This book is a wealth of resources. The book itself can be read straight through or used in personal or group Bible study, but the book also contains links and QR codes directing the reader to further resources. I especially appreciated the rubric for learning to tell one's own story. Thankfully I don't currently find myself in one of the life-altering crises addressed in the book, but I know that as long as I'm still on this earth it is likely that I will be again, and I when I am, I will want to refer back to this book.

I just reviewed Can I Borrow a Cup of Hope? by Amy Lively., https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book_widget/299411 . As the author shares, "...this can be used as a devotional. A short prayer, intended to ease your sorrow as you lean into the suffering of Christ", or as a Bible Study. Can I Borrow A Cup of Hope, by Amy Lively is a great selection for exploring your Christian faith with a diverse group. In this study, we are benefitting from over a decade of her reading and reflection on these passages. Making the journey more authentic she reveals some of the bumps, rattles, and sidetracks that have occurred in her life and the lives of those she cares about. Her life experiences and the personal examples she draws upon offer situations and points for reflection because they come from when "real people" were experiencing hard times. She draws upon her study and reading of 1 Peter to structure this study.
Each of the six chapters is broken down around one of the Chapters of 1 Peter. Her Appendix and Notes add additional detail for those who want to expand on what is presented. She has as a theme TEOTWAEKI, an acronym for events and actions that in our lives are "The End of the World as We Know It.". Her writing gives paths that can help us see how to move from being in a place of "dark hopelessness and dim hopefulness" moving toward what God intends for our lives next. She uses teaching us about Peter's experiences to teach about Jesus and grow past shame and mistakes that can hold us back and keep us feeling separate, afraid, and apart.
Each Chapter is broken down into five lessons, and following each lesson are some questions, and then for deeper reflection additional questions, "a second cup', "to guide rich conversation in a gathering of friends". She has included scannable codes at the start of each chapter that with a phone camera bring readers to the Bible readings. Each chapter Chapter / Section ends with a prayer. This book easily lends itself to reading and discussion by a group. Additional bonus material is available at www.amylively.com/cup-of-hope .
#CanIBorrowaCupofHope #NetGalley

I received an electronic ARC from Kregel Publications through NetGalley.
Lively offers readers an in-depth view of 1 Peter. We see Peter's letter as it was written in his time and how it still supports and encourages us today. The short lessons format works as a daily study. I appreciate the questions asked in the "Second Cup" section at the end of each reading. A reader can choose how deeply they want to delve into Biblical study and how much they want to look inward to reflect on their own life. The overall tone is encouraging but Lively also challenges readers to grow and move forward.
This is a versatile book as a reader can process this on their own or in a study group.

I love how this book was written such an eye opening devotional ! I love Peter and what was written in The Bible about him and what he wrote, I learned so much about who he was and his wife , I adored how human I felt reading how alike I felt to the author and this devotional. Each chapter and it’s lessons had some QR codes and charts to look back at and I love that part of the book

Can I Borrow a Cup of Hope by Amy Lively is a thoughtful and meaningful study through the book of 1st Peter. Drawing from her own life experiences and years of study in this particular book, Amy has wonderful truths and insights to share. All of us can relate to failure, feeling out of control, and feeling like things will never be right again. This is exactly the posture that best allows you to receive the powerful promises that Jesus is powerful, faithful, and enough to meet you right where you are. While Peter’s letter is a short one when compared to other lengthly epistles in the Bible, the powerful messages packed in create for rich, deep study experience. Amy is a guide, but the Holy Spirit is the ultimate teacher of these powerful truths. Amy infuses humor, honesty, and experience and encourages the reader to learn and absorb the powerful words written for all of us. I enjoyed her approach, her style, and her writings. I highly recommend as a study for anyone looking to dig deeper into 1st Peter. I did a one-time read through to get a feel for the content, and now I am looking forward to taking my time to go back through at a more leisurely pace that allows me to most fully absorb what the Word has to speak to my heart.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Can I Borrow a Cup of Hope?
by Amy Lively
Pub Date 26 Sep 2023
Kregel Publications
Christian| Religion & Spirituality


Netgalley and Kregel Publications provided me with a copy of Can I Borrow a Cup of Hope for review:


Hopes and dreams run out when pain and problems barge in. Life can seem hopeless in these uncertain times of personal crisis, national chaos, and global catastrophe. Signs with cute Bible verses aren't enough.


In times of despair, Apostle Peter knows exactly how it feels. He watched the Messiah's arrest, crucification, and burial. Peter himself failed almost every test of faith, even with Christ right in front of him. He also knows God is faithful and true, carrying us through our harshest sufferings and redeeming our heaviest regrets.


Bible teacher, author, and speaker Amy Lively explores Peter's first epistle to illuminate the way for today's struggling Christian. She guides readers through the beautiful story of Peter and shows how he embodies the way to set our hope in Christ alone. Amy helps readers understand that when it feels like the end of the world, it's just the beginning of Jesus' power.


I give Can I Borrow a Cup of Hope five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Do you ever feel like each crisis in your life somehow also turns into a crisis of faith? This book shifted my perspective and gave me hope that I can learn to face suffering well and full of faith, even though I have failed to do so in the past.

Can I Borrow a Cup of Hope is such a unique book. It’s an in-depth look at 1 Peter but is crammed full of real-life applications so that the reader can identify with Peter-the-Failure while learning the secret of his transformation into a bold and wise leader of the early church.

This book shows us how we can be transformed through suffering, and that this [painful and slow] process can also give hope to those around us as we thoughtfully and prayerfully share our stories.

I so appreciate Amy's honesty about falling away from God for a time and being fully restored. We all need this reassurance. Thank you Amy for this thorough and inspiring teaching from Peter of hope, perseverance, and restoration.