Pet Rocks

AUG 14 / Sunday – Read 1 Peter 2:4-7 / Matthew 7:24-27 / 1 Peter 2:9-10

Overview: A life built on something other than Jesus is like a pet rock. You can call it a life, but it’s so much less than the real thing.

15 / Mon – A living Stone  |  Read 1 Peter 2:4-5

In these verses, Peter describes Jesus as a living Stone. And when people come to Him, they also become living stones, being built into a spiritual house of God. There may be times in your life that you feel alone or wonder what your purpose is. When that happens, remember that you are a part of something bigger than yourself. You are being built, along with others, into a precious place where God is glorified.

16 / Tue – The cornerstone  |  Read 1 Peter 2:6–8 / Isaiah 28:16 / Psalm 118:22

Peter refers to several prophecies, written hundreds of years before Jesus was born, describing him as a cornerstone, a chosen and precious cornerstone. So what’s a cornerstone? What is its purpose and importance? A cornerstone is the first stone laid which sets the foundation and orientation for the rest of the building. Has Jesus become the cornerstone your life is built around? Are there any crooked walls you might need to realign?

17 / Wed – Two builders  |  Read Matthew 7:24-27

This is a familiar story to many people. You may have even sung the Sunday school song that tells this story. What was the one difference between the two builders? See verses 24a and 26a. Notice that Jesus told it at the conclusion of his famous Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. List a few of the specific teachings Jesus gave in these chapters. Are there any that seem relevant to your life right now? What will you do about them?

18 / Thu – More precious than rubies |  Read Prov 3:13-18 / Job 28:12-19 / Prov 9:10

Many stones are ordinary but a few kinds are considered precious and very valuable. In Exodus 28, the breastpiece worn by Aaron the high priest was adorned with 12 precious stones. In Revelation 21, the city coming down from heaven has 12 foundations of precious jewels. But in all this beauty, there is something even more precious than these. What is it and where can it be found?

19 / Fri – Of greater value  |  Read 1 Peter 1:6-9

Did you know there is gold in the human body? Scientists have discovered that an average adult weighing 150 lbs will have 0.229 milligrams of gold in their body. Traces of it are found in the brain, heart, bone, joints and blood. It plays an important role transmitting electrical signals between the parts of your body. Even more amazing is the great value God places on trusting Him. In v. 6-7, what reveals the genuineness of your faith? How often do you affirm the trust you have in Him…to Him?

20 / Sat – More than just a rock  |  Read 1 Samuel 17:45-47

Rocks can be used to accomplish God’s will. Goliath had not just defied the Israelite army. He was defying their God. David defeated Goliath by slinging a stone but it was more than just a stone. It was a stone powered by the declaration David made to his enemy that day. Have you found that the words of God have power to defeat the devil in your life? Do the words of God lift your spirit and change your outlook? It is the power of the truth found in God’s word that sets you free.