Pursue Peace – Hebrews 12:14

14 Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, for without it no one will see the Lord.

Hebrews 12:14 (NET)

Pursuing peace with everyone is a common theme in the New Testament. To pursue is not passive; it means eagerly seeking, actively, and diligently seeking peace.

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Romans 12:18 (NET)

Bitterness causes strife where pursuing a peaceful lifestyle encourages working together and building up one another.

19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

Romans 14:19 (ESV)

Working to get along with and help others demonstrates that we are disciples of Christ, growing in holiness and spiritual maturity. We, as Christians, pursue peace, and abide in Jesus, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.

14-17 Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you’ll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. – Hebrews 12:14-17 (MSG)

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Prayer: Our Holy Father, help us to pursue peace. Guide our path helping us to get along with others and be tolerant of different points of view. Teach us to study Your Word and grow in faith. Like the Ranunculus flowers open and bloom in the spring, let us open our hearts to You and bloom with love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Proven Worker – 2 Timothy 2:15

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

– 2 Timothy 2:15 -16 (NIV)

In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he encourages him to be a worker who seeks to please God rather than people. Worldly things can distract, worldly problems can draw attention away from God. Instead of trying to please people and make them happy, work to please God; be a proven worker who needs not be ashamed.

A proven worker teaches the word of truth accurately striving to understand and correctly explain God’s Word to others. To help those who indulge in worldly, godless chatter and vain babbling, which leads to godless behavior, by teaching them the truth.

Paul’s challenge is to do our best to present ourselves as an approved, proven worker who understands and explains the truth of God’s Word.

Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won’t be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple. Stay clear of pious talk that is only talk. Words are not mere words, you know. If they’re not backed by a godly life, they accumulate as poison in the soul.

– 2 Timothy 2:15 -16 (MSG)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, help us to listen and do our best work for You. Guide us to avoid worldly distractions and focus our sights on You. May we be proven workers guided by Your Word and truth. Let us gather together like the colorful open blossoms of the Penta plant and be open to Your direction, teaching Your truth accurately. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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Afraid – Psalm 56:3

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. – Psalm 56:3 (NIV)

David had confidence in God’s power to protect him and to fulfill His promises. He knew how God had helped him in the past. Instead of falling apart when his situation was dire, he trusted God. Instead of being self-reliant and self-confident, he was God-confident. In verse 11, David praises the Lord and restates that his trust in God is greater than his fear.

10 In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise— 11 in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me? – Psalm 56:10-11

Fear encourages us to run, to escape. Faith helps us realize that God is with us and He is greater than our fear.

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)

So fear not; do not be afraid, for God will strengthen you and help you.

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, You are our hope and our salvation. Teach us to trust You, especially when we are overwhelmed and afraid. Help us turn to You rather than try to deal with problems on our own. Like the opening petals of the daisy flowers reach upward, let us open our hearts to You and reach out to You in prayer. In Jesus’ loving and holy name. Amen

I believe in the power of prayer. Need prayer? I will be glad to pray for you. Leave a comment or message me on the contact page. 🌺