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

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.

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 

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

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 To Get Things Done

1. Quiet alone time with no distractions 

Matthew 14:23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.

2. Write down everything you want to do

Proverbs 16:3 Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established.

3. Set time limits for each task

Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven

4. Get some rest

 Mark 6:31 

And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”...

5. Eat healthy

Genesis 1:29 

And God said, see, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.

The Golden Rule

 When you look at the original words of Jesus in what is commonly known as the "golden rule" (in Matthew 7), you will notice that is begins with the word "therefore". Just before that, He was explaining how God is more than willing to give us good things when we ask Him, more than willing than we are to feed our children when they ask us for food. 

This context is very important because shows us that what Jesus is actually saying is that what we do to others must be relevant to their situation of need. Doing to others what you’d want others to do to you wouldn't really make much sense outside of this context. 

In the same context of the golden rule found in Luke's account, notice the verbs Jesus uses in explaining how to love our enemies: Do good (with your actions), Bless (with your words), and Pray (with your heart). If your enemies are people close to you, yet they shun you, refuse gifts and refuse to hear from you, you can still pray for them. Instead of letting our hearts be overcome by the evil of others, we may overcome evil with good.

Just before mentioning the golden rule, Jesus says that instead of retaliating against your enemies, do something good for them instead. Then afterward He says that by doing good without seeking anything in return, you'll reflect the mercy of God who is kind to the ungrateful and evil.

Here’s an interesting quote linking the golden rule with the narrow way:

The path which I have set before you, [Jesus] said, is narrow; the gate is difficult of entrance; for the golden rule excludes all pride and self-seeking. MB 138

Priorities and 20/20 Vision

Notice the 4 times the bible talks about focusing on "One Thing"

Behold the beauty of the Lord and inquire in His temple

Psalm 27:4 One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.

Notice the context is about not letting the fear of others distract you from God

Surrender all and follow Jesus

Luke 18:22 So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 

Notice the context is about not letting riches distract you from God

Sit at Jesus' feet and hear His word

Luke 10:39-42 ...Mary... sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.... But Martha was distracted with much serving... And Jesus answered and said to her... one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.

Notice the context is about not letting service distract you from your dependence on God

Forget what's behind and press toward the goal

Philippians 3:13-14  Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Notice the context is about not letting the past distract you from God

Priorities and The Heart

Notice that in Matthew 6, Jesus basically tells us not to do things to get noticed (verses 1-18), not to be obsessed with gaining riches (verses 19-24), and not to worry about getting what we need (verses 25-33). God knows what we need and will provide it; all He asks of us is to focus on is His kingdom and His righteousness, living one day at a time. 

Notice how Jesus says, "Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:20-21. Whatever you value, whatever you set your affections on, is where your heart will be drawn to. We are to set our minds on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:2). When you read that in context you see this is connected with letting go of our old life "the old man and his deeds" and putting on the "new man", reflecting God's character in our relations with others.

 20/20 Vision and Light to keep you from stumbling

Notice what Jesus says about having a good eye, that is to say, an eye that is focused: "The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" Matthew 6:22.

God's word is a light to our path and Jesus is the word in the flesh (Psalm 119:105, John 1:14). Jesus said, "If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world." John 11:9. "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." John 8:12

"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." Romans 13:12-14 

Related post: Bible promises for those who seek the Lord

Related post: How to be drawn to Jesus

Related Post: Wake up, Watch, Hope, Be Transformed

Out With The Old, In With The New

This bible study focuses explores the concept of "displacement" in which we're told to discard something for something better. The concept can be found throughout the whole bible, so here we only listed verses from the New Testament Epistles.

Put Off	Put On
Ephesians 4:22 Put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts	Ephesians 4:24 Put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Romans 13:12 Cast off  the works of darkness	Romans 13:12, 14 Put on the armor of light... Put on the Lord Jesus Christ
Colossians 3:8-9 Put off all these: Anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.  Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds	Colossians 3:10 Put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him. Colossians 3:12-15 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. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Similar passages:

Colossians 3:5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness,  which is idolatry.	Colossians 3:1-3 Seek those things which are above,  where Christ is,  sitting at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on things above.  For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Hebrews 12:1  Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us...	Hebrews 12:1b-2 Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
James 1:21a Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness	James 1:21b Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
1 Peter 2:1 Laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking	1 Peter 2:2 desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby

Other Related Passages:

James 3:13-18 13 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.

Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

Philippians 3:13-14 

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

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.

Romans 6:11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

Galatians 5:24-26 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.

Galatians 5:16 

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Romans 12:2 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.

Romans 13:13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.

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.

Titus 2:11-14 11 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.

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.

Colossians 1:13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love

1 Thessalonians 4:7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.

1 Peter 1:13-16 13 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.”

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

1 Peter 2:11-12 11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

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

1 Thessalonians 5:21 

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

Romans 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.

Galatians 5:13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

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.

Note: Again, this study focused on verses from the New Testament epistles, but you can also find this concept throughout the whole bible. Here's just one example from Jesus:

John 4:13-14 

Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

Also see The Armor of God

How To Have A Clean New Life

The following bible study is based on a video by Little Light Studios

We Can't Cleanse Ourselves
Job 14:4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? No one!

God Cleanses Those Who Confess
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.

Psalm 51:7, 10

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow... Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

The Cleansing Power of God's Word

Matthew 8:2-3 And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”  Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

John 15:3  You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.

Question: What does 1 John 1:7 mean about Jesus' blood cleansing us from sin? Answer: "For the life of the flesh is in the blood" (Leviticus 17:11). Jesus said, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." John 6:63

Psalm 119:9
How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.

Psalm 33:9 For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.

The Word Accompanied with Faith
Romans 10:17 ...faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God

Habakuk 2:4
Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.

Hebrews 4:2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.

Jesus Gives You Faith
Hebrews 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Not A Creed, But A Life
To believe on Christ is to receive Christ; not to assent to a creed, but to accept a life; not to strive for the maintenance of certain outward forms, but to become “partakers of the divine nature.” 2 Peter 1:4. Creeds and forms cannot save people from their sins. Terrible is the catalogue of the sins of those “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5. A new life must be imparted before man can “live unto God.” “Except a man be born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3. “For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.” Galatians 6:15, R.V. This experience depends upon the faith which each one exercises for himself, and “it is of faith, that it might be by grace.” Romans 4:16. To all who sincerely pray the prayer, “Create in me a clean heart,” (Psalm 51:10), the reply comes, “Believe ye that I am able to do this?... According to your faith be it unto you.” Matthew 9:28, 29. “And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4); but faith for victory is the “faith which worketh by love.” Galatians 5:6.   {WWP, BEST 138.2}

Jesus Literally Imparts His Life
“They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” This world is a vast lazar [leprosy] house, but Christ came to heal the sick, to proclaim deliverance to the captives of Satan. He was in Himself health and strength. He imparted His life to the sick, the afflicted, those possessed of demons. He turned away none who came to receive His healing power. DA 823

Jesus Bears Our Sins Upon Himself
Isaiah 53:4-6 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. 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.

Your sin is traded for His righteousness
2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Christ in You, The Hope of Glory
Colossians 1:27 ...Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Jesus Tempted With Your Temptations, But Without Sin
Hebrews 4:15
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Dead To Sin, Alive to God
Romans 6:10-11 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Sin Has No More Dominion Over You
Romans 6:14
For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

God Gives You A New Heart To Serve Him
Ezekiel 36:26-28  I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God.

Take Jesus' Yoke, Learn of Him, He Bears The Load
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.”

God Works In You The Desire and The Power to Do His Will
Philippians 2:13
for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Jesus's Example: He Depended on The Father
John 5:30
I can of Myself do nothing.... I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father...

We Are To Depend on Jesus
John 15:5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

The Mind of Christ
Philippians 2:5-8  Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

God Is Able To Keep You From Falling
Jude 1:24
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless

Also see

Resisting Temptation

How to get over sinful habits

How to actually have victory over sin

Steps to Victory

The idea for this post came from the first book of the 40 Days of Prayer Series

1. Turn your mind to healthier thoughts

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.

