Ecclesiastes 1:17-18

And I set my mind to know (practical) wisdom and to discern (the character of) madness and folly (in which men seem to find satisfaction); I realized that this too is futile grasping and chasing after the wind.  For in much (human) wisdom there is much displeasure and exasperation; increasing knowledge increases sorrow.  

The wisdom of man will never match the wisdom of God.  In many cases, we would benefit significantly by praying over trying to figure it out in our thoughts.  God sees everything, and we can only see our present state with limited knowledge.  We would have a greater sense of peace and safety knowing that we have turned the situation over to God, and He has it under control.  

Proverbs 26:3-4

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools (who refuse to learn).  Do not answer (nor pretend to agree with frivolous comments of) a (closed-minded) fool according to his folly. 

Everyone has had a lesson they have had to learn about themselves and their decisions.  When we do what we think in right in our own eyes and not listen to God as He tries to steer us in another direction.  The same lesson will keep coming before us in many ways until we change our mindset and change our path according to the wisdom that comes from God.  The best part is the victory when we do learn and change.  

Psalm 84:10 

For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand (anywhere else); I would rather stand (as a doorkeeper) at the threshold of the house of my God.  Than to live (at ease) in the tents of wickedness.  

Sometimes we need a reminder of how short our lives are here on earth compared to eternity.  That one day, the believer will see God and His courts in heaven.  The vision is a way to keep our present life in perspective to what is long-term.  Just because a wicked person seems to have a life of ease doesn’t mean that is the complete picture.  

Psalm 23:1-3

The Lord is my Shepherd (to feed, to guide and to shield me), I shall not want.  He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still and quiet waters.  He refreshes and restores my soul (life); He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Our lives can be filled with so much busy and distraction that we can get tired.  In those times, we need to remind ourselves to follow where God leads and rest.  The noise of life and thoughts in our heads can cause distraction from the still quiet waters.  Our souls need refreshing, and our minds need renewal to continue our journey with God in the lead.

Psalm 50:23

He who offers a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving honors Me; And to him who orders his way rightly (who follows the way that I show him), I shall show the salvation of God.

When we first start as Christians, we are just learning how to walk according to God’s Word.  As we grow, we realize the direction from God comes to keep us out of sin and in the blessings and safety with God. The way we order our lives before God matters, and we must practice consistently.  The bible helps us renew our minds and keeps us on track so we can follow His ways.

John 4:49-50

The royal official pleaded with Him, “Sir, do come down (at once) before my child dies.  Jesus said to him, “Go; your son lives!” The man believed what Jesus said to him and started home. 

Notice that the man believed Jesus healed his son.  Later the man asked the hour that his son recovers, and it was the same hour Jesus proclaimed the son would live.  Isaiah 53:5 declares our healing even before Jesus came to this earth.  If we can believe, just like the man, when it was proclaimed all those years ago, we were healed, we would also see the manifestation through faith.

2 Corinthians 3:16-17

But whenever a person turns (in repentance and faith) to the Lord, the veil is taken away.  Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from the bondage, true freedom).

Our freedom through Christ’s redemptive power removes the old barriers caused by sin.  The veil is taken away and frees us to fulfill the plans for our lives.  Without Jesus, there will always be something missing in a person’s life.  Philosophies can seem to satisfy the mind but cannot fill the spirit of man.  The Spirit brings true freedom to our lives.  

Galatians 3:6-7

Just as Abraham believed God, and it was credited to Him as righteousness, (as conformity to God’s will and purpose-so it is with you also). So understand that it is the people who live by faith (with confidence in the power and goodness of God) who are (the true) sons of Abraham.

When we decide to live by faith and trust Jesus with our lives, we set aside what we think we know.  Faith is not a tangible substance, nor is it created by formula.  Faith comes by revelation of the Word of God when our spirits make a connection and our understanding increases.  Our faith gives us confidence in the power of God and opens the doors for Him to move on our behalf.

2 Timothy 4:5

But as for you, be clear-headed in every situation (stay calm and cool and steady), endure every hardship (without flinching), do the work of an evangelist, fulfill (the duties of) your ministry.

We live in trying times to discourage and oppress the believer and move them away from the faith.  As believers, we must not forget who we are in Christ as ambassadors for Him on this earth.  We have authority as believers, and the devil is afraid that we will use it.  We must stand up for ourselves and our faith.  Jesus stood up for us!

Malachi 4:1

For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, and all the arrogant (proud, self-righteous, haughty), and every evildoer shall be stubble; and the day that is coming shall set them on fire,” says the Lord of hosts, “so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.

Sin blinds people to what is right and wrong.  Sin will justify an error so that repentance is delayed or dismissed by the sinner.  The bible calls it a seared consciousness, so we must pray for those we know are in sin.  We must pray that their eyes open, so they repent and return to God; otherwise, they will not see or react to the stop signs.