Luke 3:8

Therefore produce fruit that is worthy of repentance (that is changed lives, turn from sin and seek God and His righteousness). And do not even begin to say to yourselves (as a defense), “We have Abraham for our father (and our heritage assures us salvation) for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham.”

When we repent, it can’t be just lip service; our hearts must change, and our lives must reflect that change. We can’t continue to do evil and call it good. That is not repentance. If we love God, we will turn from sin and do that which pleases God. If we love sin, repentance has no meaning to us. 

Isaiah 8:14

Then He shall be a sanctuary (sacred, indestructible shelter for those who fear and trust Him); But to both the houses of Israel a stone on which to stumble and a rock on which to trip, a trap and a snare for the inhabitants.

God is our sanctuary. When we keep our eyes on the bible and His word, we don’t see the fear and misdirection the world wants us to follow. The noise of this world is meant to distract, and the word of God is meant to focus our hearts on faith. It matters to our lives where we put our trust and spend our time.

Isaiah 8:12-13

You are not to say, “It is a conspiracy!” In regard to all this people call a conspiracy, and you are not to fear what they fear nor be in dread of it. It is the Lord of hosts who you are to regard as holy and awesome. He shall be your (source of) fear, He shall be your (source of) dread (not man). 

God is the source of our strength and security. When we keep our eyes on Him and fear the Lord more than man, we will stay under the shadow of His protection. Fear does not keep us safe but opens the door to destruction. Fear of God is Holy reverence for Him.

Luke 1:45

And blessed (spiritually fortunate and favored by God) is she who believed and confidently trusted that there would be fulfillment of things that were spoken to her (by angel sent) from the Lord.  

God can speak to us in many ways. Are we prepared to listen and believe? Faith is a positive force, and when we believe, it opens the doors for us to receive from God. Faith doesn’t hinder or doubt that God’s word is true. If we have doubts, keep studying the Bible until faith comes. 

Luke 1:29 and 38

But she was greatly perplexed at what he said, and kept carefully considering what kind of greeting this was. Then Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel left her.

Mary listened to the angel, perplexed at what he spoke, but she didn’t doubt his words. When she did speak, it was with confirmation in the trust of God and obedience to His word. Trust and obedience to the word of God will move mountains. Faith believes and acts on the word of God

Luke 1:19-20

The angel replied and said to him. “I am Gabriel; I stand and minister in the presence of God, and I have been sent (by Him) to speak to you and bring you this good news. Listen carefully, you will be continually silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe what I told you; but my words will be fulfilled at their proper time.

When we speak against the promises and word of God given to us in doubt, our prayers go unanswered. Death and life are in the power of our tongue, and we need to place a guard over our mouths. If what we want to say isn’t lovely or true, don’t say it. Speaking faith-filled words is vital for answered prayer. 

James 2:24

You see that a man (believer) is justified by works and not by faith alone (that is, by acts of obedience, a born-again believer reveals his faith).

Work is an action that moves forward with the confidence of faith—knowing that what was promised is, without a doubt, coming and that we are on our way to meet it. We do not stagger under unbelief at the promises of God, but boldly move forward in obedience.

James 2:22

You see that (his) faith was working together with his works, and as a result of the works, his faith was completed (reaching its maturity when he expressed his faith through obedience).

Because Abraham believed God’s promises, he acted on that belief. When we believe in the Word of God, we must act on our faith. No matter how small it may seem, the action is a movement of faith. If we don’t believe something is possible, we will take no action. 

Mark 9:24

Immediately the father of the boy cried out (with desperate, piercing cry), saying, “I do believe; help (me overcome) my unbelief.”

God is sitting in heaven wanting to help us overcome our unbelief. He doesn’t want us sick, sad, broke, angry, or alone. God knows He has the answer, and that answer is in the Word, but unless we work to eradicate our unbelief by letting God teach us through the Word, we will never find our answers. Father, help my unbelief!

John 14:12

I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me (as Savior) will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these (in extent and outreach) because I am going to the Father.

If mountains are not moving when we pray, we may need to meditate on this scripture until we believe in what Jesus says. When we keep the Word before our eyes, our faith will build, and we will be convinced. If we are not convinced, our prayers go unanswered. It comes down to living a defeated Christian life without faith or a powerful force for God.