Rom 5-6

So many are tossed from sin to trying to appease  themselves through effort of goodness. From sin to works. When will we rest n Jesus knowing that He has set us free by His grace?

Rom 3-4

No self effort though adherence to religious do’s and don’ts will ever save you!

Romans 1-2

Chapter 2: ¹You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. ²Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. ³So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? ⁴Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?

We think if we judge it will “force” others to conform. Yet it has the opposite effect. Judging only hurts and drives away. Its the love of God that causes real change.

2 Peter

3:1 I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.

There is so much in each book – yet all makes me want to lay down sin and pursue that which is good. Lay down pride, know that I need Jesus, and change the way I think and act.

1 Peter 5

God opposes the proud.

Its not a good thing when God opposes you. And whenever we think we can or should do something on our own apart from God we have pride.

1 Peter 4

7.Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. ⁸Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. ⁹Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. ¹¹If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.

Wow, I think our words mean alot!

1 Peter 3

¹²For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

Deliver me from evil…

1 Peter 2

11: Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.

It is a war. Flesh against Spirit. Wrong and Right. It doesn’t really end in this life. But I pray as I train to run that I will train my spirit as well to overcome.

1 Peter 1

How often do we place such high importance to the things of this life? Thinking that God may not get around to blessing me so I need to take matters into my own hand and strive in my own efforts…

James 5 ESV

¹⁶Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.

I have NEVER experienced healing in my soul as to when I confess the wrong I do. Only then do I feel God’s grace given to me as someone else gives me his grace, prays with me, and helps me back to the paths of righteousness.