As believers, from the Pastor to pew, we should pray, encourage and work together as the body of Christ.  

Isaiah 55:10-11

For as the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth, making it bear and sprout, and providing the seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so will My word which goes out of My mouth; it will not return to Me void without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.  

We are to speak the word of God out loud daily to activate it like a seed for our needs in our lives.  We are to be imitators of God and Jesus who spoke the word in faith, and the word spoken in faith provided a harvest or outcome.  Believing and speaking is a cornerstone of faith, that we believe in our hearts and speak with our mouths based on the word of God.  

Isaiah 48:18

Oh, that you had paid attention to My commandments! Then your peace and prosperity would have been like a (flowing) river, and your righteousness (the holiness and purity of the nation) like the (abundant) waves of the sea.

Faith and obedience to the word of God go hand in hand.  We will not be obedient to the commands of God unless we believe in His word.  Our peace and our prosperity depend upon what we believe.  The word of God reveals unto us how we are to handle the circumstances of life.  God’s greatest desire is that we would turn to Him and that He could then bless us according to His word.  

Isaiah 5:12-13

They have lyre and harp, tambourine and flute, and wine at their feasts; but they do not regard nor even pay attention to the deeds of the Lord, nor do they consider the work of His Hands.  Therefore My people go into exile because they lack knowledge (of God): and their honorable men are famished, and their common people are parched with thirst.

The lack of knowledge of God to an unbeliever is an emptiness of the spirit that they can’t explain.  Because they don’t understand the love or working of God and have never connected to Him, they feel dry on the inside.  By our example and being a witness of Jesus, we can bridge the gap.  Even if we can plant a seed and another water, we can spread the gospel.

Philippians 3:13  

Brother and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead.  

Whether they are for the good times or bad times, our thoughts of the past can hinder us.  Why?  Because we are not focusing on what we need in the present.  Today needs attention so that we can have a positive influence for the good in our lives.  We can’t change the past or go back, but we can make today a step forward with God. 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Blessed (gratefully praised and adored) be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts and encourages us in every trouble so that we will be able to comfort and encourage those who are in any kind of trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  

Everyone has a time in their life when we need the comfort of God and others.  We help each other break loose of the thoughts that we need to cast down to have a positive focus.  God is always with us and willing to help us through any trouble.  Our spirits will rise, and our hearts will fill with hope, and the word of God reminds us of God’s love for us.  

Psalm 27:1-2

The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is my refuge and fortress of my life- whom shall I dread? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.

Life can feel overwhelming if we let it.  Everywhere we turn, it can seem like hope is fading.  In those times when fear tries to creep in, we must clear the screen before our eyes and examine our focus.  When we believe God and the word, our eyes focus on the Hope of the word, and we will be encouraged for the day.  We will rise above the circumstance with the refreshing of our focus.  

Psalm 22:24

For He has not despised nor detested the suffering of the afflicted; nor has He hidden His face from him; but when he cried to Him for help, He listened.  

In a time of need or suffering, it is a mistake to think that God does not hear our cry.  In those times, God listens, and we are to push deeper and closer with our relationship with Him.  It is God who sends healing, comfort, peace, and resources when we cry out to Him in our need.