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Ever think things are going crazy? (1 Peter 4:1-11), July 25, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – 1 Peter 4:1-11

Set – Isaiah 43; 1 Peter 4

Go! – Isaiah 43-45; 1 Peter 4

1 Peter 4:1-11
1Since the Anointed suffered in the flesh, prepare yourselves to do the same—anyone who has suffered in the flesh for the Lord is no longer in the grip of sin— 2 so that you may live the rest of your life on earth controlled not by earthly desires but by the will of God.
3 You have already wasted enough time living like those outsiders in the society around you: losing yourselves in sex, in addictions and desires, in drinking and lawless idolatry, in giving your time and allegiance to things that are not godly. 4 When you don’t play the same games they do, they notice that you are living by different rules. That’s why they say such terrible things about you. 5 Someday they, too, will have to give an account of themselves to the One who judges the living and the dead. 6 (This is why the good news had to be brought to those who are dead so that although they are judged in the flesh, they might live in the spirit in the way that pleases God.)
7 We are coming to the end of all things, so be serious and keep your wits about you in order to pray more forcefully. 8 Most of all, love each other steadily and unselfishly, because love makes up for many faults. 9 Show hospitality to each other without complaint. 10 Use whatever gift you’ve received for the good of one another so that you can show yourselves to be good stewards of God’s grace in all its varieties. 11 If you’re called upon to talk, speak as though God put the words in your mouth; if you’re called upon to serve others, serve as though you had the strength of God behind you. In these ways, God may be glorified in all you do through Jesus the Anointed, to whom belongs glory and power, now and forever. Amen.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Does it seem to you that the world around you is going crazy? It’s because it is. We’re coming to the end of all things. It’s one of the signs of the end times. People don’t just blur right and wrong, they don’t just think selfishly and want to gain only for themselves, but they begin to act in ways that in past times people would say they were insane.

People used to laugh at the “People of Walmart” website but those funny fashions are everyday occurances now. It’s as if people lost their minds and anything is acceptable for wear wherever you go. It shouldn’t be if you have respect for yourself and others, but those folks will tell you “it’s what’s inside that counts, anyway so what does it matter what you wear?” In some respects that’s true, but I’m still a God of order and discipline and some of the outfits point to the opposite end of the spectrum. They obviously come from the point of chaos.

Sometimes the justice systems around the world indicate the world has become crazy. A person who takes a life will get a 7–14 year sentence while another who embezzles money from a company gets 20 years. One carries temporary consequences but a lighter sentence the other has permanent consequences but a longer sentence. It is crazy.

You discard the wisdom of your elderly and often let your youngest most inexperienced decide the fate of the masses. Usually causing problems for generations to come that the young do not yet see or understand. Does it make sense? No, wisdom calls it crazy.

So what does all this mean? The end is near. I’m coming back and it isn’t that far away. So keep your wits about you as Peter tells you. Don’t let the foolishness of the world infect you. Stand upon My word and its wisdom and you will be alright. Ask Me for advice and I will point you in the right direction. I won’t let you face the end times alone.

Love each other steadily and unselfishly. This is a tall order in today’s world when everything and everyone else around you is telling you to do the opposite. Everyone else tells you to take care of yourself first and don’t worry about anyone else. I’m telling you to love each other, look out for each other, care for each other. Help each other with their burdens. Lend a hand. Share the load. Make the work lighter by being there. Show others Christ by your love for them.

Use the gifts I’ve given you to help others. You’ll feel good in helping, and those you help will see Me in your efforts. That’s why I gave you those gifts in the first place, to help others. I didn’t give them to you for you to keep them to yourself for just your use. I want you to spead them around. And as you use those gifts, use them as if working for Me, not for someone else.

When you serve others as if you serve Me you’ll begin to enjoy doing things I’ve gifted you to do. You’ll see others in need that you can help. Others will begin to come to you as they understand what you offer because of what I do through you. You will live your life through Me. I’m still your best bet. I’ll give you the strength you’ll need.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
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