Verse of the Day 1/2

Verse of the Day 1/2

1 Peter 4:7-8 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. ⁸ And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins.    New King James Version (NKJV)

As I read this passage the other day in a few different translations, three words were brought to my attention.  Watchful, serving and fervent -they are all traits or characteristics that we should have and pray for.

To be watchful is to be looking for something, to be aware of the circumstances, to know what is going on around you and to be prepared; to be aware of and  be ready to respond to your call to action.  Doing so should eliminate many of the would-a, should-a, could-a feelings that we have when we look back on missed opportunities.

Serving should spring out of that.  It is part of being hospitable and ministering to others as mentioned in verses 9 and 10.  Serving should be second nature to us.  Unfortunately, in our own nature, we are more prone to be self serving than willing to serve others.  It ties in with being watchful in your prayers, to be aware of these tendencies.

The word "fervent" is one that always catches my attention.  It carries the idea of being stretched, stretched to the limit.  We can relate to a pot of water that is at the boiling point. When the temperature gets to that point it has to do something.  What are some of the things that are stretching you today?  Have you reached that boiling point where you just have to do something, something in service or hospitality towards others?

I'll close with the benediction from the book of Hebrews that came to mind in relation to this, it begins with "now", right here right now.  He is working in us, equipping us to do His will, to Him be the glory.

Hebrews 13:20-21Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, ²¹ equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

--   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 4:7-10New King James Version (NKJV)

Serving for God's Glory

⁷ But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. ⁸ And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." ⁹ Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰ As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.