Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1–10

Devotion

I’ve always loved how steady a stone feels in your hand. It’s solid, dependable, and it doesn’t change with the weather. That’s why we use stones to mark graves: they stand through rain, wind, and time itself. But stones don’t breathe. They don’t move or grow.

So, when Peter calls us “living stones” (v.5), it’s a beautiful and unexpected image. God takes what’s cold and lifeless and fills it with His Spirit. When we come to Jesus, the Living Stone, He gives us His life and begins building something that lasts: a spiritual house where His presence dwells.

And it’s not just about me and Jesus; it’s about us, the family of God, being built together. Each one of us has a place in what He’s creating. Jesus is the cornerstone, the One who sets the direction and keeps everything steady. It amazes me how He fits us together: different shapes, different stories, different personalities, and still makes us one family in Him. Only God can do that.

Ephesians 2:22 says we are “being built together for a dwelling place of God’s Spirit.” That means your life isn’t a monument to what used to be; you’re a living testimony of what Christ is doing right now. You’re strong because He steadies you, and alive because His Spirit fills you.

So today, remember that you’re part of something lasting and alive. Let Him shape you, place you, and build you into the spiritual house He desires.

A Personal Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for making me alive in You. You are the Living Stone, and You’re building something far greater than I can see. Shape me, steady me, and help me stay connected to others who love You. Let my life reflect Your strength and Your Spirit today. Amen.

Pray for Our Neighbors: Reborn Community Church

Reborn Community Church in Chicago is a long-time partner of Brentwood Baptist, committed to transforming lives by equipping believers, pastors, and leaders to make disciples who plant the gospel in their city. Led by Pastor Jamie Thompson, this ministry reaches communities in need of both hope and restoration.

• Pray for Reborn Community Church as they reach the lost and serve the city of Chicago with the gospel.
• Ask God to bless the Reborn Handyman School as it meets physical needs and opens doors for spiritual transformation.
• Pray for the development of the Urban Pastoral and Leadership Residency Program to raise up new pastors and leaders for urban communities.

Pray for the Nations: Global Workers | Aaron & Misty

Aaron and Misty serve with their children in Southeast Asia, working to plant churches among the Deaf and equip believers for ministry. As their work expands globally, they continue to disciple Deaf communities and support their family through seasons of transition.

• Pray for their children as they adjust to new transitions; one returning to life in the U.S. and the other beginning high school.
• Ask God to grant Aaron and Misty wisdom and discernment as they disciple Deaf believers and expand their global ministry.
• Pray for continued growth and fruitfulness among the Deaf churches they help plant.