Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Hosea 6:1-9:17, 3 John 1:1-15, Psalm 126:1-6, Proverbs 29:12-14

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Return to the Lord

“Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces; now He will heal us. He has injured us; now He will bandage our wounds. In just a short time He will restore us, so that we may live in His presence.” – Hosea 6:1–2 (NLT)

Sometimes the Lord loves us so fiercely that He refuses to let us stay the way we are. It’s not punishment—it’s purification. The tearing in this passage isn’t God destroying His people; it’s God removing what destroys them. Like a master surgeon cutting away infection so life can return, He touches the very places we’ve tried to hide, and He heals what sin has wounded.

His goal was never the tearing. His goal is the healing, the restoring, the bringing-back-home. The Lord will go to any length—even the hard, painful lengths—to rescue His children from the things that keep them far from His presence.

And then verse 6 reminds us why:

Hosea 6:6 (NLT) — “I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know Me more than I want burnt offerings.”

He’s not after performance.
He’s not impressed by religious activity.
He wants you—your heart, your affection, your trust, your love.

Beloved, God isn’t content with a relationship at a distance. He wants you close enough to hear His whisper. Close enough to walk in His presence. Close enough to know Him—not just know about Him.

And the invitation is simple:

Hosea 6:3 (NLT) — “Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.”

Press on.
Press in.
He will always respond.

As certain as the sunrise.
As faithful as spring rain.
As steady as His love.

If you’ve felt torn lately… if God has been peeling things back, exposing places that hurt… breathe. He’s making room for healing. He’s restoring you so you can live fully in His presence.

And friend, He’s not done. Dawn always breaks. 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take 5 minutes with the One True God today. Set aside the noise, breathe, and come quietly before Him. Ask Him:

• “What do You want me to know about this, Lord?”
  • Journal what the Holy Spirit whispers to your heart.
• Then ask, “What do You want mt to do?”
  • Write down His instruction—then walk it out in faith.

Let today be a day of returning… of yielding the torn places… of realigning your heart with the One who restores and heals. Press on to know Him, and trust that He will respond to you as surely as the dawn.

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Prayer

Lord, I return to You today with open hands. Tear away anything in me that keeps me distant from Your presence. Heal the places that sin has wounded. Restore what’s been broken, and draw me close enough to know You—not just in words, but in truth. I press on to know You, trusting that You will respond as surely as the morning light. Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.