Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Exodus 23:14-25:40, Matthew 24:29-51, Psalm 30:1-12, Proverbs 7:24-27

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Will You Enter His Presence?

When we read Exodus 23–25, we don’t just see history—we see a divine pattern. God was showing His people how to move from slavery into relationship, from rescue into intimacy, and from freedom into fellowship. That same pattern still speaks to us today.

It begins with a decision.

In Exodus 23:25, God says, “You must serve only the Lord your God.” Before anything else happened, Israel had to choose who they would follow. Relationship with God always starts with surrender. We must decide that He alone will be our Lord, our source, and our Savior.

Next, we see sacrifice.

In Exodus 24, Moses built an altar, and the people brought offerings to the Lord. Today, our offering is no longer animals—it is our hearts and our will. We come before God saying, “Here I am. I give You my life. I give You my plans. I give You my desires.”

Then comes commitment.

Moses read the Book of the Covenant, and the people responded, “We will do everything the Lord has commanded. We will obey.” They were not just emotional in the moment—they were choosing obedience. True faith always includes submission. Love for God shows itself in obedience.

After that, they entered covenant through blood.

Moses sprinkled the blood and said, “This blood confirms the covenant.” For us, that covenant is fulfilled in Jesus. Through His blood and through baptism, we are brought into relationship with God. We are no longer outsiders—we are His.

Then they climbed the mountain.

Moses, Aaron, and the elders went up to meet with God. They made the effort to draw near. They did not stay at the base. They pursued His presence. Today, we climb the mountain through prayer, worship, Scripture, and giving God our time. Intimacy with God requires intention.

And something powerful happened.

In Exodus 24:15–18, the glory of the Lord settled on the mountain. A cloud covered it, and to the Israelites below, God’s glory appeared like a consuming fire at the summit. Then Moses disappeared into the cloud and entered God’s presence.

That scene must have been both beautiful and terrifying. If we saw a mountain covered in fire and glory today, we might be afraid too. But God has not left us without His presence.

Today, we do not approach a mountain of fire—we approach God through His Spirit.

The Holy Spirit now comes upon us like a consuming fire, not to destroy us, but to purify us, empower us, and confirm His truth in our hearts. He makes God’s presence real to us. He seals His Word in us. He testifies that what we are walking in is true.

When we seek God, climb the mountain in prayer, and draw near to Him, His Spirit meets us. His presence still fills. His fire still burns. His glory still rests on those who pursue Him.

And something beautiful happened.

They saw God. They ate and drank in His presence. They experienced fellowship and peace with Him. This is God’s promise to us as well. When we follow His pattern, He meets us. He reveals Himself. He communes with us.

Finally, God gave instructions for the sanctuary.

In Exodus 25, God said He wanted a holy place where He could live among them. But today, that sanctuary is not a tent—it is us. Our hearts become His dwelling place. When we offer ourselves to Him, He builds us into a holy home for His Spirit.

And God made one thing clear.

It had to be done His way.

“Build it exactly according to the pattern I will show you.”

Relationship with God is not something we design. It is something we receive. We surrender. We trust. We obey. We follow His wisdom, believing that His way is always best.

From decision…
to sacrifice…
to obedience…
to covenant…
to pursuit…
to presence…
to dwelling…

God was showing us the pathway to intimacy.

And He is still inviting us to walk it today.

Will you say yes and walk with Him today? 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take 5 minutes today to intentionally climb the mountain to the Lord through prayer. Invite Him to make your heart His dwelling place then ask Him:

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

Offer Him every part of your life and ask Him to build it according to His design.

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Prayer

Father God, I choose You today. I give You my heart, my will, and my life. I thank You for the blood of Jesus that brings me into covenant with You. Teach me to obey You, to seek You, and to walk closely with You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and confirm Your truth in my heart. Build my life into a holy sanctuary where You are welcome to dwell. I trust Your ways, and I surrender to Your pattern. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.