Peter encourages the church to rejoice in their participation of Christ's sufferings.

A Psalm requesting God to act against Israel's enemies.

Apologies, this episode was scheduled to post last week when it should have been this week. In keeping with our readings it will be posted here again. 

Peter explains to his audience that Christians are "resident aliens" in this world. The proper way to live our lives is to stay holy and pure but also act as a blessing to those around us. Christians are distinct because of their holiness and care for others. 

Asaph reminds the people of Israel that God has been faithful through the years even though they have been unfaithful. Their rebellion and disobedience is contrasted with God’s mercy in sending David as his skillful shepherd, and moving the place of his tabernacle from Shiloh to Mt Zion.

We can lose sight of who we are by focusing on what the world thinks of us or what we think of ourselves. But what we should really be focusing on is what Jesus thinks of us.

Peter treats the tricky issue of believing spouses' relationship with their unbelieving spouses. Peter does not recommend giving up on that spouse but rather recommends a life of love and pure conduct so that they might eventually win over their spouse to the Lord. 

The apostle Peter gives a doxology of praise for God's plan of salvation and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Asaph cries out in lamentations to God. He remembers God's care and God's power to save. 

To say we believe in the power of prayer is one thing, but to actually use it like we believe it is another!