Peter 4 :7-11 Have you ever thought about what kind of preparation needs to take place in our lives and in our life style in regard to Christ' s soon return. Peter is telling us that "the end of all things is at hand." In fact in II Peter 3:11f he tells us that, "Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming." In our Scripture for today Peter lays out some specific guidelines. Prayer is a top priority, therefore be clear minded and self-controlled. Don' t allow chemicals, anger, bad attitude etc. to alter your thinking and so interfere with a ready prayer life. There have been times when driving to a house in an unfamiliar area, I have called ahead on my cell phone and let the people guide me on the phone as I drove. That ought to be the kind of prayer communication that we have with our Father. He goes on to tell us that we should love (agapé) each other deeply. As we come to the point of loving one another unconditionally then we aren't put off nor do we condemn because of the flaws that we see. It causes us to be about compassion, intercession and restoration. We are told to offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. (Remember: "God loves a cheerful giver.") This is the Love in action. Peter is speaking primarily of fellow believers, but it is always in order to minister to any one in need. All of us have gifts (talents & abilities) that God has given us. We need to discover what they are and use them to serve others. Verse 10 tells us that as we use our gifts in service, we are actually administering God' s grace in its various forms. Verse 11 essentially tells us that it is all about God and not about us. Our speaking and our serving is about His last day' s mission. So, as you take inventory over your life. Are you ready?

Are You Ready?