December 20, Day 354

Today's Reading

1 Peter is a letter of warning and encouragement. Peter understood that people would be tempted to walk away from the faith and back to their old lives. He also acknowledged the persecution that was happening to God's people everywhere and encouraged them to stay the course.

For instance, So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, "You must be holy because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:13-16 NLT) I have a friend who has gone back to the old way of living. My heart breaks as I read these verses.