Peter teaches us that our salvation is a gracious gift from God. God choose us out of His love for us. Christ is the foundation of our faith. When we are called by God, we are to be devoted, loyal and faithful to Him by obeying Him.

We show that we are His children by accepting the challenge to live different from society. This is why we live in the world, but we are not like the world. We are privileged to belong to God’s family for our safety and security—a gift from God. So the work we do, we do it from God unto man; therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good unto all men—especially unto them who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). 

Peter, offers faithful believers comfort and hope. In this life you will have some persecution. But persecution makes us stronger, because it refines our faith in God and Christ Jesus. When you suffer persecution suffer it victoriously. I will not turn back; I will not give up; I will not let go. I will live; I will survive—and be more than just a conqueror.

Therefore, be alert and without wine. Have a mind for prayer. Watch unto prayer. Pray and keep praying. Above all love one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. All of us have gifts. Find yours and use it or them. All gifts should be used to serve others. People are to see Jesus in you. Praise God for the gifts.

This is the grace of God.

• Be ‘alert’ of all things around you.

• Be ‘sober without wine,’ because God is working in you.

• Have a mind for prayer; intercede for others.

• Have love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sin.

• Be hospitable to one another without complaining.

• Be good stewards of tithes and offerings.

• If you speak, speak God’s words.

• If you serve, let it come from the strength God provides.

In all these things, God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything.

To Him be glory and power forever and ever, amen.

Paul lists these and other abilities [gifts] from God. These abilities are to bring glory to God when we use them (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-11; and Ephesians 4:11).

All the following gifts are for the perfecting of the saints, for the work and furthering of the ministry and for the edifying of the body of Christ: prophecy, teaching, exhorting, giving, ruling, showing mercy, wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, the working of miracles, the discerning of spirits, the speaking of diverse tongues, the interpretation of tongues. Our ministers include: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. This joins the whole body of Christ together.

People should be able to see a difference between Christians and non-Christians because of the way they live.

Stay in the ‘manifold blessing,’ because we are different from others. We take God’s side against sin; we ask God to help us fight sin by doing the work of the kingdom.

Is this the season of the manifold blessing? Yes, this is the season for the manifold blessings of God. We are in the place of favor, mercy, and benefits. The blessings of God are here to liberate us. God did not forsake us in the wilderness. God sent a pillar of a cloud by day to lead us in the way and a pillar of fire by night to light the way whereby you should go. This is the favor, mercy, and benefit of God.

I make a way for you so you will stay in my will and not give up. When I justify you, you will praise me. When I sanctify you, you will praise me. When I glorify you, you will praise me. Your praise is a sign that you have life. When you are in the season of the manifold blessing, you are redeemed from the curse that was upon you. You have been born again from above. The enemy cannot curse whom God has blessed.