Search results for tag #jesus
![[?]](https://files.mastodon.social/accounts/avatars/112/065/643/435/379/420/original/097f5223db652cc7.jpg)
๐ซ๐ฉต๐๐๐ฉท๐โโ๏ธ*DEAR BELOVED DARLING FRIENDS HAPPY JULY FIRST!๐งจ๐๐๐งจ*& I WISH YOU ALL A JOYFUL OVER THE HUMP DAY!๐ด๐๐ซ๐ค๐๐ช๐ด*& I AM SHARING WITH YOU ALL MY FEEDING OUR๐
(1 Peter 3:8-17)
#HAPPY #JULY #FIRST #AND #ENJOY #YOUR #OVER #THE #HUMP #DAY #DEVOTIONAL #Suffering #for #Righteousness #Sake #GOD #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #World #People #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #Gentleness #Understanding #Unity #Love #One #Another
๐ซ๐ฉต๐๐๐ฉท๐โโ๏ธ*DEAR BELOVED DARLING FRIENDS GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNING!๐*& HAPPY JULY FIRST!๐งจ๐๐๐งจ*& I WISH YOU ALL A JOYFUL OVER THE HUMP DAY!๐ด๐๐ซ๐ค๐๐ช๐ด*&๐
(1 Peter 3:8-17)
#HAPPY #JULY #FIRST #AND #ENJOY #YOUR #OVER #THE #HUMP #DAY #WEDNESDAY #DEVOTIONAL #Suffering #for #Righteousness #Sake #GOD #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #World #People #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #Gentleness #Understanding #Unity #Love #One #Another
![[?]](https://gemsofknowledge.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/cropped-gemsofknowledge.png)
Sure-Footed with Christ
There is a tremendous peace that comes from knowing where God is leading you. Sometimes the path God chooses for us is hard, but we can find peace in knowing He will show us the way and give us confidence and reassurance with every step. He delights in showing His children the way. When you're unsure, don't keep wandering. Ask. He will answer. As you continue walking with Him, you'll find your footing becoming steadier, your faith becoming stronger, and your heart will rest in the confidence that He truly is leading every step. ๐ โจClick to read the full devotional. [SENSITIVE CONTENT]
Today’s One Year Bible Verses: 2 Kings 18:13โ19:37ย โขย Acts 21:1โ17ย โขย Psalm 149:1โ9ย โขย Proverbs 18:8 (NLT)
Following Jesus One Step At A Time
There is a tremendous peace that comes from knowing where God is leading you.
It doesn’t mean the road will be easy. In fact, sometimes the path God chooses is the hardest one you could imagine. But when you know He has spoken, uncertainty loses its grip. You stop second-guessing every step because your confidence is no longer in yourselfโit is in the One leading you.
The Lord reminded me of this truth today with this Gem of Knowledge:ย
“When you are sure of your path with Me, it becomes so much easier. If you don’t know your path with Me, ask. I will show you and you will be sureโsure-footed for the journey ahead.”
How often do we make life harder simply because we are unsure? We wrestle with every decision, wondering if we’re missing God’s will. We replay conversations, overanalyze circumstances, and become exhausted trying to figure everything out ourselves.
Yet God never intended for His children to walk in constant uncertainty. He invites us to ask Him. He promises to lead those whose hearts are willing to follow. While He may not reveal every mile of the journey, He faithfully illuminates the next step.
King Hezekiah is a beautiful example of this. When the Assyrian army surrounded Jerusalem and mocked both him and the Lord, fear could have easily dictated his response. Instead, Hezekiah took the threatening letter into the temple, spread it before the Lord, and prayed. His confidence wasn’t in military strength or political strategyโit was in the God who had already proven Himself faithful. Because He knew where to turn, he stood firm.
Paul demonstrated that same confidence in Acts. Believers pleaded with him not to continue to Jerusalem because suffering awaited him there. Yet Paul kept going because he knew the Lord had directed his steps. His path wasn’t easy, but it was certain.
When we know God has spoken, obedience becomes simpler. It may still require courage, sacrifice, and perseverance, but we stop being tossed back and forth by every fearful thought or opposing opinion. We become sure-footedโnot because we know what tomorrow holds, but because we know God is directing our path for His name’s sake (Psalm 23:3).
