Romans 4:5
But to the one who does not work (that is, the one who does not try to earn salvation by doing good) but believes and completely trusts in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited to him as righteousness (right standing with God).

The devil will use guilt and condemnation to manipulate people away from receiving salvation. If we are more sin-conscious than saved-conscious, we must check our thoughts and the Bible. Clear out any thoughts that don’t agree with Jesus and block them from returning with the Word.

Romans 4:1-2
What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather humanly speaking, has found? (has he obtained a favored standing?) For if Abraham was justified (that is, acquitted from the quilt of his sins) by works (those things he did that were good), he has something to boast about, but not before God.

God never said we had to be perfect people through works to obtain or keep salvation. Jesus died on the cross to cover our sins so we could be free from condemnation when we confess our sins. We don’t have to be perfect people living perfect lives. We must be humble, accept the gift, and not tie ourselves in knots trying to earn it.

Romans 3:23-24
Since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God, and are being justified (declared free of the guilt of sin, made acceptable to God and granted eternal life) as a gift by His (precious, undeserved) grace, through the redemption (the payment for our sin) which is (provided) in Christ Jesus.

We don’t have to stay separated from Jesus because of sin; even though sin tugs at us all, we have answers through Jesus Christ. No matter what tries to draw us away from God, we answer it with the Word and stop the devil. Don’t ponder what was said; just cast down your imagination and speak the Word. If we keep our minds out of trouble, we keep our peace.

Isaiah 59:1-2
Behold, the Lord’s hand is not so short that it cannot save, nor His ear so impaired that it cannot hear. But your wickedness has separated you from your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.

When we sin, our focus changes from what is Godly, and we turn our vision away from the Lord. Sins keep us separate from God by changing our thinking and diminishing our value in our minds but not to God. Sins blind the mind and heart when all it takes is for us to confess our sins and turn back to God so we can be saved.

Matthew 24:44-46
Therefore, you (who follow me) must also be ready because the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him. Who then is faithful and wise servant who his master has put in charge of his household to give others their food and supplies at the proper time? Blessed is the (faithful) servant when his master returns and finds him doing so.

Christians cannot let themselves become lukewarm in the faith or lax due to time. We don’t know the day or the hour of Jesus’ return, but we can see the signs. Our faith is based on the premise that Jesus died for our sins and will return when the devil’s lease expires. That fact has never changed! We are to be faithful servants until Jesus returns.

Psalm 34:7
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him (with awe inspired reverence and worship Him with obedience) and He rescues (each of) them.

We must take the time to praise and worship God with intention. We miss many blessings because we don’t praise and worship God. We win battles with praise and open doors to God with worship. Our praise shows God that we revere and honor Him.

Psalm 9:1
I will give thanks and praise the Lord, with all my heart; I will tell aloud all Your wonders and marvelous deeds. I will rejoice and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name O Most High.

Praise of God is not just lip service or a duty. Genuine praise is intentional with all our hearts because we mean it. God is to be praised for all His works and holy name. When we praise, we remember all the joy, peace, love, safety, and kindness God has shown us. Praise thanks God for all that He has done.

Psalm 3:6-7
I will not be intimidated or afraid of the ten thousands who have set themselves against me all around. Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked.

When we keep close contact with God, it doesn’t matter what tries to come against us; we will not be moved. We are confident in the Lord and His Word and will not be moved by what we see or feel. God’s promises are alive in our hearts, and we know God is acting on our behalf.

Psalm 39:6-7
Surely every man walks around like a shadow (in a charade); surely they make an uproar for nothing; each one builds up riches, not even knowing who will receive them. And now, Lord, for what do I expectantly wait? My hope (my confident expectation) is in You.

We need a purpose, and the right purpose, found through salvation through Jesus, fills up our spirits and souls. How often have those seeking riches, glory, and fame felt empty after attaining their goal? Without Jesus and salvation, we are like shadows of our true selves, always searching for the answer and never finding it, hallowed and empty.

Isaiah 6:9-10
And He said, “Go, and tell this people: Keep on listening, but do not understand; keep on looking, but do not comprehend. Make the heart of this people insensitive, their ears dull, and their eyes dim, otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and return and be healed.

The Bible says to renew our minds every day to the Word, so we don’t forget. Time will defeat our hearts and minds if we don’t keep them fresh with the Word. As sin creeps into our hearts, we become dull and can no longer see, hear, and understand God. When we keep our hearts intentionally faithful to the Word of God, we will not be overcome.