A Living Stone and a Holy People
2:1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
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.”
7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,” [1]
8 and
“A stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offense.”
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
Submission to Authority
13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, [2] whether it be to the emperor [3] as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants [4] of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Amen
1 Peter 2
"O God, you are my God. Earnestly I seek you;my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is BETTER than life,my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name, I will lift up my hands." Psalms 63
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Guest
Hi sister, 
These words are soooo "enlightening"...Thank you soooo much for sharing these scriptures today!!!
I must "admit" that I was not "following" Jesus' example very well, when I was responding to the postings of others, trying to defend my position, as well as, the postings of my dear friends and family in Christ Jesus:(
After all, I have no need to defend myself in any area of my life, because God is my defense!!!
I must say that I "allowed" my emotions to get the "best of me" when I should have just kept my mouth shut...
I have been more than a little "guilty" of not following the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!!!
I just pray that others forgive me, for speaking things out of "haste" for we as God's little children should never speak in "haste"
How in this world, could I ever think I could be a light to others, when I am out there defending myself on each and every posting
I love each and every single person on this little forum and I would love to "dedicate" this song to all of those, in which, I have hurt in any way...
I need to name some names here...
First of all, Cornflower, since I still love her with all of my heart!!! And I will never forget to pray for her and her little family!!!
Secondly Tammy, since I love her with all of my heart too!!!
Thirdly Briar patch, because I love this person with all of my heart also...
Fourth Tic Tac...since, I love this person with all of my heart...
Fifth...Deedee00, since I love her dearly also!!!
And if there be one other person, which I have hurt in any way on this little forum, then I pray to God that you will send me a PM letting me know how you feel, before they cancel out my account on here!!!
I dedicate this song to each and every single one of you, and I mean this from the very "depths" of my heart!!!
I pray that you will find a place of "forgiveness" in your heart for me!!!
Here is the song... Please Forgive Me!!!
I am sitting here crying "sorrowful" tears, because I love each of you with all of heart!!!
These words are soooo "enlightening"...Thank you soooo much for sharing these scriptures today!!!
I must "admit" that I was not "following" Jesus' example very well, when I was responding to the postings of others, trying to defend my position, as well as, the postings of my dear friends and family in Christ Jesus:(
After all, I have no need to defend myself in any area of my life, because God is my defense!!!
I must say that I "allowed" my emotions to get the "best of me" when I should have just kept my mouth shut...
I have been more than a little "guilty" of not following the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!!!
I just pray that others forgive me, for speaking things out of "haste" for we as God's little children should never speak in "haste"
How in this world, could I ever think I could be a light to others, when I am out there defending myself on each and every posting
I love each and every single person on this little forum and I would love to "dedicate" this song to all of those, in which, I have hurt in any way...
I need to name some names here...
First of all, Cornflower, since I still love her with all of my heart!!! And I will never forget to pray for her and her little family!!!
Secondly Tammy, since I love her with all of my heart too!!!
Thirdly Briar patch, because I love this person with all of my heart also...
Fourth Tic Tac...since, I love this person with all of my heart...
Fifth...Deedee00, since I love her dearly also!!!
And if there be one other person, which I have hurt in any way on this little forum, then I pray to God that you will send me a PM letting me know how you feel, before they cancel out my account on here!!!
I dedicate this song to each and every single one of you, and I mean this from the very "depths" of my heart!!!
I pray that you will find a place of "forgiveness" in your heart for me!!!
Here is the song... Please Forgive Me!!!
I am sitting here crying "sorrowful" tears, because I love each of you with all of heart!!!
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Guest
Dear Ms T Bones:
I am not hurt.
All is well.
I suggest taht you get some rest.
You are likely to experience some anxiety after all the emotion that passed thru' here.
Do not fret.
The human is weak. We all, like sheep, wander into the desert ocassionally.
But remember ....... He makes us to ie down in green pastures, He leads us besode quiet streams.
Rest, Ms T bones.
MJ
I am not hurt.
All is well.
I suggest taht you get some rest.
You are likely to experience some anxiety after all the emotion that passed thru' here.
Do not fret.
The human is weak. We all, like sheep, wander into the desert ocassionally.
But remember ....... He makes us to ie down in green pastures, He leads us besode quiet streams.
Rest, Ms T bones.
MJ
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Guest
(((((((((Ms T Bones))))))))) You're my friend for life...and here after...we will sit at the feet of Jesus someday..together 
isn't that just an AWESOME thought?!!!!!
YOU, my dearest..are one of the MOST KIND..CARING..THOUGHTFUL...GENEROUS..GIVING..SELFLESS..persons I know!!!
