1 Peter 4:1

Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh (and died for us), arm yourselves (like warriors) with the same purpose (being willing to suffer for doing what is right and pleasing God), because whoever suffered in the flesh (being like-minded with Christ) is done with (intentional) sin (having stopped pleasing the world.)

As Christians, we must strengthen ourselves like warriors to withstand suffering and persecution. Our goal is always to please God and not the world. When we put on the whole armor of God, we arm ourselves for the days we are tested. We must remember that Jesus has overcome this world!

John1:5

This is the message (of God’s promised revelation) which we have heard from Him and now announce to you, that God is Light (He is holy, His message is truthful, He is perfect in righteousness), and in Him there is no darkness at all (no sin, no wickedness, no imperfection).

The God of light sent Jesus as a message of revelation and truth down to earth for our salvation. There is no darkness, sin, wickedness, or imperfection in God. Yet God still stretches out His hand to save us as sinners and redeem us for eternal life. Salvation is the message of love that God sent through His son Jesus to us who will believe in Him.  

Romans 8:7-8

The mind of the flesh (with its sinful pursuits) is actively hostile to God. It does not submit itself to God’s law, since it cannot, and those who are in the flesh (living a life that caters to sinful appetites and impulses) cannot please God.

We have to get a grip on the flesh; otherwise, we will live under guilt and condemnation because of our actions or reactions to life. The flesh will get upset with the slightest provocation and blow our day of peace. Trust the spirit led by God and take control over the thoughts and the reactions that are un-Godly. It takes practice, but the rewards are tremendous, and peace is one of them.  

Philippians 3:14-15

I press on toward the goal to win the (heavenly) prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature (pursuing spiritual perfection) should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you.  

As a believer, it is important to keep pressing toward the goal of the heavenly prize. We hope to hear the “Well done, faithful servant” from God, and we will if we don’t give up. No matter what the world is doing, we keep our focus on the goal and God and pursue spiritual perfection. 

Proverbs 4:5

Get (skillful and godly) wisdom! Acquire understanding (actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation)! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not turn away from her (Wisdom) and she will guard and protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.  

No matter our age, there are still more things we can learn from God. Our daily lives are filled with complications that we can avoid with the wisdom of God. The Holy Spirit will speak to us and be our guide if we trust that inner voice. When we keep the word of God before our eyes, we build the relationship and our ability to hear from God.

Proverbs 22:17

Listen carefully and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge; for it will be pleasant if you keep them in mind (incorporating them as guiding principles); Let them be ready on your lips (to guide and strengthen yourself and others).

God recommended that Joshua continually meditate on the Book of the Law to gain wisdom and have success. Paul recommends we renew our minds with the word for our success. Our job is to listen carefully to the wise and apply it to our lives. Wisdom is key to overcoming here on this earth, and God guides us with the bible. 

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).

God knows the beginning from the end and can clear a path that we may not even see exists. Our trust is crucial, not trying to figure out how God works. When faith is working, faith doesn’t worry about how God performs the miracle. Our goal is not to limit God and learn to lean into Him for our needs.

Psalm 4:3

But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself (and dealt wonderfully with) the godly man (the one of honorable character and moral courage-the one who does right). 

In the bible, the person who walks upright before the Lord receives a reward. The godly man’s relationship allows God to move in the person’s life and guidance to come to that person. There is an open door of communication between God and the upright, and God desires to fellowship with His people.  

Mark 11:25-26

Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him (drop the issue, let it go), so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions and wrongdoings (against Him and others). (But if you do not forgive, neither will the Father in heaven forgive your transgressions).

Unforgiveness can be a roadblock to getting our prayers answered and stop us from living in peace. Unforgiveness is like the pebble that we need to shake out of a shoe. The pebble is a constant irritant that only we can remove, and we can’t move freely and live in peace in life until we do.

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).”

Someone who isn’t saved and has never learned about God, the Bible, or Jesus will not see their error. That is why the church and its people are such an essential representation of God. When we emulate Jesus on earth, people will be drawn to us and want to know what we believe.