Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Jonah 1:1-4:11, Revelation 5:1-14, Psalm 1331-3. Proverb 29:26-27

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He Is Calling You

“I cried out to the LORD in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and LORD, you heard me!” -Jonah 2:2 (NLT)

About midnight, the Lord gave me a word. As I wrote it down, my heart broke—not with fear, but with grief. It felt like the ache of someone who has been rejected by the one they love most. This is the message exactly as He gave it to me:

“I have tried to reach you again and again. When will you answer my calls? I thought you loved me? Why do you reject me and deny my love for you but tell others you are mine and you love me? If you loved me you would answer my calls. If you loved me you would spend time with me. If you loved me you would find a way for us to be together. Instead I wait, day after day, hoping as my heart aches. I don’t know what else I could possibly do to please you and make you want me. I guess all I can do is wait and keep hoping you’ll come around. I guess we will see. I won’t ever leave unless you tell me to. I will stay to the very end if that’s what it takes to have you. I love you that much. Amen.

This is my call to the world. I wish they would hear me and choose me. I wish I could change their minds. But I will wait and keep trying. It’s all I can do. I love them that much. Amen.”

The next morning, I read Jonah 1–4—and I was stunned. Jonah ran from the Lord, thinking distance would give him peace. Instead, he found only darkness and death. It wasn’t until he finally cried out from the depths that everything changed.

Jonah said:
“I called to you from the land of the dead, and LORD, you heard me. ”

That’s the heart of this message.

God is not distant.
He is not silent.
He is not uninterested.

He is calling—again and again.

The question is not whether God speaks.
The question is whether we will answer.

We’re living in a time where people loudly identify as God’s—but quietly avoid Him. Busy with ministry, busy with opinions, busy with noise… yet strangely unavailable for intimacy. We can say we love God… and still keep sending Him to voicemail.

Many say they love Him. Many claim His name. But love responds. Love makes time. Love finds a way. Love answers the call.

God does not force Himself on anyone. He waits. He keeps calling. He keeps loving—right to the very end.

So the question before us is simple, but sobering:

Do we really love Him?
And if so… will we answer His call? 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take five minutes with the Lord today and ask Him sincerely:

• “Lord, what do You want me personally to know about this today?”
  • Journal what He whispers by His Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Journal what He whispers – then do it!

He is calling to you! Let today be a day you answer.

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Prayer

Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve said I love You but failed to answer when You called. I don’t want to run like Jonah or numb myself with distance. I know without You I will find only darkness and destruction. I choose You today. I answer Your call. Teach me how to love You better – with my time, my attention, and my whole heart. Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.