July 23, 2025 | Be God's Family
Living a Godly Life
Scripture: Hebrews 12:14-17(NIV)
14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.
Devotional
We are taught all our Christian life to live in peace and strive for holiness. These are not optional, but essential for experiencing God’s presence and blessing in our lives. Many difficult life experiences get in our way and we must find a way through them. Prayer becomes a very important part of my life when I am feeling conflicted. Often it takes many prayers and lots of time listening for God to tell me what direction I need to head. Usually, I feel very comforted by His words. But when I think it is the wrong answer, I do my best to remember I have been taught to live in peace—so I must do as He is telling me.
Hebrews 12:15 states “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” All too often unresolved conflict and resentment can have a detrimental impact on us as individuals and our communities. Again, when conflict enters my life, I pray for His guidance to find a comfortable solution.
A few years ago, a new person entered our family as a step-parent. They had a very strong personality and wanted to alter the family dynamic we all had known for years. It was a “bitter root” to swallow. We all had to learn to accept the way it was going to be as it was driving a huge wedge throughout the family. Some accepted the situation as it was, others did not, creating a very divided family. Looking back on those times, if someone had suggested that we all pray together and ask for God’s guidance, I think it might have ended up better.
If you want to live a Godly life as it should be, don’t let those conflicts get in the way. Pray about them and listen for God’s answer to resolve the conflicts, hopefully.
Poem
Righteous Examen
Psalm 58
“Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.”
Psalm 58:11
Dear Lord, as I review my day
Please join my will with Yours
Before I close my eyes tonight
Did peace reign all my hours?
Is there a grudge I’m holding?
A bitterness, a root?
Did I cause one to stumble
In my own will’s pursuit?
Were all my thoughts pure, holy
Or did I roll in dirt?
Was I content to eat the pods
Of pig sties here on earth?
Dear Lord, sort out my wrongings
Forgive me, make me clean!
So I may rest in righteousness
Your holiness, my dream
