It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20
Have you ever watched a sculptor at work? Before they begin, they have an image in their minds of the end piece. Starting with a hammer and point to cut away the larger pieces from the block of stone. As the work progresses, more delicate chisels and rasps are used to refine the work. To finish, the artist uses sandpaper and boric acid for a smooth surface. The result is a beautiful work of art transformed by the creator from a simple block of stone.
When we accept Christ, the transformation is no less spectacular. He takes our hearts of stone and makes them into the beautiful image that God had for us from the beginning. It is a gradual process! It is not a magic trick, presto-chango, and we are suddenly changed from a chunk of stone to a masterpiece. In our acceptance, we recognize God's grace around us and within us. In our repentance, the seams of our stoney hearts are exposed. Through the Holy Spirit’s infilling, the artist goes to work slowly removing the chunks of stone and refining us.
God, we give you thanks for Jesus who died for our sins and the Holy Spirit at work within us. We acknowledge we are but rough blocks of stone and must be transformed into your image. Heavenly Father, we ask that you make of us what will use as you will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Tim
For more information on carving stone, you can watch this 5-minute video.

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