Chosen: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

 Reading: 1 Peter 2:8-10: "And A stone that makes them stumble and a rock to trip over. They keep stumbling over the message because they refuse to believe it. And this they were destined to do. But you are God's chosen treasures--priests who are kings, a spiritual nation set apart as God's devoted ones. He called you out of darkness to experience His marvelous light, and now He claims you as His very own. He did this so that you would broadcast His glorious words throughout the world. For at one time you were not God's people, but now you are. At one time you knew nothing of God's mercy; because you hadn't received it yet, but now you are drenched with it."

Chosen

Not only the difficulty to understand that God has chosen us to be His own, but that each one is considered a treasure! Something we often feel that is not possible even with our own loved ones.

We carry so much emptiness and rejection from others, and within ourselves at our failures, that the idea seems impossible.

And then we don't recognize or accept His words and messages to be for us. And make excuses to not listen, to not recognize or trust such a grace, and love, and healing.

Thank you, Lord for never giving up on each one of us, for continuing to shine Your light to bring the lies out of our fears, especially when we cannot see that Your mercy is never ending.

Your thoughts,

Foundation: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

                Foundation 

                His stone

                solid foundation

                even when ignored

                stands firm

                every moment

                sanctuary

                entrance open

                spiritual cornerstone

                Elohim calls to

                His stone.

Psalm 89:8: "O Lord God of hosts, who is like Thee, O mighty Lord? Thy faithfulness also surrounds Thee."

Reflection: Cornerstone: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions:

        1. When have you had a worldly 'cornerstone' crumble under you?

        2. Did that create a hesitation to accept the Lord's stone?

        3. What is your definition of becoming a serving holy priest?

        4. What do you consider to be spiritual sacrifices? Why?

Share: How did you find His cornerstone?

Cornerstone: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

 Reading: 1 Peter 2: 5-7: "Come and be His "living stones" who are continually being assembled into a sanctuary for God. For now you serve as holy priests offering up spiritual sacrifices that He readily accepts through Jesus Christ. For it says in Scripture: Look! I lay a cornerstone in Zion; a chosen and priceless stone! And whoever believes in Him will certainly not be disappointed. As believers you know His great worth--indeed, His preciousness is imparted to you. But for those who do not believe: The stone that the builders rejected and discarded has now become the cornerstone."

Cornerstone

We need a solid cornerstone every day. One that is centered on truth and purpose and direction so we can grow within ourselves, and share real hope with others.

His insight every day will guide us into becoming a living stone too that will fill us with spiritual insight.

Thank you Lord for dissolving the harsh stones within us that linger, and instead continue to show us how to recognize the living sanctuary You have prepared for each one.

Your mercy of Your stone every day.

Your thoughts, 

Priceless: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

                Priceless 

                His Word alone

                provides

                pure light

                nourishes soul

                new strength.

                Living Stone.

                Limitless

                priceless love

                provides

                His Word alone.

Psalm 89:7: "A God greatly feared in the council of the holy ones, And awesome above all those who are around Him?"

Reflection: Word: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions: 

        1. Which on this list do you struggle the most to overcome?

        2. Which on this list has been an ongoing attack to you?

        3. How did His word bring a new perspective?

        4. Do you see Him as a Living Stone? How does that give you peace?

Share: How has His words of mercy enabled you to find fresh nourishment?

Word: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: 1 Peter 2:1-4: "So abandon every form of evil, deceit, hypocrisy, feelings of jealously and slander. In the same way that nursing infants cry for milk, you must intensely crave the pure spiritual milk of God's Word. For this 'milk' will cause you to grow into maturity, fully nourished and strong for life--especially now that you have had a taste of the goodness of Yahweh and have experienced His kindness. So keep coming to Him who is the Living Stone--though He was rejected and discarded by men but chosen by God and is priceless in God's sight.

Word

He provides ongoing fresh words in all situations to remind us to turn to them and not reach for the negative and accusing attitude that we so often react to--whether in thoughts or retort.

To recognize that when we attack outwardly we attack within ourselves as well.

Yet if we stay on the path of His heart we can stay connected to truth--to guidance--to mercy--in all situations.

Thank you Lord for Your ongoing words for us that will guide us in prayer, in work, in relationships, in decisions, and in daily choices.

Please teach us how to extend Your priceless kindness to others, no matter the circumstances, and grow Your grace within us to pass on to others.

Your thoughts,

Truth: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

                Truth

                Word from the Lord

                endures

                forever.

                Word given to each one

                empowers

                faith.

                Word ongoing always

                embraces

                forgiveness.

                Word restores brokenness to

                everlasting

                foundation.

Psalm 89:6: "For who in the skies is comparable to the Lord? Who among the sons of the mighty is like the Lord,"

                

Reflection: Obedience: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions: 

        1. How do you define obedience to heart truth day to day?

        2. In what ways do you recognize His seed growing within you?

        3. How do you express His love to others now?

Share: What made you recognize you were born again inside your heart?

Obedience: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

 Reading:1 Peter 1:22-24: "Now, because of your obedience to the truth, you have purified your very souls, and this empowers you to be full of love for your fellow believers. So express this sincere love toward one another passionately and with a pure heart. For through the eternal and living Word of God you have been born again. And this 'seed' that He planted within you can never be destroyed but will live and grow inside of you forever. For: Human beings are frail and temporary, like grass, and the glory of man fleeting like blossoms of the field. The grass dries and withers and the flowers fall off, but the Word of the Lord endures forever! And this is the Word that was announced to you!"

Obedience

Thank you, Lord, for Your eternal gift of living Word growing in our hearts and souls.

Thank you that it can never be destroyed no matter how far we many wander away.

Thank you that this Word from You is offered to every one of us. Thank you that You enable us to listen and to follow and let go of our self-absorbed attitudes.

Thank you for inviting us into Your truth through the presence and power of Your Holy Spirit.

Thank you for not letting go of us when we falter. And instead forgive us our past and resistance and ignorance.

Thank you that Your words become our ongoing breath in all circumstances.

To follow only Your light.

Your thoughts, 

Awe:1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

                Awe

                Ransomed 

                Sacrificed

                On purpose

                Out of His love

                mercy.

                Released

                Salvation

                Ongoing presence

                Open love

                messages.

                Restores

                Souls

                One by one

                Offers

                mercy.

Psalm 89:5: "And the heavens will praise Thy wonders, O Lord; Thy faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones."

Reflection: Ransom: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

 Reflection Questions:

        1. How do you determine your daily needs? By the busy agenda first, or by seeking the Lord's priority first?

        2. What key actions do you recognize as His call to you to shape your life?

        3. How do you fasten yourself to faith and hope in all circumstances trusting in His guidance?

Share: What does daily awe and reverence look like to you?