Is To Do So

Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God. The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.  1 Peter 4:1-11 NASB

Thank You God!  Forgive us when we selfishly look out only for ourselves, when we forget to go to You first, to trust You, when we criticize rather than contribute, please open our eyes to how we fall short and teach us to extend grace to one another. May we lift each other up in prayer and in practical ways knowing death is not the end, yes Lord we need You - oh God, there is an ever-looming temptation to despair in the face of the overwhelming evil and destruction of Your people in this world. We come alongside You Jesus, Your will be done, grant us the gift of lament for the  brokenness of this world, strengthen us Holy Spirit, we trust You will lead us in the way of hope… we rely on Your wisdom, thank You for sitting with us… we thank You and praise You for Your Church, brought together by the love of Jesus Christ. We pray for boldness carrying Your word, we pray for unity in Your local churches, and in the Church body as a whole, yes Lord we pray that we face death not with fear but with Your truth, and by Your grace and power we will be brought through the decisions we are forced to make with only Your truth as a lamp stand….. On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand…… we pray that many more would come to know You as their Lord and Saviour! We pray hope, we pray healing, we pray joy, we pray deliverance, we pray reconciliation, we pray love, we pray rejoicing, we pray salvation, we pray revival, we pray forgiveness in the name of Jesus Christ, amen!