Proverbs reminds us that words can sink deep into our hearts (Proverbs 18:8). If we continually feast on fear, gossip, or discouragement, we’ll soon begin doubting the very path God has shown us. Instead, keep bringing every question back to the Lord. His voice is the only one that can steady your feet.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” โ Proverbs 3:5โ6 (NLT)
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”โ Psalm 37:23 (NLT)
When you’re unsure, don’t keep wandering. Ask. He delights in showing His children the way. As you continue walking with Him, you’ll find your footing becoming steadier, your faith becoming stronger, and your heart will rest in the confidence that He truly is leading every step. ๐
Action (5 Minutes with God)
Take 5 minutes to be with the Lord today. Ask Him:
- โLord, what do You want me to know about this personally?โ
- Journal what He gives you through His Holy Spirit.
- Then ask, โWhat do You want me to do?โ
- Journal what He reveals โย then do it!
Let today be a day for trusting Him enough to lead the way..
Prayer
Dear Father, thank You for being my faithful Guide. Forgive me for the times I’ve relied on my own understanding or allowed fear to determine my direction. Teach me to seek You first in every decision. Quiet every voice that competes with Yours, and help me recognize Your leading with confidence. Make me sure-footed as I walk the path You have prepared for me. No matter what lies ahead, I choose to trust that You are already there. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.
If Gems of Knowledge has blessed your walk with Christ, please subscribe or consider partnering with us today. Your gift helps keep these devotionals free for everyone and carries Godโs Word to more hearts. Every seed mattersโthank you for sowing into this work! ๐
Test everything by the Word and the Spirit (John 16:13)
Alt...
A hiker stands firmly on solid rock while footprints lead into dense fog, symbolizing following Jesus one faithful step at a time even when the path ahead cannot be seen.
๐ซ๐ฉต๐๐๐ฉท๐โโ๏ธ*DEAR BELOVED DARLING FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNING!๐*& HAPPY JULY FIRST!๐งจ๐๐๐งจ*&๐
(1 Peter 3:8-17)
#HAPPY #JULY #FIRST #AND #ENJOY #YOUR #OVER #THE #HUMP #DAY #WEDNESDAY #DEVOTIONAL #Suffering #for #Righteousness #Sake #GOD #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #World #People #Remember #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Caring #Hospitality #Helping #Others #Gentleness #Understanding #Everyone #Unity #Love #One #Another
Alt...
An awesome piece of Art work painting of a camel with vibrant multiple bright colors totally very Whimsical and Fun looking!
๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธ๐๐ค[by grace You've been saved by faith not your own doing!*it is the gift of God!*not of works!*so that no one may boast!*For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works God prepared beforehand!*that we should walk in them!]๐ค๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค โ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐ค
Ephesians 2:1-10
#God #Christ #Jesus #Grace #Faith #Holy #Spirit #World #People #Pray #Love #For #One #Another #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth
๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธ๐๐ค[by grace You've been saved by faith not your own doing!*it is the gift of God!*not of works!*so that no one may boast!*For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works God prepared beforehand!*that we should walk in them!]๐ค๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค โ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐ค
Ephesians 2:1-10
#God #Christ #Jesus #Grace #Faith #Holy #Spirit #World #People #Pray #Love #For #One #Another #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth
๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธ๐๐ค[by grace You've been saved by faith not your own doing!*it is the gift of God!*not of works!*so that no one may boast!*For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works God prepared beforehand!*that we should walk in them!]๐ค๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค โ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐ค
Ephesians 2:1-10
#God #Christ #Jesus #Grace #Faith #Holy #Spirit #World #People #Pray #Love #For #One #Another #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth
๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธ๐๐ค[by grace You've been saved by faith not your own doing!*it is the gift of God!*not of works!*so that no one may boast!*For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works God prepared beforehand!*that we should walk in them!]๐ค๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค โ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐ค
Ephesians 2:1-10
#God #Christ #Jesus #Grace #Faith #Holy #Spirit #World #People #Pray #Love #For #One #Another #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth
๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธ๐๐ค[by grace You've been saved by faith not your own doing!*it is the gift of God!*not of works!*so that no one may boast!*For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works God prepared beforehand!*that we should walk in them!]๐ค๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค โ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐ค
Ephesians 2:1-10
#God #Christ #Jesus #Grace #Faith #Holy #Spirit #World #People #Pray #Love #For #One #Another #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth
๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธ๐๐ค[by grace You've been saved by faith not your own doing!*it is the gift of God!*not of works!*so that no one may boast!*For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works God prepared beforehand!*that we should walk in them!]๐ค๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค โ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐ค
Ephesians 2:1-10
#God #Christ #Jesus #Grace #Faith #Holy #Spirit #World #People #Pray #Love #For #One #Another #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth
๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธ๐๐ค[by grace You've been saved by faith not your own doing!*it is the gift of God!*not of works!*so that no one may boast!*For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works God prepared beforehand!*that we should walk in them!]๐ค๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค โ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐ค
Ephesians 2:1-10
#God #Christ #Jesus #Grace #Faith #Holy #Spirit #World #People #Pray #Love #For #One #Another #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth
๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธ๐๐ค[by grace You've been saved by faith not your own doing!*it is the gift of God!*not of works!*so that no one may boast!*For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works God prepared beforehand!*that we should walk in them!]๐ค๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค โ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐ค
Ephesians 2:1-10
#God #Christ #Jesus #Grace #Faith #Holy #Spirit #World #People #Pray #Love #For #One #Another #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth
๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธ๐๐ค[by grace You've been saved by faith not your own doing!*it is the gift of God!*not of works!*so that no one may boast!*For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works God prepared beforehand!*that we should walk in them!]๐ค๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค โ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐ค
Ephesians 2:1-10
#God #Christ #Jesus #Grace #Faith #Holy #Spirit #World #People #Pray #Love #For #One #Another #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth
๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธ๐๐ค[by grace You've been saved by faith not your own doing!*it is the gift of God!*not of works!*so that no one may boast!*For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works God prepared beforehand!*that we should walk in them!]๐ค๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค โ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐ค
Ephesians 2:1-10
#God #Christ #Jesus #Grace #Faith #Holy #Spirit #World #People #Pray #Love #For #One #Another #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth
๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธ๐๐ค[For by grace you have been saved through faith!*& this is not your own doing!*it is the gift of God!*not a result of works!*so that no one may boast!*For we are his workmanship!*created in Christ Jesus๐
Ephesians 2:1-10
