In the Valley November 27—December 1
We need to become more aware of God’s presence in all situations—in both life’s hills and valleys. Hills represent the good times when we feel like celebrating and are grateful for God’s blessings. Valleys represent the bad times when we feel troubled, such as relationship conflicts, health crises, failures, financial problems, and grief. Like hills,…
Last Words November 20-24
When Peter wrote his second letter to the early church from a prison near the Roman Forum, he knew that Nero was going to have him executed. Knowing these would be his final words to the church, Peter packed the letter full of passionate words of encouragement and of warning. He encouraged them to remember…
Suffering November 13-17
In the Gospels, we saw that Peter wanted the kingdom of God to come immediately and without human suffering. Now in his first epistle, Peter writes about our heavenly hope—the kingdom of God which will come after the saints’ suffering for their faith. He proclaims that the suffering and death of Jesus Christ on the…
Set Apart November 6-10
Peter wrote this letter to help the church stand firm in the grace of God, particularly in the face of suffering. He reminds them of their identity: they are God’s chosen people, so they are like temporary foreign residents living outside of their true homeland. Peter was calling them to live a holy life. Christ…
Signs, Wonders and Miracles Oct. 30—Nov. 3
At the end of the Gospels, we find Peter forgiven and restored, but the evidence of his transformation becomes quite apparent in the Book of Acts through Peter’s preaching and practice. Starting at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit worked through Peter to do amazing things—doing things that he had only seen Jesus do and experience other…