2. Believe in the Holy Spirit's power to break the power of sin

Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

3. Believe Jesus is in you through the Holy Spirit

1 John 4:13 By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.
1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

4. Ask Jesus to manifest His victory over specific temptation, pointing to specific promises from God's word that reveal His will about said temptations.

Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
1 John 5:14-15 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.
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.
1 Corinthians 1:30 ....Christ Jesus... became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption

5. Believe Jesus will manifest His victory over the temptation, rest in that belief by leaving it in His hands. The only real “struggle” is to keep resting in that belief (Hebrews 4:11). Jesus promises rest to those who come to Him (Matthew 11:28).

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.

1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

6. Don’t obsess over the temptation, resist the urge to fight it in your own strength (you left the burden in His hands, leave it there). Turn your attention away from self to Jesus by faith, and let Him fight and give you the victory. Your faith is to be founded on Him, not yourself (faith itself is a gift from God)

2 Chronicles 20:15 ....Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Ephesians 2:8-9 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.

When God speaks, it's done, His word doesn't come back empty. (Psalm 33:9, Isaiah 55:11). He "calls those things which do not exist as though they did" (Romans 4:17). God literally puts faith inside of you by "hearing, and hearing by the word of God" Romans 10:17.

7. Thank God for the victory you have in Jesus

1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Related posts: 
Overcoming sinful habits
The Holy Spirit breaks the power of sin
Resisting Temptation

Victory is found in surrender

Jesus' Circles of Relationship

A summary of a presentation at ARISE by Nicole Parker

When Jesus came down here and became a human being, he was limited in the ability to invest deeply in everyone during His ministry, even though He loved everyone. Inevitably, that would mean prioritizing some relationships over others.

Jesus had three circles of relationships: The outer circle, the second circle, and the inner circle. His outer circle included enemies and people who were curious but had no interest in believing in Him. His outer circle also included people He invested in for a brief time and then moved on, like with the Samaritan woman and the demoniacs. Your outer circle consists of casual acquaintances we may interact with in public settings.

In Jesus' second circle, He had the 70 and the 12 disciples. Like Jesus, your second circle consists of people who you can reach out to, share God's love, and disciple so that they can share God's love with others. This circle consists of people who you decide to invest in for God's kingdom. Then there's your inner circle, which consists of people you can trust enough to lean on for support. For Jesus, this included Peter, James, John, Mary Magdalene, Martha, Lazarus, and Mary (Jesus' mother). It takes time to develop trust and because of limited time, you can't have too many people in your inner circle.

Your outer circle challenges you to get out of your comfort zone. Your second circle is about investing in others intentionally, it involves dealing with their personal issues, and it helps you grow. The inner circle is where people can confront you and encourage you to believe what God says about you instead of worrying what other people think. We need inner circle people to help keep our eyes on Jesus.

Jesus provides us with an example of what to do when people fail us. He kept Peter in His inner circle even though He knew that he would deny Him three times. When we are loving even to those who fail us, we show them what God is like: Loving others without expecting love in return. But sometimes people don't want you to invest in them, so you'll have to let them go. This doesn't mean you don't love them, but if you don't let them go and let them reap what they sow, you prevent them from being able to repent.

Also see, Setting Healthy Boundaries
Also see, Overcoming the fear of man

Learn of Him, Know Him, Abide in Him

 The following verses look into the concepts of learning of, knowing, and abiding in Jesus. Also notice the role of the Holy Spirit in these verses

Jesus is surrendered to the Father's will
John 5:30 I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.

Jesus does what The Father does
John 5:19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner."

Jesus says what The Father says
John 8:28
Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things.

Abide in Jesus
John 15:5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

Walk as He walked
1 John 2:6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

Jesus' invitation to learn of Him
Matthew 11:29 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.

Be taught of Him, put on the new man
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.

Follow His Steps
1 Peter 2:21-24 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.

Focus on your own walk with Jesus
John 21:20-22 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”

How to know we know Him and abide in Him
1 John 2:3-5  Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.

