In God's Workshop

[Daily Devotional]

In God's Workshop 

     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. 1 Peter 2:5  

     The Word of God has served as a mighty cleaver to separate the
children of God from the world. As they are taken out of the quarry of
the world they are as rough stones, unfit for a place in the glorious
temple of God. But they are brought into the Lord's workshop, to be
hewed and squared and polished, that they may become precious, accepted
stones. This work of preparation for the heavenly temple is going on
continually during probationary time. We are naturally inclined to
desire our own way and will, but when the transforming grace of Christ
takes hold upon our hearts the inquiry of our souls is, "Lord, what wilt
thou have me to do?" When the Spirit of God works within us, we are led
to will and to do of the Lord's good pleasure, and there is obedience in
heart and action....  

     Christians are to be God's noblemen, who will never grovel in
bondage to the great adversary of souls, but will bind themselves to
God, catching inspiration from Him whom they love, who is high and
lifted up. The soul that loves God rises above the fog of doubt; he
gains a bright, broad, deep, living experience, and becomes meek and
Christlike. His soul is committed to God, hid with Christ in God. He
will be able to stand the test of neglect, of abuse and contempt,
because his Saviour has suffered all this. He will not become fretful
and discouraged when difficulties press him, because Jesus did not fail
or become discouraged. Every true Christian will be strong, not in the
strength and merit of his good works, but in the righteousness of
Christ, which through faith is imputed unto him.  

     We are to occupy some place in the Lord's spiritual temple, and the
important question is not as to whether you are a large or a small
stone, but whether you have submitted yourself to God that He may polish
you and make you emit light for His glory. If we are in the Lord's
temple we must emit light. Are we permitting the heavenly Builder to hew
and square and polish us? Have we faith to rest in Him?  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 150