#God #Christ #Jesus #By #Grace #Through #Faith #Holy #Spirit #Devotional #World #People #Pray #Love #For #One #Another #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #Gentleness #Understanding #Unity
๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธ๐๐ค(so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus!)*[For by grace you have been saved through faith!*& this is not your own doing!๐
(Ephesians 2:1-10)
#God #Christ #Jesus #By #Grace #Through #Faith #Holy #Spirit #Devotional #World #People #Pray #Love #For #One #Another #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #Gentleness #Understanding #Unity
๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธ๐๐ค(But God!*being rich in mercy!*because of the great love with which he loved us!*even when we were dead in our trespasses!*made us alive together with Christ!*by grace you have been saved!*& raised us up with him!*& seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus!)๐
(Ephesians 2:1-10)
#God #Christ #Jesus #By #Grace #Through #Faith #Holy #Spirit #Devotional #World #People #Pray #Love #For #One #Another #Believe #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth
๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธ๐๐ค(you were dead in sins in which you once walked following the course of this world!*following the prince of the power of the air!*the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience!*among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh!*carrying out the desires of the flesh!*& the mind!*& were by nature children of wrath!*like the rest of mankind!)๐
Ephesians 2:1-10
#God #Christ #Jesus #Grace #Faith #Holy #Spirit #Pray #Love #Hope #Faith #Truth
๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธ๐๐ค(*& you were dead in the trespasses!*& sins in which you once walked!*following the course of this world!)*[following the prince of the power of the air!*the spirit that is now at work in the sons of๐
(Ephesians 2:1-10)
#God #Christ #Jesus #By #Grace #Through #Faith #Holy #Spirit #Devotional #World #People #Pray #Love #For #One #Another #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #Gentleness #Understanding #Unity
๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธ๐๐ค(DEAR BELOVED FRIENDS ON THIS ENTIRE EARTH THIS IS THE โGOOD NEWSโ OF GOD FOR US ALL!)*[*& you were dead in the trespasses!*& sins in which you once walked!*following the course of this world!]๐
(Ephesians 2:1-10)
#God #Christ #Jesus #By #Grace #Through #Faith #Holy #Spirit #Devotional #World #People #Pray #Love #For #One #Another #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #Gentleness #Understanding #Unity
๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธ๐๐คโGOOD NEWS!โ OF โGODโ IS WE HAVE BEEN SAVED By Grace Through Faith!๐ค๐๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ค โ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉตโบ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐ค
๐๐๐๐๐พโโ๏ธ*(DEAR BELOVED FRIENDS ON THIS ENTIRE EARTH THIS IS THE โGOOD NEWSโ OF GOD FOR US ALL!)๐
(Ephesians 2:1-10)
#God #Christ #Jesus #By #Grace #Through #Faith #Holy #Spirit #Devotional #World #People #Pray #Love #For #One #Another #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #Gentleness #Understanding #Unity
๐๐๐ฉท๐โโ๏ธ*[DEAR BELOVED FRIENDS EVERYWHERE THE โGOOD NEWSโ OF โGODโ IS WE HAVE BEEN SAVED]*By Grace Through Faith!๐
๐๐๐๐๐พโโ๏ธ*(DEAR BELOVED FRIENDS ON THIS ENTIRE EARTH THIS IS THE โGOOD NEWSโ OF GOD FOR US ALL!)*[*& you were dead in the ๐
(Ephesians 2:1-10)
#God #Christ #Jesus #By #Grace #Through #Faith #Holy #Spirit #Devotional #World #People #Pray #Love #For #One #Another #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #Gentleness #Understanding #Unity
![[?]](https://cdn.masto.host/mastjohn1126com/accounts/avatars/115/981/910/993/463/416/original/00ac72837ce34a31.gif)
Telling the Future Before It Happens
The ancient king of #Israel and Judah was also a prophet. 1,043 years before Christ, king David wrote that the Messiah would be pierced in his hands and feet.
Today, David is highly esteemed among Jews. Yet, Jesus, whom David spoke of, is not.
Any man who claims to be a #Jew should examine the scriptures and see that #Jesus is the Messiah.
Psalm 22:16
๐๐๐๐โโ๏ธ*Brothers!*& SISTERS!*I do not consider that I have made it my own!*But one thing I do!*forgetting what lies behind!*& straining forward to what lies ahead!*I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus!*รMEN!โ ๐ค
