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Verse 7 starts with a sobering statement. “The end of all things is near.” Although we don’t know the day or hour that Jesus will come again, we do know that it is imminent. This truth should transform the way we live. No longer can we live as if we have all the time in the world. If you hadn’t seen a dear loved one in a long time and you expected them soon, how would you feel? The reality is that we should be watching and preparing for the Lord’s return. We should be urgent and alert, praying for those around us, and ready for our Savior. If God is coming soon, how should I live today? Are there things that distract me from my relationship with the Lord?
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“This is why you are also to be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” – Matthew 24:44
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We are bombarded with a shallow version of love today. Thousands of love songs, books and movies preach a love that is temporary and driven by emotional connection. We are told to maintain constant love above all. A constant love that requires maintenance is counter to the world’s view of love. We are to love in action and intention. We must decide to love, whether we feel like it or not. God commands us to love our neighbors and enemies. We are to love as God did. Even when we don’t feel the rush of positive emotions towards someone, we still have to love them. Are there people that I need to love by my actions that I don’t feel love towards? How has my view of love been corrupted by the temporary, emotional love story that the world tells?
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“[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” – 1 Corinthians 13:7
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Our spiritual gifts are meant to be used. God gives us gifts and the strength to use them, as stewards. We are meant to understand the enormity of the gifts God entrusts us with and not take them for granted. We are granted his power in order to serve others. He did not have to give us gifts or his power, but he has. We are also cautioned to teach and serve out of the well of strength that God gives us instead of our own knowledge or power. Am I using the gifts God has given me? Am I serving out of my own strength or the power of God?
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“For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.” – Galatians 5:13
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For Further Study:
Read John 13:1-20. Jesus served well. Read here how he loved and served his disciples.
For Prayer:
Pray for Anthony and Katie Smith in Japan as they seek to reach the Japanese people.