Call to be Self-controlled

May27, 2011

1Peter 1:13 “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given You when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

“Therefore- always look to see what this word is there for.” Dr Paul Fink BIBL 350, Liberty University.

Therefore: because of the grief in trials we are suffering now will show our faith genuine, more valuable than refined gold which perishes-so we will receive grace, mercy, guidance by the Holy Spirit, and our salvation is secured through Your suffering and resurrection when You are revealed; we must now prepare our minds for action.

Lord, if we are not girded up in our minds every day by spending time with You and daily putting on the full armor of God when live is going well, we will never be prepared when life takes a wicked turn for the worse.  We are to be self-controlled not hysterical or flighty, but setting our hope fully on the grace to be given when You are revealed.

Even the world, in a quite different sense engages in preparedness.  Because of all of the severe weather (tornados and floods), we have had this spring already, Virginia is allowing a tax free week for survival supplies (bottled water, batteries, generators, etc).  Preparedness- the Girl Scout motto is Be Prepared.

Lord, help me to prepare for disaster, persecution, and whatever this world brings and help me to focus not on what the circumstances are, but on You and Your grace that will be given at the time when You are revealed.