BELIEVERS ARE THE CHOSEN PEOPLE

1 Peter 2:4-10 As we come to Him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, we ourselves 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.” So the honor is for us who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do

When we know the Word and continue to sin, there is no sacrifice.  Jesus sacrificed Himself for our sins and He expected us to sacrifice our worldly desires for Him.  When we know the Word and act according to its guidance, we become part of a living temple that is God's unique possessions, the chosen race.  Believers are a chosen race of people, people of all colors creed and religion; joined together by the Spirit, a royal priesthood that is willing to make the fleshly sacrifice for Christ. 

Father, we have been called out of darkness, into Your marvelous light.  Lord, we are Your people who are called by Your name: black, white, yellow, and brown; walking in one accord and unity through Christ.  We have been rejected by man, but in Your sight, we are chosen and precious; whom You protect, guide, and comfort in times of trouble.  Lord, You are the pathway to the grace we cannot see, but we are able to feel it's presence and peace.  Lord, You have appeal to us, by the mercies of God, to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to the Father, which has given us.  So, give us Your strength and courage to help us be submissive to the Word and put our flesh to rest.  Lord, baptize us in the Holy Spirit that unifies Your people from every Nation.  Lord, just as it was when You made this world Your home; it is still a hateful and cruel place.  So, we ask that You would guide our thoughts and actions as believers.  Please give us an eagerness to be humble, kind, and gentleness, to help us have hearts of patience and forbearance.  Father, we thank You for the hope we have in You; may Your hope unify our thoughts and decisions, that will invoke peace through the Spirit and this world, in Jesus name Amen.