Re-center Around God
1 Peter 2:4-5
As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house [Temple of the Holy Spirit] to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Pondering Point
Peter, filled by the Holy Spirit, wrote the words above. He also spoke the following words. Note that in both instances he references Jesus as the stone rejected by men but chosen by God:
Acts 4:8-12
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
That section in Acts 4 concludes with the following, a hallmark for all disciples:
Acts 4:13
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
Since we are His temples, bought at the price of Christ's life, the directive is to honor God with our bodies. How can we do that? Slot a time today (either now or later) to re-consecrate your body to the Lord with thanksgiving. It serves as a great backdrop for our Thursday practice of review, repent (if necessary) and return (as necessary) to God.
Review for the week
Do you consider your body as your own or God’s? Do you see your body as His temple? By which current actions are you honoring God with your body? By which current actions are you dishonoring God with your body?
Repent if Necessary
Repent if necessary for any unbiblical and ungodly attitudes about your body (this could relate to mistaken ownership, self-pride, self-loathing, etc.). Repent of ungodly action and lack of action in regards to using Your body for God’s glory,* or of neglecting the fellowship (or partnership) with the church;
[*if you are involved in addictively sinful behaviors (abuse of drugs, food, alcohol, pornography, sexual misconduct, fits of anger, etc.) Bring that darkness into the light by confessing your specific sins to a fellow Christian you trust and who will support you in letting God break you free from such besetting sin.]
Return as Necessary
Consecrate your body back to God (See prayer link to follow for an extended version). Thank God for His forgiveness, His bodily blessings, and His presence within You. Cease ungodly lifestyle choices immediately and ask God to assist you by His strength and Spirit to practice a godly lifestyle.
I have included links to prayers, one on freedom from habitual sins and one on consecration created by Wild at Heart, a great blessing in my spiritual journey with God -- the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
www.wildatheart.org/prayer/prayer-consecration
www.wildatheart.org/prayer/prayer-freedom-habitual-sins
Prayer for the Day
[Insert your own prayer and thanksgiving about the content of today's devotions.]