Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20, Luke 11:37-12:7, Psalm 78:1-31, Proverbs 12:18-20

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He Is Coming Back Soon

There are times when the Lord speaks, and you can feel something different behind it. Not fear, not panic, but an urgency that’s hard to ignore. That’s what this Gem felt like this morning:

“I am coming back soon. I keep trying to tell you. Will you listen? Will you believe?”

And the truth is, this isn’t something we haven’t heard before. Jesus said it. Scripture says it. We know it. But knowing something and actually living like we believe it are two very different things.

As I was reading today’s passages, it all kept pointing back to the same thing—God has always been speaking, but people don’t always listen.

In Deuteronomy, He lays it out so plainly. He tells them He’s set life and death before them and then says, “Choose life.” It’s not complicated. It’s not hidden. It’s a loving invitation, but it requires a response – we have to choose…in our hearts, minds, actions…actively, not passively.

Then you get to Psalm 78, and it talks about how they saw everything God did—His power, His provision, His faithfulness—and still, they forgot. That part always gets me. Not because they didn’t know, but because they didn’t hold on to what they knew.

And honestly, that feels uncomfortably familiar.

Then in Luke, Jesus is speaking to people who were doing all the right things outwardly. They knew the law. They followed the structure. But they still missed Him. They were so focused on what they thought mattered that they stopped listening to what God was actually saying.

That’s what makes this Gem feel so direct.

It’s not asking if we’ve heard the message before.
It’s asking if we’re listening now.

Are we paying attention to what He’s been saying to us personally? Or have we gotten used to hearing truth from others without seeking Him ourselves to change anything?

Because if we really believed He is coming back, it would affect how we live. It would affect what we hold onto, what we let go of, what we prioritize, and what we keep putting off.

Not in a fearful way, but in an honest one.

Jesus also says something in Luke that balances this so beautifully. Right after a strong warning, He reminds them that not even a sparrow is forgotten by God and that every hair on their head is known. That matters, because this isn’t a message meant to push us away—it’s meant to draw us back.

It’s not, “Be afraid.”
It’s, “Come closer. Pay attention. Don’t ignore Me.”

He’s not trying to scare us into obedience. He’s trying to wake us up to what is real and what matters.

And maybe the simplest way to hear this today is just this:

He is speaking.
The question is—are we listening? 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take 5 quiet minutes to seek the Lord. Ask Him:

• “Lord, what do You want to tell me about this personally?”
  • Journal what He whispers by His Holy Spirit. It is so important to write it down so you can remember, review, retain.
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Journal what He reveals – then do it!

Let today be a day of seeking the Lord’s presence by leaning in, coming closer, paying attention.

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Prayer

Lord, I don’t want to hear Your voice and ignore it. Help me to slow down and really listen when You are speaking to me. If there are things I’ve been avoiding or putting off, bring them clearly to my attention and give me the courage to respond. I believe You are coming again, and I want my life to reflect that in a real way. I want to be ready for You. I want to know You more. Draw me closer, and keep my heart soft and mindful toward You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.