Revised Common Lectionary

In Christ, we are ‘a holy nation’. Why has God made us His ‘own people’? - ‘that you may declare the wonderful deeds of Him... ’ (1 Peter 2:9).‘The nations are waiting for us, waiting for the gospel we will bring’ (Songs of Fellowship, 539).

1 Peter 1:1-25 What kind of people are we to be? You’re calling us to be holy. You’re calling us to be loving. It’s not holiness without love. It’s not love without holiness. It’s holiness. It’s love. This, Lord, is the life You’re calling us to live. Help us to walk with You in holiness and love. 1 Peter 2:1-25 We thank You, Lord for the great privilege of being Your people – we “have received mercy.” It’s also a great responsibility – we are to “declare Your wonderful deeds.” You’ve “called us out of darkness into Your marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9-10). What a privilege! What a responsibility! Help us, Lord, to come to You with the attitude of gratitude. Help us to go to the world with a commitment to care and a desire to share. 1 Peter 3:1-4:6 What matters most to us? Are we content with keeping up appearances? There’s something more important than this. Get the heart right. That’s what You’re saying to us. “In your hearts, reverence Christ as Lord” (1 Pet...

Day 304 Joel 1:1-2:17 ;  Hebrews 3:1-19 ;  Psalm 119:137-144 “Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love” ( Joel 2:13 ). The call to return to the Lord is an urgent call: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” ( Hebrews 3:7-8 ). Those who have returned to the Lord acknowledge that His way is best - “Righteous are You, O Lord, and Your laws are right” ( Psalm 119:137 ). They delight in doing God’s will: “Your commands are my delight” ( Psalm 119:143 ). Day 305 Joel 2:18-3:21 ;  Hebrews 4:1-13 ;  Psalm 119:145-152 As in Hebrews 3, we find again, in Hebrews 4, the words, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” ( Hebrews 4:7 ). The Word of God speaks of “the coming of the great and dreadful Day of the Lord” ( Joel 2:31 ). We are called to decision - “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision” ( Joel 3:14 ). To those who are in the valley of decision, God ...