Slow Down, Start Small, Take Breaks

Luke 16:10 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.

Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.

Proverbs 4:26 Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established.

Proverbs 28:20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus says the Lord God:  Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily.

Proverbs 19:2 Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, And he sins who hastens with his feet.

Ecclesiastes 5:2
Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few.

Proverbs 18:13 He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.

Proverbs 29:20
Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Proverbs 25:8 Do not go hastily to court; For what will you do in the end, When your neighbor has put you to shame?

James 1:19-20 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Mark 6:31  And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

Luke 10:38–42 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”  And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

How to overcome strongholds

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ

Get to know the Lord

Knowing God's keeps you humble

Isaiah 6:5 “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The Lord of hosts.”

Jeremiah 9:23-24 

Thus says the Lord:  “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord.

Let God's Spirit and Word guide you in knowing Him

John 15:26 But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.

John 5:39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.

Humility, Faith, and Divine Wisdom

Humbly submit to God, receive His grace

James 4:6-7 ...God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Humbly trust in God with your worries and fears

1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV) 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 

Psalm 56:3 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.

Trust God is with you and will act on your behalf

Psalm 118:6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?

Psalm 37:5–6 (GWT) Entrust your ways to the Lord. Trust him, and he will act ⌊on your behalf⌋. He will make your righteousness shine like a light, your just cause like the noonday sun.

Humbly trust God's guidance and wisdom

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Psalm 25:9 The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way.

Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom.

God's Wisdom Changes Yout Behavior

The Meekness of Wisdom

James 3:13-18 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Keep away from lies, Depart from evil, Seek Peace

Psalm 34:13-14 Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

Overcome evil with good

Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Don’t give place for the devil

Ephesians 4:25-27, 31-32 (ESV) Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil... Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

2 Corinthians 2:10-11 (NIV) Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

The Truth In Jesus Sets You Free

John 8:31-32, 34, 36 

If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.... whoever commits sin is a slave of sin...  if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

Ephesians 4:21-24 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

God's validation for you

God made you in his image and delights in you

Genesis 1:27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Zephaniah 3:17 

The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.

God loves you so much and wants to be with you forever

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

God is for you not against you

Romans 8:31 

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

His plans for you are good

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

He has given you unique gifts, talents, and strengths

Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;

You really are the apple of His eye

Psalm 17:8 Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings

Also see God's Love Letter

Bible Advice For Digital Media Use

You become like you look at

2 Corinthians 3:18 

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Don't waste your time

Ephesians 5:15-16 (ISV) So, then, be careful how you live. Do not be unwise but wise, making the best use of your time because the times are evil.

Psalm 119:37 

Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way.

Replace what's bad with what's good

Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Cling to what is good, avoid any form of evil

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 

Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

Set limits on social media

Proverbs 25:16 Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, Lest you be filled with it and vomit.

Social media fasting

Joel 2:12 “Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”

Meet in person

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Depend on the Lord's strength

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Wake up, Watch, Hope, and Be Transformed

Be watchful and thankful in prayer

Colossians 4:2 (ESV) Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Watchful prayer keeps you from temptation

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

1 Corinthians 1:12 (ISV) Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing securely should watch out so he doesn't fall.

Watch out and Be Sober-minded

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV) Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Armored with faith, love, and salvation

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

Wake up, clean up, dress up

Romans 13:10-14 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Arise and let Jesus shine

Ephesians 5:13-14 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,  “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

As servants waiting for their masters return

Mark 13:33-36 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping.

Living right and looking for the blessed hope

Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

A Hope that Purifies You

1 John 3:1-3 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

A Hope That Doesn't Disappoint

Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Also see Faith enables us to receive God's gifts

Also see Faith, Patience, and Waiting on God

Also see Put on God's armor

Also see Out with the old, In with the new

Walk in The Spirit, Walk In The Light

Walk in the Spirit

Galatians 5:17, 22-26 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh...  the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

God's Spirit Helps You See and Testifies of Jesus

Anointing Oil of the Spirit

1 Samuel 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah.

Lamp of Spiritual Eyesight

Luke 11:34-36 “The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light.”

