Scripture reference;
5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5 KJV
9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
10Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10 KJV
The Living Stone and a Chosen People
5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house[a] to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Peter 2:5 ESV
9 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. 10 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. 1 Peter 2:9-10 ESV
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1To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV
I find it interesting that there are some things that are always right or wrong. But there are other things that are right on one occasion yet wrong on another occasion, because they have to do with timing.
Have you ever heard of the game called “Aggravation”, or “Wahoo”? They both are games for up to six players in which the object is to be the first player to have all four marbles reach the player’s home section of the board. I remember playing it as a child. Each player had four marbles in one color. One player might have been red and the others were usually yellow, green, orange, or blue. It was “aggravating” when I was so close to home, and another player would come along and bump my marble off its spot. Sometimes we would fuss over who got to be a certain color. I would sometimes say “The red ones are mine!” There were times that the marbles seemed to have a life of their own and would tend to roll if the holes that they were meant to rest in were not made deep enough. If the owner of the game got mad he or she might gather up all of the marbles, the dice and the board and go home. It was at that moment we would be reminded that we were actually only “allowed” to play with those marbles when the owner let us.
In some ways people are like those marbles. We each have tendencies to roll in certain directions and need our holes ( preset boundaries), to keep us from rolling around when it’s not our turn to move. Sometimes other marbles bump us and cause us to go places to which we do not wish to go. We might do the same thing to others. Then when the time is right we are all reminded that we do not belong to ourselves, but to someone else who has the authority and power to do what He wishes.
It’s true…all people are created by God and will have to answer to Him one day:
27And just as it is appointed for [all] men once to die, and after that the [certain] judgment, Hebrews 9: 27 Amplified Bible
Isn’t it comforting to know that God is good, and just, and promises to work good even in bad situations? I am really glad that the Lord loved the world so much that He made it possible to have eternal life and to have the burden of sins borne by Him:
16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV
28Even so it is that Christ, having been offered to take upon Himself and bear as a burden the sins of many once and [d]once for all, will appear a second time, not to carry any burden of sin nor to deal with sin, but to bring to full salvation those who are [eagerly, constantly, and patiently] waiting for and expecting Him. Hebrews 9:28 Amplified Bible
28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Romans 8:28-30 KJV
28We are assured and know that [[j]God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.
29For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was [k]aware and [l]loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren.
30And those whom He thus foreordained, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified (acquitted, made righteous, putting them into right standing with Himself). And those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity and condition or state of being]. Romans 8:28-30 Amplified Bible
If we accept the Lord’s offer of salvation and call on the Lord we will no longer be just marbles, but will be “Living Stones” with a special purpose…we will dwell in the Light and praise Jesus.
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“And Can It Be That I Should Gain” by Charles Wesley
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
’Tis mystery all: th’Immortal dies:
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine.
’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,
Let angel minds inquire no more.
’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
Let angel minds inquire no more.
He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace—
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
Still the small inward voice I hear,
That whispers all my sins forgiven;
Still the atoning blood is near,
That quenched the wrath of hostile Heaven.
I feel the life His wounds impart;
I feel the Savior in my heart.
I feel the life His wounds impart;
I feel the Savior in my heart.
No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord? Please click here:https://pronetoponder.wordpress.com/category/about-salvation-very-important-words/ and make sure.
Do you have a Bible? If you don’t have one, you need not worry. Just click here: www.biblegateway.com They have many versions and translations of the Bible that you can read. Some of the best things in life are free!
Heather said,
August 16, 2011 at 2:25 am
One of my favorite hymns…and your marble illustration gives an interesting perspective.
The Lord’s sovereignty is so clearly relayed in the Romans 8 passage, isn’t it? It can be such comfort to be able to rest in the fact that the Lord is doing the work of calling, justifying, conforming etc.
Moore to ponder said,
August 16, 2011 at 12:44 pm
Heather,
It really is comforting.
I am thinking about you and that new baby that will be here before too long. I am praying that the Lord comforts you in new ways each day! 🙂
Debbie said,
August 16, 2011 at 7:15 am
My family loved Aggravation! I would play it with my mom, dad and next older brother. 🙂 Such memories! And I wondered where you were going with it . . .
God bless you, wonderful woman of the word, for sharing His word on us having a place, a part to play, under His control, by His design, in His own time. I love thinking about us being living stones. 🙂
love you!
deb
Moore to ponder said,
August 16, 2011 at 12:48 pm
I almost deleted this post. I can be a perfectionist. 🙂 I was just a little bit sloppy bringing it all together. Then I thought about how as long as the message in it was true it would be okay to keep it. I am glad it brought back happy memories for you.
