Luke 21:10-11

Then Jesus told them, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be violent earthquakes, and in various places famines and (deadly and devastating) pestilence (plagues, epidemics); and there will be terrible sights and great signs from heaven.

Jesus tells us beforehand what the sign of the end times will be.  The Bible itself warns us that an end is coming and to expect it.  However, we are not to fear but prepare ourselves in the word to reach the unsaved and lost.  We are not to let our hearts shrink back but become bold in proclaiming the good news of the Lord.  

Colossians 3:16

Let the (spoken) Word of Christ have its home within you (dwelling in your heart and mind-permeating every aspect of your being) as you teach (spiritual things) and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts toward God.

Our minds need a refresh from the Word of God because that is where peace and wisdom come from to permeate our lives. What grabs our attention is where our thoughts go, and then we act on those thoughts. If our minds are filled with God’s Word and Wisdom, it makes it easier for us not to travel down the wrong road.

Galatians 4:31 and5:1

So then, believers, we (who are born again-reborn from above-spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose) are not children of a slave woman (the natural), but of the free woman (the supernatural). It was for this freedom that Christ set us free (completely liberating us); therefore keep standing firm and do not subject again to the yoke of slavery (which you once removed).

No matter what stage we are in our faith walk, the reminder of staying free from the bondage of sin is essential. Why? Because temptation comes to us all, we get busy, tired, and complacent. None of us wants to return to the yoke and burden of slavery to sin! Our freedom and right standing with God are more precious than all the world’s riches.

Job 23:10-11

But He knows the way that I take (and He pays attention to it). When He has tried me, I will come forth as (refined) gold (pure and luminous). My feet have carefully followed His steps; I have kept His ways and not turned aside.

If we want to come before God and be pure as the finest gold, we must keep the Word. Our faith depends upon our knowledge and trust in what God tells us to be true. We then must trust that truth and act upon it in our lives. We must imitate Jesus and the Word and carefully follow His steps.

2 Corinthians 5:1

For We know that if the earthly tent (our physical body) which is our house is torn down (through death), we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our (immortal, eternal) celestial dwelling.

We will live two lives! One here on earth and because we are born again, one in heaven. We are to live our lives here with a purpose, fulfilling the plan of God and drawing closer to Him. As we build our relationship with God here, it will reflect in our rewards in heaven. The knowledge of the Word and our growth with God will sustain us until then.

Romans 8:18-19

For I consider (from the standpoint of faith) that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us! For (even the whole) creation (all nature) waits eagerly for the children of God to be revealed. 

Paul knew suffering for the spread of the Gospel and did not turn back from being a Christian. As the world moves toward the return of Jesus, we, as Christians, must be steadfast in our faith. Our minds must be set that the reward of heaven is far greater than any suffering the devil would send our way. 

2 Corinthians 9:6

Now (remember) this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows generously (that blessings may come to others) will also reap generously (and be blessed).

Giving is a trust issue with God. Suppose the question is whether we will have enough; we will not give in faith and receive. God is the one who provides for all our needs, and we have to trust Him to do it. We also must be willing givers to receive from God. Our knowledge of God’s works and His giving and receiving system is vital. 

James 4:8

Come close to God (with a contrite heart) and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners and purify your (unfaithful) hearts, you double-minded (people).

We have a part to play as we grow in our relationship with Jesus. No matter how long we have been born again, we must keep our hearts right. The world will creep into our lives in simple ways and distractions if we don’t remain faithful to the Word. Our hearts will remain pure when we keep our hearts and minds focused on the Word.

Psalm 51:6

Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part (of the heart) You will make me know wisdom. Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

When we are born again, the Holy Spirit comes to us to be our guide and bring wisdom. The wisdom of God is vital for our lives here on earth. The guidance and knowledge we gain from the Holy Spirit will transform our lives and lead in every area. 

Luke 16:10

He who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little thing is also dishonest in much.

It is important to have integrity of the heart. God will not entrust something important to His kingdom to someone who cannot be faithful to His Word. A wicked heart will not be honest in its dealings. Jesus came to change the sinner, remove the sin from the heart, and turn the dishonest person into an honest one.