Get Your Own Oil

Matthew 25:8-9 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’

God's Spirit Helps You See

1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Revelation 3:18 "...anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see"

God's Spirit Spirit testifies of Jesus

John 15:26 But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.

Walk In The Light of Jesus

Jesus is the light of the world and of life

John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

Believe the light and become children of light

John 12:35-36 Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them.

Ephesians 5:8-14 (ESV) for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Those who do the truth come to the light

John 3:20-21 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.

Walking in the light, Jesus cleanses us from sin

1 John 1:6-7 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Jesus' light keeps you from stumbling

John 11:9-10 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”

The Armor of Light: The Lord Jesus Christ

Romans 13:12-14 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Be A Light To The World

Doing good glorifies God

Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Do all things without complaining or disputing

Philippians 2:14-15 Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world

Related post: Sit, Walk, Stand

How To Be Happy and Overcome Any Disappointment

The Happiness Equation:

We become happy when our life situation equals our life expectations. 

Disappointed expectations:

We become unhappy due to disappointed expectations. When we're unhappy, we tend to allow life events, other people, and even our own mistakes to define us. All upset is because of unmet expectations. "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life." Proverbs 13:12. 

What you focus on is what you will find

Out of fear of disappointment, many lower their expectations, but ironically, this only leads to more and more disappointment. "For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me." Job 3:25. Whatever you focus on is inevitably what you will find. Jesus said, "seek, and you will find" Matthew 7:7. 

Seek godly counsel

It would do us good to seek advice from godly mentors (Proverbs 11:14), but remember that though man may fail us, we may find counsel in the word of God who will never leave us nor forsake us. (Psalm 118:8, Psalm 119:24, Hebrews 13:5). 

Set your expectation on God through prayer

Our expectations are to be on God alone and we are to believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Psalm 62:5, Hebrews 11:6). "Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." Mark 11:24. 

God answers prayers made according to His will

We can have confidence knowing that God answers prayers made according to His will. "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him." 1 John 5:14-15

God loves to exceed our expectations

God doesn't always answer the way we expect, in fact, He loves giving us even better than we expect. "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us" Ephesians 3:20. 

All things happen for you, not to you

Also remember that all things happen for you, not to you. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28.

Trade your expectations for appreciation

Discipline your disappointment by trading your expectation for appreciation. "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. You can't choose your circumstances, but you can choose your reaction. 

Also see Waiting, Patience, and Waiting on God

Sit, Walk, Stand

Sitting in heavenly places in Christ Jesus

Ephesians 2:4-7 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Walking in the good works we were created for in Christ

Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Walking in gentleness, patience, and love

Ephesians 4:1-3 

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 

Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

Walking as Children of Light

Ephesians 5:8, 13 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.. all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.

Walking in Wisdom

Ephesians 5:15-21 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.

Stand with God's Armor

Ephesians 6:10- Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

God helps you stand

Jude 24-25 (NASB 1995) Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

Also see: Walk in the Spirit, Walk in Light

Also see: Put on God's Armor

Steps to Christ and the 12 Steps of Recovery

Sinner's Need of Christ

1. Honestly admit you're powerless

Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.

Repentance

2. Believe in God's power

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

3. Surrender to God's care

Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

4. Do a moral inventory of yourself

Lamentations 3:40 Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the Lord

Confession

5. Admit to God, yourself, and others the nature of your wrongs

James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Consecration

6. Be willing to let God remove your defects of character

Isaiah 1:19 If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land;

James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Faith and Acceptance

7. Humbly ask God to remove your shortcomings

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Test of Discipleship

8. Make a list of people you've harmed and be wiling to make amends

Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Growing Up Into Christ

9. Make amends, except when to do so would cause harm

Luke 6:31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

The Work and the Life

10. Continued personal inventory, promptly admitting wrongs

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

1 Corinthians 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

A Knowledge of God, Privilege of Prayer, What To Do With Doubt

11. Pray for God's will and His power to carry it out

Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Rejoicing in the Lord

12. Share your experience with others

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

What The Bible Says About The Mind

 2 Corinthians 4:1-4 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

2 Corinthians 3:14-18 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Philippians 2:5-8 (MEV)  Let this mind be in you all, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. But He emptied Himself, taking upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in the form of a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross.

