We've looked at James.  Let's look at the first of three letters that Peter wrote.

In 1 Peter 1:1, Peter identifies himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ. and addresses people he doesn't know who are scattered throughout five different regions.  Although they are strangers, they are brothers in Christ.  New Christians.  Peter wants them to know that he is authentic, an apostle of Jesus.

1 Peter 1:2  "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ::  Grace unto you and peace, be multiplied."  Peter doesn't know these people, but he knows what Christ can do in the life of a person who finds Christ.  Believers have been sanctified.

He explains that it is the blood of Jesus that saves them.  Not the sprinkling of the blood of sacrificial animals on the alter in the holy of holies.  Jesus is the lamb.

Then he blesses them.  With grace and peace.  Why those two things?  Why not health and prosperity?
When you think of the ultimate blessing, it is Grace from God and Peace in the world we live in.  That is what we all need.  And we need it to be multiplied--as Peter wanted.  More and more.

I am so tired of conflict.  It seems like the entire world is in conflict.  Even our nation.  It wearies me.

Yesterday was Ken's birthday.  He is 84 years old.  It was a good day with family and friends.   He was able to get up and join us and eat strawberry shortcake.  Right now it doesn't get any better than that.  He asked me, "Did you ever in your wildest imagination think you would be married to a man who is 84 years old?

I told him, "In my eyes you are always 26.  Just like the day I met you."  And he is.