Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Jeremiah 16:16-18:23, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3, Psalm 81:1-16, Proverbs 25:6-8

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A Quiet Life That Pleases Him

“Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1 (NLT):

To live in a way that pleases God is not about striving for recognition or demanding influence—it is about faithfulness, humility, and obedience. Jeremiah models this so clearly. He did everything the Lord instructed him to do, faithfully proclaiming God’s word even in the face of persecution (Jeremiah 16–18). His life was marked by steadfastness, even when it cost him greatly.

Paul echoes this call to faithfulness in his letter to the Thessalonians: we are to stay away from sin, control our own bodies in holiness, and “make it our goal to live a quiet life, minding [our] own business and working with [our] hands” (1 Thessalonians 4:11). A quiet life in the Lord is not wasted—it is beautiful. It becomes a testimony of faith, humility, meekness, and honor that others can see and follow.

The psalmist adds: “If my people would only listen to me… how quickly I would then subdue their enemies!” (Psalm 81:13–14). Obedience opens the door to God’s protection and provision. Proverbs warns us not to push ourselves forward or demand honor: “Don’t demand an audience with the king or push for a place among the great. It’s better to wait for an invitation to the head table than to be sent away in public disgrace” (Proverbs 25:6–7, NLT).

Spiritually, this applies before the King of kings—we wait humbly for His exaltation. Practically, it applies in our relationships and workplaces—we live faithfully and trust God to honor us in His time.

God promises that those who remain rooted in Him will be like trees planted by the riverbank, not withering in heat but thriving in every season (Jeremiah 17:7–8). He is the One who gives “all people their due reward, according to what their actions deserve” (Jeremiah 17:10). Our part is simple: to live in a way that pleases Him, trusting that He will exalt us in His timing.

So the question becomes: What will we choose—striving for recognition or resting in His approval? Pushing for the head table or waiting for His invitation? The quiet life that pleases God is not wasted—it is the soil in which He plants us, strengthens us, and exalts us. 💎

Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take five minutes today to sit quietly before the Lord. Surrender all pride or impatience:

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

Prayer

Lord, teach me to live in a way that pleases You. Keep me faithful like Jeremiah, obedient like Paul, and humble before You and others. Guard me from striving for position or recognition. Plant me by Your rivers of living water, so that my life bears fruit in every season. In Your time, exalt me according to Your will. Until then, may my quiet life ring out with faith, humility, and honor. Amen.

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