1 Peter 4:1-2 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

1 Peter 1:13-16 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ

Ephesians 4:21-24 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. 

Colossians 3:1-3 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Romans 8:5-8 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Matthew 22:37-39 37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Hebrews 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

Colossians 1:21-22 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight

Philippians 4:6-8 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

The Freedom Found In Jesus

 Freedom From Sin's Penalty and Power

Sin is the absence of faith and disagrees with what God's law says. (Romans 14:23, 1 John 3:4). When we live merely through the flesh, our desires will only rise in opposition to God's law, no matter how hard we try to keep it and we'll only be left condemned to death (Romans 7:5-15). The law can only point out sin, it can't make us righteous (Romans 3:20). The power to do right isn't found in ourselves, but in Christ (Romans 7:16-18, 8:2-4). We can only become righteous by faith in Jesus (Galatians 3:24). God changes us from the inside out and works in us to both the desire and the doing of His will (Ezekiel 36:25-27, Philippians 2:13).

It's by receiving what Christ already did for us that God sets us free from sin's power and its penalty of death so that we can live in the Spirit instead of the flesh (Colossians 1:13, Colossians 2:11-15, Romans 8:1-12). To be in the Spirit means the Holy Spirit dwells in you (Romans 8:9). The Holy Spirit also will guide you, bringing God’s word to your memory and helping you overcome temptation (John 14:26, Isaiah 30:21, Matthew 4:3-4, Romans 8:13).

God Accepts You As His Child

We are all God's offspring, for He created us and sustains our very life (Acts 17:26-28). Since God made us in the womb and even now, He sees us as wonderful and precious (Psalm 139:13-18). Though we've all wandered away like prodigals, God still sees us as His children (Luke 15:11-32, 1 John 3:1). When we see God's love for us in contrast to the selfishness of sin, this leads us to abandon sin and and live for God instead (Romans 5:8, Romans 2:4, Luke 15:17-19). God doesn't even wait for you to ask for forgiveness to forgive you, His heart is already moved with compassion for you even when you were afar off (Luke 15:20). We are to live this reality of forgiveness by extending it toward others (Matthew 6:12, 14-15). 

Passed From Death Unto Life

We used to live in the “far country” or realm of sin and death, working for the father of lies, but we’ve been brought back life by faith in God’s word. (Luke 15:13-16, John 8:43-44, John 5:24,  Ephesians 2:1-10, Luke 15:24). As we abide in the word, the truth as it is in Jesus sets us free from sin (John 8:31-36, Ephesians 4:17-24). By faith in the word, we’re given the power to live as children of God (John 1:12, Luke 15:22). Faith is what enables us to receive God's gifts and by receiving Jesus, we receive the life that comes from Him (Mark 11:24, 1 John 5:11-12). Jesus wasn't given to us to make God love us, He was given to us because He already loved us (John 3:16).

Raised Into New Life

Death came to us in Adam: the First Man who is from the earth, but life comes to us in Christ: the Second Man who is from heaven (1 Corinthians 15:22, 47). In Christ, you were baptized into His death, your old self was crucified so that you should no longer be a slave of sin (Romans 6:3, 6). In Christ you were also resurrected into new life, you're a new creation. (Romans 6:4, 2 Corinthians 5:17). Set your mind on what you receive from above in Christ, putting on the "new man", reflecting Christ's character to others around you (Ephesians 1:3, Colossians 3:1-17). 

