Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Ezekiel 31:1-32:32, Hebrews 12: 14-29, Psalm 113:1-114:8, Proverbs 27:18-20

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A Tree In God’s Garden

“Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.”
— Hebrews 12:14–15, NLT

Have you ever tended a garden? It takes work—daily care, intentional effort, and attention to the smallest signs of disease or neglect. That’s what the writer of Hebrews is pointing to when he says, “Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life…” These things don’t happen by accident. Peace doesn’t grow in chaos, and holiness doesn’t bloom where sin is indulged. They must be pursued, protected, and tended like a tree.

To “work at living in peace with everyone” means just that—it’s work. Peace isn’t passive; it takes effort. It means choosing grace over grudges, reconciliation over resentment, and humility over the need to be right. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. And when we struggle, we can ask the Prince of Peace to help us—He gives strength to the willing and grace to the weary.

Then we’re told to “work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.” Holiness is a calling. It’s not about perfection but direction. It’s the pursuit of purity, set-apart living, and obedience to God’s ways. When we live holy, our vision of God sharpens. When we compromise, that vision fades.

The third call is deeply communal: “Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God.” Faith was never meant to be lived in isolation. We need each other—to uplift, encourage, correct, and lovingly step in when someone is hurting, drifting, or bitter. Grace isn’t just something we receive; it’s something we help one another walk in. We’re not just tending our own tree—we’re working together in God’s garden. And just like any faithful gardener, those who care for others will see fruit and receive the reward.

Then comes the warning: “Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” Bitterness is sneaky. It takes root quietly but spreads quickly—wounding not just us but those around us. That’s why guarding your heart and community is so vital.

Proverbs 27:18 says, “As workers who tend a fig tree are allowed to eat the fruit, so workers who protect their employer’s interests will be rewarded.” When we work at holy living and invest in the spiritual well-being of others, we are tending God’s trees in His garden. It’s Kingdom work (Hebrews 12: 22-24). We’re not only cultivating our own hearts—we’re helping others grow in grace.

So what’s the promise for those who keep showing up, watering the roots, and refusing to let weeds overtake the soil? According to both Proverbs and Hebrews, you’ll be rewarded—now, with the fruit of peace and righteousness, and eternally, with everlasting joy.

So… will you tend the tree? 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Ask the Holy Spirit to show you any place where:

• You’ve avoided peace and allowed tension to grow…
• You’ve compromised holiness to blend in or feel comfortable…
• You’ve let bitterness root itself in you or someone close to you…

Write down anything the Lord brings to mind. Confess it. Repent. Let Him uproot what doesn’t belong. Then ask:

• “What do You want me to know about that?”
  • Journal what He whispers through the Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Journal what He reveals—then do it!

Let this be a moment of realignment with the Prince of Peace, the Holy One, the Giver of grace—Jesus Christ. 👑

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Prayer

Lord, search my heart and reveal every root of bitterness that tries to take hold. I don’t want anything poisoning the soil of my soul or hindering Your grace from flowing through me. Help me to forgive quickly, love deeply, and uproot anything that doesn’t belong in Your garden. Strengthen me to pursue peace and holiness, knowing these are the paths that lead to Your presence. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

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