1 John 3:24-23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

1 John 3:6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.

1 John 4:12-16 No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God
1 John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

More on knowing Jesus

Knowing God through Jesus
John 1:18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

Eternal life is about knowing God and Jesus Christ
John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

The Holy 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.

The Knowledge of Christ is to be Supreme in our minds
1 Corinthians 2:2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Philippians 3:8-11 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

2 Corinthians 10:4-6 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, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

God knows His own and His own know Him 
John 10:14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.

Glory in Knowing The Lord 
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.

The Knowledge of the Holy One is Understanding 
Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Get To Know Him, Let Him Be Your Treasure
Proverbs 2:3-5 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God.

Job 22:21-28 Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; Thereby good will come to you. Receive, please, instruction from His mouth, And lay up His words in your heart. If you return to the Almighty, you will be built up; You will remove iniquity far from your tents. Then you will lay your gold in the dust, And the gold of Ophir among the stones of the brooks. Yes, the Almighty will be your gold And your precious silver; For then you will have your delight in the Almighty, And lift up your face to God. You will make your prayer to Him, He will hear you, And you will pay your vows. You will also declare a thing, And it will be established for you; So light will shine on your ways.

Also see, Knowing God
Also see The Christian Walk
Also see How to be a follower of Jesus 
Also see Bible verses about following God's ways 

Only God Can Satisfy The Heart

Psalm 42:1-2 As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?

Psalms 63:1 O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.

Revelation 22:17
And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

John 4:14  ...the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.

John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

Jeremiah 2:13
For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.

Proverbs 27:7 

A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, But to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

Isaiah 55:1-3 Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you— The sure mercies of David.

Jeremiah 31:25 

For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.

Luke 15:17 But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

Psalm 145:17-19 The Lord is righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.

Isaiah 58:11 The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

John 6:27-29 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”

John 6:35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst."

John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.

Deuteronomy 8:3b ...man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.

Job 23:12 I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food.

John 4:34
Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work."

1 John 2:17  And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.

John 7:37-39 .... “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive....

Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Psalm 23:2-3
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.

1 Peter 2:1-3 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

Psalm 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

Psalm 37:3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.

 Psalm 119:103-104 How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. 

Psalm 107:8-9 Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.

Also notice what these verses say we are to be filled with

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.

Romans 15:14-15 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. 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.

Ephesians 3:19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 5:17-21 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.

Philippians 1:9-11  And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Colossians 1:9-12 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.

Other Related Verses

Psalm 27:4 One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple.

Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 145:16  You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing.

Matthew 26:39 "...not as I will, but as You will.”

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

Psalm 34:10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.

Psalm 84:11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.

Also see Spiritual Thirst

Also see Idols are lies that can't satisfy

Also see Bible verses on desiring God

Also see Promises for those in need

How to become sweet and winsome

Ephesians 4:29-32 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 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.

Psalm 19:7-10 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Psalm 119:9-12 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes.

Psalm 119:103-104 How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.

Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.

Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.

Proverbs 27:9 (NASB) Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul.

Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones

Just like it's a bee's work to make honey, it's God's work that we "believe in Him whom He sent".  John 6:29. Jesus is the bread of life that gives life to our souls when we come to Him in faith and yet we wouldn't even be able to come if it weren't for God drawing us (John 6:35, 44). When we've tasted the goodness of God which leads us to repentance, we will want to invite others to taste and see that the Lord is good. (Romans 2:4, Psalm 34:8). As long as God is working in us "both to will and to do for His good pleasure", we won't be found "complaining and disputing"  Philippians 2:13-14.

If we would fill our mouths everyday with thanksgiving and praise for every good and perfect gift that comes from God, we wouldn't even have time for grumbling against one another. (James 1:17, Psalm 71:8). We are to be a good witness of a good God who withholds no good thing from them who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11). Pursue what is good for all, rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks (Thessalonians 5:15-18). "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled" Hebrews 12:14-15.

The next time you're tempted to become impatient, sing praises to God who is "longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9