2 Timothy 2:15

Study and do your best to present yourself to God-approved, a workman (tested by trial) who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the Word of truth.  

If we keep attentive to God’s Word, we won’t be ashamed and feel lacking in faith when trials arrive. We are more able to keep our focus and handle the situation. God will show us where to turn in the Word and what to speak to the problem. When we speak our faith and study the Word, our foundation in God will prove invaluable.  

Hebrews 12:11

For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterward, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness (right standing with God and a lifestyle and attitude that seeks conformity to God’s will and purpose).

Children to adults all require discipline because there are many alternative ungodly options. God shows us in His Word where the pitfalls exist to tempt our thoughts and try our flesh. It may not feel comfortable, but it will help us avoid future mistakes and problems. We will find peace through discipline, and what used to bother us now has no effect.

Proverbs 12:1

Whoever loves instruction and discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof and correction is stupid. 

Instruction and discipline keep us away from sin, and sin will take us a long way from God. When God corrects us, He loves us and is trying to keep us safe. We cannot harden our hearts to God, turn to sin, and expect our lives to go well. 

Romans 12:17

Never repay anyone evil for evil. Take thought for what is right and gracious and proper in the sight of everyone.  

We have to train ourselves not to be easily provoked. We know that we live in a world with people who have sinful natures, and we, as Christians, are to behave better. Our spirits must rule over evil circumstances and prevail even when the flesh speaks to us otherwise. God gives us the strength and the Holy Spirit to overcome in times of trial.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always and delight in prayer; in every situation (no matter what circumstances), be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

When we rejoice, we focus on faith, not fear, lack, sickness, or the situation. We can control our attitude in every case; when we do, it affects the outcome. We let our love for God rule our hearts, and our faith rises. God responds to worship and a grateful heart because our faith pleases God.

Isaiah 43:1-2

But now, this is what the Lord, your Creator says, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel, you (from captivity): I have called you by name and you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you walk through fire you will not be scorched nor will the flame burn you.  

We don’t truly comprehend God’s power to move in our lives. Distraction and daily living diminish our focus on the Word and understanding of this power. The closer we draw near to God, the more real His power is to us and our lives, and the stronger we become in our faith.  

Luke 9:23

And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to follow Me (as My disciple), he must deny himself (set aside selfish interests) and take up his cross daily (expressing willingness to endure whatever may come) and follow Me.  

As Christians, our call is to be disciples of Jesus. Discipleship means denying our old selfish ways and sins and not letting them return. Being born again will change our hearts, but our minds must be renewed. This is why we must take up the cross daily and endure whatever comes as we follow Jesus.  

1 Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord (always doing your best and doing more than is needed), being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile nor wasted (it is never without purpose).

When it comes to the things of the Lord, we always want to do our best. Our attitude counts with God; if He asks us to do something, we should do it with a good attitude. Not as if it is drudgery or too hard and that it isn’t appreciated or noticed. God knows and is happy when we work with Him for the Kingdom.  

Hebrews 12:1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness), stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the weight which is before us. 

Is there something that is slowing down the spiritual progress in our life? If our focus is trapped by sin or lack of commitment, the growth will slow down or stop. We can’t be double-minded with the things of God; what we say to ourselves on the inside matters more than what we say to others on the outside.  

Colossians 4:2

Whatever you do (no matter what it is) in Word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus (and in dependence on Him), giving thanks to God the Father through Him.  

Relationship! Being a Christian is more than just attending Church and reading the bible. Being a Christian is about connection and being dependent on Him.  If we live our lives in the name of the Lord daily, we are building a solid line of communication. We praise and worship as we see God working and helping us through.