Living Stones Built Upon the Living Stone
Day 1: Coming to the Living Stone
1 Peter 2:4-5; John 1:35-39
Devotional:
Jesus' invitation has always been simple: "Come and see." When we come to Christ, the living stone rejected by men but precious to God, we enter into intimate fellowship with Him. This isn't merely intellectual assent or Sunday morning attendance—it's the movement of your entire person into union with Christ. Your soul mingles with His. God begins constructing His dwelling place in your heart, making you His temple. Today, consider what "coming to Christ" truly means in your life. Are you drawing near with your whole heart, or keeping Him at arm's length? The foundation of everything God wants to build in you starts with this invitation. Will you come?
Day 2: Chosen and Precious Despite Rejection
1 Peter 2:6-8; Philippians 2:5-11
Devotional:
Jesus was rejected by the religious establishment, yet God highly exalted Him above every name. This pattern becomes ours when we build our lives on Christ. The world may despise what you believe, mock your convictions, or marginalize your faith. But here's the truth: you are chosen and precious in God's sight. The same Father who vindicated Jesus will vindicate you. The world's rejection doesn't diminish your value—it confirms you're built on the right foundation. Don't seek the world's approval; you already have your Father's. Let this truth anchor you when criticism comes, when you feel misunderstood, or when following Christ costs you something. You are precious to Him.
Day 3: A Holy Priesthood with Direct Access
1 Peter 2:5, 9; Hebrews 10:19-22
Devotional:
Under the Old Covenant, only select priests could approach God, and even then with severe restrictions. Today, because of Christ's blood, you have unfettered access to the Father. You don't need a human intermediary—you are the priesthood. This means right now, in this moment, you can draw near with confidence. Your prayers aren't bouncing off the ceiling; they're entering the throne room of grace. You have something to offer God that pleases Him: your worship, your heart, your life. Don't minimize this privilege. When you sing, pray, or read Scripture, you're functioning as God's priest. Let this transform how you approach worship—not as entertainment or obligation, but as sacred service in God's presence.
Day 4: Suffering as God's Construction Tool
1 Peter 2:4-10; James 1:2-4
Devotional:
Before building a house, the ground must change. Trees must come down, rocks must move, earth must be leveled. Similarly, God uses suffering to prepare the ground of your life for what He wants to build. That pain you're experiencing isn't random—it's God's shovel digging, His saw cutting, His level measuring. He's making room for something beautiful. Suffering transforms us into worshipers who truly understand our need for Him. It breaks our self-sufficiency and drives us to draw near. Instead of resisting the pain, ask God what He's building through it. Let tribulation have its perfect work. The house He's constructing in you is worth the difficult renovation process.
Day 5: Built to Gather More Living Stones
1 Peter 2:9-10; Matthew 28:18-20
Devotional:
The gospel came to you because it was on its way to someone else. God didn't save you just for your benefit—He made you a living stone so you'd gather more living stones. You've been called out of darkness into marvelous light not to hoard that light, but to shine it. This Christmas season, as you celebrate Christ's coming, remember your mission: proclaim His excellencies. Tell others what God has done in your life. Share how He's extended grace, provided mercy, transformed your heart. You don't need theological degrees or perfect eloquence—just authenticity about what Christ means to you. Who is God calling you to reach? What living stone is waiting for you to invite them to come and see?
Reflection Question for the Week:
How is God using both blessing and suffering to build His dwelling place in your heart, and who can you invite to become part of His spiritual house?*
1 Peter 2:4-5; John 1:35-39
Devotional:
Jesus' invitation has always been simple: "Come and see." When we come to Christ, the living stone rejected by men but precious to God, we enter into intimate fellowship with Him. This isn't merely intellectual assent or Sunday morning attendance—it's the movement of your entire person into union with Christ. Your soul mingles with His. God begins constructing His dwelling place in your heart, making you His temple. Today, consider what "coming to Christ" truly means in your life. Are you drawing near with your whole heart, or keeping Him at arm's length? The foundation of everything God wants to build in you starts with this invitation. Will you come?
Day 2: Chosen and Precious Despite Rejection
1 Peter 2:6-8; Philippians 2:5-11
Devotional:
Jesus was rejected by the religious establishment, yet God highly exalted Him above every name. This pattern becomes ours when we build our lives on Christ. The world may despise what you believe, mock your convictions, or marginalize your faith. But here's the truth: you are chosen and precious in God's sight. The same Father who vindicated Jesus will vindicate you. The world's rejection doesn't diminish your value—it confirms you're built on the right foundation. Don't seek the world's approval; you already have your Father's. Let this truth anchor you when criticism comes, when you feel misunderstood, or when following Christ costs you something. You are precious to Him.
Day 3: A Holy Priesthood with Direct Access
1 Peter 2:5, 9; Hebrews 10:19-22
Devotional:
Under the Old Covenant, only select priests could approach God, and even then with severe restrictions. Today, because of Christ's blood, you have unfettered access to the Father. You don't need a human intermediary—you are the priesthood. This means right now, in this moment, you can draw near with confidence. Your prayers aren't bouncing off the ceiling; they're entering the throne room of grace. You have something to offer God that pleases Him: your worship, your heart, your life. Don't minimize this privilege. When you sing, pray, or read Scripture, you're functioning as God's priest. Let this transform how you approach worship—not as entertainment or obligation, but as sacred service in God's presence.
Day 4: Suffering as God's Construction Tool
1 Peter 2:4-10; James 1:2-4
Devotional:
Before building a house, the ground must change. Trees must come down, rocks must move, earth must be leveled. Similarly, God uses suffering to prepare the ground of your life for what He wants to build. That pain you're experiencing isn't random—it's God's shovel digging, His saw cutting, His level measuring. He's making room for something beautiful. Suffering transforms us into worshipers who truly understand our need for Him. It breaks our self-sufficiency and drives us to draw near. Instead of resisting the pain, ask God what He's building through it. Let tribulation have its perfect work. The house He's constructing in you is worth the difficult renovation process.
Day 5: Built to Gather More Living Stones
1 Peter 2:9-10; Matthew 28:18-20
Devotional:
The gospel came to you because it was on its way to someone else. God didn't save you just for your benefit—He made you a living stone so you'd gather more living stones. You've been called out of darkness into marvelous light not to hoard that light, but to shine it. This Christmas season, as you celebrate Christ's coming, remember your mission: proclaim His excellencies. Tell others what God has done in your life. Share how He's extended grace, provided mercy, transformed your heart. You don't need theological degrees or perfect eloquence—just authenticity about what Christ means to you. Who is God calling you to reach? What living stone is waiting for you to invite them to come and see?
Reflection Question for the Week:
How is God using both blessing and suffering to build His dwelling place in your heart, and who can you invite to become part of His spiritual house?*