Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Exodus 34:1-35:9, Matthew 27:15-31, Psalm 33:12-22, Proverbs 9:1-6

---

Transformed By God’s Presence

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai after meeting with God, Scripture tells us that his face was radiant. He had been so immersed in the presence of the Lord that it physically changed him. Yet Moses did something unexpected—he covered his face with a veil.

The people were afraid of the glory they saw on him. They were not living in the same depth of relationship with God, and His holiness felt overwhelming to them. So Moses veiled his face, not because he was ashamed, but because the people were uncomfortable with the evidence of God’s presence.

But there is something important we often overlook. When Moses went back into the presence of the Lord, he removed the veil. He never hid from God. He was only veiled before people. Before the Lord, he was fully open, fully exposed, and fully surrendered.

The apostle Paul later explains that this veil also represented something greater. The glory Moses carried was real, but it was temporary. It belonged to the Old Covenant. It faded. Under the New Covenant, through Jesus Christ, that veil has been removed. We are no longer meant to live at a distance from God’s presence. We are invited to live in it continually.

Paul writes that now “we all… reflect the Lord’s glory” and are being transformed by His Spirit. Through Christ, God’s presence no longer rests on one man. It lives in every believer.

Jesus Himself said, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house” (Matthew 5:14–15).

Yet many of us still live veiled lives.

Not because God has hidden Himself—but because we sometimes hide from Him.

We veil our hearts with busyness.
With distractions.
With fear of what others might think.
With comfort and routine.
With spiritual complacency.

Sometimes we even veil our devotion so we won’t stand out. We quiet our passion so others won’t feel uncomfortable. We dim our light so we can blend in.

But God never asked us to cover His work in us.

He calls us to shine.

To be visible.
To be faithful.
To be courageous.
To be radiant with His presence.

We were never meant to hide the light He placed within us.

Moses’ radiance came from time in God’s presence. So does ours.

The more we linger with Him, the more we are changed by Him.

Not for attention.
Not for recognition.
But for transformation.

God is still calling His people up the mountain. Still inviting us into the cloud. Still welcoming us into intimate fellowship. Still offering His glory to those who will draw near.

The question is not whether God desires to reveal Himself to you.

He does.

The question is whether you are willing to live unveiled before Him—letting His light shine through you for His glory. 💎

---

Action (5 Minutes with God)

Today, take 5 minutes to meet with God without distractions. Turn off your phone. Still your thoughts. Open your heart. 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!

Invite His presence to search and restore you today.

---

Prayer

Father God, thank You for inviting me into Your presence through Jesus. Forgive me for the times I have hidden behind fear, distraction, or comfort. Remove every veil that keeps me from fully knowing You. Teach me to live openly before You and boldly in Your love. Transform me by Your Spirit and let Your glory shine through my life—not for my name, but for Yours. I want to walk closely with You, unveiled and unashamed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.