We as a family are doing our devotions together, and because of the different hectic schedules we are [attempting] to use this blog as a central point to grow together (Proverbs 27:17). That being said this is not limited to our family and as long as you come in a spirit willing to learn from the Bible and grow closer to him we'd love for you to join in. We're going through the books of 1st and 2nd Peter and then eventually the book of James. Today is day 1 and we're starting with 1st Peter 1:1-9

I Peter 1:1-9 [link to the passage - http://tinyurl.com/ipeter1]
Here right off the bat we see the Apostle Peter writing with the intent of magnifying the name of God. Phrases like “according to his great mercy” and “blessed be God the father of our Lord Jesus Christ” and “by God’s power”. Salvation is a great and incredible thing, but before I focus on how great it is for me that I’ve been redeemed to an everlasting life that cannot be destroyed I must focus on how great God is for being able to provide such a thing.

Peter also touches on the major theme of this book “success in suffering” (see verses 6-9) but he also give the main motivation/power source for me to be able to rejoice in suffering; knowing the glory and sovereignty of the God of my salvation. If I can trust God to save me eternally the things of day to day life seem much more trivial.
How liberating of a thought! I can rejoice in every situation because the God that saved me is testing me that I can grow closer to him in hard times. Almost makes me want to pray for more persecution of the church in America so that we as a whole might grow closer to God through dependency on him and not our comfort!

Soli Deo Gloria