The Bible gives us this unusual detail about the construction of the
Lord's temple. "In building the temple, only blocks dressed at the
quarry were used, and no hammer, chisel or any other iron tool was heard at the
temple site while it was being built." (I Kings 6:7). An
unbelievable amount of scraping, hammering, chiseling had to be done on those
mighty rocks that were used in the construction. But it was all done out of
view and out of earshot of the temple site.
It's a little like the way God "dresses" us, fitting us for
heaven. The apostle Peter reminds us that you and I are living stones, and we
are being mined in the quarry of earth, a place of noise, chiseling, and clouds
of dust. God is using our sufferings and afflictions to hone and shape us so we
might fit perfectly into heaven's landscape, where there is "no hammer, chisel
or any other iron tool." Where there is no suffering. No tears, pain,
sorrow, or death.
As polished stones, not only will we fit in heaven, we will
fit as glittering jewels in His crown. Soon we will enter the utter serenity of
heaven -- a place of peace and quiet -- and God will set us in His diadem as
sparkling and dazzling jewels.
God's quarry is still busy. He is active with His hammer and chisel in
your life, honing you and shaping you for a high and eternal destiny. The
shaping isn't always easy. How well I know! But take heart today, friend. Bear
a bit longer with the noise and hammering. Serve others while you wait. One day
all of heaven will be in awe over what the Master Jeweler has accomplished in
your life.
Lord, even though I am still in
process, still being shaped and chiseled, I pray that your radiant beauty would
shine through my life today.
Blessings,
Joni and Friends
Joni and Friends is built on Biblical truth and the foundation of Jesus Christ. We are about advancing disability ministry and changing the church and communities around the world. The Joni and Friends International Disability Center (IDC) serves as the administrative center for ministries which provide outreach to thousands of families affected by disability around the globe. We invite you to browse our website to discover more ways you can be involved with our global outreach to the disability community!
Joni and Friends is answering the call in the Gospel of Luke 14, "invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind and you will be blessed...make them come in so my house will be full."
We present the clear and concise Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people affected by disability and their families who are served through our programs around the world. We train, disciple, and mentor people affected by disability to exercise their gifts of leadership and service in their churches and communities. We energize the church to move from lack of awareness to including disabled persons into the fabric of worship, fellowship, and outreach.
Our Vision: to accelerate Christian ministry in the disability community.
Our Mission: to communicate the Gospel and equip Christ-honoring Churches worldwide to evangelize and disciple people affected by disabilities.
The Four Things We Do:
- Evangelize people affected by disabilities and their families
- Train, disciple, and mentor people affected by disabilities
- Multiply disability effective churches
- Promote a biblical worldview on disability through education and policy
Our Ministries:
Wheels for the World: Sending the gift of mobility and the Gospel message worldwide.
Family Retreats: Domestic and international retreats for families that live with disability.
Television Series: Each episode highlights God's goodness in a world shattered by suffering.
Radio Program: Joni Eareckson Tada shares encouragement and Biblical insights.
Christian Institute on Disability: Higher education, ministry training, and Public Policy Center.
Church Relations: Equipping churches for disability ministry.
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