Love,
Theresa
Debbie said,
August 17, 2011 at 5:33 pm
I didn’t find it sloppy at all! I love how you brought it together, about those marbles rolling around and going where they weren’t suppose to be. And how it could all get snatched up and taken away too! Wonderful analogy! And you gave me a special gift in your reply . . .as long as the message in it is true, it’s okay to keep. Thank you so much for that wisdom. How often do I cringe when I go to post? Often! Nearly every day!
God bless you, wonderful woman of the Word, and the wisdom He gives you to share with us!
Ann said,
August 17, 2011 at 3:15 am
Thank you, Theresa
This hymn has been playing in my head since I first read your post. Thank you for sharing it.
“when the time is right we are all reminded that we do not belong to ourselves, but to someone else who has the authority and power to do what He wishes.”
I remember my rolling days… thank God that He brings stability and definition and thank you for such a wonderful illustration!
Blessings much,
ann
Moore to ponder said,
August 17, 2011 at 1:18 pm
I am glad you liked it. I love the old hymns . Many of them are filled with great theology.
Blessings,
Theresa
bendedspoon said,
August 20, 2011 at 11:27 am
I love how you demonstrated reality with that game. I hope we have that game board in here and take the opportunity to teach valuable lessons to my kiddos and have fun as well!
A slight movement may cause a slight shift but we may never know the extent of change it will create but God knows. We are the details, He is the whole 🙂
Moore to ponder said,
August 21, 2011 at 5:14 pm
“We are the details, He is the whole.”…Did you come up with that or is it another of your favorite quotes by someone else? I loved that! It was very profound. 🙂
I am so glad that God knows everything and has promised to care for us.
Love,
Theresa
bendedspoon said,
August 22, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Theresa, it just popped in my mind while reading your wonderful post — marbles are small (details); whole (homonyn of hole). God actually shoot it in my mind — we had fun for countless times 😉
Linda said,
August 21, 2011 at 1:24 pm
Almost deleted it? I’m sure glad you didn’t…
I wonder if the marbles get wiser and more patient over time. I don’t even try to win the game anymore, because competing with other marbles,.. those who have more experience and drive, are probably going to win…. but to what end?
I love that God chose me and made my the way I am. Loving wife, good dog-mom to Niles, the one who cuddles and comforts my little family during a storm.
I once was a rollling marble on a board game, but now I’m found!
Hugs… : )
Moore to ponder said,
August 21, 2011 at 5:19 pm
Linda,
I’m glad He chose you and made you the way He did, too…which is perfect and wonderful (Psalm 139)…especially your Spirit or inner man. 🙂
He took us out of the game of “aggravation”, and put us in the game of new “life”. 😉
Hugs,
Theresa
Linda said,
August 28, 2011 at 2:41 am
Hey… just jumping in with another comment regarding a question you asked me awhile back.
Advice for school: Don’t be too hard on yourself, and don’t have expectations that are unreasonable for you or anyone else.
Thought you might need to hear that about now.
You are awesome! Remember that… Hugs, : )
Moore to ponder said,
August 28, 2011 at 12:05 pm
Linda, you are awesome, too! 🙂
Love,
Theresa
Pastor Glenn said,
August 22, 2011 at 9:03 pm
Theresa,
Great illustration. Remember it’s not the marbles that win, but the Player who moves them. To Him be all the glory!
GG
Moore to ponder said,
August 23, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Thank you Pastor Glenn. To God be the glory! He works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure. 🙂
Sincerely,
Theresa
JD said,
August 24, 2011 at 12:47 pm
. . .love that hymn . . my wife and I memorized it when we were first married.
Moore to ponder said,
August 24, 2011 at 9:14 pm
It truly is a beautiful hymn. There are so many hymns that I love. It would be rally hard for me to pick my favorite. 🙂
Ann said,
August 25, 2011 at 11:44 am
Hi Theresa
Here’s something you may find helpful 😉
Blessings,
ann
Top Ten Tips for College Success
Each year, at this time, a new group of students heads off to the exciting and challenging experience of pursuing their college education. The first year can be a difficult adjustment. They’re faced with more independence, more challenge and more responsibility than they’ve ever had. Many succeed, but many don’t. Based on my clinical experiences with bright, capable students who have dropped out of college or have been placed on probation, I have put together some guidelines for success from my book “How to Parent So Children Will Learn” (Great Potential Press, 2008). These guidelines can ensure a college student’s success. Before school begins, I usually include in this column a reminder to new students. You may want to read these yourself or give them to a new college student you know and love. Here are my top ten tips for college success
1. Never miss a class, no matter how boring or irrelevant you believe it to be. You’ve paid for this education, so you might as well get your money’s worth. The lecture or explanation you miss may become the exam question you don’t quite remember learning or the surprisingly inspiring idea that leads you to a career. Students who have dropped out usually initiate their problem by increasingly missing classes.
