Today’s devotion comes from Hebrews 12:14.
“Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14.
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There was a very appropriate and helpful pause between Friday’s devotion and today’s Sunday devotion. Friday night, in preparation for today’s devotion, I quickly discovered and wrote down verses on the subjects of peace with men and sanctification that I intended to use for today’s devotion. But then, on Saturday, I was confronted and convicted with my smugness and with my lack of pursuit of these things and my need to “Pursue”! and “press on”!
“Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14.
“Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.” 2 Peter 1:10-11.
“So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.” Romans 14:19.
“Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it.” Psalm 34:14.
“3 Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD?
And who may stand in His holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood
And has not sworn deceitfully.” Psalm 24:3-4.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:8-9.
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” Romans 12:18.
But, there is hope!
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:12-13.
“When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7.
“6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace,
On the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9:6-7.
“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.” 1 Corinthians 1:30-31.
“for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13.
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 