Soul Medicine

Draw Closer To Jesus So You Can Be Prepared To Stand For Him In Any Circumstance 2 Peter 3:17-18 17Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. 18But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Live Out A Life Of Grace By Serving And Living Out A Life Like Jesus 2 Peter 3:15-16 15Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.

What Would YOU like To Be Doing When Christ Returns? Live Like That Everyday. 2 Peter 3:13-14 13But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. 14So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

Develop What Will Last For Eternity While You're Here On Earth: Your Christlike Character 2 Peter 3:10-12 10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. 11Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.

Don't Just Sit On The Bench Waiting For Christ's Return; Get Up And Share His Love 2 Peter 3:8-9 8But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Don't Listen To The World That Scoffs At God. Have You Found Yourself Doing That? 2 Peter 3:3-4 3Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4They will say, “Where is this ‘coming' he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”

Allow God's Word To Stimulate You To Wholesome Thinking And Living 2 Peter 3:1-2 1Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 2I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.

Don't Turn Away From The Only Way 2 Peter 2:20-22 20If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. 21It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. 22Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” g and, “A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.”

Be Careful Of What The World May Say And Follow Only The Way Of God 2 Peter 2:17-19 17These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. 18For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. 19They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.”

God Loves The World But Saves Only Those Who Believe In Jesus 2 Peter 2:4-6 4For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, a putting them in chains of darkness b to be held for judgment; 5if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; 6if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;

Measure Everything You Read, Watch And Hear Against Scripture: It Must Fall In Line With It To Be Legit 2 Peter 2:1-3 1But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

You Can Trust The Bible Because God Wrote It 2 Peter 1:16-21 16For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” b 18We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. 19We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things. 21For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Remain Focused On The Fundamentals Of Faith 2 Peter 1:12 12So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.

Let's Do IT, Because HE DID IT! 2 Peter 1:8-9 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

Are You Eager To Live For Jesus? If You're Not, Why? 2 Peter 1:10-11 10Therefore, my brothers and sisters, a make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Faith Is More Than A Belief; It Involves Action And That Takes Desire And Focus 2 Peter 1:5-7 5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

We Have A Choice; One Leads To Life And You Guessed It; The Other Leads To DEATH Deuteronomy 11:26-28 26See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse— 27the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; 28the curse if you disobey the commands of the Lord your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known.

Place Nothing In Front Of Your Focus On God Deuteronomy 11:16-17 16Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them. 17Then the Lord's anger will burn against you, and he will shut up the heavens so that it will not rain and the ground will yield no produce, and you will soon perish from the good land the Lord is giving you.

God Will Deliver You; Trust In Him To Do It Exodus 14:15-16 15Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. 16Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.

We Have God's Devine Power Living Within Us. 2 Peter 1:3-4 3His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

To Know Him Takes Desire And Dedication In Spending Time With Him, In Reading Scripture and in Prayer 2 Peter 1:1-2 1Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: 2Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

Reach Out And Encourage! It Makes A Difference! 1 Peter 5:12-13 12With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. 13She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

May God's Promise Carry You Through The Storms And Struggles 1 Peter 5:10-11 10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Trust God Fully And Remain Vertically Focused: Eyes And Heart Fixed On Him 1 Peter 5:7-9 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Everyone, Young And Old, Walk Humbly With The Lord 1 Peter 5:5-6 5In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Lead By Example Not By Force 1 Peter 5:1-4 1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Admit Sin Sooner, Focus Vertically Longer, Trust God Always 1 Peter 4:17-19 17For it is time for judgment to begin with God's household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Suffering Should Be Spirit Induced And Never Self Motivated 1 Peter 4:14-16 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

Keep Your Focus On The Victory Through Christ As You Suffer In What You May Be Going Through 1 Peter 4:12-13 12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Every One Of Us Has Talents, Find Yours And Use It For His Glory 1 Peter 4:10-11 10Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Live Expectantly Of Christ's Return 1 Peter 4:7-9 7The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

Life Change In Following Christ And Not Self May Intimidate Others 1 Peter 4:3-4 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.

Seek The Will Of God, Not Of The World 1 Peter 4:1-2 1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

Do Others See The Hope You Have That Causes Them To Ask Why? 1 Peter 3:15-16 15But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

We Should Not Only Seek Peace, But Should Also Pursue It. 1 Peter 3:10-14 10For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. 11They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. 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.” 13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”

Live In Harmony and In Humility 1 Peter 3:8-98 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Live Out Your Free Salvation By Showing Respect To Everyone 1 Peter 2:16-17 16Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves. 17Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

Allow Jesus To Be The Overseer Of Your Soul 1 Peter 2:25 25For “you were like sheep going astray,” f but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

If You Follow Jesus Be Prepared To Suffer Like Jesus 1 Peter 2:22-24 22“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” e 23When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

Be Conscious Of God To Help You Endure The Struggle And Suffering 1 Peter 2:18-21 18Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

Submit To God By Living For The Lord's Sake And Not For Self Sake! 1 Peter 2:13-15 13Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.

Walk Differently Than The World Walks 1 Peter 2:11-12 11Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Not Your Accomplishments That Make You Right With God; HE DID IT! 1 Peter 2:9-10 9But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,ab, ac a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praisesaf, of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.ai 10Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Allow God To Put You Where He Wants You And To Build His Church 1 Peter 2:7-8 7Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” 8and, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.

Serve Together As A Team As ONE! 1 Peter 2:4-5 4As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house a to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Let His Call Be Your Reason Until He Closes The Door Isaiah 6:11-12 11Then I said, “For how long, Lord?” And he answered: “Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant, until the houses are left deserted and the fields ruined and ravaged, 12until the Lord has sent everyone far away and the land is utterly forsaken.

God Will Take You Where He Wants You To Go! Are You Willing? Isaiah 5:55 5Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations you do not know will come running to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor.”

If You Know Him Rid Yourselves Of Worldly Behaviors And Thinking 1 Peter 2:1-3 1Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Love Like He Loved Through The Living And Enduring Word Of God 1 Peter 1:22-23 22Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. b 23For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

Go The Extra Mile Without Complaint 1 Peter 1:6-7 6In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

You Are Shielded By The Power Of God Through Your Trust In Jesus 1 Peter 1:3-5 3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.