Hebrews 12:1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness), stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the weight which is before us. 

Is there something that is slowing down the spiritual progress in our life? If our focus is trapped by sin or lack of commitment, the growth will slow down or stop. We can’t be double-minded with the things of God; what we say to ourselves on the inside matters more than what we say to others on the outside.  

Colossians 4:2

Whatever you do (no matter what it is) in Word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus (and in dependence on Him), giving thanks to God the Father through Him.  

Relationship! Being a Christian is more than just attending Church and reading the bible. Being a Christian is about connection and being dependent on Him.  If we live our lives in the name of the Lord daily, we are building a solid line of communication. We praise and worship as we see God working and helping us through.

Proverbs 16-3

Commit your works to the Lord (submit and trust them to Him), and your plans will succeed (if you respond to His will and guidance).

When it comes to the things of God and our lives, working with God is always better than working alone. God can make things possible from an angle we don’t even know exists if we are walking in the will of God for our lives. God won’t ask us to do something impossible for Him, we may think it is an impossible mountain to climb, but maybe God has a better way to get to the top.

Proverbs 4:26-27

Consider well and watch carefully the path of your feet, and all your ways will be steadfast and sure. Do not turn away to the right nor to the left (where evil may lurk); turn your foot from (the path of) evil.

Sometimes we run our lives on autopilot and must pay attention to where we are going. Our thoughts may wander down a fruitless path or watch something not for our benefit. We have yet to do our best. We feel we could do better. We need a thought and focus checkup on reminding ourselves what is vital to our spiritual life and focus on what will develop that.  

Proverbs 4:25

Let your eyes look directly ahead (toward the path of moral courage) and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you (toward the path of integrity).

Our focus is so crucial to our spiritual life and growth. It is so easy to get distracted and lose track of what benefits us in our daily lives. Daily mind renewal and focus on the Word of God will keep our hearts close to Jesus. We stray and get distant when we allow our focus to stray from the Word of God.  

Romans 7:15

For I do not understand my own actions (I am baffled and bewildered by them). I do not practice what I want to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate (and yielding to my human nature, my worldliness-my sinful capacity).

We will make mistakes and not always behave like we should as Christians! Jesus is not surprised when we fall short of His example. We must get back up when we fall short and ask for forgiveness and change. As Christians, we realize that Jesus died for the imperfect and will help us in our weaknesses. 

1 Peter 1:8

Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not even see Him now, you believe and trust in Him and you greatly rejoice and delight with inexpressible and glorious joy.

Jesus was our life changer, bringing us out of sin and death. We now have the possibility of hope and a future with someone on our side. We no longer suffer in sadness but can be lifted into joy. We love Him because Jesus first loved and died for us so we can live.

Psalm 37:4

Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart.

It is good to tell the Lord our love and appreciation for all He does in our lives. Just like we enjoy hearing of love and gratitude for all we do, so does God. God wants to give us the desires of our hearts and answers our petitions because He loves us. Tell God how much you appreciate Him today if it has been a while.  

Proverbs 15:13

A heart full of joy and goodness makes a cheerful face, but when a heart is full of sadness the spirit is crushed.

When we maintain joy in our hearts, we can motivate others positively. It is a positive word that will make a difference for those around us. Not everyone understands what it means to have the love of Jesus for them, but we can shine that light of love.    

2 Timothy 2:22

Run away from youthful lusts-pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those (believers) who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

We must pursue the right standing with God, which takes study and time. The more we know from hearing and reading the Word, the more we grow. Our decisions and mindsets change, and we are healed from our past and mistakes. Every day is a day to grow and learn from God as we pursue our faith.