Mark 7:14-15

After He called the people to Him again, He began saying to them, “Listen (carefully) to Me, all of you, (hear) and understand (what I am saying): there is nothing outside a man (such as food) which by going into him can defile him (morally or spiritually):  but the things which come out of (the heart of) a man are what defile and dishonor him.  

Keeping our hearts focused on what is pure and lovely is essential.  We need to be diligent in what we hear and come before our eyes to persuade us or lead us away from the word.  What we believe in our hearts comes out of our mouths and affects the direction of our lives.  

Matthew 7:24

So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, will be like a wise man (a far-sighted, practical, and sensible man) who built his house on the rock.  

Building a solid foundation on the word of God is one of the most important things we can do.  The word gives us knowledge of the promises of God and prepares us for the ups and downs.  Knowledge is power for our lives and strength to our souls. 

Matthew 4:17

From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent (change your inner self-your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.    

The old way of thinking always needs an update.  Just like our lives move forward, so should our faith by renewing our thinking.  Growing continually takes up more space, and so should the word in our lives and mind.  As the mind updates, so do the way we live and how we see our purpose. 

Habakkuk 2:3

For the vision is yet for the appointed (future) time. It hurries toward the goal (of fulfillment); it will not fail.  Even though it delays, wait (patently) for it, because it will certainly come; it will not delay.

Sometimes waiting for the promise can be challenging.  Time seems to slow down as we expectantly wait for the promise.  We can’t give up.  We must keep holding onto the word from God and remind us of His faithfulness.  The vision is coming, and sometimes God has to move circumstances into place.  Stand in faith; the promise will appear.  

Psalm 20:4-5

May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans.  We will sing joyously over your victory, and in the name of God we will set up our banners. May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.  

God wants to bless us and help us with our plans.  We all have dreams and goals that we want to accomplish, and God wants to be right there with us, helping us succeed.  When we need the wisdom to make a decision, all we have to do is ask.  When we need encouragement to keep going, God will give it to us.  Nothing is too hard for God.  

Psalm 19:1

The Heavens are telling of the glory of God; and the expanse (of heavens) is declaring the work of His hands. 

The earth is complicated in its design, and nature in its beauty expresses the glory of its creator.  The stars that light up the night sky leave us in the wonder of God and His ability to create.  We can only contemplate how it all works, but we can glorify God for His marvelous creation.  

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be (written) on your heart and mind. You shall teach them diligently to your children (impressing God’s precepts on their minds and penetrating their hearts with His truths) and shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk in the road and when you lie down and when you get up.  

If God thinks it is vital that we train our children in what is right and wrong, shouldn’t we.  The world has been trying to convince us that parents are not as vital.  Parents are the first line of defense and are meant to train a child in the way they should go.  Parents take heart and keep following the commandments of God!

Leviticus 26:3-4

If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments and (obediently)do them, then I will give you rain in its season, and the land will yield her produce and the trees of the field bear fruit.  

Our relationship with God and obedience to Him is always to be to our benefit.  The ordinances and statutes of God keep us away from evil happening in our lives.  God can see what we cannot and fix what is broken.  The love that God has for us knows no bounds, and He cares for us and our lives.  

Leviticus 26:14-15

But if you do not obey Me and do no (obediently) do all these commandments, if, instead, you reject My statutes, and if your soul rejects My ordinances, so that you will not (obediently) do all My commandments, and in this way break my covenants.

God is talking to His people here, warning them of what will happen when they break the covenant.  It is their choice what they want to do, but God gives a clear warning of the pitfalls of not being under His protection. We can all be deceived into following a path that is against the word of God.  However, we can always repent and get right back under the protection of God.  We choose the life we want with God.

Romans 7:4

Therefore, my fellow believers, you too died to the Law through the (crucified) body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God.  

Jesus came to set us free from the law.  That is why Jesus died for our sins once and for all and sent the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is our helper and guide, keeping us away from evil.  To remain righteous under the law was difficult without help which is why sacrifices had to be offered.  Praise the Lord. Jesus redeems us on the cross.