Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Numbers 19:1-20:29, Luke 1:1-25, Psalm 56:1-13, Proverbs 11:8

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Why It Matters

Sometimes the question before us is simpler than we make it.

Do we actually want God?

Scripture shows us that God is not indifferent to how we treat Him. He is merciful and patient, but He will not be mocked. His mercy flows freely to the humble, but the proud and faithless place themselves outside of what He offers.

When we look at today’s reading in Numbers 19–20, we see this clearly.

Those who refused God’s way remained defiled. Even after witnessing miracle after miracle, the people continued to rebel. Instead of recognizing God’s goodness, they focused only on what they believed they lacked.

Their hearts were not toward God.

When the people complained again about water, Moses and Aaron went before the Lord. God gave them clear instructions: speak to the rock and water would flow. But when the moment came, Moses struck the rock twice instead of doing what God said.

Water still flowed, but the deeper issue was trust.

God said to Moses and Aaron:

“Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them.”
—Numbers 20:12 (NLT)

Even Moses, a faithful servant of God, was not exempt from the importance of obedience. God’s holiness matters, and our response to Him matters.

We see the same theme in Luke 1:5–25.

Zechariah was serving in the temple when the angel Gabriel appeared and told him that he and Elizabeth would have a son—John, who would prepare the way for the Lord. But instead of believing the message, Zechariah doubted.

Because of this, he was struck silent until the prophecy came to pass.

Again, the issue was trust.

Will we receive what God says, or will we resist it?

Then we turn to Psalm 56, where David shows us a different response entirely.

David loves God. He reveres Him. He desires relationship with Him. Because of that, he lives differently.

David writes:

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”
—Psalm 56:8 (NLT)

David does not merely hope God will help him—he knows God is for him. His trust leads him to fulfill his vows and offer sacrifices of thanksgiving.

And because of that relationship, David says:

“For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.”
—Psalm 56:13 (NLT)

David acts according to the God he wants.

And this leads us to a simple but sobering truth in Proverbs 11:8:

“The godly are rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead.” (NLT)

So the real question before each of us is this:

What God do we want?

If we want God—His presence, His goodness, His mercy—then we must respond to Him with humility, trust, and obedience.

But if we choose to mock Him, ignore Him, or treat Him as though He does not matter, we will receive the reward of that choice: distance, separation, and grief.

Our lives reveal what we truly want.

If we want God, we will act accordingly.

And when we do, we will discover what David knew so well—God shows up. He rescues. He steadies our feet. And He allows us to walk in the light of His life-giving presence.

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take 5 minutes to be with the Lord today. Open your heart to Him and ask:

• “Lord, what do you want me to know about this?”
  • Write down what He reveals by His Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Write down what He whispers – then do it!

Let today be a day of choosing the Lord!

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Prayer

Lord,

I want You. Not just Your blessings, but Your presence, Your truth, and Your ways. Forgive me for the times I have doubted You, ignored Your voice, or chosen my own understanding instead of trusting Your instructions. Humble my heart and teach me to walk in faithfulness. Help me respond to You with reverence, trust, and obedience. I want my life to reflect that I truly desire You. Lead my steps, steady my feet, and allow me to walk in Your life-giving light. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.