If We Stumble, Jesus Helps Us Get Back Up

As you've received Christ, "so walk in Him" and abound in faith with thanksgiving (Colossians 2:6-7). As long as we're walking in the light of God's love by extending it to others, there's no reason for us to stumble (1 John 2:10). But if we do stumble, Jesus defends us and helps us get back up (1 John 2:1-2, Proverbs 24:16). But as we get to know Jesus more and more personally, the power of God's grace in our lives will help us to even overcome those things that cause us to stumble (2 Peter 1:2-10, Titus 2:11-14). "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy," Jude 1:24

Dead To Sin, Alive To God

When we live in the reality of grace, we no longer continue living in sin because we're dead to it and live to God instead (Romans 6:1-2, 11). Everyday we are to live this reality: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20

Your Identity in Christ

Spiritual Blessings Found in Christ

Collective Identity and Belonging

 

We Are God's Children

Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God

1 John 3:1-3 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

We Were Bought With A Price

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

We Have Fellowship With One Another

1 John 1:7 If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin

We Share A Common Purpose

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart

We Pray For One Another

James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Ephesians 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints

Matthew 18:19 Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.

Job 42:10 And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.

We Share The Same Sufferings

1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

We Shine Together

Philippians 2:14-15 Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

We Pray For The Salvation of Others

1 Timothy 2:1-4 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Your Identity in Christ

Spiritual Blessings Found in Christ

Priorities and 20/20 Vision

How to Cleanse One's Way

Bible Promises For Loneliness 

Spiritual Perception

Revelation 3:18 "...anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see"

Isaiah 45:22 "Look to Me, and be saved.."

Understanding God’s Word
Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.

Beholding Jesus
2 Corinthians 3:15-18 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Spiritual Blindness and Behavior
Ephesians 4:17-24  This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

1 John 2:10-11 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

Need for The Holy Spirit
1 Corinthians 2:11-14  For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Related Posts

Priorities and 20/20 Vision
What The Bible Says About Light
How To Be Drawn To Jesus
What Keeping Your Eyes On Jesus Looks Like

Bible Secrets of Communication

Based on Pastor Glenn Coon's book "The Art of Bible Counseling"

Humility

The Mind of Christ

“He humbled Himself“ Philippians 2:8

Be gentle and respectful, don't be demeaning

"Honor all people...." 1 Peter 2:1. "Speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men." Titus 3:2. “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.“ Galatians 6:1 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (KJV) Philippians 2:3

Admit and own your past mistakes

"Confess your trespasses to one another..” James 5:16 

Show an interest in people, listen to them, ask questions 

“Look out.. for the interests of others.“ Philippians 2:4. “Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.” Luke 2:46. 

Don’t usurp the Holy Spirit’s role

"... [The Holy Spirit] will convict the world of sin..." John 16:8

Don’t be an accuser

"the accuser of our brethren.. has been cast down" Revelation 12:10

Choice

Let people make their own choices

"Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve" Joshua 24:15

Respect personal space

“Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.” Proverbs 25:17 (KJV)

Let people learn from their own mistakes 

"For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." Galatians 6:7

Let them ask you for help or advice

"Ask, and it will be given to you..." Luke 11:9

“When your son asks you...“ Deuteronomy 6:20

"...ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you.." 1 Peter 3:15

Don’t overwhelm people, wait until they ask you

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.” John 16:12. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6

“True education is not the forcing of instruction on an unready and unreceptive mind. The mental powers must be awakened, the interest aroused.” Education, p. 41

Jesus and Joy

Jesus is winsome, let Him be seen in you

"Therefore, behold, I will allure her... " Hosea 2:14

 

Let Jesus be seen as your the source of joy and strength
"... In Your presence is fullness of joy..." Psalm 16:11. " the joy of the Lord is your strength" Nehemiah 8:10. "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" Galatians 2:20. Jesus said "Without Me you can do nothing." John 15:5. "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." John 15:7. "Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." John 16:24

Joy, Prayer, and Gratitude, No Complaining

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. "Do not grumble against one another" James 5:9 “It is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing" Philippians 2:13-14. "Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness..." Psalm 107:8.. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits" Psalm 103:2. 

