James 3:18

And the seed whose fruit is righteousness (spiritual maturity) is sown in peace by those who make peace (by actively encouraging goodwill between individuals). 

Believers should, to the best of their abilities, live in peace with other believers and non-believers. It is hard to grow with God when we are in strife because our focus is wrong.  Love and kindness should be at the center of our hearts.   It may take practice, but God loved us and forgave us, and so should we.  

John 16:33

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have (perfect) peace.  In the world you have tribulation and distress and sufferings, but be courageous (be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy); I have overcome the world.

Jesus has overcome the world!  Our peace in uncertain times comes from Jesus.  When we focus on God and the Bible, we can see God working on behalf of His people.  Jesus tells us how to live and overcome the world in bad times.  Keep the faith and keep the focus.

Luke 10:8-9

Whenever you go into a city and they welcome you, eat what is set before you; and heal those in it who are sick (authenticating your message), and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.  

Jesus came to this earth to heal along with our salvation.  Jesus died for our sins and sickness on the cross.  The word will show us that healing is for us and a gift from God; when needing healing read the bible and study the healing scriptures until faith comes.  Jesus wants us healed and whole.

Thessalonians 3:6

Now we command you, believers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and by His authority, that you withdraw and keep away from every brother or sister who leads an undisciplined life and does not live-in accordance with the tradition and teaching that you have received from us.  

Influence from friends and relationships can indeed affect our thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs.  We seek approval from our friends and family, and what they think affects our decisions.  If we are trying to live a life for God but spend most of our time with people, who don’t, we will compromise our faith.  

Titus 1:7

For the overseer, as God’s steward, must be blameless, not self-willed, not quick tempered, not addicted to wine, not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain (but financially ethical). 

These qualifications and standards transmit to all areas of leadership in the church or outside.  The church and the world both need people who lead fairly and honestly.  God counts on His people to be influencers in the world for good.  They represent God, and He is good, and so should our leaders.

James 1:7-8

For such a person ought not to think or expect that he will receive anything (at all) from the Lord, being a double minded man, unstable and restless in all his ways (in everything he thinks, feels, or decides).

Faith is that line in the sand that a believer refuses to cross.  Faith is a connection to God.  A believer by that faith has seen results in the past and builds toward the future.  Faith hears, responds, loves, and listens to God.  If a person feels that they are not hearing from God, check if the faith line has moved with doubt, fear, or feelings. A straightforward adjustment and faith are back on track.  

Psalm 119:98-99

Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for Your words are always with me.  I have better understanding and deeper insight than all my teachers (because of Your word) for Your testimonies are my meditation.  

The deeper connection we want from God comes from reading and meditating on His word.  The bible is our insight into how God thinks and His expectations for us, and what He wants to give us.  God provides us with gifts and opportunities for wisdom and leadership in our lives.  

Psalm 89:1

I will sing of the goodness and lovingkindness of the Lord forever; with my mouth I will make known Your faithfulness from generation to generation.

The power of praise and worship will open up the heavens.  Praise helps us express our love for God and all that He has done.  Worship shows that we know that God is our source and supply. It takes the focus off ourselves and back to God. 

Luke 14:27

Whoever does not carry his own cross (expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come) and follow after Me (believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me) cannot be My disciple. 

Jesus is realistic when He tells believers that trials may come to the Christian. Jesus had tests on this earth and opposition from the enemy. We will have trails on this earth and resistance from the enemy. Jesus gave us the knowledge and authority to overcome those trials through faith.  

Matthew 11:25

At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth (I openly and joyfully acknowledge Your great wisdom), that you have hidden these things (these spiritual truths) from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to infants (to new believers, to those seeking God’s will and purpose).

God willingly reveals truths to the new believer. When we seek God’s will and purpose, God will show us the way. He wants us to succeed in our lives and triumph in the circumstances. When we seek information and guidance from God, He will provide. Lean into God, and we will learn.