Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Isaiah 51:1-53:12, Ephesians 5:1-33, Psalm 69:19-36, Proverbs 24:7

What an Amazing Gift – What an Amazing God!

The Lord calls out to us: “Listen to me, all who hope for deliverance — all who seek the Lord! Consider the rock from which you were cut, the quarry from which you were mined” (Isaiah 51:1, NLT). He is the Rock. He is the One who formed us at the beginning and the One who continues to shape us even now. We are not random or forgotten; we are carved out with intention and designed to reflect His image.

God reminds His people: “I will reveal my name to my people, and they will come to know its power. Then at last they will recognize that I am the one who speaks to them” (Isaiah 52:6, NLT). His voice is not distant. It is personal and powerful. He speaks to us through His Word, by His Spirit, and even through the deepest places of our hearts.

But He also gives this command: “Get out! Get out and leave your captivity, where everything you touch is unclean. Get out of there and purify yourselves, you who carry home the sacred objects of the Lord” (Isaiah 52:11, NLT). Beloved, you are not carrying stone or gold vessels from the temple — you are carrying your own heart, the sacred dwelling place of God. He wants to dwell in you. You are His temple, His holy vessel, set apart for Him. To carry Him inside means we must leave behind all that is unclean — every sin, every bondage, every compromise.

How is this possible? Because of the Servant who bore it all. “It was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down.… He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed” (Isaiah 53:4–5, NLT). And again, “When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins” (Isaiah 53:11, NLT).

Today, I echo Paul’s exhortation: “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God” (Ephesians 5:1–2, NLT).

This is the heart of Gems of Knowledge: He is the Rock, and we are carved from Him. Every Gem is shaped, refined, and polished by His hand — a testimony of His wisdom and love. He is both the quarry we came from and the master lapidary shaping us into His likeness.

So Paul warns, “Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do” (Ephesians 5:17, NLT). This is the New Covenant: not living by external rules carved in stone, but by the Rock Himself who’s Spirit dwells within us. He enters into our hearts – His holy temple – and directs us personally and intimately by His Holy Spirit. What an amazing gift! What an amazing God! Oh, that He would love me enough to die for me…then save me again and again! ❤️

Action (5 Minutes with God)

1. Reflect — Ask God, “Purify my heart, O Lord, and show me if there is anything unclean within me. Help me to see the way You do.”
   • Write what He whispers and reflect on His words and purpose in them.
2. Remember — You were carved from the Rock; you are His workmanship, His Gem being refined. Everything He does, everything He says, is because He loves you. He doesn’t want to force you to change, He wants to show you there is a better way – His way!
3. Respond — Choose today to imitate Christ. Ask God, “What do you want me to do?”
   • Write what He whispers then do it! Choose to live the way He directs. Choose a life filled with love, sacrifice, and obedience to the One who passionately loves you.
4. Rely — Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you personally and intimately in every step, thought, and word. He will lead you to salvation and joy!

Prayer

Lord, You are my Rock, the One who carved me from the beginning and continues to shape me today. Thank You for revealing Your name and Your power, for bearing my sins through the sacrifice of Jesus, and for counting me righteous in Him. Purify my heart, Your holy temple. Fill me with Your Spirit, and teach me to imitate You in love and obedience. Shape me as Your Gem, polished for Your glory. Amen. 💎

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