1 Peter 2: 7 Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him,“The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” 8 And, “He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them.
9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” 11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.

He is the stone that makes them stumble... because they do not obey God's word... and they meet the fate that was planned for them... that is hard for many people to accept.. that God has chosen you or He hasn't... most people like to imagine that everyone could be saved but they choose not to be.. many times in the word of God it states that we are chosen by God or we are not... while that is sad... and even scary... thankfully.. we have been chosen or we wouldn't be seeking Him out as we do..

I can't say how thankful I am that God has called me out of darkness and into the light.. that He considers us a holy nation and His own possession...

I can so relate to the idea that I once had no identity and now God has given me one... He has given me value and a purpose... He has given me worth... a reason to wake up in the morning.. He has given me Love...

I know we are temporary residents and foreigners.. I remember when I was going out all the time.. I felt like I belonged.. like that was where I loved to be.. if I were to go now I would feel lost and outcast... I would feel out of place.. because I don't belong to this world.. even though I am in it.. I belong to Christ.. and I belong in His world... many days I wish I were able to go there.. even just to vacation there.. but that is not the plan... so we struggle and strive to not become more and more like this world... to remain separate and holy... and it is difficult... we have to always remember that people are watching us and expecting honorable behavior from us... and that we are a representation of Christ here on earth...
Lord touch us and help us to live worthy of the calling you have placed upon our lives...