Ephesians 1:5

He predestined and lovingly planned for us to be adopted to Himself as (His own) children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the kind intention and good pleasure of His will to the praise of His glorious grace and favor, which He so freely bestowed in us in the Beloved.

We cannot forget that our lives are meaningful and important to God.  We are not an accident. We are here on purpose, and we matter to God. Our lives are an extension of Jesus and His commandments here on earth. We are vital to fulfilling God’s plan and reaching the lost of this world. Don’t let the turbulence in the world take our eyes off the purpose we have through Jesus.

Ephesians 1:4

Just as (in His love) he chose us in Christ (actually selected us for Himself as His own) before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy (that is, consecrated, set apart for Him, purpose -driven) and blameless in His sight. In love.  

We have a purpose in the body of Christ, and we were selected. We have many gifts and talents along with our love for God. We can pray, encourage, and support our neighbors and our communities, ensuring that God’s representatives are occupying and thriving until Jesus comes. We have a purpose, and we are vital workers for God.

Galatians 3:27

For all of you who were baptized in Christ (into spiritual union with the Christ, the Anointed) have clothed yourselves with Christ (that is, you have taken on His characteristics and values).

The greatest deception we could believe is that as Christians, we have no value or influence in this world. When we were baptized in Christ, we became replicas of Jesus and His authority here on earth. We are agents of God for God. We are supposed to act like Jesus and take on His characteristics.

Galatians 3:26

For you (who are born-again have been reborn from above-spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified, and) are all children of God (set apart for His purpose with full rights and privileges) through faith in Christ Jesus.

Our lives may seem ordinary, but our spirits have been born again to be extraordinary. We have bridged the gap and established a connection. We are no longer people without a purpose and trapped in sin. We are connected to God with all the rights and privileges of full membership through faith in Jesus.

1 Peter 1:4-5

(Born anew) into an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and unfading, reserved in heaven for you who are being protected and shielded by the power of God through your faith for salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

Salvation changes our lives and changes our inheritance. We are no longer separated from God and His protection, but changed in our spirits and joined to God in heaven. God is now able to shield and protect us as we operate in faith and follow His commandments. We cannot forget or doubt the gift of salvation and the power of God who stands behind it.

1 Peter 1:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant and boundless mercy has caused us to be born again (that is, to be reborn from above-spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose) to an ever-living hope and confident assurance through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

When we were born again, God washed our sins away and hid them with Jesus Christ. The devil tries to use sin to guilt and shame, which separates a Christian from God. When we realize that we don’t have to accept the devil’s condemnation and just repent to God for our wrongdoings. We take away the power the devil has over us and move forward with God.

Daniel 6:23

Then the king was greatly pleased and ordered that Daniel be taken out of the den. So Daniel was taken out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in, relied on, and trusted in his God.

The Daniel kind of faith knows that God will protect in a lion’s den. When we choose to believe in, rely on, and trust completely in Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we will see our lives dramatically changed. We no longer try to solve the problem in our minds but turn it over to Jesus, trusting and relying that the answer is already on the way.

Isaiah 7:13-14

Then Isaiah said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too small a thing for you to try the patience of men, but will you try the patience of my God as well? Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Listen carefully, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will call his name Immanuel (God with us).

We need to trust God’s process and plans. God knows the beginning and the end and has already told us what will happen. We are not to fear wars or rumors of wars because He told us they would come. We are to remain faithful and obedient to His word and not be deceived. God has given us the signs.

Isaiah 5:20 – 21

Woe (judgment is coming) to those who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe (judgment is coming) to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever and shrewd in their own sight.

When we are not following the Lord and are doing evil in His sight, judgment will come. The Lord is long-suffering, wanting people to repent. Evil will never be a substitute for good nor right in the eyes of God. Never think that wickedness brings about prosperity. The end is eternal judgment and separation from God.

Psalm 147:11

He does not delight in the strength (military power) of the horse, nor does He take pleasure in the legs (strength) of man. The Lord favors those who fear and worship Him (with awe-inspired reverence and obedience) those who wait for His mercy and lovingkindness.

We are to trust in the might of God more than we are to trust in our own abilities. God is more than able to provide for our needs, protection, and future. When we fear and worship God, our focus shifts to the provider and away from worry about provision. We are more able to hear from God and eagerly wait for His mercy and lovingkindness.