I Peter 1,2

 Living Stones

I am reminded of a trip to India a few years ago when I think of this passage.

I had the privilege of speaking Sunday morning at a house church.  Afterward,

we were invited to the dedication of a members new house.  When we arrived

I was asked to give a devotion for the ceremony!  Sending up a quick (and

rather desperate prayer)  I Peter came to mind - how we as believers

are a spiritual "house" being built up in the Lord.  

The Taj Mahal

The House church pastor and his family.

Our language was different, but our faith and love for the Lord
was the same.

I Peter 2:4,5

As you come to him (Jesus Christ) 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.

Peter calls Jesus the Cornerstone
and the Capstone.

Questions for 1 Peter 1,2

1.  Have you received the cleansing and rebirth Christ offers?

What does your life show:  that you are a visitor in this world, or very 

at home and settled?

2.  How active and living a "stone" are you in Christ's temple, the Church?

Are you serving?  Supporting other stones?

3.  What examples do you give in submitting to authority:  At work?  In your

community?  As a citizen of the U.S or other country?  

What would be different if you showed respect to a difficult person in authority 

over you?  

James 3-5

Sunrise at Bryce Canyon, Ut






First glow at the rim of the canyon.
 Click on the pictures for a larger image!

Over the rim - closer to the intricate formations.













The closer you get, the grander the towers become.

James 4 gives the key to effective Christian living:  get closer to God!
4:8  "Come near to God and He will come near to you"
Don't just stand on the "rim" - draw near, get on the trail, and into the
adventure.


Lecture 28 application questions:

I.  The Untamable Tongue:
What would happen if you held your tongue at least once this week?  What fires has your tongue set?
What fires have been controlled or put out by your words?   Which type of wisdom (heavenly or worldly) characterizes you?

II.  Warning on Worldliness:
What do your words and actions show: pride or humility?  Where need to humbly submit:  to God?  A Christian leader?   Family?   Work supervisor?
Will you pray this week for God to show you areas where submission and humility is lacking?  Then ask His help for change?

III.  Powerful Prayer:
In the past 24 hours, how often have you been in prayer?  What have you prayed for?  When did you last pray with other believers or interceded for someone?
What will you do to better follow James' instructions on prayer?

What sections of James 3-5 did you find most challenging or convicting?   Be honest!
Then draw near,
  get over the rim,
       go close,
            get deep.
Then effectively live for God,
   prayerfully persevere in faith,
      and wisely watch words and deeds.