Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Isaiah 66:1-24, Philippians 3:5-21, Psalm 74:1-23, Proverbs 24:15-16

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His House, Our Choice

There are few images as jarring as a rebellious child who mocks and shames their own parent, committing vile acts in their very presence without a shred of remorse. Yet this is the very picture Isaiah paints of those who “deliberately sin before My very eyes and choose to do what they know I despise” (Isaiah 66:3, NLT).

Imagine it was your own child — defiling your home, and allowing strangers to steal what is precious, fornicating and self-indulging right before your very eyes, all while laughing at your tears as you plead with them to stop. At some point, any loving parent would act, not out of hate but out of justice, love, and the need to protect what is good. This is God’s heart in Isaiah 66: He says, “When I called, they did not answer; when I spoke, they did not listen. They deliberately did evil before My eyes and chose what I despise” (Isaiah 66:4, NLT).

God mourns over this rebellion. He is not quick to destroy; He pleads, He warns, He waits. But there comes a moment when His love can no longer shield the unrepentant from the consequences of their actions. “See, the Lord is coming with fire, and His swift chariots roar like a whirlwind. He will bring punishment with the fury of His anger and the flaming fire of His rebuke” (Isaiah 66:15, NLT).

This isn’t distant prophecy — it’s a wake-up call. We live in God’s house. We are His creation, His children. When we abandon Him and delight in what He despises, we force His hand against us. We forfeit His protection. We defile His dwelling. And yet, even now, He says, “Here I am” (Isaiah 65:1, NLT). Even now He calls us back.

We have all been guilty. Every one of us has ignored His pleading, chosen our own way, and done what is wrong in His sight. The question is: do we care? What will we choose? “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at My word” (Isaiah 66:2, NLT).

The Father longs for a clean, ordered, holy house. He wants His home to be a refuge filled with peace and security — a house where His presence dwells, with children who bring Him honor and delight because they love and honor Him. But He will not force us. The choice is ours.

So let us not be found among those who despise His ways and provoke His anger, but among the children who honor Him, love Him, and bring Him delight. For these He calls His own, and to them He gives the joy of living in His presence forever.

Action (5 Minutes with God)

1. Ask God, “What do you want me to know about this?”
   • Journal what the Holy Spirit whispers.
2. Then Ask God, “What do you want me to do?”
   • Journal what He whispers then do it!

Remember, every time you spend time with the Lord, seeking Him and His insight it is like putting oil in your lamp. May your lamp always be full, so you will be ready for the return of the Bridegroom!

Prayer

Father, You are holy and just, yet full of compassion. Forgive me for the times I have ignored Your warnings and chosen my own way. Open my eyes to see my sin the way You see it. Give me a humble, contrite heart that trembles at Your word. Teach me to keep my life and home clean and in order, a true refuge of Your peace and power. Help me love what You love, hate what You hate, and act in love to draw others back to You. Today I choose Your ways. Amen. 💎

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