 

Repetition deepens impression, it becomes what you experience

"I will bless the Lord at all times" Psalm 34:1

"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he" Proverbs 23:7  

"According to your faith let it be to you.” Matthew 9:29    

 

Faith, Love, and Hope

 

We all need faith in God's love and to find our identity in Him

"I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me" Galatians 2:20. "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8. Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him." 1 John 3:1. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18. "The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe." Proverbs 29:25.

 

It's that faith leads to having a victorious life

"This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith" 1 John 5:4

Express faith in the sincerity of others even if you don't see it

"...God... calls those things which do not exist as though they did" Romans 4:17

 

We are purified by the hope

"Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." 1 John 3:2-3 

 

Hope: God pours His love into our hearts

"Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5

 

Love awakens love

"We love Him because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19 

Faith, Hope, Love

" And now abide faith, hope, love, 

these three; but the greatest of these is love." 

1 Corinthians 13:13

Praying Promises As Gratitude Sandwiches

 

1. (1 John 5:14-15)
Thank You Lord that You answer prayers made according to Your will
I'm so glad I can come to God with confidence in prayer
Thank you Lord that you answer prayers made according to Your will

2. (Jeremiah 33:3, Isaiah 42:16)
Thank You Lord that You always answer, but not always as we expect
I'm so glad that that when God says no, He always has something better for me
Thank You Lord that You always answer, but not always as we expect

3.  (Numbers 23:19)
Thank You Lord that You are not a man that You should lie
I'm so glad that God is faithful and keeps His word
Thank You Lord that You are not a man that You should lie

4. (Psalm 32:1-2)
Thank You Lord for forgiving my past
I'm so glad I don't have to obsess over the past anymore
Thank You Lord for forgiving my past

5. (Romans 6:23)
Thank You Lord for giving me a new life
I'm so glad I don't have to live my old life anymore
Thank You Lord for giving me a new life

6. (Romans 5:8, Romans 8:1)
Thank You Lord for Your forgiving love and acceptance
I'm so glad I don't have to wallow in feelings of condemnation or rejection
Thank You Lord for Your forgiving love and acceptance

7. (1 John 3:1)
Thank You Lord for calling me Your child
I'm so glad I don't have to wallow in feelings of inferiority
Thank You Lord for calling me Your child

8. (1 John 1:7-9)
Thank You lord for forgiveness and cleansing from sin
I'm so glad I don't have to wallow in sin and guilt anymore
Thank You lord for forgiveness and cleansing from sin

9.  (Hebrews 4:16, 2 Timothy 2:22, Psalm 16:8)
Thank You Lord for that I can flee to you so that I'm not drawn to sin
I'm so glad that as long as I focus on Jesus, I can't be moved to sin
Thank You Lord for that I can flee to you so that I'm not drawn to sin

10. (Romans 1:16-17)
Thank You Lord for the power of Your salvation in my life
I'm so glad that I don't have to depend on my own strength anymore
Thank You Lord for the power of Your salvation in my life

11.  (Jeremiah 31:33, Romans 2:4)
Thank You Lord for drawing sinners like me with Your love
I'm so glad that guilt or fear is not God's approach toward me or others
Thank You Lord for drawing sinners like me with Your love

12. (1 John 4:18)
Thank You Lord for Your love that overcomes my fears
I'm so glad I don't have to live in fear anymore
Thank You Lord for Your love that overcomes my fears

13. (Psalm 32:8)
Thank You Lord for Your guidance in my life
I'm so glad I don't have to worry about not knowing what to do
Thank You Lord for Your guidance in my life

14. (Malachi 3:10)
Thank You Lord for helping me with finances
I'm so glad I don't have to worry about financial problems
Thank You Lord for helping me with finances

15. (Isaiah 49:24-25)
Thank You Lord for Your intervention in the salvation of souls
I'm so glad that God does everything possible to save me and others too
Thank You Lord for Your intervention in the salvation of others 

16.  (John 5:39)
Thank You Lord that I can find bright pictures of You and Your love in all the bible
I'm so glad I don't have to be left wondering if God really loves me
Thank You Lord that I can find bright pictures of You and Your love in all the bible

