Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: 2 Chronicles 33:14–34:33, Romans 16:10–27, Psalm 26:1–12, Proverbs 20:19

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Becoming More Like Jesus

I think most Christians genuinely want to become more like Jesus.

We want to be more loving, more patient, more forgiving, more compassionate, and more faithful. We pray for God to change us, and rightly so. But this morning, the Lord reminded me that becoming like Him involves more than simply wanting it.

Today’s Gem of Knowledge says:

“Becoming like Me requires more than just desire. It requires faith and action. I will help with the rest. Amen.”

That really made me stop and think.

Imagine someone who wants to become physically stronger but never exercises. They may sincerely desire better health, but desire alone won’t build muscle. Growth happens when desire is followed by action.

Our spiritual lives aren’t so different.

God provides the strength, the grace, and the Holy Spirit to transform us, but He also invites us to participate in the process. We forgive because He asks us to forgive. We love because He tells us to love. We pray, serve, give, trust, and obey—not to earn His love, but because we’re learning to become more like Him.

I love how Philippians 2:13 explains this partnership:

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” (Philippians 2:13, NLT)

Isn’t that beautiful? God doesn’t simply tell us to become like Christ and leave us to figure it out on our own. He gives us both the desire and the power to obey. Our part is to respond in faith and action. His part is to continue changing us from the inside out.

King Josiah is a wonderful example of that in today’s reading.

When God’s Word was discovered and read to him, he didn’t simply feel convicted and move on. He responded with action. He humbled himself before God, removed the idols from the land, repaired the Temple, renewed the covenant, and led the people back to worship. His faith produced action, and God used that obedience to bring spiritual renewal to an entire nation.

His life reminds us that transformation isn’t merely something we hope for. It’s something we cooperate with.

Paul ends his letter to the Romans by praising God, “who is able to make you strong” (Romans 16:25, NLT). I love that reminder because it keeps everything in the right order. We don’t become like Christ by sheer determination. God is the One who strengthens us to do what is needed.

But He asks us to take the next faithful step.

Psalm 26 also reflects this posture. David wasn’t claiming perfection; he was choosing integrity. He desired to walk closely with God, and his life reflected that desire. His actions flowed from a heart that wanted to honor the Lord.

Perhaps that’s the balance God is teaching us today. We don’t sit back waiting for Him to change us without participating. Neither do we try to change ourselves without depending on Him. We walk with Him.

One act of obedience at a time.

One surrendered choice at a time.

One faithful step at a time.

As we trust Him enough to obey, He continues shaping us into the image of His Son. He doesn’t expect perfection overnight. He simply asks us to keep going.

And as today’s Gem promises…

He will help with the rest. 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take 5 minutes to be with the Lord today. Ask Him:

• “Lord, what do You want me to know about this personally?”
  • Journal what He gives you through His Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Journal what He reveals – then do it!

Instead of waiting until you feel ready, take one small step of obedience today. Trust that as you move forward in faith, God will provide the strength you need for the next step.

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Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for loving me enough not to leave me where I am. I want to become more like You, not just in my desires, but in the way I live each day. Give me the faith to trust You and the courage to obey what You’ve already shown me. Help me remember that I don’t have to transform myself—You are the One who strengthens and changes me. Teach me to walk with You one step of obedience at a time, trusting that You will faithfully complete the work You have begun in me. Thank You. In Your name I pray, Jesus Christ, amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.