Living Stones

As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him-- you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
2 peter 2:4, 5, 9

the mental picture given by these verses of the people of God is one of my favorites. "living stones" - i suppose in some ways we are like pet rocks, because everyone knows that pet rocks are living. and are pet rocks not chosen by the owners and precious in their site? ok, maybe i am stretching some. oh well, need to use my imagination for something constructive. when i think of this illustration i think of something strong and secure, yet growing and filled with life. is that how i perceive myself? have i accepted God's description of who i am as strong and secure and filled with life? some days i don't feel it, but i know my heart knows this to be true.

so i guess i'm really just a chip off the old block.

incredible Creator,
thanks for calling me out of darkness into Your wonderful light. thanks for building me into a spiritual house who brings acceptable sacrifices to You. Jesus, i want to be strong and secure, and filled with abundant life. i trust thru Your word that i am becoming a living stone. thanks for allowing me to be part of Your royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to You. that amazes me. You chose us to be Your people. thanks.
in Jesus' Name ~ Amen

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*Paul *Ashton *Ruth