But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9 NIV). 

You are one of God’s chosen; you are part of a royal priesthood, a holy nation. You are God’s special possession, loved by God. You have received mercy. So continue to delight yourself in God’s life generating, life giving, nourishing living word! Then you will see the marvelous things that God is doing! 

God is taking the unique skills and talents he has blessed you with. God is using you along with all those who believe in Christ to build his spiritual house, his dwelling place. This house is built upon Jesus, God’s precious chosen cornerstone. This cornerstone is a living stone. It isn’t a breathless, lifeless stone that can’t give guidance or hear or understand. It is a living, loving, redeeming, solid foundation upon which you can build your life. 

 God’s house is a place filled with living hope, where there is no shame and where you are loved unconditionally. This house is decorated with the imperishable beauty of the holiness and faith of your life. It is a place where brokenness and sickness are held in love and given meaning. You will not find malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy or slander in God’s house. It is a place where you rub shoulders with strangers and create a safe community that is spacious enough for everyone. Here, you, your work, and your life are given purpose. Here, Jesus takes everything you do and purifies it into sacrifices that ascend as a sweet aroma to God’s throne bringing him delight. 

Prayer Truly Lord, you have done a marvelous thing by calling us out of darkness into your wonderful light. May our lives and hearts declare your praises today. Amen