Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Genesis 3:1-4:26, Matthew 2:13-3:6, Psalm 2:1-12, Proverbs 1:7-9

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A Loving Warning

⚠️ Caution is not cruelty. It is love.

From the very beginning, God has given His people commands, decrees, and instructions—not to withhold good from us, but to protect us from harm. When God told Adam and Eve not to eat from the tree, He was not denying them glory. He was guarding them from the trap of death that inevitably follows sin. The serpent twisted God’s heart, making it seem as though God was holding something back, when in truth, He was trying to keep them safely within His presence and protection.

Even after the fall, God did not abandon them. He lovingly covered their shame by clothing them with garments of skin—pointing forward to the Lamb who would one day cover sin fully and finally (Genesis 3:21). And when God placed a cherubim and a flaming sword at the entrance to Eden, it was not an act of anger—it was mercy. He was protecting humanity from eternal separation until His plan of redemption could be fulfilled.

God’s heart has always been restoration.

But Scripture also shows us that when people choose rebellion, God allows them to walk in the separation they choose. Cain rejected God’s warning and was left to his sin, moving farther and farther from the presence of the Lord. The same pattern still exists today. God does not force Himself upon us. If we choose sin over Him—even small, seemingly harmless sin—we step outside the blessings that are found behind obedience.

Yet God never leaves us without hope.

In Matthew 2–3, we see Joseph and Mary obey God’s instructions even when they were difficult and dangerous. Because they listened, God’s redemptive plan moved forward, and they were protected, guided, and blessed. Obedience opened the door for God’s purposes to be fulfilled through their lives.

Psalm 2 reminds us to act wisely, to be warned, to serve the Lord, and to submit to Him—because all who take refuge in Him are blessed. And Proverbs tells us that fearing the Lord and listening to our Father brings true knowledge, wisdom, grace, and honor.

God’s instructions are not barriers—they are bridges. They lead us back across the great divide, back into His presence, where He desires to dwell with us forever. He is a loving Father who warns His children not to harm them, but to protect them, teach them, and bring them safely home. 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take 5 minutes with God 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 surrender and allow God to teach you and guide you.

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Prayer

Father God,
Thank You for loving me enough to guide me, warn me, and protect me. Help me to see Your instructions not as limitations, but as expressions of Your care and wisdom. Forgive me for the times I have chosen my own way instead of trusting Yours. Teach me to listen, to follow, and to obey—even when I don’t fully understand. I want to remain in Your presence, under Your covering, and aligned with Your will. Lead me across every place of separation and bring me safely home. I trust You, because You are a good Father. Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.