BIBLE READING PLANNER

Peter the fisherman was a faithful disciple of Jesus for more than three years. Peter often acted upon impulse see for example Matt 14:28-30. Peter staunchly followed Jesus and even when Jesus warned that  the disciples would desert him it was Peter who said "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." Mark 14:31.  But to his bitter regret, Peter did  deny that he knew Jesus three times when Jesus most needed his support.

By the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Peter's faith was rekindled and Jesus gave him the commission to 'feed his flock' (John 21:15-18).

Peter became a prominent early preacher of the Gospel, first to the Jews (Acts 2-9) and also to the Gentiles (non-Jews) (Acts 10-12). He suffered imprisonment on several occasions and according to tradition, was finally martyred, as prophesied by Jesus.

His epistles, addressed to the Jewish believers scattered throughout the world, proclaim the leadership of Jesus as the Chief Shepherd of the flock. Believers are reminded of their holy calling in a dark world. They must expect suffering and trial, but God's promises in Jesus Christ are sure and will be fulfilled. Through Jesus we also can escape the judgments coming on the world.

DAILY NOTES

SUNDAY - 1 Peter 1 - God in heaven has reserved an inheritance for the faithful. It will be revealed, eventually, on earth (verses 4-5) at the second coming of Jesus (verse 7).

MONDAY - 1 Peter 2 - Like Israel of old, believers are called to be a special people (verses 9-10) with consequent responsibilities (verse 12). They must try to be blameless, like Jesus in their daily lives (verses 13-17).

TUESDAY - 1 Peter 3 - Jesus Christ is our example and we must suffer for him if necessary (verse 14). We must be baptised into him (verse 21) to be saved (like Noah).

WEDNESDAY - 1 Peter 5 - Jesus Christ is the Shepherd of his people and will glorify them when he comes again (verse 4).

THURSDAY - 2 Peter 1 - God makes great and precious PROMISES through Christ (verse 4) of eternal glory in His Kingdom (verse 11). The Bible is totally reliable as God's word (verse 21).

FRIDAY - 2 Peter 2 - God saved Noah (verse 5) and Lot (verse 7) and can save us from the coming judgments (verse 9), if we remain faithful followers of Jesus Christ (verse 20).