Apostle Peter is one of the most interesting characters in the New Testament with whom most Christians can easily relate. He loved Jesus passionately but always wore his heart on his sleeves. Thinking of him, we can quickly imagine Peter jumping out of the boat into the sea while the other disciples were glued to the boat, cutting off the soldier’s ear impulsively in Gethsemane, taking aside Jesus and rebuking Him for talking about His suffering and after all the high drama going back to fishing!

The Holy Spirit experience (Acts 2) in the upper room changed his life dramatically. Struggling to hide his identity, by cringing in fear before a curious maid at the trial of Jesus, he went on to stand before a massive Jewish crowd, to share the gospel of Christ - saving three thousand souls on a single day.

In his letter to the dispersed Christians, he challenges them to raise the bar of holiness, for God had given His divine power for them to partake in the divine nature of Christ (2 Peter 1:3, 4).

He encourages them not to be complacent with their faith but make every effort to supplement their faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self- control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection and brotherly affection with love (2 Peter 1:5-7).

If they confirmed their call and election to become fruitful and raised the bar of holiness, he assured that they will be richly provided an entrance into the eternal kingdom of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:11).

Peter never allowed his past to drive his future just like the wake which cannot steer the ship. The Holy Spirit empowered him to be a powerful witness for Christ and die as an all-time mighty servant of God.

Thought for the day: The Holy Spirit is still in the business of transforming lives – if yielded to Him!