Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Deuteronomy 34:1-Joshua 2:24, Luke 13:22-14:6, Psalm 79:1-13, Proverbs 12:26

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Stop Believing The Lies

Have you ever noticed how the biggest thing holding you back… isn’t actually your situation?

It’s you… the thoughts you hold on to.

Today the Holy Spirit reminded me of the power of our thoughts. He said,

“Stop hindering yourself with your thoughts of lacking or doubt. If you would hold these negative thoughts captive in Me (Christ) I would eradicate them and fill you with My truth and light instead.”

Immediately I thought of 2 Corinthians 10:5, “Take every thought captive in Christ”.

I knew right away God was revealing something powerful here—you’re not stuck because you lack something… you’re stuck because you believe you do. 😯

In today’s reading, we see a transition of leadership as Moses passes and Joshua steps in (Deuteronomy 34 – Joshua 1–2). Think about that moment. Joshua had every natural reason to doubt himself. Big shoes. Big responsibility. Rebellious people. Unknown territory.

But God didn’t say, “Joshua, make sure you feel confident first.”
He said, “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, NLT)

God was not asking Joshua to rely on his own confidence. He was inviting him to anchor himself in God’s presence and promises.

And that’s exactly what this Gem is calling us to do.

Because doubt sounds logical.
Lack feels real.
Fear dresses itself up like wisdom and protection.

But it’s still a lie if it contradicts what God has said.

Jesus echoes this in Luke 13:24 when He says to “work hard to enter the narrow door.” Why? Because not everyone will. Not because they weren’t invited… but because they didn’t believe enough to walk through.

Oof. That’ll preach.

And Psalm 79 shows us something else—when people drift, when they believe lies, when they forget God… destruction follows. But even there, the cry is this:

“Help us, O God of our salvation… rescue us and forgive our sins for the honor of Your name.” 
– Psalm 79:9, NLT

Sometime we drift and may even find ourselves in distress. But we can cry out to God and ask Him to come, forgive, restore, and help us for the sake of His name. We do not have to wrestle these thoughts alone.

God is not intimidated by your messy thoughts – He’s inviting you to bring them to Him.

Here is the truth, friends:

You don’t win by trying harder.
You win by thinking differently—with Him.

We do not have to accept every thought that comes into our mind. When a thought rooted in doubt or lack rises up, we can bring it to Him instead of agreeing with it. That’s what it means to take thoughts captive.

Not ignoring them.
Not pretending they aren’t there.
But grabbing them by the collar and saying,

“Nope. You don’t get to stay unless you agree with what God says. Leave now, in the name of Jesus!”

And when you do that they must leave.

He then fills us with His truth.
He brings clarity where there was confusion.
He brings light where there was darkness.

Over time, as we continue to surrender our thoughts to Him, we begin to think differently. We begin to see ourselves and our situations through the lens of His truth instead of our fear. And that is where real freedom begins. 💎

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Action (5 Minutes)

Take at least 5 minutes to be with the Lord today. Ask Him,

• “Lord, What lie am I believing today?”
  • Write down what He reveals.
• Then ask, “What truth do You say instead?”
  • Write down what He reveals.
• Finally, ask Him, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Write down what He reveals to you though the Holy Spirit – then do it!

Now do the exchange. One by one.

For every lie → speak the truth.

Say it out loud, declaring and believing.

Yes, out loud. Your thoughts need to hear your voice agreeing with God. There is power in your words!

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Prayer

Lord Jesus,
I see now how often I’ve partnered with thoughts that don’t come from You. Doubt, lack, fear—I’ve let them sit unchecked. Forgive me for agreeing with what You never said.

Today, I choose to take every thought captive in You. Show me the lies I’ve believed, and replace them with Your truth. Fill my mind with Your light. Renew the way I think so I can walk in the freedom You’ve already given me.

I don’t want to be hindered by my own thinking anymore. I want to think with You, see with You, and move with confidence in what You say.

In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.