Psalm 119:17-18

Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word (treasuring it and being guided by it day by day). Open my eyes (to spiritual truth) so that I may behold wonderful things from Your law.  

We can never stop learning and moving forward in our faith and keep it as a treasure worth more than Gold as we pray to God to open our eyes to the truths from the word to expand our foundation and grow our spirits. One word from God and the word will change everything in our lives.

1 Timothy 4:1-2

But the (Holy) Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that in the later times some will turn from the faith, paying attention instead to deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons, (misled) by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared as with a branding iron (leaving them incapable of ethical functioning).

Sin is increasing on this earth, and people are choosing to turn away from the faith. Our job now is to keep our focus on Jesus and the Word so we don’t become downtrodden by what we see. Jesus is still in control, and our hearts need not be troubled; this means we must turn away from the negative news and toward the positive power-filled word of God. 

2 Timothy 2:15

Study and do your best to present yourself to God-approved, a workman (tested by trial) who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the Word of truth.  

If we keep attentive to God’s Word, we won’t be ashamed and feel lacking in faith when trials arrive. We are more able to keep our focus and handle the situation. God will show us where to turn in the Word and what to speak to the problem. When we speak our faith and study the Word, our foundation in God will prove invaluable.  

Hebrews 12:11

For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterward, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness (right standing with God and a lifestyle and attitude that seeks conformity to God’s will and purpose).

Children to adults all require discipline because there are many alternative ungodly options. God shows us in His Word where the pitfalls exist to tempt our thoughts and try our flesh. It may not feel comfortable, but it will help us avoid future mistakes and problems. We will find peace through discipline, and what used to bother us now has no effect.

Proverbs 12:1

Whoever loves instruction and discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof and correction is stupid. 

Instruction and discipline keep us away from sin, and sin will take us a long way from God. When God corrects us, He loves us and is trying to keep us safe. We cannot harden our hearts to God, turn to sin, and expect our lives to go well. 

Romans 12:17

Never repay anyone evil for evil. Take thought for what is right and gracious and proper in the sight of everyone.  

We have to train ourselves not to be easily provoked. We know that we live in a world with people who have sinful natures, and we, as Christians, are to behave better. Our spirits must rule over evil circumstances and prevail even when the flesh speaks to us otherwise. God gives us the strength and the Holy Spirit to overcome in times of trial.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always and delight in prayer; in every situation (no matter what circumstances), be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

When we rejoice, we focus on faith, not fear, lack, sickness, or the situation. We can control our attitude in every case; when we do, it affects the outcome. We let our love for God rule our hearts, and our faith rises. God responds to worship and a grateful heart because our faith pleases God.

Isaiah 43:1-2

But now, this is what the Lord, your Creator says, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel, you (from captivity): I have called you by name and you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you walk through fire you will not be scorched nor will the flame burn you.  

We don’t truly comprehend God’s power to move in our lives. Distraction and daily living diminish our focus on the Word and understanding of this power. The closer we draw near to God, the more real His power is to us and our lives, and the stronger we become in our faith.  

Luke 9:23

And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to follow Me (as My disciple), he must deny himself (set aside selfish interests) and take up his cross daily (expressing willingness to endure whatever may come) and follow Me.  

As Christians, our call is to be disciples of Jesus. Discipleship means denying our old selfish ways and sins and not letting them return. Being born again will change our hearts, but our minds must be renewed. This is why we must take up the cross daily and endure whatever comes as we follow Jesus.  

1 Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord (always doing your best and doing more than is needed), being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile nor wasted (it is never without purpose).

When it comes to the things of the Lord, we always want to do our best. Our attitude counts with God; if He asks us to do something, we should do it with a good attitude. Not as if it is drudgery or too hard and that it isn’t appreciated or noticed. God knows and is happy when we work with Him for the Kingdom.