ENTRY: 070326
JULY 3 2026, SATURDAY Entry: 2:53PM, BGC
VERSE OF THE DAY: HEBREWS 12:14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and word at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.
PEACE WHEREVER POSSIBLE What does holy living look like?
According to the teachings in the New Testament, it's living in accordance with God's Word. Holiness means saying "no" to wrong actions, and seeking forgiveness when we do make mistakes. It looks like putting aside any selfish interests in order to pursue the good plans God has for the world.
The writer of the letter to the Hebrews understood that this wasn't easy do he encouraged his readers to "run with perseverance" while stripping off anything that might slow them down or trip them up (Hebrews 12:1-2)
The author of Hebrews then encourages his readers to be holy, to live according to God's commands and ways. Holiness gives others a window to see God in our lives. It also gives us the opportunity to love others the way Jesus would love them. As we pursue a relationship with God, the way we interact with people should change.
The author of Hebrews describes God as the God of peace (Hebrews 13:20). If our desire is to obey God and be like Him, then we should make every effort to live in peace with everyone.
When we live with anger or bitterness toward others. We're unable to show the, the love of Jesus. A love that sets us apart and shows off God's glory.
Living at peace with people does not mean that we have to love everyone the same way or blindly accept misconduct. But, it does not mean that we make an effort wherever possible to generously seek wholeness, reconciliation, and forgiveness-actions that lead to peace.
Take a moment today to consider your relationships with others. Are your relationships marked by anger or bitterness, or are you living at peace with others? If there is someone in your life you have not forgotten, make an effort to begin to make things right. Consider how you can live a life that aligns with God's Word, so that others can see God working within you.
REFELCTION When you read the following verse, who comes to mind? Consider what next step God is asking you to take.
SHARE YOUR FAITH When we seek forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace, we are a living reflection of our Father's heart.
God, You invite me into a peaceful relationship with You-where I can be fully known and loved. You also invite me to pursue peace with others. Please help me to approach my relationships with grace and wisdom. Grant me the knowledge to recognize when I should speak and when I should listen. In Jesus' name, Amen.
1 CHRONICLES 16:11 Search for the LORD and for His strength; continually seek him.
God is able to support us when we're weak, and strengthen us when we feel weary. Spend a few moments focusing on how strong and powerful He is. and give Him whatever praise comes to mind.
2 TIMOTHY 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
God is with you at all times and equips you for every situation. Take some time to talk to Him about any anxieties or insecurities that might be holding you back from embracing His love and power.
DAILY BIBLE READING: JOB 25-27 ACTS 12 BILDAD'S 3RD RESPONSE TO JOB âGod is powerful and dreadful. He enforces peace in the heavens. JOB'S NINTH SPEECH: A RESPONSE TO BILDAD These are just the beginning of all that he does, merely a whisper of his power. Who, then, can comprehend the thunder of his power?â JOB'S FINAL SPEECH 2âI vow by the living God, who has taken away my rights, by the Almighty who has embittered my soulâ 3As long as I live, while I have breath from God, 4my lips will speak no evil, and my tongue will speak no lies. 5I will never concede that you are right; I will defend my integrity until I die. 6I will maintain my innocence without wavering. My conscience is clear for as long as I live. JAMES IS KILLED AND PETER IS IMPRISONED while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him. PETER'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE FROM PRISON 7Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, âQuick! Get up!â And the chains fell off his wrists. 8Then the angel told him, âGet dressed and put on your sandals.â And he did. âNow put on your coat and follow me,â the angel ordered.
WHEN TO STOP PRAYING
You've done every step right. You sought the Lord in prayer. Trusted in Jesus' name for reconciliation. You sincerely believed that God hears every word whispered-or at times-shouted in prayer. You continued to raise up passionate pleas of rescue to the Almighty God. You worshipped at His feet daily, in every season, you acknowledge God's goodness.
So what's the REAL reason why you do not see your prayers answered or come into fruition?
1.) YOU ASK FOR THE WRONG THINGS JAMES 4:3 1What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Donât they come from the evil desires at war within you? 2You want what you donât have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you canât get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you donât have what you want because you donât ask God for it. 3And even when you ask, you donât get it because your motives are all wrongâyou want only what will give you pleasure.
The same author who wrote this, also ended this passage with the solution. JAMES 4:7 7So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
2.)YOU DENY THE POWER OF GOD 2 TIMOTHY 3:5 5They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
Timothy wrote this verse in the context of an unbelieving "believers". This group of people knows God but does not obey Him. They have prayers, but do not have faith. Outwardly, our schedules may be filled with countless hours of prayer and church worship/service.. but inwardly, our hearts lack that God-confidence and assurance that whatever is lifted up in prayers, in God's time and purpose, shall come to pass.
How can "believers" not believe?
In Acts 12, James was killed and Peter was imprisoned. He was placed under the guard of 4 squads of 4 soldiers each. While he was imprisoned, the church gathered in the home of Mary to pray. God sent an angel to rescue Peter and he was delivered to the front door where people are praying. Rhoda, a servant girl, recognized Peter's voice and she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone.
"PETER IS STANDING AT THE DOOR!"
You may think that the people immediately rejoiced, surprisingly, they DID NOT BELIEVE. This is where the our real faith is tested.
ACTS 12:15 "You're out of your mind!" they said. When she insisted, they decided, "it must be his angel"
Are you more likely to believe in "spiritual" or a "more dramatic" answers to your prayers? How is it more believable to expect an angel knocking on the door than Peter being freed?
Peter continued knocking, When they opened the door and saw him, they were amazed.
HEBREWS 11:1 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.
These "believers" were unbelieving because of lack of faith. How can you pray for something you won't believe until you see it?
Your breakthrough knocks at the door of your heart, and yet, you deny the Power of God to deliver it to you. There's a time to stop praying, and start thanking God for the answered prayers that your eyes have yet to see.
HEBREWS 11:5-6 5It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dyingââhe disappeared, because God took him.â For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God. 6And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit, let my eyes see what my heart already believes. Let my life show my faith in Your power and that You reward those who earnestly seeks You. I acknowledge that You are on the move, as I thank You for Your grace and mercy in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.
by: Jessa Mury



















