Verse of the Day 12/3

1 Peter 4:7-8  The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. ⁸ Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.   English Standard Version (ESV)

With all of the events going on around us, the terror and threats  around  the world, it is not hard to believe that we are in the end times.  But for us as Christians it should not be about doom and gloom.  This time of year we look forward to the joy of Christmas, to celebrate the birth of Christ.  As Christ followers we look forward to His glorious appearing when He will return to earth.  These other things are a sign that He is coming.

My MacArthur Study Bible notes that the words for "the end of all things" do not point to a chronological end, but rather the consummation of things, a goal that is achieved and a plan brought to its conclusion.  As Christians, though we may not understand it, God is still in control and He will see His plan unfold and come to fulfillment.

What are we to do, how are we to live? We should be self-controlled and sober-minded as we live our lives in these crazy times.  We should be clear headed and not intoxicated by what the world throws at us or tries to offer us as  a temporary escape.  Being self controlled requires having a proper perspective, looking at all things through the prism of His Word.  In doing so we will live our lives loving one another, deeply, "as if our lives depended on it".  (The Message)

These thoughts bring me to Ephesians 5:15 where Paul calls us to "walk circumspectly", basically with our eyes wide open all of the time.  It is being aware of what is going on around us while looking forward to His return with the same "joyful expectation" that we had as a child looking forward to Christmas.

Ephesians 5:15-16New King James Version (NKJV)  See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, ¹⁶ redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Read the passage from 1 Peter from The Message, below.  May we cheerfully be "generous" and "quick to give" this season.

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

1 Peter 4:7-11The Message (MSG)

^7-11 Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!