Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Nehemiah 11:1–12:26, 1 Corinthians 10:14–33, Psalm 34:11–22, Proverbs 21:14–16

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Draw Close To Hear Him

Have you ever tried to tell someone something quietly in a crowded room? You don’t shout it across the room for everyone to hear. You motion for them to come closer. Maybe you lean toward them and lower your voice because what you’re about to say is meant only for that person that came close enough to hear it.

I think there are things God wants to speak to us that require that same kind of closeness.

Today’s Gem of Knowledge says:

“There are secrets I want to reveal to you. Come closer so I can show you. Amen.”

What a beautiful invitation. God isn’t saying, Figure Me out. He isn’t asking us to search harder for some hidden code or chase mysterious knowledge. He is simply saying, Come closer.

In today’s reading, Paul speaks about communion and what it means to participate in the Lord’s Supper:

“When we bless the cup at the Lord’s Table, aren’t we sharing in the blood of Christ? And when we break the bread, aren’t we sharing in the body of Christ?” — 1 Corinthians 10:16 NLT

God doesn’t merely want us to know about Him; He invites us into fellowship with Him.

There is a difference between knowing someone from across the room and sitting with them at the table. Closeness changes what we hear, what we notice, and eventually how well we know their heart.

Our relationship with God works much the same way. There are things we begin to understand only as we spend time with Him. Scripture comes alive differently. His direction becomes easier to recognize. We begin noticing His fingerprints in places we might once have overlooked.

Not because we’ve become spiritually elite, but because we’ve drawn near enough to listen.

In Nehemiah 11, sacred lots were cast to choose who would live in Jerusalem, near the Temple and the presence of God. What a beautiful picture alongside today’s Gem: God was calling people closer. And through Jesus, that invitation is now extended to us—come closer.

Psalm 34 contains another invitation that fits God’s heart for us:

“Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the LORD.” — Psalm 34:11 NLT

Notice the progression: Come. Listen. Learn.

Sometimes we want God to reveal mysteries but don’t want to take the time to come close to HIm. We want answers about tomorrow, direction for our decisions, understanding about what He’s doing, or deeper revelation from His Word. Yet sometimes His answer may simply be, Come sit with Me.

And the “secrets” God wants to reveal aren’t necessarily spectacular mysteries about the future. Sometimes the treasure He wants to show us is something about His heart. He may illuminate a Scripture we’ve read many times before, expose something in our own heart that needs changing, give us wisdom for a situation, reveal how He is working behind the scenes, or help us see another person through His eyes.

The revelation comes through personal, intimate relationship.

Psalm 34:18 tells us, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” God isn’t distant from His children. He draws near, and He invites us to draw near to Him.

Perhaps you’ve been asking God for answers and haven’t received them yet. Instead of striving harder to figure everything out, consider His invitation today.

Come closer.

Turn off the noise for a little while. Open His Word without rushing. Sit quietly with Him. Worship. Ask Him what He wants you to know instead of only telling Him what you need Him to do.

There are things the Lord wants to show us—not because we’ve earned access to secret information, but because intimacy with God naturally produces a deeper understanding of His heart.

You don’t have to shout across the room.

Your Father is inviting you to His table.

Come closer and listen. 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take at least 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!

Give God intentional, uninterrupted time today. Put away distractions, open your Bible, and simply ask, “Lord, what do You want to show me?” Don’t force an answer. Spend time with Him and listen. Write down anything He brings to your attention, and test what you hear against His Word.

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Prayer

Father, thank You for inviting me closer. I don’t want to be satisfied with simply knowing about You; I want to know Your heart. Quiet the distractions around me and within me so I can recognize Your voice. Teach me through Your Word, give me wisdom and discernment, and reveal whatever You want me to understand. Draw me closer to You every day and help me treasure time in Your presence. I am listening, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.