Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Job 37:1–39:30, 2 Corinthians 4:13–5:10, Psalm 44:9–26, Proverbs 22:13

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Deeper Intimacy With God

We hear the phrase “walk in the Spirit”, but has anyone ever actually taught you how to do that?

For many of us, the answer is probably no.

We know how to pray. We know how to read our Bible. We know how to go to church and worship God. But the Bible tells us there is also a spiritual way of living—learning to recognize God’s presence, hear His leading, and become aware of things beyond what our natural senses can perceive.

And maybe we don’t experience more of that simply because we’ve never learned how.

Today the Lord says,

“Put off your fleshly ways to find Me in the Spirit. Learn to walk more fully in the Spirit to find a deeper intimacy with Me. That is where you will find Me. Amen.”

Notice He says learn.

That means we aren’t necessarily expected to already know how.

God can teach us.

But learning requires spending time with the Teacher.

We live most of our lives paying attention to the physical world. We respond to what we see, hear, touch, and feel. Our phones are buzzing, people need us, work needs to be done, and our minds are constantly processing what’s happening around us.

Then we sit down with God for five minutes and wonder why it’s difficult to become spiritually aware of Him.

It takes time to become still.

It takes time to learn to listen.

That’s why worship, prayer, meditation on God and His Word, and simply sitting quietly in His presence are so important. We’re not performing religious activities to earn something from Him. We’re intentionally turning down the noise of the physical world so we can give our attention to God.

Paul says in today’s reading that we don’t focus only on what can be seen, because what we see around us is temporary. There are also eternal realities that we cannot see with our natural eyes (2 Corinthians 4:18).

There is more happening than what we can physically see.

But we have to allow God to teach us how to recognize it.

Maybe that begins very simply.

Put on worship music and focus completely on Him. Sit quietly afterward instead of immediately moving on. Pray, but don’t do all the talking. Meditate on a Scripture and allow the Holy Spirit to bring understanding. Ask Him questions and give Him time to answer. When you sense His peace, a gentle correction, a thought that draws you toward Him, or His prompting to do something, pay attention.

And then keep practicing.

Over time, we begin recognizing Him more easily because we’re becoming familiar with Him.

It’s really no different than any close relationship. The more time you spend with someone, the more easily you recognize their voice, their ways, and even the little things others might miss.

God wants that kind of intimacy with us.

Walking in the Spirit isn’t reserved for pastors, prophets, or a handful of unusually spiritual people. God gave His Spirit to His children.

We just have to be willing to learn how to walk with Him there.

And the beautiful thing is, we don’t have to figure it out by ourselves.

The One we’re trying to find is also the One who will teach us how to find Him. 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Set aside some uninterrupted time with God today, even if its only 5 minutes. 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!

Let today be a day of learning from Him. Worship. Pray. Meditate on His Word. Then become still and watch how He moves.

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Prayer

Dear Lord, I want to know You beyond simply knowing things about You. Teach me how to walk in the Spirit and become more aware of Your presence. Help me quiet the distractions of my flesh and the world around me so I can recognize You more clearly. As I worship, pray, meditate, and spend time quietly with You, teach me how to listen, recognize Your leading, and follow You. I want deeper intimacy with You. Holy Spirit, teach me how to walk with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.