Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Exodus 32:1-33:23, Matthew 26:69-27:14, Psalm 33:1-11, Proverbs 8:33-36

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Choose Today

After God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, He was with them the entire way. Not only did they see great miracles like the ten plagues and the parting of the sea, but He appeared as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to accompany them and assure them of His presence. When they reached Mount Sinai, everyone saw His glory on the top of the mountain in the form of clouds and fire—and they even heard His thundering voice.

How, as they stood at the bottom of the mountain looking up at the clouds and fire, could they possibly think they needed to build their own god to worship? “How quickly they have turned away form the way I have commanded them to live” (Exodus 32:8).

We may think they are crazy and that we would never do such a thing. But then we see Peter in Matthew 26:69–75 deny Jesus three times when the pressure was on him. He walked and talked with Jesus. He saw the miracles firsthand. How could he deny Him?

It’s easy to read and think, “I would never do that.” But the reality is, we are faced with the same choice every day—will we choose God and stay loyal to Him no matter what?

When temptation arises, what do you do?
When fear takes hold, what do you do?
When you are rejected or persecuted for loving Jesus, what do you do?
What will you do to please the crowd?
What will you do in private when no one is looking?

These are our golden calf moments.

God was so serious about this because He knows what is at stake—our very lives, eternally. Just like a parent becomes upset when a child breaks the rules and puts themselves in danger, so too does God grieve when we reject Him and risk our spiritual lives.

He is a jealous God, not an angry God. Yet the world wants to twist His jealousy and make it look ugly. Trust me—there is nothing ugly about God. He is beautiful and good in every way, including His jealousy.

His jealousy is an immeasurable desire for His loved ones to be with Him forever—to love Him, be loved by Him, and enjoy all that He has to give them.

He gave everything for you.

If you gave up everything for someone and they turned their back on you afterward, how would you feel? That is why He is jealous. Betrayal, rejection, hatred, and disregard hurt Him, just as they would hurt you.

When we begin to understand how amazing God truly is, it creates a sense of awe and wonder that He would offer us all that He has. Perhaps we don’t always fully understand or appreciate the incredible gift He is giving us.

David understood God’s heart and gives us a glimpse of His beauty in Psalm:

“The word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything He does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth… Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of Him.”

If we choose God, He will bring us into His promised land and pour out His great blessings upon us. But we must choose Him.

Will you choose Him today?
Every day?
Every moment?

Who will you serve? 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Today, take 5 minutes with the Lord. Ask Him:

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

Let the Lord know who you serve. Let your choice be intentional. Choose Him again… and again.

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Prayer

Father God, I love You, and I want You above everything else in my life. Forgive me for the times I have chosen comfort, approval, or fear over faithfulness to You. Cleanse my heart and renew my devotion to You. Help me recognize my “golden calf” moments and give me strength to choose You instead. Fill me with awe for who You are and gratitude for all You have done. I choose You today, Lord. I choose You with my heart, my words, my actions, and my life. Keep me faithful, close, and fully surrendered to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.