Proverbs 16:2-3

All the ways of a man are clean and innocent in his own eyes (and he may see nothing wrong with his actions), But the Lord weighs and examines the motives and intents. Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will succeed.

The motive in our hearts, whether good or bad, directs our behavior. The motive behind everything we do is more important than what we do because our motive will direct our conduct. When we have Godly reasons and a pure heart, it will show in our actions. Success with God requires Godly behavior so let our motives be with a pure heart.

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 race that is set before us. 

Sin halts any forward faith movement and causes us to take a side road to nowhere. We must continually guard our thoughts, making sure we use the filter of the word to keep us on track. When we are persistent with ourselves in following the word, we will see God working on our behalf and guiding us through the race set before us. 

Revelation 2:7

He who has an ear, let him hear and heed what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes (the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God), I will grant (the privilege) to eat (the fruit) from the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.  

God is a rewarder to those who believe in Him and Jesus. A person can take many choices and paths, not all leading to eternal life. Jesus is the only way to fulfill the heart’s longing for the eternal connection. Jesus is the way to overcome the world and gain eternal life.  

1 John 3:21-22

Beloved, if our heart does not convict us (of guilt), we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God; and we receive from Him whatever we ask because we (carefully and consistently) keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight (habitually seeking to follow His plan for us.)

When we believe in something, we are fully convinced that what we believe in holds the truth. Jesus said when we believe in Him, we will receive the promise. Our focus and belief in Jesus open the door for faith to work. When we ask for a need to be met by Jesus, we will receive an answer because we keep the commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight.   

Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to (walk with God and) please Him, for whoever comes (near) to God must (necessarily) believe that God exists and that He rewards those who (earnestly and diligently) seek Him.

We need to not only have faith in the word of God but God Himself. We must believe that God is what He says He is and can do what He says He can do. We can’t let our experiences negate our faith but seek God diligently for the answer and receive confirmation from Him. Our faith is not in the natural but in God’s supernatural power and works.

Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ (that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion); it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith, (by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting) in the son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Jesus conquered death, sickness, fear, lack, hell, and the curse when He was crucified on the cross. When we are saved and born again, we have the connection to all that Jesus did living inside of us. We must trust and focus on Jesus and believe in His completed works. It is finished, and our redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus, who is the substitute for our sins.   

2 Timothy 3:1-2

But understand this, that in the last days dangerous times (of great distress and trouble) will come. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane.

This description matches the times we are living. How do we cope? Focus! When we keep the focus on Jesus and the word, we will not be distressed by the times. The word is our strength, direction, and protection. The word keeps our minds sound and fear at bay. Keep the focus on the word.  

2 Timothy 1:7

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but (He has given us a spirit) of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline (abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control).

It has been said, “That fear tolerated is faith contaminated.” All fear must be dealt with and replaced by faith, and if not, that root of fear could develop into something more significant. When fear tries to enter the thoughts, use the sword of the word. Speak faith and cast down that imagination, and overcome the fear. 

2 Peter 1:10

Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you (be sure that your behavior reflects and confirms your relationship with God); for by doing these things (actively developing these virtues), you will never stumble (in your spiritual growth and will live a life that leads others away from sin).

We have a call on our lives as Christians, and to fulfill it, we must develop our character. Our character should reflect biblical values and positively represent Christian values. To do this, we must grow in the word, and if we make a mistake, work to do better. We have an essential job to help others and lead others away from sin.   

2 Peter 1:3

For His divine power has bestowed on us (absolutely) everything necessary for (a dynamic spiritual) life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.  

Jesus came to re-establish the connection to God that Adam lost. With our salvation, the divine power opens up our spirit to hear from God. We have a link to God and gain personal knowledge of Him through the word. Our job is to keep the link open and flow through the word and prayer.