As man builds hope of a better tomorrow, suggesting that as we face challenges in life, wondering, "how will we get well," or "meet the right person," or see our dream come to pass," while further suggesting that the 'HOW' isn't as important as the 'WHO,' in reference to God perhaps, but doesn't share the living word in support of that suggestion, it can end up resulting in nothing more than empty hope. Why?
The majority, if honest, are not into the word of God, as in understanding that the living word is their defense, the armor of God with the power to fight their battles for them, and instead, they rely on what their teacher is telling them. This can lead to a quick surrender of said hope, for like most motivational seminars, without a track to run on or map to follow, within a few days, if that, their in need of another quick-fix refill, and/or professing, "this stuff doesn't work, I quit," thanks to empty hope lacking in substance, as in show me in the word!
As God builds faith of a better tomorrow, His word and the need for us to be reading His living word takes precedence. Simply put, using the top and first paragraph above, to begin, God might suggest Proverbs 3:5-6 that sets the stage and foundation to trusting in Him, where it says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."
No matter the concern or question in mind, this Proverb alone can become the sounding board, where the trial of restlessness or impatience for example, can be met with, "Oh right, God first, His understanding, His will, His path, and not my own," prompting us, first, to look deeper into the word of God that can quickly become our best habit formulated.
As we coach those we teach, this needed foundation becomes easier as time goes on, because, A/, a verse a day memorized can change a life, and be met almost immediately with results experienced. B/, we only need a handful of these verses, before finding ourselves eager because of positive results, to continually be adding new verses to memory; when we get serious with God, He gets serious with us, 100% faith and not works.
Another generalized type reference, might be for 'PATIENCE.' Depending on the circumstances, we can see a number of examples to be used HERE, and one of them when dealing with difficult people, is 2 Timothy 2:24 that teaches us, "A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people."
In closing this post, believing shorter is best, and knowing that faith without substance is empty hope, consider adding a few of the following scriptures to memory over the next little bit, and experience for yourself, when you get serious about God ( Isaiah 43:10 + Isaiah 7:9b), He assures us that His living word will never fail us.
One I use so very often is Matthew 11:28 that tells us, "Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."
To continually be building on my faith, to believe and not doubt, I drive Mark 11:24 home pretty much daily, as I teach, encourage, prompt, remind, self and others, that teaches us, "I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours."
In counteracting the latter, I also remind self and others, of James 4:3, "And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure," PLUS James 1:6 (7-8), "6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind," because, the likes make clear that God's word is not a crystal ball, or get-rich-quick magical tool to abuse - but those who draw close to God, He draws close to them.
There is only one way to heaven (paradise), and Jesus tells us in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."
Acts 4:12, Peter, in addressing the elders and leaders of the people, and in reference to Jesus Christ Living God, he tells them, "There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved."
PS:
Invest in yourself! Invest in truth!
Consider the purchase of one or all four Holy Spirit led authored books HERE or HERE addressing 'How & why we must connect with Jesus' * 'Man gives us religion - God gives us truth' * 'Lesson to live by' (powerful on grace & gratitude) * and 'Super hero's for Jesus' as a grass roots learning tool - awesome for children as well as new Christians.
I thank you ... and I thank you, Jesus, amen and amen!
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