17.  (Isaiah 26:3, 2 Corinthians 3:18)
Thank You Lord for your peace and transforming my character as I behold You
I'm so glad I don't have let anything disturb me or make me react in an unchristlike way
Thank You Lord for your peace and transforming my character as I behold You

18.  (1 John 3:2-3)
Thank You Lord for purifying me as I hope for Your likeness to be seen in me
I’m so glad I don’t have to obsess over anything impure or unchristlike
Thank You Lord for how you're transforming me as I keep my eyes on You

19. (Job 23:10, Romans 8:28)
Thank You Lord that trials don't happen to me, but for me so that I may shine like gold
I'm so glad that that no trial in my life is ever wasted
Thank You Lord that trials don't happen to me, but for me so that I may shine like gold

20. (Nehemiah 8:10)
Thank You Lord for Your joy which gives me strength to go on
I'm so glad that I don't have to give up in to discouragements
Thank You Lord for Your joy which gives me strength to go on

21 (Psalm 73:24)
Thank You Lord for the promise of being received into glory
I'm so glad that this world is not my final home
Thank You Lord for the promise of being received into glory

Spiritual Blessings Found in Christ

Promises To Reassure Your Faith In God's Word

Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

Psalm 89:34 My covenant I will not break, nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips.

Joshua 21:45 Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.

Isaiah 46:11
Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it.

Isaiah 55:11
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

Psalm 119:89 Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.

Isaiah 42:16
I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.

Keep away from Satan's magnetic field

 

 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from every form of evil.

1 Corinthians 6:18
Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

1 Timothy 6:10-11 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.

James 1:13-14 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.  

James 4:7
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

How To Experience Joy and Peace Through God's Promises

Ask, believe, and Receive
Mark 11:24 Therefore I say to you,
whatever things you ask when you pray,
believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
John 16:24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name.
Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

Prayer must be based on God's word
John 15:7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you,
you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

Thank God before you see a promise fulfilled
John 11:41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying.
And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.

Try This Gratitude Exercise: Write the following list of promises down and say "Thank you Lord.." for each promise. Also try the sandwich approach of saying thanks twice for the same promise, but in between say "I'm so glad I don't have to worry about _____________ ". Fill in the blank with whatever problem that the bible promise solves.

1. A Forgiven Past (Psalm 32:1-2)
2. A New Life (Romans 6:23)
3. Forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:7-9)
4. Acceptance as you are (Romans 8:1)
5. Power of Salvation (Romans 1:16-17)
6. Guidance (Psalm 32:8)
7. Help With Finances (Malachi 3:10)
8. Solutions To Problems (Philippians 4:19
9. Salvation of others (Isaiah 49:24-25)
10. The promise of being received into glory (Psalm 73:24)

God wants you to have joy and thankfulness
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
God fills you with joy and peace by faith
Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Lord's Joy Brings Healing and Strength
Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart does good, like medicine...
Nehemiah 8:10 “…..the joy of the Lord is your strength”

Joy In Knowing That Trials Produce Perseverance
Romans 5:3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations,
knowing that tribulation produces perseverance

Hope in God's glory shining through you
Job 23:10 But He knows the way that I take;
When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.
Colossians 1:27 ... God willed to make known what are
the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles:
which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

God will make everything work out for your good
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things
work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Related posts:

5 Facts about God's love 

Keeping your eyes on Jesus 

The Science of Prayer

 

 

What keeping your eyes on Jesus looks like

 Who is the bible all about?
John 5:39
You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.

Why pray for God's Spirit before studying the bible?
1 Corinthians 2:13-14 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Who does the Holy Spirit glorify?
John 16:14 He will glorify Me [Jesus], for He will take of what is Mine [of Jesus] and declare it to you.

What happens when Jesus is lifted up?
John 12:32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.

