Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Exodus 15:19-17:7, Matthew 22:1-33, Psalm 27:1-6, Proverbs 6:20-26

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Believe and Enter

For a long time, I thought the Kingdom of God was something I would experience someday in heaven—after I die, if I made it. But as I have grown in my walk with the Lord, I have realized that this is not what Jesus taught. The Kingdom of God is not only future. It is present. It is here. It is now.

Jesus said in Matthew 22:31, “So He is the God of the living, not the dead.” David understood this truth when he wrote in Psalm 27:4, “The one thing I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.” That is not “after I die” language. That is “right now” language. David knew that God’s presence was something to be lived in daily.

God is not distant. He is not silent. He is not absent. He is near.

In the chapters we read today, we see His presence again and again. The Lord showed Moses what to do. The Lord spoke. The Lord commanded. The Lord heard their complaints. The people saw His glory in the cloud. The Lord stood before Moses on the rock. Every time Moses cried out, God responded. He was actively involved in their lives.

Sometimes we think, “Well, that was the Old Testament. God doesn’t work like that anymore.” But Jesus tells us otherwise.

He said the Kingdom of Heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding feast. The feast was ready. The king was present. Everything was prepared. The only thing missing was people who would accept the invitation and come.

Jesus also said, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” How could we give anything to God if He were not present to receive it? We serve a living God. He is here. He is listening. He is responding. He is inviting.

The Kingdom of God surrounds us. It is accessed by faith. When we believe, when we seek Him, when we draw near, we step into His presence. We begin to live in His house every day of our lives. We learn to delight in who He is. We learn to hear His voice. We learn to walk with Him.

Jesus is still saying, “Come to Me.”

He is still preparing a place at His table.

He is still inviting you into relationship—right now.

Will you believe?

Will you come? 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Set aside five quiet minutes today to become aware of God’s presence. Sit still. Take a deep breath. Thank Him for being near. Talk to Him honestly about what is on your heart. Ask Him to speak to you about His nearness. Ask Him:

• “What do You want me to know about this today, Lord?”
  • Journal what He whispers by His Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Journal what He whispers – then say, “Lord, I believe you.” and do it!

Choose to believe that He is with you and that His Kingdom is active in your life today. Knock and it will be opened unto you.

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Prayer

Father God, thank You for being near and not far away. Thank You that Your Kingdom is not distant, but present in my life. Help me to recognize Your voice, Your guidance, and Your love each day. Teach me to live in Your presence and to delight in who You are. I choose to accept Your invitation to walk with You now and always. I surrender. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.