Chosen And Precious

Sunday, August 4, 2024

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day:   Psalm 68:35 "How awe-inspiring you are, God, from your holy places, the God of Isra’el, who gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God!"(Complete Jewish Bible)

Memory verse: Psalm 90:14

14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.  

Today's reading: Psalm 68-69 Romans 8:1-21

Chosen And Precious

1 Peter 2:4–6 English Standard Version

4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 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. 6 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.”

In our lives, we will do all we can for what we find most precious. This is true-argue as we might. The Bible says it like this:

Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."('Money' is translated possessions, property, money)

We are created in the image of God and God is love(1 John 4:8). Deep in that nature is the need to pour ourselves into loving-and we will love-something or someone-things or people. We will pour that passion into what we find most precious.

In 1 Peter 2:4-6, Christ is most precious-chosen and precious. He is our cornerstone-that means He is to be everything to us. Everything in our lives is to be built on Him.

He is to be most precious in our lives. We must choose Him. After we choose Him, we must seek Him daily as the Holy Spirit makes Him most precious in our lives.

It is time for us to look at our passions in this life. What drives us? What do we really consider most precious to us?

This is a mindset that The Holy Spirit will intensify if we seek Him.

So be honest-for what are you most passionate about in your life?

Is Christ really precious in your life?

Take a breath-God is patient. But, we must pray and seek Him. God will take care of our feelings. He will make Himself precious to us if we desire it.

That is a big 'if'-but never bigger than God's will for you. Put in the work.

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Make you name first in my heart. Give me your passion for Your kingdom for today. Make Christ Jesus my passion. Forgive me my hate and lead me away from my sloth.

Precious and gentle, most powerful God,

In the name of my Lord, Christ Jesus,

Amen