Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Haggai 1:1-2:23, Revelation 11:1-19, Psalm 139:1;24, Proverbs 30:15-16

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Go Up Into The Hills

“Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins?” – Haggai 1:4 (NLT)

In the book of Haggai, the Lord calls His people to rebuild the temple. But this isn’t only about a physical structure—we are now the temple of God. Too often, we become busy building worldly things while neglecting the condition of our spiritual lives. Comfort grows, priorities shift, and slowly the temple falls into disrepair.

So the Lord gives a clear instruction:

“Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored,” says the LORD. (Haggai 1:8)

God’s presence is often found on the mountain. When we “go up into the hills,” we do so intentionally. It requires effort, time, and surrender. We step away from distractions and into His presence. There, God gives us what we need to rebuild—truth, correction, wisdom, and grace. That is the timber we carry back down with us. He shows us what must be removed, what must be repaired, and what must be rebuilt so we can become new creatures in Christ.

When the temple is neglected, drought follows—not by accident, but by consequence.

“It’s because of you that the heavens withhold the dew and the earth produces no crops.” (Haggai 1:10)

Spiritual dryness often reveals misplaced priorities. But when the people obeyed—when they listened and responded—the Lord spoke words of hope:

“I am with you,” says the LORD. (Haggai 1:13)

They remembered what God had done before, and He encouraged them again:

“Be strong… be strong… and now get to work, for I am with you.” (Haggai 2:4–5)

God promises that what He rebuilds will be greater than what was before. He brings peace to the place He restores. And to those who walk in obedience, He says something remarkable:

“I will make you like a signet ring on my finger… for I have chosen you.” (Haggai 2:23)

This is authority, identity, and blessing—all given by God.

So today, we pray:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:23–24)

I will listen.
I will learn.
I will heed.
I will rebuild.
And I will rejoice.

Amen. 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take five minutes with God today and ask Him:

• “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!

Let today be a day of rebuilding your temple with Him.

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Prayer

Lord, search my heart and show me where I have neglected Your dwelling place within me. I choose to go up into the hills—to seek Your presence and receive Your truth. Give me what I need to rebuild, and remove what no longer belongs. Strengthen me to obey, and fill my life with Your peace and glory. I trust You to complete the work You have begun in me. Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.