Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Reading: Ezekiel 3:16–6:14, Hebrews 4:1–16, Psalm 104:24–35, Proverbs 26:27

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Learning to Trust God’s Guidance

First, I want to apologize for missing a couple of devotionals over the weekend. I was out deer hunting with my hubby, and we didn’t have cell service. But what a wonderful weekend it was! I came home with a young buck for our freezer, some beautiful memories, and a heart full of gratitude for all the Lord provided and taught me while I was there.

This morning, the Holy Spirit whispered a beautiful Gem of Knowledge to me, and I couldn’t help but smile because it perfectly describes what God did for me this weekend. He said:

“I am your guide and teacher, if you will let me. Do you want to prosper with joy? I will lead you on that path. Amen.”

And that is exactly what He did this weekend!

God provided meat for our freezer, but His provision went far beyond that. He guided me on where to hunt, taught me about trusting Him, and opened my eyes to lessons I might have missed had I not been paying attention.

I watched a covey of quail interacting with one another and observed the tender relationship between a doe and her young. There is so much we can learn from God’s creation when we slow down long enough to notice! Each encounter became another opportunity to marvel at His wisdom, His design, and the beautiful ways He cares for what He has made.

Today’s reading in Psalm 104:24 (NLT) says:

“O LORD, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.”

I didn’t have to be sitting in church or reading my Bible to learn from the Lord. I simply needed to be attentive to His presence, willing to listen, and ready to receive whatever He wanted to teach me.

And isn’t that what walking with God is all about?

We sometimes associate prosperity with financial success, material possessions, or achieving our goals. But God’s idea of prospering encompasses so much more. It includes growing in wisdom, experiencing His peace, recognizing His provision, and enjoying the abundant life Jesus came to give us.

In Hebrews 4:7 (NLT), we are reminded:

“Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.”

God desires to be involved in every part of our lives, but He doesn’t force us to follow His guidance. As He said in today’s Gem, “I am your guide and teacher, if you will let me.”

Those last five words are important. If you will let Me.

We have a choice. We can go through life relying on our own understanding, pursuing what we think will make us happy, or we can make the Lord our first priority, trust His direction, and obey what He teaches us.

I find it interesting that in today’s reading, God appointed Ezekiel as a watchman, instructing him to listen carefully and faithfully deliver His warnings. Ezekiel had a responsibility to pay attention and obey what God told him.

In a much simpler way, I was reminded of that same principle while hunting. I had to be still, watchful, patient, and attentive. And as I watched for deer, I also found myself watching for the Lord, recognizing His hand in the little things around me.

I can tell you that I prospered this weekend. Not simply because I harvested a deer, although I am incredibly grateful for that provision, but because I spent time with the Lord, experienced His goodness, learned from His creation, and found tremendous joy in it all.

And the beautiful thing is, that kind of prosperity isn’t reserved for a special weekend in the woods. It’s available to every one of us, every single day, when we choose to walk closely with Him.

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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!

As you go about your day, intentionally look for God’s hand in the ordinary things around you. Ask Him what He wants to teach you, listen for His guidance, and be willing to follow wherever He leads. Don’t become so focused on what you’re trying to accomplish that you miss the joy of experiencing Him along the way.

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Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for being my Guide, my Teacher, and my faithful Provider. Thank You for the beauty of Your creation and the countless ways You reveal Your goodness to us. Help me keep You first in my heart, trust Your direction, and obey Your leading. Open my eyes to the lessons You have for me today, and teach me to prosper in the joy of walking with You. In Jesus’ 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.