Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Exodus 28:1-43, Matthew 25:31-26:13, Psalm31:9-18, Proverbs 8:12-13

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Called and Chosen

In Exodus 28, God gives detailed instructions for the priestly garments and says,
“Set them apart… so they may minister to Me and be My priests.”

These garments were not about appearance. They were about identity, calling, and intimacy with God.

Centuries later, Peter reveals something extraordinary:

“You are living stones that God is building into His spiritual temple… you are His holy priests.” (1 Peter 2:5)

Through Jesus, this calling now belongs to us.

We are no longer distant observers.
We are His priests on the earth.

Set Apart to Minister to Him

As believers, we minister to the Lord daily through worship, surrender, and devotion. We keep the lamp burning in the holy place of our hearts. We place our time, our will, and our lives on His altar as living sacrifices.

We live set apart—not isolated, but different.
We live in His ways, guided by His Spirit.

Just as the stones on the priest’s breastplate were carried on his shoulders and over his heart, we are carried by Jesus. He bears us in strength and in love. Each stone was unique and beautiful—and so are we. Together, we are knit into one Body in Christ.

Guided from the Inside Out

The pouch that held the Urim and Thummim represented seeking God’s will. Today, our hearts hold something greater—the Holy Spirit. He lives within us to guide, teach, and direct our steps.

When we dedicate our everyday lives to Him, we become truly “set apart for His service.”

Our minds are renewed.
Our hearts are purified.
Our steps are ordered.

We become living sanctuaries where God dwells.

Clothed for Service

Exodus 28:41 says the priests were clothed, anointed, ordained, consecrated, and appointed to serve. In Christ, this is true for us as well:

• Clothed – We have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:27)
• Anointed – We have received the Holy Spirit. (1 John 2:27)
• Ordained – We have entered covenant with God. (Romans 2:29)
• Consecrated – We are made holy in Him. (1 Corinthians 1:30–31)
• Called to Serve – We live to love and serve others. (Matthew 20:28, Galatians 5:13)

This is not about position.
It is about presence.
It is about living fully surrendered to Him.

Honoring Different Expressions of Devotion

In Matthew 26, a woman pours expensive perfume on Jesus in worship. Some criticize her. They don’t understand her devotion. But Jesus defends her.

Her offering was personal.
Sacrificial.
Beautiful.

This reminds us that not everyone serves Jesus the same way. We are called to love, not judge. To honor, not compare. Every sincere act of devotion matters to Him.

A Living Priesthood Today

God is still clothing His people—
Not in fabric, but in righteousness.
Not in gold, but in glory.
Not in ritual, but in relationship.

You are His living stone.
You are His holy priest.
You are set apart for His service.

And He delights in your worship. He delights in you serving with Him as His priest. 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take 5 simple minutes today to enter the Holy Place with the Lord. 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!

Today, choose to live fully clothed in Christ—set apart, surrendered, and devoted to Him.

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Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for clothing me in Your righteousness and calling me Your own. Teach me to minister to You daily with my life, my worship, and my obedience. Fill my heart with Your Spirit, renew my mind, and guide my steps. Help me live set apart for Your glory and honor others in their devotion to You. I offer myself to You again today. Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.