Wednesday 2 September 2026

Psalm 118:1-9

Background
Peter reminds us that following Jesus isn’t just about believing in him – we must allow him to change the way we live. We are encouraged to put away attitudes such as malice, jealousy, deceit and hypocrisy, and instead develop a hunger for God’s word.

Just as a baby longs for milk, we should crave things that help us grow spiritually. The more we draw near to Jesus, the more we discover that he is good and trustworthy. It is easy to allow other things to take priority in our lives, but if we genuinely hunger for God’s word, we will become more like who he created us to be.

Peter then describes believers as 'living stones' (v. 4) being built together into a spiritual house. We are not meant to follow Jesus alone. God is building us into a community, with Christ as the cornerstone. We are called to contribute to the community of believers around us to strengthen our faith and, in doing so, to bring maturity to our relationship with God. Our identity is no longer defined by our past, our failures, or what others think of us, rather we are chosen, holy, and called to belong to God.

To Ponder:

• What attitudes or behaviours do I need to 'put away' to grow closer to God?
• What does it mean to me personally that I am 'chosen' and belong to God?
• What is one practical way I can show someone else what God is like this week?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you that you have chosen me and called me your own. Help me to let go of the things that hinder my growth and give me a deep hunger for your word. Build me into the person you want me to be and use my life to point others towards you. Amen.

Bible notes author: Cara Macdonald
Cara lives with her husband and five children in Glasgow. She works for the charity Mary’s Meals, which provides over three million of the world’s poorest children with a meal in school every day. She attends Newton Mearns Baptist Church and is also involved with the work of Reigate Methodist Church in Surrey, where she came to faith.