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Hebrews 12:14-29 (ESV)
14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that afterward when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.
A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken
18 For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest 19 and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. 20 For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” 21 Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.” 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. 25 See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.
What efforts have you made to live in peace with all?
Living in peace with others is not an easy task yet the Lord asks me to do it for the sake of His kingdom. I must realize that we all are created by God and in His image. The Lord is asking me to make sure no one misses the grace of God, because of my actions so I need to be an instrument of His peace, looking for ways to show mercy, love, kindness to everyone.
Lord help me to be an example of your peace and love daily. It is so easy to seek my own way, work on my agenda for the day, and ignore opportunities to share your love with someone. Still, my busy mind and heart to listen to your voice and feel your spirit leading me to a peacemaker in my surroundings. With all that is happening in today’s world, sickness, unrest in our society, and even violence, I am praying Lord that you would give me the courage and strength to be an example of the peace and love you give, freely to all who ask. Help me to dispel bitterness and anger around me realizing that this is a broken world and the only hope this world has is You. It is your desire Lord that none would be lost give me that same desire for others so that we may dwell in your house forever. Amen
(Today’s prayer submitted by Jo Schneider)