1. New birth through Jesus' resurrection

Once we put our hope in worldly things or in people, and we were slaves of fear and of our own feelings. But our merciful God gave us a new birth into a living hope. We are born again, not by human effort, but by the power of God who raised Jesus from the dead. Once we trusted things that perish, spoil or fade. Now we have an inheritance that will be ours forever. God not only keeps it for us, he also protects us by his power until we can claim it fully.

2. In this you rejoice

Only a loving heart can know real joy and real sorrow. Even though we have not seen Jesus, we love him. He is our source of joy. Even though we suffer painful and difficult trials, our faith grows brighter and purer because we love Jesus. Even though we do not see him, we believe in him and are confident that he will keep all of his promises.

Application: Lord, thank you for the living hope you have given me. Thank you for giving me your sure promise to hold in my heart.
One Word: Love Jesus; be filled with joy