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Can I Borrow a Cup of Hope?: How to Find Faith for Hard Times in 1 Peter
"Amy is a gifted teacher and her words are just the right mix of clever, funny, and profound."--Peggy Bodde, founder of Sacred Work
When the pain and problems of life barge in, hopes and dreams run out. In these uncertain seasons of personal crisis, national chaos, and global catastrophe, it's easy to wonder if life will ever be anything but sorrow and despair.
The apostle Peter knows exactly what it's like when hope is gone. He watched as the Messiah was arrested, crucified, and buried. And Peter himself failed almost every test of his faith, even with Christ right in front of him. But he also knows that God is faithful and true, carrying us through our harshest suffering and redeeming our heaviest regrets. Bible teacher, author, and speaker Amy Lively dives into Peter's first epistle, a short letter with a lot of power, to light the way for today's struggling Christian. In this daily Bible study, she guides readers through the beautiful story of Peter and shows how he embodies the way to set our hope fully in Christ alone. With gentle honesty and a touch of helpful humor, Amy helps readers understand that when it feels like the end of the world to them, it's just the beginning of the power of Jesus.
"A beautiful, honest, and in-depth journey into 1 Peter. . . . You'll come away a little more humble, a little more thoughtful and introspective, and best of all, a whole lot more able to set your hope fully on Christ."
--Jennifer Hayes Yates, author of Just Like Us and Seeking Truth
When the pain and problems of life barge in, hopes and dreams run out. In these uncertain seasons of personal crisis, national chaos, and global catastrophe, it's easy to wonder if life will ever be anything but sorrow and despair.
The apostle Peter knows exactly what it's like when hope is gone. He watched as the Messiah was arrested, crucified, and buried. And Peter himself failed almost every test of his faith, even with Christ right in front of him. But he also knows that God is faithful and true, carrying us through our harshest suffering and redeeming our heaviest regrets. Bible teacher, author, and speaker Amy Lively dives into Peter's first epistle, a short letter with a lot of power, to light the way for today's struggling Christian. In this daily Bible study, she guides readers through the beautiful story of Peter and shows how he embodies the way to set our hope fully in Christ alone. With gentle honesty and a touch of helpful humor, Amy helps readers understand that when it feels like the end of the world to them, it's just the beginning of the power of Jesus.
"A beautiful, honest, and in-depth journey into 1 Peter. . . . You'll come away a little more humble, a little more thoughtful and introspective, and best of all, a whole lot more able to set your hope fully on Christ."
--Jennifer Hayes Yates, author of Just Like Us and Seeking Truth
272 pages, Paperback
Published September 26, 2023
4 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lively
4 books9 followersAmy Lively is an author and speaker whose passion is teaching God’s Word as a “How To” manual for loving Him and loving others. With words rooted in ancient Scripture yet rich in modern application, Amy guides us toward lasting hope for difficult days—then helps us share it with a neighbor.
Releasing September, 2023, from Kregel Publications, "Can I Borrow a Cup of Hope? How to Find Faith for Hard Times in 1 Peter" shows how pain and suffering are transformed into hope and purpose. This hybrid book/Bible study shows how to set aside our hopeless fears and hopeful fantasies and set our hope fully on God's faithfulness.
She learned to explain complex theology in simple, relatable terms by inviting neighbors of all ages and faith backgrounds to a women’s Bible study in her home. This crazy idea of knocking on neighbors’ doors grew into an international ministry called The Neighborhood Café, where she have coached women across the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, and Australia to overcome their fears and fulfill their calling in their communities.
Her first book, "How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird," provides even more practical tools, prayerful encouragement and powerful inspiration so you can embrace the people God has carefully placed around your home—the best place for forming new friendships and deepening old ones.
Amy is a student at Asbury Theological Seminary. She has leadership experience in church planting, women’s ministry, small groups, and parachurch organizations. She is also a church volunteer, community organizer, and business owner. She and her husband divide their time between Colorado and Florida. Visit her at www.amylively.com.
Releasing September, 2023, from Kregel Publications, "Can I Borrow a Cup of Hope? How to Find Faith for Hard Times in 1 Peter" shows how pain and suffering are transformed into hope and purpose. This hybrid book/Bible study shows how to set aside our hopeless fears and hopeful fantasies and set our hope fully on God's faithfulness.
