May the Lord Build

As you come to Him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a Cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.” - 1 Peter 2:4-6

Christ is our Cornerstone upon and around whom all the other living stones of the church have been laid for the ages and it was Isaiah (28:16) who first said that those who "believe" in Him will never be put to shame. This is a good word for those who are born into "honor and shame" cultures, who must often make the decision to endure the shame of family (by rejecting their traditional religion) in order to gain the honor of Christ in their lives.

Jesus is building His church around the world. Many potential "stones," currently dead in their trespasses and sins, also surround the place where you live. May the One who is the Cornerstone, use you, use us all, to add these chosen and precious ones to His spiritual house for a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to the Father through His Son.

May the Lord build His house wherever you are!

There are three indispensable requirements for a missionary: 1. Patience 2. Patience 3. Patience. - Hudson Taylor