Prepare Your Mind for Action

I realize this picture is kind of big, but I'm not good at resizing things so it will have to be.  I was thinking  about the Islamic terrorist attack that happened in the early morning hours on Sunday and felt that today's devotional should address it.  I'm really struggling with what to say. It was a horrible unspeakable act and yet I am reminded of the sermon on Sunday.  I do not believe my pastor even knew the news at the time he preached his sermon, Sunday.  But he reminded us of this:   ----What makes men to differ is the restraining grace of God. David wanted to slaughter Nabal and all his men, but God restrained him. If God did not restrain you and me from doing evil we would slaughter others. When we say, "Who would do such a thing?!"  It's just a way of building up our own righteousness in comparison to others."---- 1 Peter 1:13 quoted above, reminds us to prepare our minds for action, to be self-controlled and to set our minds on the grace to be given to us when Jesus Christ is revealed.  In light of this weekend's news, I think this is good to remember. 1. Prepare your mind for action---be ready to give an answer to those who would ask, "Where is God in this?"  Be ready to share the gospel with those who are searching for a better way.  Be ready to think as you read and listen to the reports coming out.  Be prepared to decipher truth from fiction. 2. Be self-controlled---think soberly about what is being said and what you say.  Don't just spew out what comes into your mind first.  It's so easy to spew out comments on Facebook and Twitter without really thinking about what you are saying.  I am as guilty of this as the next person.  I pray that I might slow down and think. 3. Set your mind on the grace of Jesus Christ!  Remember if it were not for His restraining grace in our lives, we would be as bad as the shooter(s).  "Were it not for the grace of God, there go I".  I believe that quote was from John Newton, the slave trader who was saved and wrote Amazing Grace. Pray with me that those who survived and others might come to know God's amazing grace through this horrible tragedy. -------------------------------   If you would like to receive these weekly devotionals in your inbox sign up here. Please visit me at Sufficient Grace For Suffering Saints If you or someone you know needs help preparing a shower talk, here is help!  Bridal Shower Talk Help