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.

Proverbs 16-3

Commit your works to the Lord (submit and trust them to Him), and your plans will succeed (if you respond to His will and guidance).

When it comes to the things of God and our lives, working with God is always better than working alone. God can make things possible from an angle we don’t even know exists if we are walking in the will of God for our lives. God won’t ask us to do something impossible for Him, we may think it is an impossible mountain to climb, but maybe God has a better way to get to the top.

Proverbs 4:26-27

Consider well and watch carefully the path of your feet, and all your ways will be steadfast and sure. Do not turn away to the right nor to the left (where evil may lurk); turn your foot from (the path of) evil.

Sometimes we run our lives on autopilot and must pay attention to where we are going. Our thoughts may wander down a fruitless path or watch something not for our benefit. We have yet to do our best. We feel we could do better. We need a thought and focus checkup on reminding ourselves what is vital to our spiritual life and focus on what will develop that.  

Proverbs 4:25

Let your eyes look directly ahead (toward the path of moral courage) and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you (toward the path of integrity).

Our focus is so crucial to our spiritual life and growth. It is so easy to get distracted and lose track of what benefits us in our daily lives. Daily mind renewal and focus on the Word of God will keep our hearts close to Jesus. We stray and get distant when we allow our focus to stray from the Word of God.