What happens when you stay your mind on Jesus by faith?
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

You are to live by faith in what Jesus did for you, what did He do?
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

What dies when our lives are hidden in Christ?
Colossians 3:2, 5
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God... Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

How does Jesus teach us to live?
Ephesians 4:21-24 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

What happens as we behold the glory of Jesus?
2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord

Setting the Lord always before you keeps what from happening?
Psalm 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

 Jesus' Invitation: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30  

 

Also see how to be drawn to Jesus

How God’s love changes you

God’s draws you to Him with His love

Jeremiah 31:3 The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

God pours His love into your heart by His Spirit

Romans 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

 

God’s love drives away fear

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

 

God’s love replaces guilt with forgiveness

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

God’s love replaces inferiority with identity

1 John 3:1 

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.

Nothing Can Separate You From God’s love

Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

 

Don't give up living for God even if people hurt you

 Zechariah 2:8 For thus says the Lord... he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.

Malachi 4:2 But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves.

Proverbs 3:31 Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways

Psalm 37:7-9 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm. For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the Lord, They shall inherit the earth.

Isaiah 40:30-31 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall. But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

1 Peter 2:20-24 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:  “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.

Psalm 9:9-10 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Psalm 91:4 He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.

Psalm 91:9-11 Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.

Psalm 119:114 You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.

Psalm 31:19-20 Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men! You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion From the strife of tongues.

Psalm 91:14-16 Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.

Spiritual Blessings in Heavenly Places

 Ephesians 2:4-7 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 

Ephesians 1:3-6 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

Colossians 3:2-3, 12-13 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God... put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

James 3:16-18 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

James 1:5, 17 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him... Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

Relevant quote:

Only to those who wait humbly upon God, who watch for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit given. The power of God awaits their demand and reception. This promised blessing, claimed by faith, brings all other blessings in its train. [My Life Today, p. 47]

The Lord Our Shepherd

Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Ezekiel 34:11-16 ‘For thus says the Lord God: “Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land; I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the valleys and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them in good pasture, and their fold shall be on the high mountains of Israel. There they shall lie down in a good fold and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I will feed My flock, and I will make them lie down,” says the Lord God. “I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong, and feed them in judgment.”

Psalm 78:52-53 But He made His own people go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock; And He led them on safely, so that they did not fear; But the sea overwhelmed their enemies.

Psalm 79:13 So we, Your people and sheep of Your pasture, will give You thanks forever; We will show forth Your praise to all generations.

Psalm 100:1-3 Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

 Isaiah 40:11 He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young.

Psalm 95:6-8 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand.  Today, if you will hear His voice: “Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, As in the day of [c]trial in the wilderness,

Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

1 Peter 2:24-25  who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

1 Peter 5:2-4 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

Matthew 18:10-14 “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

John 10:1-10 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them. Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

John 10:11-16 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.

John 10:27-28 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.

Matthew 25:32-45  All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’  “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’  “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ “Then they also will answer [a]Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’

Another interesting topic (outside this blog): Jesus' names and titles in the bible

Your Identity in Christ

YOU ARE
Fully known (John 10:14, Psalm 139:1-6)

Forever loved, no matter what you've done (Jeremiah 31:3, Rom. 5:8)

God's beloved child in whom He is well pleased. (Matt. 3:17)

Accepted into the beloved - Ephesians 1:6

Called by name and belong to God (Isaiah 43:1)

Rejoiced over by God with singing (Zeph 3:17)
Hidden with Christ in God (Psalms 32:7)
Rooted and grounded in His love (Ephesians 3:17)
Healed by Jesus' stripes (Isaiah 53:6)
Redeemed by Jesus' blood (1 Peter 1:18-19, Rev 5:9)
Reconciled to God (Colossians 1:21, 2 Corinthians 5:18)
God's Masterpiece - Ephesians 2:10
A New Creation - 2 Corinthians 5:17
A Child of God - John 1:12, Romans 8:16
Adopted into God’s family (Romans 8:15, Ephesians 1:5)
A Brother/Sister - Matthew 12:50, Hebrews 2:11
Set free from sin’s power (Romans 6:14, Rom 8:2)
Set free from condemnation (Rom 8:1-2)
Set free from Satan’s control (Col 1:13)
Freed from Satan's accusations (Rev 12:11)

