Take the next shot

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And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. -- Romans 8:28 There’s a debate among golfers as to which shot is most important. Some say that it’s the tee shot, because you need to get the ball down the fairway. But others say that it’s the putt, because ultimately, you have to put the ball in the cup. Well, these are both important shots, but the most important shot in golf is the very next shot you’re going to hit, whatever it is. You see, no one plays golf perfectly, not even the best players in the world. But if you don’t take that next shot, then you’re not playing the game. And when it comes to doing the will of God, you and I won’t always do it perfectly, either. Sometimes we get off track or make a bad choice. But God doesn’t want you to give up on faith because you’ve made a mistake. Don’t let a bad decision lead to a series of bad choices, or one bad day lead to a string of bad days. If you let him, God will take your mistakes and missteps and put you back on a track that glorifies him! Take the next shot. Start doing what he says to do with your next choice. And according to his promise, he will cause all things to work together for good. GOD CAN TAKE YOUR MISTAKES AND MISSTEPS, AND PUT YOU BACK ON A TRACK THAT GLORIFIES HIM!

Building Blocks

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.”
1 Peter 2:4–6

In our day very few buildings are made of stone. There may be a stone veneer added to the outside for appearances, but generally rock is not considered the best material for most construction projects. But there was a time when stone was the major building block of any significant building. In the Old Testament, we read about the construction of Solomon’s Temple where the blocks were so carefully cut in advance that they could be assembled without being hammered into place. It was critical when building with stone that the cornerstone and foundation be laid right so that the massive weight would be distributed safely and the building would not fall.
But there was another necessary element—the joining of many stones together. Each of us stands before God on our own. We do not need a priest or mediator to go to God on our behalf. That is the role Jesus alone can play. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5). That does not mean, however, that we are to live and serve Him as isolated individuals. Instead, His plan is for us to be joined together in a local church to build His work. Each stone has a place to fill in the wall so that it is complete. Each stone brings something to a role that no one else can fill in exactly the same way. Each stone is necessary for the strength and stability of the whole building.
 

Today’s Growth Principle: 

God’s work requires each of us doing our part for the local church to be fully effective as He designed.