She learned to explain complex theology in simple, relatable terms by inviting neighbors of all ages and faith backgrounds to a women’s Bible study in her home. This crazy idea of knocking on neighbors’ doors grew into an international ministry called The Neighborhood Café, where she have coached women across the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, and Australia to overcome their fears and fulfill their calling in their communities.
Her first book, "How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird," provides even more practical tools, prayerful encouragement and powerful inspiration so you can embrace the people God has carefully placed around your home—the best place for forming new friendships and deepening old ones.
Amy is a student at Asbury Theological Seminary. She has leadership experience in church planting, women’s ministry, small groups, and parachurch organizations. She is also a church volunteer, community organizer, and business owner. She and her husband divide their time between Colorado and Florida. Visit her at www.amylively.com.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 28, 2023
When you are in the deepest depths of despair, Amy will show you how your hope can fully rest in the loving arms of Jesus Christ through the words of 1 Peter. This book shows us no matter how heavy the heartbreak or how tough the trial, God's grace, mercy, and comfort can always be found when we search for it with all our heart. Searching through the book of 1 Peter through the eyes and heart of Amy will show you how to find your hope through the beauty and living hope of the Scriptures. Jesus chose Peter to be his first follower, and Jesus knew of course right from the beginning how many flaws Peter had and how many times he would fail in his commitment to Jesus, even though Peter loved him and was absolutely devoted him. This gives me hope because I have the same flaws that Peter had! Amy says when your world falls apart you want answers fast and she dives into 1 Peter to give us five iron-clad strategies on how to hold on, two of which are how to share cheerfully even during the hurt and how to praise joyfully when it’s hard to even be thankful. Best of all, I love how she lets us dig deeper at the end of each lesson with her Second Cup questions, which are also great for doing with a group bible study with your church or in your neighborhood. Amy also shares testimonies from four of her personal friends who have come through their own “end of the world” trials, and shares with us how they relied on their faith in God to get through their challenges of great loss, a devastating accident, a failed marriage and addiction. You can find hope, real honest to God hope when you take apart the Scriptures in 1 Peter like Amy did. I couldn’t put her book down.
November 2, 2023
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.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
November 2, 2024
"Can I Borrow a Cup of Hope" is the most wonderful study of 1 Peter by author and Bible teacher Amy Lively. Her warm and encouraging writing style combines with her rich and compelling Bible teaching to provide an unforgettable experience for the reader. She uses history, real-life examples of life and faith, Greek word definitions, and the Bible itself to help the reader dig into and personalize 1 Peter for herself. QR codes in the book link to Bible verses that each lesson studies, so you can use that or your own print Bible to review what is being taught. Each chapter closes with a section called "A Second Cup," which adds fun and creative application questions, verses, and prayers. Amy also recommends that a journal be used alongside this book for jotting down memorable verses and thoughts.
As I worked through this book, I kept wanting to keep going to the next lesson or page (even though, strictly, that would be the lesson for the next day!). I loved her teaching manner, her faithfulness to the Biblical text, and her use of Greek definitions to underline important exhortations or truth. Wonderful book that I enjoyed on my own; but that would also be fantastic for group study. Five stars!
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions shared here are my own honest ones.
As I worked through this book, I kept wanting to keep going to the next lesson or page (even though, strictly, that would be the lesson for the next day!). I loved her teaching manner, her faithfulness to the Biblical text, and her use of Greek definitions to underline important exhortations or truth. Wonderful book that I enjoyed on my own; but that would also be fantastic for group study. Five stars!
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions shared here are my own honest ones.
October 18, 2023
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!
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!
October 23, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars RENEWING OUR HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2023
Verified Purchase
I ordered a copy of Amy’s Can I Borrow a Cup of Hope for myself and one for a friend's birthday.
It was like reading the rest of the story of Peter’s life and his ministry unto death using 1 Peter as a backdrop. The book is full of truth about how we can all HOPE FULLY to become more like Christ by seeing Peter’s maturity. I used it as a private study and look forward to entering into a group study with other ladies to see how they learned from their experiences. One of my favorite parts was hearing the rest of the story about a young man severely injured on his bike and the HOPE that was given by God using his life to encourage others. The questions at the end of each session opened my soul to more truth and clarity and the ending prayers were inspirational for more time with the Lord. I put a 5 Star on this review because I would recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about our LORD, PETER, and YOURSELF.