A Soldier - 2 Timothy 2:3-4, Ephesians 6:11

Victorious over sin (1 Corinthians 15:56-57, 1 John 5:4)

Provided a way out of temptation (1 Cor 10:13)

More Than A Conqueror - Romans 8:37

Can handle any situation (Phil. 4:13)
Justified freely by his grace (Romans 3:24)
Sanctified (1 Corinthians 6:11)
Chosen for holiness in God's love (Ephesians 1:4)
A vessel for the Master’s use (2 Timothy 2:21)
A Saint - 1 Corinthians 1:2
Temple of God's Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:16)
Forgiven and cleansed of all your confessed sins 1 John 1:9
Predestined to be like Jesus (Ephesians 1:11)
Given the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:22)
A Partaker of Christ - Hebrews 3:14
A Branch of the True Vine - John 15:5
A Member of Christ's Body - Romans 12:5
Dead indeed to sin, but alive to God (Romans 6:11)
Made alive by his mighty power (Ephesians 2:1)
Seated in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6)
Blessed us with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3)
Complete in him (Colossians 2:10)
Given all things pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3)
Given great and precious promises (2 Pet 1:4)
Given ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 1:22)
Given authority over the power of enemy (Lk 10:19)
One with the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:17)
City set on a hill (Matthew 5:14)
Candle in a dark place (Matthew 5:15)
A Child of Light - 1 Thessalonians 5:5
A Citizen of Heaven - Philippians 3:20
A Pilgrim - 1 Peter 2:11
An Ambassador - 2 Corinthians 5:20
A Witness - Acts 1:8
Given wisdom (Ephesians 1:8)
Co-laborers with God (1 Corinthians 3:9)
A Steward/Servant - 1 Corinthians 4:1–2
A Friend of Jesus - John 15:14
A Joint Heir With Christ - Romans 8:17
A Royal Priesthood - 1 Peter 2:9
A Living Stone, Built in Christ- 1 Peter 2:5
Salt and a Light of the world (Matthew 5:13-14)
A Jewel- Malachi 3:17
A Royal Diadem - Isaiah 62:3
The head and not the tail (Deuteronomy 28:13)
Cared for and protected as His sheep (Psalms 23, Psalms 100:3)
Kept by the power of God (1 Peter 1:5)
Kept from falling (Jude 1:24)
Kept in the palm of his hand (John 10:29)
Secure in Christ (John 10:28-29)
Sheltered under his wing (Psalms 91:4)
Set on a Rock (Psalms 40:2)
Hidden in secret place of the Almighty (Psalms 91:1)
On the way to heaven (John 14:6)

YOU HAVE…
Salvation (2 Timothy 2:10)
Redemption and forgiveness (Romans 3:24, Ephesians 1:7)
Access to the Father (Romans 5:2)

Jesus as your Advocate (1 John 2:1)

Jesus as your High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Eternal life (Romans 6:23)
Victory (1 Corinthians 15:57)
Freedom/liberty (Romans 8:2, Galatians 5:1)
Grace (2 Corinthians 12:9, Ephesians 2:7, 2 Timothy 2:1)
Righteousness by faith (Romans 3:22, Philippians 3:9)
Faith and love (1 Timothy 1:14, 2 Timothy 1:13)
Faith working through love (Galatians 5:6)
Wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30)

You have a new name in heaven (Rev. 2:17)
A home in heaven waiting for you (Jn 14:1-2)
All you need (Philippians 4:19)
A living hope (1 Peter 1:3)
An eternal inheritance (Hebrews 9:15, 1 Peter 1:4)
An anchor to your soul (Hebrews 6:19)
A hope that is sure and steadfast (Hebrews 6:19)
Authority to tread on serpents (Luke 10:19)
Power to witness (Acts 1:8)
The tongue of the learned (Isaiah 50:4)
The mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16)
Peace with God (Romans 5:1)
A measure of faith (Romans 10:17, Romans 12:3)
Purpose and grace (2 Timothy 1:9)
A future and an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11)