Mark 1:30-31

Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they told Him about her.  Jesus went to her, and taking her by the hand, raised her up; and the fever left her, and she began to serve them (as her guests).

Jesus is our healer, and He wants us to healed and whole.  Notice there was never any hesitation from the disciples or Jesus about healing the woman.  Jesus wants to raise us and heal us, whether we believe in miraculous healing or divine work through a doctor.  Either way, there is no question that Jesus wants to heal us.

Amos 5:6

Seek the Lord (search diligently) for Him and long for Him as your essential need) so that you may live, or He will rush down like a (devouring) fire, O house of Joseph.  

We can have many time wasters in our life that take our focus away from God.  They may, for the most part, be good except for when it becomes the single focus.  When we place God first, and as our essential need, we focus on Him daily.  As we keep Him as the center of focus, we invite God into our lives and listen for His direction.  A close relationship with God is one of the most beneficial that we can have. 

Matthew 27:30-31

They spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him repeatedly on the head.  After they finished ridiculing Him, they stripped Him of the scarlet robe and put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him.  

Jesus suffered the punishment for sin, and He set us free, but He was mocked and criticized by the people He was trying to save.  The world should hold no draw for the believer because we should see how it comes short of God’s best.  They mock us just as they have mocked Jesus, but our lights will still shine.  

Psalm 57:1-2

Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious and merciful to me, for my soul finds shelter and safety in You, and in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge and be confidently secure until destruction passes by. 

When the world contains destruction, God is our source of safety.  Our souls can find shelter and protection under the wings of God.   We don’t have to let the fear of the unknown dominate our lives.  We can take refuge in the word as we pray to God for our security.  Our confidence comes from our relationship, knowing that God is more than able to keep us safe.  

Psalm 25:4-5

Let me know Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths.  Guide me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You (and only You) I wait (expectantly) all day long.

A strong relationship with God starts with a love for His word.  When we open our bibles and are excited to learn something new today, we are on the right track.  One revelation from the bible can change our lives forever.  When our hearts are ready to learn from the word, God is able to light the path. 

Matthew 24:10

At that time many will be offended and repelled (by their association with Me) and will fall away (from the One whom they should trust) and will betray one another (handing over believers to their persecutors) and will hate one another.  

Our job in these last days is to build ourselves a foundation in Jesus that cannot move.  We need to keep our eyes clear and focused on the word and be wise to the enemy.  We need to purify our hearts and guard it against any offense.  We need to keep our strength up with the help of the Holy Spirit and always remember we are never alone.  

John 16:23

In that day you will not (need to) ask Me about anything.  I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name (as My representative), He will give you.

Our faith in Jesus Christ gives us the authority to use His name.  We have the stamp of Jesus on us and inside us, and that makes the devil tremble.  Our part is to ask in faith and not doubting that what we ask for in His name will come to pass.  Faith or believing being fully convinced that God is willing and able to act on our behalf.

Acts 5:19-20

But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, and leading them out said, Go, stand and continue to tell the people in the temple (courtyards) the whole message of this Life (the eternal life revealed by Christ and found through Him in faith.)

The born-again believer has been let out of prison! We were once one of the lost with no hope of being free, but God sent Jesus to save our souls.  Just as the apostles were sent out to spread the message, so are we. Our lives represent the possibilities of a life set free of prison if only we believe and proclaim the message. 

Ephesians 6:10

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord (draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him) and in the power of His (boundless) might.

Our strength comes from God daily.  There isn’t a day when we shouldn’t turn to His word to lift ourselves and clear our focus.  Many stresses in life try to pull us away from the love of God but be strong in the Lord.  Don’t try to carry the burden but let God take it for you.  

Ephesians 4:17

So this I say, and solemnly affirm together with the Lord (as in His presence), that you must no longer live as the (unbelieving) Gentiles live, in the futility of their minds (and in the foolishness and emptiness of their souls),

Our minds and our spirits war against each other for control of our lives.  The spirit knows infinitely more and is in contact with the Holy Spirit.  The mind knows the reason, the five senses, and is limited.  God wants us to strive to trust in His leading over our mind.  The wisdom of God is limitless and a vital source for our lives to thrive.