Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Exodus 26:1-27:21, Matthew 25:1-30, Psalm 31:1-8, Proverbs 8:1-11

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Daily Renewal from God

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins. All ten were waiting. All ten had lamps. All ten expected the Bridegroom. But only five were ready when He arrived—because only five had oil.

The difference was not desire.
It was preparation.

The foolish virgins allowed their lamps to burn down without refilling them. When the moment came, they had no oil left. Their light was gone.

Oil in Scripture represents the Holy Spirit—His presence, His power, His renewal, His life flowing through us. Without daily filling, even sincere believers can grow weary, dry, and burned out.

God never designed us to live on yesterday’s oil.

This is what He was teaching Israel in the wilderness.

After delivering them from Egypt, God did not immediately send them into the Promised Land. Instead, He walked with them through the desert. He gave them His Word. He gave them His presence. And He instructed them to build a tabernacle so He could dwell among them.

Why?

Because He was renewing their minds.

They had lived too long in slavery.
Too long in fear.
Too long in survival mode.

Before they could live as sons and daughters, they had to learn how to live by His Spirit.

The tabernacle was not just a tent.
It was a place of continual filling.

Fire burned on the altar.
Light shined in the lampstand.
Glory rested in His presence.

God was teaching them how to stay spiritually alive.

The same is true for us.

Burnout does not usually happen all at once.
It happens slowly.

When prayer becomes rushed.
When Scripture becomes occasional.
When worship becomes rare.
When we start relying on our own strength.

We begin to live from the “arm of flesh” instead of the hand of God.

And our oil runs low.

Paul understood this. He said that outwardly we may be wasting away, but inwardly we are being renewed day by day. That renewal only comes through the Holy Spirit.

Jesus also said, “Come to Me… My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” When we stay yoked to Him, He carries the weight. When we drift away, we carry it alone.

The wise virgins were not more talented.
Not more gifted.
Not more important.

They were simply faithful to stay filled.

They made room for God every day.

And when the Bridegroom came, their light was still burning.

God is inviting us into the same life.

Not a life of exhaustion.
Not a life of striving.
Not a life of empty service.

But a life of renewal, intimacy, and daily dependence on Him.

He wants to fill your lamp.
He wants to renew your mind.
He wants to strengthen your spirit.
He wants to walk with you.

Every day.

Will you choose to stay filled? 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Today, intentionally set aside time to be filled again, even if it’s only 5 minutes. Turn off distractions. Open God’s Word. Sit quietly in His presence. 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!

Allow the Holy Spirit to renew your strength, refresh your heart, and refill your lamp.

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Prayer

Father God, I thank You that You never ask me to live on my own strength. I need Your Spirit every day. Fill my lamp again. Renew my mind. Refresh my heart. Teach me to stay close to You and depend on You. Help me not to grow weary, but to walk in Your power and peace. Keep my light burning for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.