Fire

Peter wrote his first letter to the believers scattered throughout what today is Northern Turkey. The letter was penned in late AD 64 or early 65. During that time, believers in Rome were experiencing intense persecution. It is probable that Peter was in Rome, watching the persecution firsthand. Normally the physical mistreatment of believers started in the larger cities, then spread through the countryside. Peter warned his readers that “now for a little while,” they may have to suffer. But like fire refines gold, so trial refines faith.

The writer of Hebrews describes God as a “consuming fire.” What does he mean by that?

Jesus died on the cross for our sin. He provided the way out of our past prison and the way into a relationship with the Father.

God has put up a sign for true worship that reads, “No pretenders allowed.”

They knew that God was more than powerful enough to save them, but they didn’t know if it was his will. Whether he saved them or not, they would not bow to anyone or anything other than God.

Ask God to give you a “one thing” focus.

Ask God to give you a desire to read his Word and the commitment to read it every day.

He is the living God! He desires a fresh and vibrant relationship with those who follow Him.

That’s the life of obedience God calls us to. Is that the life of obedience that you are committed to?