2. Plan to study at least two hours for each hour of class time. Colleges recommend this guideline; take their advice literally. If you procrastinate early, it will be impossible to catch up at the end of the semester
3. Structure your study time on a calendar or organizer for at least one week ahead of time. Visualizing the time allocated for study will lessen the tension you feel.
4. If you’re struggling with course content, find help before you fail. Writing labs, tutors, study groups and counseling abound on college campuses. No one is going to take you by the hand and offer you help; you will have to initiate the search, but there is plenty of willing and free help available. Even students who earn A’s often seek tutoring.
5. You could be disappointed in your grades, even when you’ve studied hard and have always been an excellent student. Try not to think about comparing yourself to others who may have received better grades. That will only make you feel less adequate. Instead, concentrate on studying more effectively and efficiently to do your best. A-grade students may have helpful study pointers you can learn. Be sure to use the study guides provided by your professors.
6. Schedule exercise time at least three times weekly. Daily exercise is even better. Exercise will help you feel alert and in control while also providing you wonderful tension release.
7. Plan for brief social time daily and a little more on weekends. Good college students do not take whole weekends off. Don’t over-allocate your social time. There will always be more than you plan for. Remember, alcohol and other drugs don’t mix well with study. Marijuana absolutely adversely affects motivation!
8. Develop and keep regular healthy eating and sleeping habits as much as possible. Fatigue and poor nourishment will only increase your feelings of being overwhelmed.
9. Many college students temporarily struggle with anxiety and depression while in college. Free counseling services are typically available on campus. Don’t hesitate to go for help.
10. Finally, don’t even consider dropping out of college. Your college degree will make a positive difference for you the rest of your life.
For a free newsletter about selecting a college or college readiness, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the address below.
Dr. Sylvia B. Rimm is the director of the Family Achievement Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, a clinical professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and the author of many books on parenting. More information on raising kids is available at http://www.sylviarimm.com. Please send questions to: Sylvia B. Rimm on Raising Kids, P.O. Box 32, Watertown, WI 53094 or srimm@sylviarimm.com. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at http://www.creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2011 CREATORS.COM
Moore to ponder said,
August 25, 2011 at 7:23 pm
Thank you so much Ann! That was so thoughtful. Those are great tips. 🙂
Blessings,
Theresa
Moore to ponder said,
September 4, 2012 at 11:59 am
Reblogged this on Moore to Ponder and commented:
1To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV
I find it interesting that there are some things that are always right or wrong. But there are other things that are right on one occasion yet wrong on another occasion, because they have to do with timing.
Wendell A. Brown said,
September 5, 2012 at 2:17 am
And as i tasted of your table of spiritual delights my heart was made full by the treasure laid before me. And though i could easily become a glutton…it was sure mean’t to eat small morsels in tender moments where their power would find a home in my spirit bringing great joy and happiness ….you are a wonderful blessing. Thanks dear sister!
Moore to ponder said,
September 5, 2012 at 2:33 am
Thank you so much!I am so glad they blessed you.
Blessings in Christ,
Theresa
Debbie said,
September 5, 2012 at 6:27 am
I loved getting to re-read this. Your posts are so full and timely and timeless! This was a great season for me to be reminded not to be aggravated or frustrated about the little stuff. . .He has a bigger game going on. God bless you, our wonderful woman of the Word! love and prayers for you and yours!
Moore to ponder said,
September 5, 2012 at 11:02 am
Thank you, Deb. You are such a great encourager!
Love,
Theresa
jelillie said,
September 5, 2012 at 3:21 pm
This is such a beautiful hymn…one I have not sung in a while. Perhaps it is time to revisit it with our congregation!
Moore to ponder said,
September 5, 2012 at 8:59 pm
I love the old hymns. They are almost always a source of sound theology, and because they are songs they can be memorized very quickly. 🙂
Thank you for stopping by and commenting!
Blessings,
Theresa