Click here to go to Romans 5
The first 11 verses of this chapter are just so encouraging! Paul starts off by reminding us because we are made right through Christ, we have peace with God.
In verses 3 - 5 we're reminded that our trials are for a reason:
3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And
this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God
loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts
with his love.
Sometimes it's hard in the midst of the trial to remember God loves us, I love the "how dearly God loves us" loves.
Thank the Lord for that Love!
Sharon, how's your friend?
"18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. 19 Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous."
ReplyDeleteI've always had a really tough time blaming all sin on Adam and Eve. This concept doesn't set well with me. Paul says earlier in verse 13 that sin before law didn't count as sin. Oh, well. It isn't really important, other than I think it is important for me to own up to my own sins rather than blame Adam. :-)
As for my dear friend, Susie, she passed away early this past Sunday night. Of course, I have a lot of sorrow and frustration about her death, but I know she is the loving arms of Jesus. Nevertheless, I will miss her very much.
ReplyDeleteRomans 5
ReplyDelete19 Clearly, through one person’s disobedience humanity became sinful, and through one person’s obedience humanity will receive God’s approval.
Generational sin. Sins that are accepted and not confronted. Sins that are "Everybody is doing it." Continuing generational sin because it is allowed. But from the depths of us, we cry out, "Lord, save me from myself." How we groan and despair when there is a better way!
Lord, I thank You for revealing sin to me. For exposing it for what it is. Getting me out of the rut. It reminds me of a continual rut in the road that you try to straddle but must follow if you fall into it. Too deep to get out of by yourself until you come to the end where it levels off enough to get out. My visual is our old blue Mercury going down our rutted lane with my dad trying to stay out of the clay, keeping the tires on solid ground.
My paraphrase of Lamentations 2:14. ~*~ It is necessary for your iniquity to be exposed so as to release you from captivity. ~*~ [http://bible.cc/lamentations/2-14.htm] How true this is! Revealed and relinquished sin before God and others gives satan no foothold into our life. His remember this is followed by, "Yes, I do. I thank God. He has freed me!" No assault from the devil or his imps can stand in Christ's freedom!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-EzVteRq1k
Christ is Risen - Matt Maher
Sharon, I am sorry to hear of your loss of your friend Susie.