I’ve been reading in Romans lately and lots of good nuggets I wanted to share.
Romans 8:1 has been coming to mind a lot recently. “So, now there is no condemnation for those who belong in Christ Jesus.” I have given it to my clients (btw I’m a counselor now yay!) and told myself that a lot lately. To be honest, I’ve been condemning myself in my head… in my inner thoughts because of what I didn’t do “right” or something silly like that. I keep repeating this verse in my mind and God is transforming me to see that I am free from those thoughts of condemnation and that I can’t do everything “right” in my standards. I cannot meet the standards I set for myself.. it’s impossible. God has a set of standards I can reach with Him. 
Mostly, it’s freedom in Christ that comes to mind. Trusting Him and being Obedient brings that freedom.
Romans 8:12 “Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.” Whoa. What? NO OBLIGATION. Again, freedom… I forget this and go along and feel the shame and guilt… I don’t have to do that. Realizing what this scripture really means brings a new sense of freedom. I can combat the sinful nature within me.. I have a choice.. but also….
Romans 3:23 “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”… which I could take you down the Roman road from here…. which I will refrain… because I want to share other verses in Romans instead. God forgives me and sets me free in that I have no right to have those condemning thoughts… He is not condemning.
Romans 11:34-36 “For who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back? For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory” This cracks me up because how often do I think I need to give Him advice on what’s going on in my life or what a good solution would be? hahah. A humbling reminder that God is BIG and I’m but a tiny piece of His BIG PICTURE.
Romans 12:12 “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” The last part really hit me. Be patient in trouble AND keep on praying.. hm.. good stuff.
Romans 14:23 “But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.” I took this and applied it to every area of my life. I definitely recently had times where I didn’t follow my convictions and had doubts and did it anyway.. hm.. Thank God for His Grace….
Just a few verses I’ve pondered and chewed on. Hope God speaks to you like He did to me through these verses.
Ok.. one more.. extra. From Galatians…
Galatians 6:9 “So, lets not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity we should do good to everyone – especially to those in the family of faith.”
