Build: Living Stones: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

            Build

            Living stones.

            Built on truth foundation

            forgiveness—grace—mercy

            ongoing ministry of

            welcome and restoration

            built on Spirit wisdom

            guidance—strength—sacrifice

            breathe of hope.

            Living Stones.

Reflection: Living Stones: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     In what way does holding onto malice and guile, insincerity, envy, and slander poison nurture and keep us from growing?

2.     How can we remove them and replace with wholeness, discernment, and vision?

3.     As a living stone Jesus was, “rejected by mortals,” yet precious and chosen in God’s sight. Do we see ourselves as precious and chosen as well? Why or why not?

4.     What are some “acceptable” spiritual sacrifices we can choose to give?

Share: How have you “tasted that the Lord is good” this week?

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.”

Inheritance: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Joshua 13

“To the tribe of Levi alone Moses gave no inheritance; the offerings by fire to the Lord God of Israel are their inheritance, as he said to them.” Joshua 13: 14

Chosen to give the offerings by fire. Chosen to be in the center of worship.

Devoted to the service of the sanctuary. Designated guardians of the tabernacle. Their tents had surrounded the tabernacle while they traveled—as a protective bridge. Among their designated cities were also cities of refuge. And then later they were ministers in the temple at Jerusalem.

One commentator says, “the Levites were scattered among the tribes to keep alive among them the knowledge and service of God.”

In their office as priests they offered up the sin sacrifices daily. They represented the people before God and they also offered up sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. They gave religious instruction and warned against the perils of idolatry and unbelief. They gave God His glory.

Peter tells all believers, “And coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected by men, but choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. …. A people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” 1 Peter 2: 5 & 9 NAS

In our allotted places we too are scattered among the people around us to serve God willingly with prayer, and praise, and witness.

Lord, only in Your strength can we fully become Your servants and live out the inheritance You have given. Help us to lean wholly upon You in daily worship and calling wherever You send us to keep alive Your words of refuge and redemption.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 133: 1-2

“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!

It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard of Aaron, running down the collar of his robes.”