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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New Self- Ephesians 4:24

22 So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to—the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. 23 Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, 24 and you must put on the new self, which is created in God’s likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy.

Ephesians 4:22-24 (GNT)

Paul asks believers to discard their sinful nature (their old self) and embrace an entirely new way of life, being transformed, renewed in righteousness, and changed into a new self.

22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.

Ephesians 4:22 (NLT)

This new self is transformed by the Holy Spirit’s renewing our thoughts, attitudes, hearts, and minds.

23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes

-Ephesians 4:23 (NLT)

When you open your heart to Jesus, your life is transformed and renewed from within.

21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him,

-Ephesians 4:21 (NLT)

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. We need to transform our lives to be like Jesus and live a life that is upright and holy.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

– John 14:6 (NIV)

We were created to be like God; we need to cast off our old way of life and be renewed by the Spirit and transformed by Jesus into a new self.

20-24 But that’s no life for you. You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you. Ephesians 4:22-24 (MSG)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, help us to cast off our old ways of life and embrace a new self that is upright and holy. Let us learn from the Holy Spirit and transform our hearts and minds. Teach us to cast off our sinful ways and grow to be like Jesus. Like the glowing white pansy, let us glow with Your light and wash us white as snow into a new self. Amen

Before the Sun Goes Down – Ephesian 4:26

26“In your anger do not sin” d Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesian 4: 25-27 (NIV)

In some versions of the bible, Ephesians 4:17-31 is subtitled, living as Children of Light, in others, a New Life in Christ. As Christians, we are called upon to put away bitterness, malice, and unforgiveness and not dwell on anger or let it sit unresolved. Uncontrolled anger can lead to revenge and sin.

25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”d Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil. – Ephesian 4: 25-27 (NLT)

We are to act more Chirst-like and not let anger control us. Anger is not an excuse to sin; it should be dealt with quickly in God-honored ways. We should be merciful and forgive others.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

The Holy Spirits work within us, turning us away from our sinful actions and helping us develop the fruit of self-control.

Paul says don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry. In other words, deal with anger; make that a priority, and don’t go to bed angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life. – Ephesians 4:26-27 (MSG)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, help us to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. Teach us to forgive others as you have forgiven us. Guide us in Your truth, Your light, and Your love. Teach us to deal with anger quickly before the sun goes down. Like the lovely smell of lavender fills the air, let us be filled with love and forgiveness and fill the air with praise. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Depths of the Sea – Micah 7:18

You will once again have mercy on us; you will conquer our evil deeds; you will hurl our sins into the depths of the sea. – Micah 7:19 (NET)

Micah was an Old Testament prophet. He was upset with the moral decay in Judea and admonished his people to return to God. He denounced the evil that had taken over his land. He warned that God’s judgment would destroy Samaria and Jerusalem. Micah stated, “Faithful men have disappeared from the land; there are no godly men left.” (Micah 7:2)

He encouraged the people to come to God in repentance and faith. In verses 18 and 19, Micah extols the greatness of God; He is a God of forgiveness, mercy, and love.

There is no other God like you! You forgive sin and pardon the rebellion of those who remain among your people. You do not remain angry forever, but delight in showing loyal love. – Micah 7:18

Micah extols God; there is no other God like Him. For our God is willing to forgive us and restore us, for He loves us and wants to free us from the bondage of sin. If we repent of our sins, He will forgive us and not hold those sins against us.

You will once again have mercy on us; you will conquer our evil deeds; you will hurl our sins into the depths of the sea. – Micah 7:19

God will have mercy on us; He will hurl our sin into the depths of the sea. Our sins will be out of sight, never remembered, completely removed, and forgiven.

Our God has compassion and mercy; He loves us and forgives us.

Where is the god who can compare with you—
wiping the slate clean of guilt,
Turning a blind eye, a deaf ear,
to the past sins of your purged and precious people?
You don’t nurse your anger and don’t stay angry long,
for mercy is your specialty. That’s what you love most.
And compassion is on its way to us.
You’ll stamp out our wrongdoing.
You’ll sink our sins
to the bottom of the ocean. – Micah 7:18-19 (MSG)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for mercy and grace. Thank You for Your compassion and forgiveness of our sins. Teach us to reach out to You and confess our sins, that You will forgive and sink to the depths of the sea. As an open blossom of a water lily flourishes in the water, let us be open-hearted and flourish in Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Simply Love – 1 Timothy 1:5

5 The whole point of what we’re urging is simply love – love uncontaminated by self-interest and counterfeit faith, a life open to God.
1 Timothy 1:5 (MSG)

Timothy was left in Ephesus to make sure teaching stayed on track. False preaching was leading to bickering over pointless issues and meaningless speculations. They were so caught up in controversy that they missed the importance of loving God and others.

Paul explains that false teachers are not motivated by love; instead, they raise controversy by pushing false doctrines and dwelling on spiritual pedigrees. A true Christian leader needs to be motivated by love, simply love. Love comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith.

