Pastor's Perspective, Sunday, January 8, 2012

Recently, I was greatly impacted when reading from scripture the following words:

            “The time is near when all things wiil end. So think clearly and control yourselves so you   will be able to pray.” (1 Peter 4:7)

            “Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay         wide-awake in prayer.” (The Message)

            “The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your          prayers.” (The New Living Translation)

First, notice the Word of God calls us to a sense of urgency. (1) “The time is near when all things will end…” (2) “Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up…” (3) “The end of the world is coming soon…”

Second, we are called to (1) “…think clearly and control yourselves…” (2) “…take nothing for granted…”

Third, we are urged to “…stay awake and pray…and be earnest and disciplined in you prayers…”

In the light of His soon coming, may God help us to “…be alert  to the day in which we live!” There is a real sense that Jesus is coming and this old world is about to be destroyed. Next,. We need to “think clearly,” and with the Lord’s help learn “to control ourselves.” And this is the time “to be alert and pray daily!”

May Christ help us to be prepared for His soon return!

Pastor Richard and Merleen Strum