Sally Stencel - Buena Vista, Colorado
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Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2023
Verified Purchase
I ordered a copy of Amy’s Can I Borrow a Cup of Hope for myself and one for a friend's birthday.
It was like reading the rest of the story of Peter’s life and his ministry unto death using 1 Peter as a backdrop. The book is full of truth about how we can all HOPE FULLY to become more like Christ by seeing Peter’s maturity. I used it as a private study and look forward to entering into a group study with other ladies to see how they learned from their experiences. One of my favorite parts was hearing the rest of the story about a young man severely injured on his bike and the HOPE that was given by God using his life to encourage others. The questions at the end of each session opened my soul to more truth and clarity and the ending prayers were inspirational for more time with the Lord. I put a 5 Star on this review because I would recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about our LORD, PETER, and YOURSELF.
Sally Stencel - Buena Vista, Colorado
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October 3, 2023
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.
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.
December 6, 2023
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.
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.
November 1, 2024
This was a fantastic deep dive into 1 Peter as well as the life of Peter and his redemption. I learned so much, and each chapter was easily relatable to life. I enjoyed learning about the brave women’s stories she shared, as well as the word studies and cross references.
As I got to the end of the book, I had a better picture of what it means to suffer as a Christian and how to tangibly approach suffering in a way that glorifies God. I recommend this as a Bible study for groups as there are so many extra resources and notes for discussion and further Bible Study.
I also interviewed Amy for the podcast and am excited to share our conversation very soon!
As I got to the end of the book, I had a better picture of what it means to suffer as a Christian and how to tangibly approach suffering in a way that glorifies God. I recommend this as a Bible study for groups as there are so many extra resources and notes for discussion and further Bible Study.
I also interviewed Amy for the podcast and am excited to share our conversation very soon!
September 26, 2023
Truth? I was always skeptical of hope. It seemed like a set-up for disappointment. Through the pages of "Can I Borrow a Cup of Hope?" I found such relatable teaching, stories, and thought-provoking questions, it guided my heart gently from "nope" to hope. You can read it through as a compelling book, take a deep dive through the added features for personal growth, or share it with friends as a Bible study. Whatever way you choose, I recommend it 100%. You'll be so glad you got to know Amy and her mentor, the Apostle Peter, through these beautiful pages.
November 5, 2023
This book! During the pandemic I was fortunate enough to be a part of Amy's Women's Bible Study that inspired this book- or was it the other way around?! At any rate- I was in a deep depression and had a great sense of despair about the world imploding (or exploding) around me. The study was a timely God-given gift. The acronym TEOTWAWKI resonated. Peter's words resonated. The Bible study resonated. They gave me hope in what seemed like a hopeless world.
Now, three and a half years later, here is this book- feeding me once again with hope, and resonating. Letting me know I need to do the work-To saddle up and put my hope fully on Christ. I love Amy's words: "Hope isn't an outcome; it's a joy no matter what comes." Yes! "Hope is a decision to trust God today. When 'hopefully' fails hope fully in Jesus. Hope fully on God's Grace." What a great reminder!
This book is so beautifully written-filled with inspiring stories, and great opportunities to dig deeper into the Word. As I read, it was a constant reminder to remember the Lord in my daily struggles, my hard to understand trials, and in my joy. This book can be used as a group or individual Bible study, or a morning greeting to the day. At any rate, it is a must read! It will fill your cup!
Now, three and a half years later, here is this book- feeding me once again with hope, and resonating. Letting me know I need to do the work-To saddle up and put my hope fully on Christ. I love Amy's words: "Hope isn't an outcome; it's a joy no matter what comes." Yes! "Hope is a decision to trust God today. When 'hopefully' fails hope fully in Jesus. Hope fully on God's Grace." What a great reminder!
This book is so beautifully written-filled with inspiring stories, and great opportunities to dig deeper into the Word. As I read, it was a constant reminder to remember the Lord in my daily struggles, my hard to understand trials, and in my joy. This book can be used as a group or individual Bible study, or a morning greeting to the day. At any rate, it is a must read! It will fill your cup!
July 11, 2025
An interesting look at the book of 1 Peter in the New Testament. Amy shares insights and stories about God working in and through the suffering we humans often face. She also shares personal stories about friends she knows who have been through really hard times and how faith has guided and sustained them. I did this as a study with two friends. We sent each other our answers to the questions at the end of each chapter and offered comments to each other....a great way to get to know someone more deeply. Amy is also a very responsive author. I wrote to her and she wrote back within days.
