Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Exodus 35:10-36:38, Matthew 27:32-66, Psalm 34:1-10, Proverbs 9:7-8

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Stay Focused on Him

We often wonder why we aren’t happy in this world—why we struggle with loneliness, anxiety, or fear. The truth is, we suffer because we are distant from God’s presence. Even when we believe in Him, we can still struggle because we don’t take the time to enter His presence to be healed, filled, and renewed. Today we see how important it is to hear God in a world full of chaos, noise, and distraction.

It all starts with a stirring within our hearts. In Exodus 35 we read that “all whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and brought their sacred offerings to the Lord.” They all brought something different, but they had one thing in common—their hearts were stirred, and they were willing. They were willing to come to Him, to bring gifts and offerings. Some even became eager to help in His work. The Lord specifically chose people for specific tasks and filled them with the Spirit of God to accomplish it.

It began with a stirring of the heart, followed by a willingness to obey. Then God gifted them with wisdom, ability, and expertise to complete the work beautifully—and to teach others as well.

We see this same stirring in Jesus’ heart as He willingly faced the cross. He was moved to honor and obey the Father’s plan because He loves the Father and He loves us. We see a stirring in the heart of Joseph of Arimathea when he went to Pilate to retrieve Jesus’ body and lay Him in his own tomb—unknowingly fulfilling prophecy. We see a stirring in the hearts of the women who remained near, longing to care for Him as He fulfilled His mission as Messiah.

We even see a stirring in the one who ran to give Jesus a drink when He cried out on the cross. But the world was full of chaos and noise. Many doubted. Some mocked. Others demanded signs before believing. Some simply wanted Him gone so He would no longer disrupt their comfortable way of life.

Chaos tries to drown out conviction.

Let us learn to recognize His voice through the stirring in our hearts and answer by drawing near and obeying His personal instructions. When we focus on Him instead of the noise, He fills us with His Spirit and equips us with gifts and strength to accomplish His will. And we are blessed in His goodness.

So come. “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8).

David shows us how to hear and walk with God:
• Praise the Lord at all times.
• Speak His praises continually.
• Boast only in Him.
• Proclaim His greatness.
• Exalt His name.
• Look to Him.
• Pray.
• Fear Him.

There is joy for those who take refuge in Him. Those who fear Him will have all they need. Those who trust Him will lack no good thing.

So come. Taste and see.

He is near. He speaks. We just need to learn to listen. 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Today, turn down the noise. Set a timer for five intentional minutes. Sit quietly before the Lord and ask Him to stir your heart. Ask Him:

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

Lean into Him today. Learn how He is speaking to you – in words, images, understanding, etc. Take your time to intimately commune with Him and see what He has for you.

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Prayer

Father God, please quiet the chaos around me and within me. Teach me to recognize Your voice in the stirring of my heart. Give me a willing spirit to obey whatever You ask of me. Allow me to become acquainted with Your voice. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit, renew my mind, and help me walk in step with You today. I want to hear You clearly and follow You faithfully. I ask and pray in the beautiful name of Jesus, amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.