Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Reading: Ezekiel 23:1–49, Hebrews 10:18–39, Psalm 109:1–31, Proverbs 27:13

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Becoming Like Jesus

Have you ever heard the saying, “You become like the five people you spend the most time with”? There’s a lot of truth to that! The people we surround ourselves with influence our attitudes, habits, beliefs, and even the direction of our lives. But here’s a question worth considering: Is Jesus one of the five people you spend the most time with?

Think about that for a moment. If we become like those we spend the most time with, and our desire is to become more like Jesus, shouldn’t we be spending more time with Him? Not just reading about Him or talking about Him, but actually spending time in His presence, listening to His voice, learning His ways, and allowing Him to shape who we are becoming.

This morning, the Holy Spirit gave me a simple but powerful Gem of Knowledge:

“Become who I want you to be, not the world. Amen.”

What a wonderful reminder that we are constantly being influenced by something or someone. The question is, who are we allowing to shape us?

Just a few words, but what an important reminder! God didn’t create us to become a reflection of the world around us. He created us with purpose, designed us with intention, and invites us to become more like Jesus as we walk with Him.

In today’s reading, Ezekiel 23 uses the disturbing illustration of two unfaithful sisters to describe Samaria and Jerusalem. Rather than remaining devoted to God, they pursued relationships and practices that drew them farther away from Him. They became captivated by the nations around them, adopting their ways and placing their trust in things that could never save them.

And while the imagery is difficult to read, the message is unmistakable: when God’s people abandon His ways to pursue what the world offers, the consequences can be devastating.

But aren’t we still faced with that same temptation today?

The world tells us to pursue popularity, wealth, recognition, pleasure, and personal fulfillment above everything else. It encourages us to follow our feelings, define our own truth, and do whatever makes us happy. Yet God’s Word teaches us to pursue righteousness, humility, faithfulness, and love.

The challenge is that following Jesus doesn’t always make us popular. Sometimes obedience means standing apart, saying no when everyone else says yes, or choosing a path that others simply don’t understand.

But we weren’t created to fit into the world’s mold. We were created to reflect the character of Christ!

Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) encourages us:

“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.”

I love that reminder because becoming who God wants us to be isn’t something we accomplish overnight. It’s a lifelong journey of learning His ways, surrendering our own desires, and allowing Him to transform our hearts.

And we don’t have to walk that journey alone.

Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds us to encourage one another toward love and good works and not neglect gathering together. God knows how easily we can be influenced by the world, which is why surrounding ourselves with people who encourage us in His truth is so important.

In Psalm 109, David cries out to God amid accusations and hostility. Rather than allowing the actions of others to determine his response, he turns to the Lord for help.

“But I will give repeated thanks to the LORD, praising him to everyone.” — Psalm 109:30 (NLT)

What a beautiful example of choosing to remain faithful to God even when others treat us unfairly.

And perhaps that’s one of the greatest tests of becoming who God wants us to be: Will we continue to reflect His character when the world around us doesn’t?

It’s easy to demonstrate love when we’re loved in return, practice patience when everything goes smoothly, or remain faithful when everyone agrees with us. But spiritual maturity develops when we choose God’s ways even when they’re difficult.

So today, take a moment to examine the person you’re becoming. Are your priorities, attitudes, decisions, and relationships drawing you closer to Jesus? Or have you unknowingly allowed the world’s expectations to shape your identity and direction?

Remember, God isn’t asking you to become someone else to earn His love. He’s inviting you to become the person He created you to be through a growing relationship with Him.

The world wants to shape you into its image, but God wants to transform you into the likeness of His Son. 💎

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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!

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any area of your life where you’ve allowed the world’s expectations to influence your choices more than God’s Word. Identify one attitude, habit, or priority that needs to change, and intentionally choose His way today.

Will you become who God wants you to be, even if it means standing apart from the world?

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Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for creating me with purpose and loving me enough to guide me into the person You desire me to become. Forgive me for the times I’ve allowed the world’s opinions, expectations, and distractions to influence my choices more than Your truth. Help me recognize Your voice above all others, surrender the things that don’t please You, and grow in the character of Jesus. Give me the courage to stand firm in my faith, even when the world pulls me in another direction. Continue transforming my heart and mind so that my life reflects Your goodness, righteousness, and love. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

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CONTINUE THE JOURNEY

Spend More Time with God

Just five minutes can make a difference in your day! Explore more daily devotionals filled with Scripture, encouragement, and precious Gems of Knowledge to help you hear God’s voice and grow closer to Him.