YOU know I LOVE YOU!!!!
May GOD continue blessing you and your family...and by the way, YOU ROCK!!!
In HIS love
Robin
isn't that just an AWESOME thought?!!!!! YOU, my dearest..are one of the MOST KIND..CARING..THOUGHTFUL...GENEROUS..GIVING..SELFLESS..persons I know!!!
YOU know I LOVE YOU!!!!
May GOD continue blessing you and your family...and by the way, YOU ROCK!!!
In HIS love
Robin
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Guest
I feel like singing again. 1 and 2 and 3 and... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...ESEo&feature=related
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Guest
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I am hopeful to connect with other believers here. I am really struggling with anxiety and depression. had to take a leave form my full-timd teaching job in a Christian HS and am married with three teenage boys. It has been 6 weeks since I got back on the Lexapro 10mgs and I am not improving, today bumped up to 20mg. Although I know the Lord's hand is on me and he is doing a new work in me,I am really needing prayer support that I can hang on until this cloud lifts. I know God gives us medication as a tool in our recovery, but I am really trying to be thankful in this trial. I feel very weak and humbled...
Any words of encouragement?
I am hopeful to connect with other believers here. I am really struggling with anxiety and depression. had to take a leave form my full-timd teaching job in a Christian HS and am married with three teenage boys. It has been 6 weeks since I got back on the Lexapro 10mgs and I am not improving, today bumped up to 20mg. Although I know the Lord's hand is on me and he is doing a new work in me,I am really needing prayer support that I can hang on until this cloud lifts. I know God gives us medication as a tool in our recovery, but I am really trying to be thankful in this trial. I feel very weak and humbled...
Any words of encouragement?
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Guest
Hisgirl
how about a song? This link is a song that got me thru alot of anxious moments...making it my prayer in a way. I pray that you sense the Lord so very near you in these days ahead, knowing that you are NOT alone..take care
Jill~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gBGGX3yvMo
how about a song? This link is a song that got me thru alot of anxious moments...making it my prayer in a way. I pray that you sense the Lord so very near you in these days ahead, knowing that you are NOT alone..take care
Jill~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gBGGX3yvMo
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Guest
Hi My Dear Friends & Brothers & Sisters in Christ Jesus,
I must say that each of you have touched my heart, and that I am sitting here crying "joyful" tears, because of all of the love and the beautiful songs you have shared on here!!!
I say to our new friend and sister in Christ Jesus (HisGirl), to stay strong in the Lord and never give up hope...I would love for HisGirl to listen to this song, since this is exactly what I would say to her... These Are The Words I Would Say!!!!!!
I feel sooooo very blessed to have "such" a wonderful family to spend "eternity" with!!!
I am feeling like such a failure tonight!!! First of all, I feel like I have failed God...Secondly, I feel like I have failed others on this little forum!!!
I know that God will take care of these things, because we serve such a compassionate, kind and loving God!!!
All I know to say is that God is in complete "control" of every single thing in our lives, and I never could have made it without HIM!!!
I would love to share this beautiful song with each of us, since it "kinda" describes how I am feeling tonight!!!
Enjoy, all of my family in Christ Jesus... Sweet Holy Spirit!!!
I must say that each of you have touched my heart, and that I am sitting here crying "joyful" tears, because of all of the love and the beautiful songs you have shared on here!!!
I say to our new friend and sister in Christ Jesus (HisGirl), to stay strong in the Lord and never give up hope...I would love for HisGirl to listen to this song, since this is exactly what I would say to her... These Are The Words I Would Say!!!!!!
I feel sooooo very blessed to have "such" a wonderful family to spend "eternity" with!!!
I am feeling like such a failure tonight!!! First of all, I feel like I have failed God...Secondly, I feel like I have failed others on this little forum!!!
I know that God will take care of these things, because we serve such a compassionate, kind and loving God!!!
All I know to say is that God is in complete "control" of every single thing in our lives, and I never could have made it without HIM!!!
I would love to share this beautiful song with each of us, since it "kinda" describes how I am feeling tonight!!!
Enjoy, all of my family in Christ Jesus... Sweet Holy Spirit!!!
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Guest
Hello HisGirl,
When you spoke of hanging on until “this cloud lifts,” it made me think that the cloud doesn’t necessarily have to lift for you to see the light once more. There is also the idea of breaking through the clouds.
