Genesis 5:1

This is the book (written record, the history) of the generations of (the descendants of) Adam.When God created man, He made him in the likeness of God (not physical, but a spiritual personality and moral likeness.)

Adam received his likeness from God, and so have we all these generations down. God created a people then, and God still sees us as His people now. Time does not change our relationship with God. We were always in the family and always in the plan of God. God loves us that much!

James 1:12

Blessed (happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God) is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the (victor’s) crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Temptation never comes to a person to give them a reward but to take away. Pressure comes into our lives and tests our resolve, but when we have decided beforehand to maintain our commitment to our faith, we won’t move. Remember that the promise of our reward for remaining righteous is far greater than we can imagine that any sin could offer. 

1 Peter 4:8

Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins (it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others)

Love doesn’t take account of a suffered wrong. Love is understanding and realizes that no one on this earth is made perfect without the help of Jesus. It doesn’t mean we should let ourselves be abused but not let the offense come. Being a Christian isn’t a sign of weakness but spiritual strength and personal integrity. 

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).

Our faith and salvation in Jesus aren’t just to be believed but acted out. Just like an apple tree bears apples according to its kind, so should we, as Christian’s bear fruit according to Jesus. By acting according to the word of our faith, we develop our spirits and confidence in God. 

Revelation 22:14

Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) are those who wash their robes (in the blood of Christ by believing and trusting in Him-the righteous who do His commandments), so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. 

We have a reward in heaven if we do not lose hope. No matter what goes on around us, God is in control, and we are His children. When we keep our faith and close to God, our minds will remain stable and fixed. Our hearts will not fail, and our salvation through Christ will bring us to our eternal reward. 

Revelation 21:4

And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be sorrow and anguish, or crying, or pain; for the former order of things has passed away. 

Hallelujah! As believers, we know the devil is defeated. Yet we are still having to share the same space with him until Jesus comes back. BUT, when Jesus does come back and wipe away our tears, take away our sorrow, and remove our pain, any trial and tribulation we have faced will become nothing compared to being in the presence and glory of God. God promised.

Revelation 21:3

And then I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “See! The tabernacle of God is among men, and He will live among them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them (as their God)

It’s hard to imagine what it will be like to be surrounded by the glory of God and be in His presence. No more separation and distance between God and us. God will make all things new, and sin will be remembered no more. What will it be like to be surrounded by the love of God? 

Ephesians 1:18

And (I pray) that the eyes of your heart (the very center of your core being) may be enlightened (flooded with light by the Holy Spirit), so that you will know and cherish the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints (God people).

Paul’s prayer is for the believer to gain knowledge in the inner man from the Holy Spirit. We can pray this prayer for increased wisdom from Jesus. And with personal knowledge from Jesus, hope will grow and increase in the promises of the word of God. As we realize our call, we will learn our inheritance as saints.  

Ephesians 1:9-10

He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, with regard to the fulfillment of the times (that is, the end of history, the climax of the ages) to bring all things together in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.

We are coming to an end of an age, and God will bring all things together in Christ. God hasn’t kept His people in the dark about His return to the earth.   Jesus will return for His church and chosen people who believe in Him. The believer should be keeping themselves ready for His return with a faithful focus on God and His word.

Ephesians 3-4

Blessed and worthy of praise be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly realms in Christ, just as (in His love) He chose us in Christ (actually selected us for Himself as His own) before the foundation of this world, so that we would be holy and blameless in His sight. In love.

God wanted us in His family from the beginning, and He chose us! He loved us even before we existed and will keep His family protected. We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly realms in Christ. God is more than enough for love, peace, protection, and finances. As we draw closer to God, our soul prospers, and we prosper in all things.