Luke 6:45

The (intrinsically) good man produces what is good and honorable and in his heart; and the (intrinsically) evil man produces what is wicked and depraved out of the evil (in his heart); for his mouth speaks from the overflow of his heart.

Both people are practicing what is placed in their heart. It is what they study and think on day in and day out. When we strive to produce good fruit, we must practice and meditate on the word to bear it. Be of good courage and keep the faith. Don’t let your heart be troubled because Jesus is there to guide us.

Luke 6:49

But the one who has (merely) heard and has not practiced (what I say), is like a (foolish) man who built a house on the ground without any foundation, and the torrent burst against it; and it immediately collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great. 

No one can build our foundation in the faith except ourselves. We can go to church and bible study, but unless we practice the faith and are doers of the word, we will falter. The word is sent to encourage and instruct us to create a foundation. Our faith is built on and created the more we practice and study the word. Be encouraged and don’t give up; the foundation gets stronger every day. 

Luke 6:46

Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not practice what I tell you?

We live in a fallen world that will discourage more than encourage. Where every day we must set our face to follow Jesus and not be dissuaded from giving up or backing down from our faith. Be encouraged in the Lord and keep the connection through prayer, bible reading, and praying in the Holy Ghost. When we keep our guard up and strong, the enemy can’t get through. 

Matthew 23:1-4

Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying: “The scribes and Pharisees have seated themselves in Moses’ chair so practice and observe everything they tell you, but do not do as they do; for they preach (things), but do not practice them. The scribes and the Pharisees tie up heavy loads (that are hard to bear) and place them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves will not lift a finger (to make them lighter).

The phrase “practice what we preach” comes to mind, along with being doers of the word. Our lives will have more success when we are diligent in doing the word. When we let go of the distractions of the world and focus on the instruction in the word, we can attain peace and confidence. What is the end goal?  To be more like Jesus.

2 John 1:9

Anyone who runs on ahead and does not remain in the doctrine of Christ (that is, one who is not content with what He taught), does not have God; but the one who continues to remain in the teaching (of Christ does have God), he has both the Father and the Son. 

When Jesus died on the cross, it was a finished work. The example for the followers of Christ has been clearly set and does not need to be modified. Our knowledge of the word and the works of Jesus keep us from being deceived and pulled away from Jesus. We are to test the spirits and the preachers to make sure what they say lines up with the word of God.

2 John 1:6

And this is love: that we walk in accordance with His commandments and are guided continually by His precepts. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in love. 

God has set before us His example of love for the sinner and the saved.  We who follow God will walk in love towards others. Love is the core of our faith. God is our guide through His commandments and precepts. We don’t have to guess at what is right and wrong; we just need to follow the example. 

Jeremiah 1:17

But you (Jeremiah), gird up your loins (in preparation)! Get up and tell them all which I command you. Do not be distraught and break down at the sight of their (hostile) faces, or I will bewilder you before them and allow you to be overcome.

It takes faith to witness to people in Jeremiah’s day and ours. Not everyone wants to hear the truth of the gospel, and some will reject it. When we have courage and wisdom, we will be able to reach people for God. God is more than able to lead us to talk to people about Him. Be of good cheer; Jesus has been rejected more than we have. 

Psalm 34:4-5

I sought the Lord (on the authority of His word), and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant; their faces will never blush in shame or confusion. 

When we use our authority given to us by Jesus, we speak in faith. We speak to God by faith; then we can be assured that He hears us and will answer our prayers.  Before we pray for something, do we pause and consider whether we believe in what we are asking for? 

Psalm 33:18-19

Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon those who fear Him (and worship Him with awe-inspired reverence and obedience), on those who hope (confidently) in His compassion and lovingkindness, to rescue their lives from death and keep them alive in famine. 

Our reverence for God is rewarded by His loving kindness and protection. God knows what we are going through and has compassion for us. We win battles when we praise the Lord and close the doors the devil tries to open. Our best defense is to love God in the good and bad times and remain faithful to Him.

Psalm 32:5-6

I acknowledged my sin to You, and I did not hide my wickedness; I said “I will confess (all) my transgressions to the Lord”; and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You (for forgiveness) in a time when You (are near and) may be found; surely when the great waters (of trial and distressing times) overflow they will not reach (the spirit in) him.

God is unable to forgive what we will not acknowledge as sin. If we don’t confess by avoiding and making excuses for the sin, we will never be free of it.  When we keep ourselves close to Jesus and willing to repent when we err, Jesus can stay near to us. Jesus can make a way for us during trials if we keep ourselves unhindered by sin.