Jude 1:20-21

But you, beloved, build yourselves up on (the foundation of) your most holy faith (continually progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher), pray in the Holy Spirit, and keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously and looking forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 

We should consider our faith a never-ending building project. Each level is a different phase requiring different levels of expertise. Our knowledge of God and our depth of faith continue to increase with each new level of experience we gain from life. The Bible is the plan or blueprint we constantly refer to and keeps us on track.

James 4:14

Yet you do not know (the least thing) about what may happen in your life tomorrow. (What is secure in your life?) You are merely a vapor (like a puff of smoke or a wisp of steam from a cooking pot) that is visible for a little while and then vanishes (into thin air).

We need to live our best lives today! Our lives don’t start with a goal, vacation, or some future event. Our lives are in this current moment. Pause! Where are you in this moment? When we understand how valuable each moment/day is, we will learn to use it focused on what is good. The Word of God cancels the noise and will help us create value in the moments. 

James 5:11

You know we call those blessed (happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God) who were steadfast and endured (difficult circumstances). You have heard of the patient endurance of Job and you have seen the Lord’s outcome (how He richly blessed Job). The Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.  

No one wants to experience difficult circumstances and the fear of the unknown outcome. That is where our faith in God will walk us through the challenges. When we believe in God and trust in Him, we believe He carries us through. We are strengthened in trials, tested, and rewarded if we keep the faith. 

Numbers 15:39-40

It shall be a (blue) tassel for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the Lord, to do them, so that you do not follow after (the desires of) your own heart and eyes, (desires) after which you used to follow and play the prostitute, so that you may remember to do all My commandments and be holy (set apart) to your God.

We need reminders in our lives not to be willfully disobedient to God. The devil is sneaky, enticing, and constantly trying to attract our eyes to turn away from God. If we remain on guard and turn away from distractions, we will keep ourselves set apart for God. It matters where we focus and keep our guard up.

Philippians 4:12

I know how to get along and live humbly (in difficult times), and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret (of facing life) whether well-fed or going hungry, whether have an abundance or being in need. 

Paul’s secret is the strength given to him through Jesus. Paul kept his focus on God, and God made sure that Paul fulfilled his call on the earth. God will do the same thing for us when we focus on Him and call out to Him when we need help. God will provide for all our needs, but we must believe that He will, like Paul.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s Word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things (center your mind of them, and implant them in your heart).

The battle for our world takes place right between our ears. The only thing we can control is ourselves, our thoughts, and our actions. We cannot control what others say, do, or believe. The choice is for a moment, but the outcome of our lives, whether good or bad, depends on how we choose to set our focus. We must discipline ourselves to focus on the truth of God’s Word. 

2 Thessalonians 2:10

And by unlimited seduction to evil and with all the deception of wickedness for those who are perishing, because they did not welcome the love of the truth (of the gospel) so as to be saved (they were spiritually blind, and rejected the truth that would have saved them).

People choose to be gods to themselves and reject the truth of the Gospel. Sin becomes more enticing and deceptive the deeper they go. Yet they will still keep searching for fulfillment that they can only get from God and be mad at God for not accepting their choice of sin. They are still choosing sin over the Savior.

Hebrews 12:25

See to it that you do not refuse (to listen to) Him who is speaking (to you now). For if those (sons of Israel) did not escape when they refused (to listen to) him who warned them on earth (revealing God’s will), how much less we will escape if we turn our backs on Him who warns from heaven?

Rebelling comes in many forms, and not listening to God is one of them. If we step out past God’s will and away when we have been warned not to, we step away from God’s protection and into the hands of the enemy. Just like a parent who warns a child not to go there; it isn’t safe. God warns us for our benefit and to keep us safe and from harm. 

Ecclesiastes 10:19

Through laziness the rafters (of state affairs) decay and the roof sags, and through idleness (the roof of) the house leaks. The officials make a fest for enjoyment (instead of repairing what is broken) and serve wine to make life merry, and money is the answer to everything.

This scripture describes a government without God as ineffectual and lazy, where nothing gets restored. God is the motivator and gives us the wisdom and provision to supply the needs of the people. When God is left out of the equation, the answer becomes other people’s money (taxation) to fix the problem.  

Ecclesiastes 10:10

If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength; but wisdom (to sharpen the axe) helps him succeed (with less effort). 

Wisdom makes a difference in our daily lives, whether they are hard or easy. God will pour His wisdom into our lives to help us make the right choices, even in the simple things…like not forgetting something important. We get this connection from being born again, connecting with the Word, praising God, and talking to God. Let the wisdom flow.