Effort

"...the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force." Matthew 11:12

Our Lord teaches us that salvation costs a high price. It requires effort, determination, courage, and attitude. You will have to sacrifice constantly throughout your life. If you're too shy about it, you'll be left outside waiting.

Blessed

"So, what a blessing when God steps in and corrects you! Mind you, don't despise the discipline of Almighty God!" Job 5:17

It's always good to attend to our Father's discipline, for He knows what's best for those who belong to Him, and so they go from victory to victory.

Goodness

"And now, Master God, being the God you are, speaking sure words as you do, and having just said this wonderful thing to me, please, just one more thing: Bless my family; keep your eye on them always." 2 Samuel 7:28

I will not seek anyone else but Your goodness. I wait and trust in Your Promises, for You are the True God.

None has failed

"As you can see, I'm about to go the way we all end up going. Know this with all your heart, with everything in you, that not one detail has failed of all the good things God, your God, promised you. It has all happened. Nothing's left undone—not so much as a word." Joshua 23:14

If one has walked in God's Ways and believed in His Promises, one can see each one of them being fulfilled in His children who have obeyed.

BY MY SIDE

"I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand,

I will not be shaken."

Psalm 16:8

With God by my side I overcome all tribulations all the while my soul is being soothed by the Comforter.

PREPARING THE WAY

"The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!”

Psalm 50:23

Those who obey the Lord's commandments are sowing life to reap eternal salvation.

SACRIFICE

"Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving and pay your vows to the Most High; Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me. But to the wicked God says, "What right have you to tell of My statutes And to take My covenant in your mouth? For you hate discipline, And you cast My words behind you."

Psalm 50:14-17

Although the animal sacrifices have been abolished, the spirit of sacrifice remains. It is the living and concrete expression of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no expressing of faith without sacrifice, just as there is no sacrifice without faith. To memorize a couple of Bible verses or to eat in drink from the Lord's Supper is very easy. What is difficult is to live according to what you say you believe.