Gems of Knowledge

Todays One Year Bible Verses: Genesis 16:1-18:15, Matthew 6:1-24, Psalm 7:1-17, Proverbs 2:1-5

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Draw Near to El Roi

God is not distant, hidden, or withholding. He is always accessible—and He comes exactly when He is needed, with exactly what is needed. He knows our need before we do, and He knows how to meet it perfectly. The problem has never been God’s availability; the struggle has always been our willingness to listen, accept, and believe.

Hagar learned this in the wilderness when she cried out in despair and discovered that God saw her. She named Him El Roi—“the God who sees me”—and the place Beer-Lahai-roi, “the Well of the Living One who sees me” (Genesis 16:13–14). God came to her when she felt abandoned, spoke to her when she felt invisible, and gave clarity when her future felt uncertain. He did not arrive late. He did not come empty-handed. He came with truth, direction, and reassurance.

The same God later reaffirmed His covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17), promising life and blessing long before the evidence existed. When Abraham and Sarah were told they would have a son in their old age (Genesis 18), God again showed that His promises are not limited by human weakness, logic, or timing. He sees what we cannot see, and He works in places we think are impossible.

This covenant required a response—not perfection or striving, but belief. Circumcision was the outward sign, but what God has always desired is the circumcision of the heart—a decision to trust Him fully. That is the same call Jesus makes in Matthew 6. He teaches us to examine our motives, our loyalties, and our trust. Do we live for human approval or God’s glory? Do we worry and strive as if everything depends on us, or do we believe that our Father knows what we need before we ask?

The world constantly pulls us away from this trust. It feeds fear, doubt, and distraction, clouding our minds and keeping us from the clarity that leads to peace. But God is not confusion—He is clarity. He is not anxiety—He is peace. And He offers both freely to those who will listen, accept, and believe.

God sees you. God comes near. God speaks when it matters most.
The question before us today is simple but weighty:
Who will you choose to believe—and who will you serve? 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take 5 quiet minutes today and intentionally turn your attention toward God. 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 drawing near to El Roi – The God Who Sees You. Let Him bring you clarity, understanding and peace.

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Prayer

God who sees me, I thank You that You are always near and never absent. You know what I need before I ask, and You come to me with clarity, understanding, and peace. I choose today to listen to Your voice above every other voice. Circumcise my heart—remove fear, doubt, and self-reliance—and help me accept and believe Your truth. I trust You with my life, my future, and my needs. Teach me to serve You with a whole heart. Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.