Today is April 3rd.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Peter, chapter 2.  
 

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 c to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says:  
“See, I lay a stone in Zion,  
a chosen and precious cornerstone,  
and the one who trusts in him  
will never be put to shame.”  
Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,  
“The stone the builders rejected  
has become the cornerstone,”  and,  
“A stone that causes people to stumble  
and a rock that makes them fall.” 
They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.   But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
 
 
This text is so rich in meaning and depth. Let me pick out one small phrase for us to consider now... as Peter describes Jesus as: “the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him”. As we come to prayer today, do you identify with a sense of feeling rejected by humans? By family? By the world around you? Do you identify with being chosen and precious? Take time to share your sentiments with the Lord in prayer.  
   
Listen again to the reading, and try to be very focused on each thought. Is there a word or phrase that stands out to you?  
   
Peter calls us—his children--precious, a special possession, the people of God. Can you imagine that the God of the universe has such great love and affection for you? Do you live out of that identity? That you are kept in the care of God? That you – and all of your brokenness – can come to God and ask freely for forgiveness and acceptance? Talk to God as we end and speak honestly with Him about areas of your life that feel like they need mercy. Ask God for mercy today. 

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Who Is Like Our God - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)