October 5, 2023
I have to be honest, I was skeptical about this book at first. I figured it would be another Christian Living book with a bunch of first-person stories that sounded great but didn't relate to me.
I was wrong. This book is better than the average Christian Living book because it includes a Bible study for every section. And not just a question or a few verses. In-depth study questions, lists of verses, expansion of ideas introduced in the reading, and thoughtful prayers and action steps.
I loved the insights into Peter the author shared. These enriched my appreciation of the scripture. Lively knows how to turn a phrase and paint word pictures that make you stop and think. She also shares other people's stories, which is a welcome departure from those books that seem to be all about the author instead of promoting Jesus.
While I read and worked through this book on my own, it would make a great small group study. The chapters are conveniently broken into five sections, short enough to complete during daily quiet time but long enough to give rich insight.
If you're looking for a book that will challenge you and comfort you, this is that book.
I was wrong. This book is better than the average Christian Living book because it includes a Bible study for every section. And not just a question or a few verses. In-depth study questions, lists of verses, expansion of ideas introduced in the reading, and thoughtful prayers and action steps.
I loved the insights into Peter the author shared. These enriched my appreciation of the scripture. Lively knows how to turn a phrase and paint word pictures that make you stop and think. She also shares other people's stories, which is a welcome departure from those books that seem to be all about the author instead of promoting Jesus.
While I read and worked through this book on my own, it would make a great small group study. The chapters are conveniently broken into five sections, short enough to complete during daily quiet time but long enough to give rich insight.
If you're looking for a book that will challenge you and comfort you, this is that book.
September 28, 2023
This book certainly helps you find Hope in hard times, but it is NOT a hard read! It felt like I was sitting across the table having coffee with the author. I used this book as a daily devotional. However, it would work well with a small group for a Bible study, for a friend who is hurting, of simply to read straight through on your own. Questions at the end of each chapter can be as deep as you would like them to be. This is set up in a very flexible format and is very user friendly.
July 11, 2024
A friend and I worked through this Bible study together and each week that we talked it was always the same...this week was so good and we really needed it this week. It was as if Amy was in our lives knowing what we were going through.
If you need hope and faith, purchase this book and do the study. First Peter will help you to hope fully in Jesus and Amy will keep you reading, studying, and enjoying her writing.
If you need hope and faith, purchase this book and do the study. First Peter will help you to hope fully in Jesus and Amy will keep you reading, studying, and enjoying her writing.
September 26, 2023
Amy Lively's book, Can I Borrow a Cup of Hope, gives timely wisdom from the book of 1 Peter on how to strengthen your faith in difficult times, rather than lose it. One of my favorite parts of the book are the true life stories of women just like you and me who have endured trials and yet trusted God in the middle of their greatest pain. I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed!
February 16, 2024
As the title indicates, this is a book of hope and encouragement. There are many accounts of real people coping with all types of heartache and disappointment. The chapters are short, so it makes for easier reading. This is a very thoughtful and sensitive approach to keeping faith during the difficulties of life. Included are many appropriate and helpful Scripture references.
November 4, 2024
I really loved how this book focuses on finding hope in a biblical way. Amy helps us to understand that even though we go through really hard and/or discouraging times, we can still have hope. As someone who lives with anxiety and depression , this book has been an excellent supplement resource to read along with 1 Peter in the dark times.
January 25, 2025
Can I Borrow a Cup of Hope? seeks to encourage readers through a study of 1 Peter and the sharing of stories of real life women of faith. Throughout the book there are reflection questions to encourage you to stop and consider what you’ve read. The chapters are short, which helps to make it a quick and easy read. This is a great option for Christian women looking for a book study together.
October 20, 2023
Great Book! If you ever thought that you were the only one who has made a mess in life and lost hope, this book is for you!
May 22, 2024
Hope Fully in Jesus. Great study with a great group of ladies.
March 22, 2025
Can I Borrow a Cup of Hope? is a beautiful, honest, and in-depth journey into 1 Peter that will leave you inspired, encouraged, and yes, even challenged, but in a good way. You’ll come away a little humbler, a little more thoughtful and introspective, and best of all, a whole lot more able to set your hope fully on Christ, who has overcome all the trouble of this world.
-Jennifer Hayes Yates, author of Seek Him First
-Jennifer Hayes Yates, author of Seek Him First
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews