Showing posts with label Real Stone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Real Stone. Show all posts

Friday, December 1, 2023

Living Stone

Living Stone

1 Peter 2:Come to the Lord, the living stone rejected by people as worthless but chosen by God as valuable. Come as living stones, and let yourselves be used in building the spiritual temple, where you will serve as holy priests to offer spiritual and acceptable sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ. For the scripture says,

“I chose a valuable stone,
    which I am placing as the cornerstone in Zion;
    and whoever believes in him will never be disappointed.”
This stone is of great value for you that believe; but for those who do not believe:
“The stone which the builders rejected as worthless
    turned out to be the most important of all.”
And another scripture says,
“This is the stone that will make people stumble,
    the rock that will make them fall.” 

They stumbled because they did not believe in the word; such was God's will for them.

 

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Knowing there was something wrong with the decision, I felt kind of nervous. A friend of mine found a way to get some groceries without using his money. I thought it was not right, but volunteered to drive him to the store and threw in my list of items. On the way home, my car broke down. Coincidentally, the cost of the repair was almost half the amount we spent on groceries.

 

  • I rejected the warning thought and went with the bad decision.
  • I thought that I could participate in something partially and not be guilty.
  • I could have said “No” and walked away from the bad decision.

 

Peter invites everyone to give their lives to JESUS. He mentions that JESUS was overlooked as the one and only solution to all problems. The world has a better way than JESUS so therefore they reject HIM as valuable. BUT GOD has chosen HIM as the most valuable.

 

My Observations:

  • GOD is more pleased when I ask HIM, “What would YOU like me to do?”
  • When I make decisions that do not include GOD, I tend to stumble and fall.
  • JESUS is the cornerstone of my faith and I can build HIS kingdom without ever being disappointed.

 

Disappointment, blame and fear develop when I leave GOD out of my decisions. I mean, there is a way that seems right to me, but I end up falling down and hurting myself. GOD gives me a decision, I can be a stone for HIM or fall on the stone, which is JESUS.

 

Being a stone means, life’s challenges will not move me from believing in HIS power. It also means I totally rely on HIM to resolve my problems HIS way and in HIS time. HE then makes me a holy servant simply because of my belief in HIM. I am glad JESUS stands firm for me.

 

Challenge

  • What rejection does the writer mention?
  • Have you ever thought that some things that GOD wants are worthless?
  • Will you become a living stone for JESUS today and live by HIS example today?

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

The real stone


Deuteronomy 16: 21 Do not set up any wooden Asherah pole beside the altar you build to the Lord your God, 22 and do not erect a sacred stone, for these the Lord your God hates.

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Shopping in a village in Africa after work, a stone artist approached me.  “This statue will bring you good luck.” Driving back across the border from Mexico a salesperson approached the car and said “this will bring your luck.” I have no idea what they were selling. In China I some students gave me gifts and said “this will being you luck.” I wonder if this is where I should put my hope. Nope!

  • Wooden statues are carved by humans and have no power.
  • Stone statues are carved by humans and have no power.
  • String necklaces are made by humans and have no power.


When I have my lucky pencil for a test or wear my lucky shirt for my team to win a game or sit in my lucky seat I’m actually forgetting what GOD says about turning to other gods. It means I desire whatever I desire so much, that I would turn my back on GOD to get it.

  • GOD says “Do not place any god above ME.”
  • GOD says “Worship only ME.”
  • GOD says “I hate wooden and stone gods that have no power.”


The stone the builders rejected is the one and only stone I need to pay attention to, namely JESUS. CHRIST is the cornerstone of the church and that means my total trust needs to be in HIM. My desires should never go outside of HIS will and I should accept the daily bread HE delivers to me. HE supplies my needs and fights my battles. HE IS.

  • Where is your faith?
  • Do you feel your sin changes GOD’s love for you?
  • Can you trust that GOD has the best intention in mind for you?
  • Won’t you start thinking GOD cares and let HIM provide for you the way HE wants to today?