Consider this

 Figuring out when we are in trouble and what to do about it!  

                 Second Peter begins with a beautiful description of God’s grace.   “His (God’s) divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who calls us by his own glory and goodness” (verse 3).   Reading that, some may think that there is nothing for us to do.   God has done everything!   However, that is not true.                The next paragraph says, “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith” (verse 5).   In other words, because God has blessed us so richly, we must respond.   Specifically, we are to focus on and grow in certain qualities and attitudes.                  “Add to your faith, goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unprod

 Most people pray when they are in trouble or need something. What we need is something to enliven our prayer lives every day. This will help.  

 We are saved by God's grace, but that does not mean that there is nothing for us to do.  

 

                 As we begin another new year, I cannot help but think of Joshua.   Moses had been leading God’s people to the promised land.   However, just before they arrived, Moses died, and Joshua was put in charge.   Faced with the uncertainty of what was coming, God gave him the following advice.                “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:6-9).