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
1 Timothy 1:5 (NIV)

Christians should exhibit a love of God and love for others, a life open to God.

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Do you radiate love, simply love in all you do?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father guide us and protects us from false teachers. Help us not to be self-centered but have our actions and behaviors, radiate love, simply love. Teach us to have a pure heart and sincere faith. Like the bright and beautiful flower of the bleeding heart plant, let us shine with your brightness and flower with Your love. In Jesus’ loving name. Amen

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Perfect and Proven: Psalm 18:30

As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
Psalm 18:30 (NKJV)

David in Psalm 18, recounts how God rescued him from his enemies and guided Him. He praises God, the source of his strength, his foundation.

For the music director; by the LORD’s servant David, who sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD rescued him from the power of all his enemies, including Saul. He said: “I love you, LORD, my source of strength!
Psalm 18:1 (NET)

David states that the way of God is perfect, without blemish; His word and promises are true. The word of the Lord is proven; it is faithful, for the Lord is trustworthy.

Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.
Proverbs 30:5 (NLT)

God is our shield and strength. He is a shield for all who trust in Him and look to Him for protection. Like David, when we follow God’s Word and rely on Him, He equips, strengthens, and protects us.

As David said, God’s way is perfect, and His Word is proven; He is our strength and shield.

30 What a God! His road
stretches straight and smooth.
Every God-direction is road-tested.
Everyone who runs toward him
Makes it.
Psalm 18:30 (MSG)

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When you hit troubles, do you solve them by your way or God’s perfect, proven way?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for your guidance and direction. Open our hearts to Your perfect way. Teach us to follow Your God-directed path and trust Your proven Word. Like a blossom on a rose brightens our days, may Your love shine in our hearts and brighten our lives. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Merciful: Luke 6:36-37

36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned.
Luke 6:36-37 (NASB)

Mercy is the act of withholding deserved punishment. Mercy is the act of having mercy on others, not prejudging or condemning our foes. God’s mercy has saved us from our sins, and He wants us to show mercy towards others. Our focus should be on being merciful rather than judgmental, emulating our Holy Father.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Matthew 5:7 (NASB)

To judge is to form an opinion or conclusion about another person; to condemn is to find someone guilty deserving of punishment. Instead of having hardened hearts and condemning others, if we forgive and pardon others, God will pardon us.

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Matthew 6:14

God loves us and wants us to love one another, being merciful, kind, and forgiving.

35-36 “I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind. ^37-38“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”
Luke 6:35-38 (MSG)

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In your dealings with others, are you judgmental or merciful and kind?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your mercy and grace. Teach us to be non-judgmental, merciful, and forgiving. Help us to be sympathetic and compassionate. As the small geranium flowers cluster together, forming beautiful blooms, let us cluster together in harmony, reflecting God’s love. In Jesus Holy name. Amen

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Sharper than a double-edged sword – Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 (NET)

The word of God is living and active; by it, we learn the true will of God. The word of God is more than printed words; He speaks to us through the Holy Spirit, prophets, and by the eternal Word of God, Jesus.

The word of God is sharper than any double-edged sword; the word of God can discern between spirit and soul. Like a double-edged sword, the word of God can penetrate a person’s heart to expose the good and evil within. God can detect hypocrites and self-deceivers.

But he (Jesus) said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
Luke 11:28

Following the word of God is a lifelong process of discerning, listening, and obeying, of leaving our old life behind and becoming new in the likeness of Jesus.

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God’s word is alive and sharper than a double-edged sword. It’s a way God communicates with us, are you taking time to listen?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your living and active Word. Teach us to be open and obedient to Your will. Your Word is powerful; may it lead us to be more like Jesus. Like the bright blossoms of the tropical milkweed plant glow in the sunlight, may we blossom in Your Word and glow with Your holy light. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Gentle Spirit: Philippians 4:5

5Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near.
Philippians 4:5 (AMP)

Let your gentleness be evident to all, or as some versions say, let your gentle spirit, gracious attitude, or graciousness be known to all. These derive from the Greek word epiekes, which can translate to; gracious, fair, gentle, reasonable, tolerant, and forbearing. Whatever translation/definition you prefer, it should convey that Christians need to be reasonable, wise, and tolerant people; not easily angered.

Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit, a fruit; that we need to cultivate in our hearts; and show in our actions. Gentleness and patience; are attributes that allow people to feel at ease around you.

The Lord is near; we should learn to emulate him in gentleness and with conduct that is honorable.

Jesus said:

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:29 (NIV)

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Do you consider yourself to have a gentle spirit?

Prayer: Lord, we thank You for Your tolerance and grace toward us. Help us to be gentle and tolerant to others. Guide us on Your path for us and help us to emulate Jesus. Like the native sunflower, gently opening its petals help us to have a gentle spirit; and be tolerant in our dealings with other. In Jesus’ name. Amen

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