Cornerstone: 2 John: Prayers and Poetry

                Cornerstone 

                His teaching

                our foundation

                to protect from

                false copycats

                seeking to feed lies.

                But cannot enter into

                our hearts and thoughts

                when we daily hold

                to His Spirit's words

                to listen and walk.

                Into blessed relationships

                abiding truth always.

Psalm 107:33: "He changes rivers into a wilderness, And springs of water into a thirsty ground."

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, 

Stones: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

            Stones

            Stones to build

            stones to throw away

            not always clear

            need wisdom to discern

            what piece belongs where

            when we build upon His cornerstone.

Reflection:Invitation: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     How easily does blame follow disappointments or rejections?

2.     What helps us recognize our individual responsibility to wrong decisions?

3.     How do God’s warnings here help to ground our discernment?

Share: What promise from God has helped you choose His cornerstone in a difficult situation?

Invitation: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: 1 Peter 2: 7-8

“To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe, ‘The stone that the builder rejected has become the very head of the corner’ and ‘A stone that makes him stumble, and a rock that makes them fall.’ They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.”

Will we accept His invitation?

In “The Parable of the Two Houses” in Mark 7, Jesus warned His followers to build their house upon the rock so that when the rains came their homes would not wash away. There are many stretches along the California coastline where homes and businesses were built on panoramic cliffs that have since tumbled into the ocean or have hazard warnings to not enter. Like fool’s gold they may have looked solid and inviting at first glance, but underground soil hid behind unstable stones unable to hold in the storms.

Only honest expertise could discern between the stable and unstable; but builders and buyers did not always listen. Where does the blame lie?

God gifts all generations with His precious cornerstone of life and grace and mercy. Yet still we fall prey to false prophets and tantalizing false stones masquerading as precious gems. 

And then we claim, “not my responsibility.” Blame circumstances or others for our own choices that result in our stumbling consequences.

Yet still Jesus stands firm, ready to forgive, ready to restore, ready to change us into eternal wholeness instead of worldly dust.

Step by step, stone by stone, we are invited to build.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 27:7

“Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud,

be gracious to me and answer me!”

Living Stones: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: 1 Peter 2:1-6

“Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander. Like newborn babes, long for the pure, spiritual milk so that by it you may grow into salvation, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. Come to him, a living stone,…..like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ….and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

We choose to feed our children with wholesome milk and nourishment knowing how important it is to their physical growth. But as adults we often choose to eat junk food or random diets without seriously considering possible long-term side effects. Those who are glucose intolerant require a specific gluten free diet for their health, but for those who are not intolerant removing gluten from their diet can then create hazardous health.

How often do we consider our spiritual diet with as much discernment as our physical? Peter points out that the outcome can become critical for our salvation as well as our daily living.

Seeking the goodness that the Lord provides infuses our stone hearts, judgmental attitudes, and dry souls with love, mercy, and truth. In His ongoing power and strength we learn to live and grow into a new relationship with ourselves, with others, and with the Lord.

A spiritual house, Peter says, where all are considered precious and cherished. A place where hearts can become whole.

Jesus has become the cornerstone and then invites us to join His ministry. To build—grow a new foundation—and taste His goodness.

Lord, please fill us with Your light and grace and keep us listening to Your words of love that we may become living stones by Your hand.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 27: 6

“Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me,

and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with  shouts of joy;

I will sing and make melody to the Lord.”