[Come] and, like living stones, be yourselves built [into] a spiritual house, for a holy (dedicated, consecrated) priesthood, to offer up [those] spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 4:5 AMP)
What a glorious day to snuggle up with a good book or write a Bible study. God has chosen to cover much of the east coast in a fluffy white blanket. Every now and then, I peek out to see if it’s still coming down and the thought occurs to me: maybe the snow is angel confetti falling to earth as celestial beings celebrate our Lord’s advent or the second birth of a brand-new believer.
Along with the snow, Christmas decorations add a festive appearance to our streets and holiday cheer to our homes. Lights blinking around windows and doorframes remind me that Jesus is the Light of the world and He has given me light through the Holy Spirit to shine in my neighborhood. Christmas trees stimulate thoughts of the Creator, and the special tree that bore Jesus at Calvary, the beginning of the promise of eternal life. Even the snow, white and pure, evokes thoughts of the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood. Then my eyes feast on stars, angels, lambs, donkeys, mangers, and shepherd staffs— nativities commemorating the birth of the Christ child. It is good to have reminders of Jesus’ earthly life, of His promises, and of His second coming, lest I forget.
God desires us to build monuments to remind us of His goodness and mercy. After they crossed the Jordan River, God commanded the Hebrews to build a monument out of stones that they gathered from the river’s bed—one stone for each tribe. Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests’ feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you . . . (Joshua 4:3 KJV). The twentieth verse tells us that Joshua built the monument with the twelve stones in Gilgal. The structure was to serve as a reminder of the LORD’s work in parting the Jordan River as He had parted the Red Sea for their fathers. However, there was a bigger picture—that all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever (Joshua 4:24 KJV).
According to Scripture, each Christian is a living stone set in place by God’s hand to remind all those around him/her that the LORD our God is mighty to save and forever to be feared. Paul reminded his readers, Only be sure as citizens so to conduct yourselves [that] your manner of life [will be] worthy of the good news (the Gospel) of Christ . . . that you are standing firm in united spirit and purpose, striving side by side and contending with a single mind for the faith of the glad tidings (the Gospel) (Philippians 1:27 AMP). The King James Version says, “Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel.”
As living stones, we are God’s memorial to the nations. Our conversation should not only honor Christ as in not using foul language, but we should be ready to give our testimony to anyone who asks. But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully. (1 Peter 3:15 AMP).
Many times, as Christians, we are so hung up on the “thou shall NOTS” that we forget that we have great joy and freedom in the LORD. And we do have a tendency to appear judgmental even if we’re not. Our conduct should speak for itself without our mouths trying to verify our standing with God or condemning others for their behavior. Convicting, convincing, and converting belong to the Holy Spirit, not us. As God’s memorials, our sole purpose is to proclaim His grace and mercy in our salvation.
What river has God parted for you to cross on dry land? What storm has He weathered with you? What has changed within you because of His presence in your life? We are to shed this light on the lost. In doing so, we help unbelievers see their need for Jesus through our need for Him.
Nevertheless, opposition arises causing splits in the most intimate relationships as Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34 AMP). In verse 35, Jesus continues to explain that sons will rise up against their fathers, daughters against their mothers, in-laws against in-laws, and siblings against siblings. In other words, our most intimate relationships will be at risk when we take a stand for Jesus. Paul said not to be frightened or intimidated by the controversy and fighting, but to remain steadfast standing on the truth of the gospel (Philippians 1:28). The battle serves as another reminder of our deliverance and salvation, and that of God.
Never stop praying for those who oppose you the most. Their indifference and anger are most assuredly signs of their conviction. Love them. Pray for them. And most of all, stand firm on your convictions of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. Our hope in Him becomes evident to unbelievers and draws them into a personal relationship with Him.
Christmas is a perfect opportunity to exemplify our hope through Jesus Christ. While the rest of the world gives materialistic gifts, we can offer the Gift of eternal life by showing them through our conduct and conversation the true joy of the season, which is Jesus Christ. It doesn’t rest on the size of our tree, on the ornaments hanging from its branches, from the twinkling lights, or even in the specially wrapped packages. True Christmas joy permeates our souls when we know the resurrected Christ and present Him to the world. Still, we hold dear our traditions of Christmas trees, lights, and nativities, not as a form of worship, but as reminders of that wondrous gift given so long ago.
Heavenly Father, as I reflect on the nativity that decorates my buffet, I understand a little better my purpose as a living stone. Help me conduct myself in such a way that my children and neighbors would ask for an explanation of the hope that is in me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Our Next Bible
Study
Philippians Chapter 2
Joshua Chapter 4
For previous lessons on Joy or previous Bible studies, please visit our archives
Praise Report:
God is sending workers to the field. Through faithful servants, many are learning more about Christ and in turn, are telling others.
Hallelujah!
When fretting because my prayers seemed to go no further than the ceiling, I received this answer from my Father:
"There's no need for your prayers to go any further than your tearstained pillow. I am here with you. I don't expect you to ascend to me any more than a father expects his infant to jump into his arms. I have loved you with an everlasting love and with loving kindness I have drawn you.”
(Jeremiah 33:3 paraphrased by me)
WOO HOO!!
God is so good—always, all ways.
We are looking forward to your praise reports. Please keep us informed so we can share the wonderful grace of Jesus.
Prayer Requests:
Chandler, the Moore family, Haley, Connie, Steve and Kelli, Caroline, Amy, Valerie, Sharon, Amber, Jackie, Pauline, Shelia, Brad, Mike, Frosteen, Phil and Kathy, Dodie, Adrian, Hans and Erin, Matt and Julie, military personnel, unemployed, Sarah and Ben, children with cancer, unsaved, Melinda & Barry and family, Ryan, Nick and Rachel, Tammy, children with birth defects and their families, our Bible Study, special unspoken needs, and remember me,
Brenda Hendricks.
May God grant you safety, reassurance of His love, and the revelation of Jesus Christ,
Brenda Hendricks.
How many observe Christ's birth! How few, his precepts! O! Tis easier to keep Holidays than Commandments." ~ Benjamin Franklin Poor Richards Almanack, 1743
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