Isaiah 1: 19-20 ” If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

Yielding our will to God is not easy…for compliance never comes without internal struggle.  But if we listen to Him…understanding that it’s for our own good that He’s directing us that way…and then obey the message we’ve heard…God will work all things out for our good.  Along this same line, Job 36:11 says, “If they obey and serve Him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity  and their years in contentment.”  Simple obedience…sometimes hard to do, but oh so beneficial.

Isaiah 43: 12-13 ” I have revealed and saved and proclaimed – I, and not some foreign god among you. You are My witnesses, declares the Lord, that I am God. Yes, and from ancient days I am He. No one can deliver out of My hand. When I act, who can reverse it? “

When God moves, no thing or person can change the outcome He has in mind.  His sovereignty and  power is ever evident as He  works miracles…both on the grand scale, and little blessings only known by the recipient. But the most  important part of this verse is the concept that God’s work can never be snatched away or revoked… for  the Lord is ever in complete control.

I John 4:18 ” There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

With maturity in the Lord comes new boldness and confidence.  A strong Christian walk seasons and prepares us so that when fear threatens, we can face it without anxiety and insecurity.  The time is now to face that fear head on…don’t allow it to control and  dominate your life…for that fear causes you to forfeit your peace and wellbeing.

Deuteronomy 32:4 ” He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God Who does no wrong, upright and just is He.”

He is the foundation you can build your life on.  He is fair and impartial with all His dealings.  Everything He  does is complete and flawless from beginning to end.  He will never be anything but totally honest with you.  Could you then put your trust in such a God?  I urge you today to give Him a chance …you will not be sorry.

Psalm 45:1 ” My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the King; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.”

Religious scribes were an important and integral part of ancient Jewish history.  They preserved and interpreted the Holy Scriptures.  When they spoke the word of the Lord out loud to the people…they were speaking on behalf of God…knowing His word would never return void without first accomplishing its purpose…the ultimate purpose for each listening ear.

Jeremiah 29:13 ” You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”

God wants the best of you…not the leftover dregs.  He wants your total heart, mind, and soul in  pursuit of His will for your life.  That means setting aside a time daily to be in His Word and pray…whether that means early in the morning, over the lunch hour, or in the evening when the house quiets down.  Don’t squeeze God into your schedule…but rather work your schedule around Him and the things that have eternal consequences.

Proverbs 6:23 ” For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life.”

We all want long life, health, and prosperity…but what does it take to achieve these things?  This verse states that we need to first accept instruction and discipline from the Lord, and then allow it to be assimilated and incorporated into every part of our life…and into every action and behavior .

Proverbs 25:28 ” Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. “

When a city has no defenses…the enemy can come in – invading and conquering without opposition.  When we allow our inner self to act out without restraint…the enemy comes in also.  He comes in to overpower our dignity and flaunt our volatility.  He holds captive our discretion and boasts of our instability.

Ephesians 6:12 ” For our strength is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

It’s the age-old battle of good versus evil…but the battle isn’t against our fellow-man, but against what initiates the evil within us.  The armor of God isn’t made for battles with man.  Rather, its strength and protection is for battles from forces so powerful that without it we would be completely defenseless.  It’s made for battles far beyond what we can comprehend…and battles that come from deep within.

Romans 5:5 ” And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit whom He has given us.”

The hope we have is because of the Lord’s great love for us.  No disappointment is too big…no challenge too great, that His love can’t overcome.  This hope we possess has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit  who is continually encouraging us to not give up.