Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

20 December 2024

Reading From I Peter 1-5

“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 houseto 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.”

–I Peter 2:4-10

     As we choose to place our faith and trust in Christ Jesus, we are given new life.  We are inspired by our newfound love for the Lord to give Him our lives as living sacrifices, holy, pleasing and acceptable to Him.  We prove our faith is genuine by our love for God, love for others, and godly love for ourselves.  This love must be expressed not only in intention, but in word and deed. 

     The children of God are called from every tribe, every language, ever nation.  We are called together to form one eternal family, joined in unity by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us all as a mighty Temple for His Presence.  As we grow spiritually, we become more like Jesus and are transformed from glory to glory until one day we will all meet Him face to face and be united with Him in perfect harmony. 

     Until that glorious day, we have been commanded and commissioned to share His love and message of grace and mercy with as many people as possible so that they may join us in our eternal family.  He has anointed us as prophets, priests and kings, prophetesses, priestesses and queens within His Kingdom of Light to function in His authority as we minister His compassion and truth with our communities, regions and the entire world. 

“Lord God, anoint us with Your Holy Spirit to partner with You in building up Your Kingdom upon the Earth.  With every heart that surrenders to You, the borders of light will push back the darkness until one day when You will wipe every tear from our eyes and bring ultimate satisfaction and fulfillment for Your people in the New Heaven and the New Earth.  Thank You for Your love and wisdom and knowledge.  Reveal to us more about who You are.  We love You, Lord.  Amen.”

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

 –Ephesians 2:19-22