In her endeavors to reach her home, the eagle is often beaten down by the tempest to the narrow defiles of the mountains. The clouds, in black, angry masses sweep between her and the sunny heights where she secures her nest. For a while she seems bewildered, and dashes this way and that, beating her strong wings as if to sweep back the dense clouds. She awakens the doves of the mountains with her wild cry in her vain endeavors to find a way out of her prison. At last she dashes upward into the blackness, and gives a shrill scream of triumph as she emerges, a moment later, in the calm sunshine above. The darkness and tempest are all below her, and the light of heaven is shining about her. She reaches her loved home in the lofty crag, and is satisfied. It was through darkness that she reached the light. It cost her an effort to do this, but she is rewarded in gaining the object which she sought.
This is the only course we can pursue as followers of Christ. We must exercise that living faith, which will penetrate the clouds that, like a thick wall, separate us from heaven’s light. We have heights of faith to reach, where all is peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Faith is the hand that takes hold of infinite help; it is the medium by which the renewed heart is made to beat in unison with the heart of Christ. We may have to share in the sufferings of Christ, but with Christ we have everything and are partakers with Him of His glory and are victorious.
I can see that you already realize a very important aspect when you mentioned about “trying to be thankful in this trial.” As you know, "The trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ."--1 Pe 1:7. The trial of our faith allows us to gain spiritual strength.
If we would give more expression to our faith, rejoice more in the blessings that we know we have,--the great mercy and love of God,--we should have more faith and greater joy. No tongue can express, no finite mind can conceive, the blessing that results from appreciating the goodness and love of God. Even on earth we may have joy as a wellspring, never failing, because fed by the streams that flow from the throne of God.
Let us educate our hearts and lips to speak the praise of God for His matchless love. Let us educate our souls to be hopeful and to abide in the light shining from the cross of Calvary. Never should we forget that we are children of the heavenly King, sons and daughters of the Lord of hosts. It is our privilege to maintain a calm repose in God.
"Let the peace of God rule in your hearts; . . . and be ye thankful."--Colossians 3:15. Forgetting our own difficulties and troubles, let us praise God for an opportunity to live for the glory of His name. Let the fresh blessings of each new day awaken praise in our hearts for these tokens of His loving care. Let gratitude as a sweet perfume ascend to heaven.
Have a peaceful night resting in the arms of Jesus. My prayers are with you.
GIL
When you spoke of hanging on until “this cloud lifts,” it made me think that the cloud doesn’t necessarily have to lift for you to see the light once more. There is also the idea of breaking through the clouds.
In her endeavors to reach her home, the eagle is often beaten down by the tempest to the narrow defiles of the mountains. The clouds, in black, angry masses sweep between her and the sunny heights where she secures her nest. For a while she seems bewildered, and dashes this way and that, beating her strong wings as if to sweep back the dense clouds. She awakens the doves of the mountains with her wild cry in her vain endeavors to find a way out of her prison. At last she dashes upward into the blackness, and gives a shrill scream of triumph as she emerges, a moment later, in the calm sunshine above. The darkness and tempest are all below her, and the light of heaven is shining about her. She reaches her loved home in the lofty crag, and is satisfied. It was through darkness that she reached the light. It cost her an effort to do this, but she is rewarded in gaining the object which she sought.
This is the only course we can pursue as followers of Christ. We must exercise that living faith, which will penetrate the clouds that, like a thick wall, separate us from heaven’s light. We have heights of faith to reach, where all is peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Faith is the hand that takes hold of infinite help; it is the medium by which the renewed heart is made to beat in unison with the heart of Christ. We may have to share in the sufferings of Christ, but with Christ we have everything and are partakers with Him of His glory and are victorious.
I can see that you already realize a very important aspect when you mentioned about “trying to be thankful in this trial.” As you know, "The trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ."--1 Pe 1:7. The trial of our faith allows us to gain spiritual strength.
If we would give more expression to our faith, rejoice more in the blessings that we know we have,--the great mercy and love of God,--we should have more faith and greater joy. No tongue can express, no finite mind can conceive, the blessing that results from appreciating the goodness and love of God. Even on earth we may have joy as a wellspring, never failing, because fed by the streams that flow from the throne of God.
Let us educate our hearts and lips to speak the praise of God for His matchless love. Let us educate our souls to be hopeful and to abide in the light shining from the cross of Calvary. Never should we forget that we are children of the heavenly King, sons and daughters of the Lord of hosts. It is our privilege to maintain a calm repose in God.
"Let the peace of God rule in your hearts; . . . and be ye thankful."--Colossians 3:15. Forgetting our own difficulties and troubles, let us praise God for an opportunity to live for the glory of His name. Let the fresh blessings of each new day awaken praise in our hearts for these tokens of His loving care. Let gratitude as a sweet perfume ascend to heaven.
Have a peaceful night resting in the arms of Jesus. My prayers are with you.
GIL