Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Jeremiah 44:24–47:7 | 2 Timothy 2:22–3:17 | Psalm 94:1–23 | Proverbs 26:6–8

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Have you ever tried to share something wonderful with someone, knowing how much it could benefit them, only to have them refuse to even consider it? Maybe you’ve experienced something that completely changed your life, and you wanted someone you love to experience it too. But no matter how much you encouraged them, they simply weren’t interested.

It can be heartbreaking, especially when you know what they’re missing.

As I read today’s passage from Jeremiah, I was struck by how stubbornly the people refused to acknowledge God’s goodness. Even after witnessing the destruction that followed their rebellion, they continued clinging to the very things that had led them away from Him.

And then the Lord whispered this Gem of Knowledge:

“Can you not see the goodness and benefit of being one of My people? Won’t you even try to see that I’m good? Many won’t, and it brings Me great sorrow and pain. Amen.”

Can you hear the tenderness in those words? It’s almost as though He’s saying, “If you would just give Me a chance, you would discover how good I really am!”

In Jeremiah 44, the people insisted that worshiping the queen of heaven had brought them prosperity. They had convinced themselves that their lives were better when they followed false gods!

Rather than acknowledging God’s warnings and remembering His faithfulness, they attributed their blessings to idols and blamed their troubles on abandoning those practices.

How tragic that they were so determined to hold on to what was destroying them that they couldn’t recognize the One who wanted to save them.

And isn’t that still happening today?

So many people have formed opinions about God without ever truly seeking to know Him. Some have been hurt by people who claimed to represent Him. Others have been convinced that following Jesus means giving up everything enjoyable in life. And some simply don’t want anyone, including God, telling them how to live.

But knowing God isn’t about losing the good things in life. It’s about discovering the One True God from whom all goodness comes!

In 2 Timothy 2:22, Paul encourages Timothy to pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. And in chapter 3, he reminds him that Scripture teaches us what is true, corrects us when we’re wrong, and prepares us to do every good work.

God’s instructions aren’t intended to rob us of joy. They’re given to lead us into truth, protect us from destructive choices, and help us become who He created us to be.

Psalm 94:19 (NLT) beautifully expresses another benefit of belonging to Him:

“When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.”

What a wonderful promise! We have a God who comforts us when we’re overwhelmed, teaches us when we’re confused, and remains faithful when life becomes difficult.

Psalm 34:8 (NLT) extends this beautiful invitation:

“Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!”

I love that! God doesn’t simply ask us to take someone else’s word for His goodness. He invites us to experience it for ourselves!

But here’s something we should consider. Even those of us who have walked with Jesus for years can sometimes forget just how good He is. We become distracted by our circumstances, focus on what we don’t have, or grow so accustomed to His blessings that we stop recognizing them.

And sometimes, just like the people in Jeremiah, we resist His instructions because we think our own way will make us happier.

Perhaps today’s Gem isn’t only an invitation for those who don’t know Him. It’s also a reminder for those of us who do to continually recognize, appreciate, and trust His goodness.

Maybe you know someone who has resisted God for years. Continue loving them, praying for them, and allowing your life to demonstrate His goodness. And as you do, examine your own heart. Are you truly appreciating the privilege of belonging to Him, or have you begun taking His presence and blessings for granted?

Whether we’ve known Jesus for decades or are just beginning to seek Him, there’s always more of His goodness to discover! 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take time to be with the Lord today, even if it’s just 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 the day you not only tell others how good God is, but intentionally recognize and experience His goodness for yourself!

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Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness, love, and faithfulness. My heart aches for those who don’t know You and haven’t experienced the joy of belonging to You. Help me reflect Your character so others might see Your goodness through my life. Give me patience with those who resist You and wisdom to share Your truth with gentleness and love. Soften hardened hearts, heal those who have been hurt, and draw people into a genuine relationship with You. May they discover for themselves just how wonderful You truly are. In Jesus’ precious name I pray, 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.