Philippians 3: 13-14
#GREAT #LOSS #STRUGGLES #Straining #Toward #the #Goal #for #the #prize #of #the #upward #call #of #God #in #Christ #Jesus #Faith #Holy #Spirit #World #Pray #Love #Believe #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth
๐๐๐๐โโ๏ธ*Brothers!*& SISTERS!*I do not consider that I have made it my own!*But one thing I do!*forgetting what lies behind!*& straining forward to what lies ahead!*I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus!*รMEN!โ ๐ค
Philippians 3: 13-14
#GREAT #LOSS #STRUGGLES #Straining #Toward #the #Goal #for #the #prize #of #the #upward #call #of #God #in #Christ #Jesus #Faith #Holy #Spirit #World #Pray #Love #Believe #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth
๐๐๐๐โโ๏ธ*Brothers!*& SISTERS!*I do not consider that I have made it my own!*But one thing I do!*forgetting what lies behind!*& straining forward to what lies ahead!*I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus!*รMEN!โ ๐ค
Philippians 3: 13-14
#GREAT #LOSS #STRUGGLES #Straining #Toward #the #Goal #for #the #prize #of #the #upward #call #of #God #in #Christ #Jesus #Faith #Holy #Spirit #World #Pray #Love #Believe #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth
๐๐๐๐โโ๏ธ*Brothers!*& SISTERS!*I do not consider that I have made it my own!*But one thing I do!*forgetting what lies behind!*& straining forward to what lies ahead!*I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus!*รMEN!โ ๐ค
Philippians 3: 13-14
#GREAT #LOSS #STRUGGLES #Straining #Toward #the #Goal #for #the #prize #of #the #upward #call #of #God #in #Christ #Jesus #Faith #Holy #Spirit #World #Pray #Love #Believe #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth
๐๐๐๐โโ๏ธ*Brothers!*& SISTERS!*I do not consider that I have made it my own!*But one thing I do!*forgetting what lies behind!*& straining forward to what lies ahead!*I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus!*รMEN!โ ๐ค
Philippians 3: 13-14
#GREAT #LOSS #STRUGGLES #Straining #Toward #the #Goal #for #the #prize #of #the #upward #call #of #God #in #Christ #Jesus #Faith #Holy #Spirit #World #Pray #Love #Believe #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth
๐๐๐๐๐ผโโ๏ธ[Philippians 3: 13-14]๐
*IN TIMES OF GREAT LOSS*& STRUGGLES!*& Straining Toward the Goal!๐
(Ephesians 2:1-10)*& (Philippians 3: 13-14)
#IN #TIMES #OF #GREAT #LOSS #And #STRUGGLES #Straining #Toward #the #Goal #for #the #prize #of #the #upward #call #of #God #in #Christ #Jesus #AMEN #By #Grace #Through #Faith #Holy #Spirit #Friends #World #People #Pray #Love #For #One #Another #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #Gentleness #Understanding
๐๐๐๐๐ผโโ๏ธ*BELOVED FRIENDS BECAUSE SO MANY PEOPLE ARE STRUGGLING LATELY IN SO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS!*& DEALING WITH GIANT LOSSES!*I AM SHARING THE FOLLOWING VERSE (Philippians 3:13-14) WITH YOU THAT MADE ME WANT TO LIVE WITH PURPOSE WHEN I HAD NONE!*IN HOPES*& PRAYERS THAT IT CAN HELP!*& INSPIRE OTHERS!*AMENโ ๐ค๐
(Philippians 3: 13-14)
#IN #TIMES #OF #GREAT #LOSS #STRUGGLES #Straining #Toward #the #Goal #upward #of #God #Christ #Jesus #Faith #Holy #Spirit #World #Pray #Love #Believe #Heaven #Hope #Truth
๐๐๐๐๐ผโโ๏ธ*DEAR BELOVED FRIENDS ACROSS THE WORLD BECAUSE SO MANY PEOPLE ARE STRUGGLING LATELY IN SO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS!*& DEALING WITH GIANT LOSSES!*I AM SHARING THE FOLLOWING VERSE (Philippians 3:13-14) WITH YOU ALL THAT MADE ME WANT TO LIVE WITH PURPOSE WHEN I HAD NONE!๐
(Philippians 3: 13-14)
#IN #TIMES #OF #GREAT #LOSS #STRUGGLES #Straining #Toward #the #Goal #upward #of #God #in #Christ #Jesus #AMEN #Holy #Spirit #Brothers #Sisters #World #Pray #Love #Believe #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth
๐๐ฆ๐โ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉต๐ฎ๐๐๐ฉต๐๐ผโโ๏ธ*DEAR BELOVED BRIGHT LOVING SPIRITED FRIENDS I HOPE!*& PRAY!*& WISH YOU ALL A COOL!*& HYDRATING DAY!*& A FUN!*WHIMSICAL!*& SPARKLING FANTASTIC DAY!*AMEN!โ ๐ค๐ค ๐๐๐๏ธ๐๐ฆ๐โ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉต๐ฎ๐ด๐ฉด๐ฉด๐๐๐๏ธ๐โฑ๏ธ๐ค๐
(Ephesians 2:1-10)*& (Philippians 3: 13-14)
#God #Christ #Jesus #Holy #Spirit #Beloved #Friends #Devotional #World #People #Pray #Love #For #One #Another #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #Gentleness #Understanding #Unity
Assumption or Truth?
Have you ever been convinced you knew why someone did something... only to later discover you were completely wrong? We can experience real hurt over something that never actually happened. The enemy understands how powerful assumptions can be. He doesn't always have to tell an obvious lie to hurt or destroy. We must hold every thought captive and bring them to Christ because He alone knows the full truth. And His truth will set you free! โจClick to read the full devotional. [SENSITIVE CONTENT]
Today’s One Year Bible Verses:ย 2 Kings 17:1โ18:12, Acts 20:1โ38, Psalm 148:1โ14, Proverbs 18:6โ7
Bring It to Me First
Have you ever been absolutely convinced you knew why someone did something… only to later discover you were completely wrong?
Maybe a friend didn’t return your call.
Someone walked past without saying hello.
A text message sounded cold.
An invitation never came.
Immediately our minds begin filling in the blanks.
“They’re upset with me.”
“They don’t value our friendship.”
“I must have done something wrong.”
The amazing thing is that we can experience real hurt over something that never actually happened.
I’ve done it myself.
I’ve assumed someone’s motives before ever asking them. I’ve believed a story my mind created, only to later discover there was an entirely different explanation. The pain I felt was real, but the conclusion I reached wasn’t.
As I prayed about this recently, the Lord spoke this Gem of Knowledge to my heart:
“What you think is truth may not be, especially if it causes you pain. Keep every thought captive and bring it to Me. I will tell you truth and set you free. Amen.“
Hmmm… “Bring it to Me.”
How often do we bring our conclusions to other people before we bring them to God?
We replay conversations.
We analyze facial expressions.
We interpret silence.
We assume motives.
We create explanations.
Yet we never stop to ask the One who knows the truth.
Sometimes the greatest source of our heartache isn’t what actually happenedโit’s the story we’ve told ourselves about what happened.
The enemy understands how powerful assumptions can be. He doesn’t always have to tell an obvious lie. Sometimes he simply plants a question.
“What if they don’t really care about you?”
“What if they meant to hurt you?”
“What if you’re being rejected?”
If we accept those thoughts without questioning them, they begin producing real emotions. We feel hurt. We become offended. We withdraw from people. Relationships sufferโnot because of the truth, but because of what we believed to be true.
That is why today’s Gem is so important.
God doesn’t tell us to trust every thought that enters our minds – He tells us to bring every thought to Him.
In today’s reading from Acts 20, Paul gathered the Ephesian elders and spoke with sincerity and transparency. There was no manipulation or hidden agenda. His words remind us how important truth and integrity are. Healthy relationships are built on honesty, not assumptions.
Proverbs 18 also reminds us that careless words and foolish reactions can bring destruction. How many arguments, broken friendships, and wounded hearts could be avoided if we paused long enough to ask God whether what we believe is actually true?
The Lord has been teaching me that not every thought deserves my agreement.
Some thoughts need to be questioned.
Some need to be surrendered.
Some need to be rejected altogether.
And every one of them should be brought before Him. This is 2 Corinthians 10:5 in action:
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,ย and we take captive every thought to make it obedientย to Christ.”
I’ve learned that God’s truth doesn’t simply change the way I think.
It sets me free.
Before I close, I want to leave you with a question that has become very helpful in my own walk.
Have I asked God if this is true… or have I simply assumed it is?
God is never threatened by our questions.
In fact, He invites them.
Bring your thoughts to Him.
He already knows the truth. ๐
Action (5 Minute with God)
Take 5 minutes to be with the Lord today. Ask Him:
- โLord, what do You want me to know about this personally?โ
- Journal what He gives you through His Holy Spirit.
- Then ask, โWhat do You want me to do?โ
- Journal what He reveals โย then do it!
This process of asking will help us know His voice and know His truth. The next time a painful thought enters your mind about yourself, another person, or a situation, don’t immediately agree with it. Pause and ask the Lord,ย “Is this true?”ย Allow His Word and His Spiritโnot your assumptionsโto shape your response.
Prayer
Father, thank You for being the God of truth. Forgive me for the times I have believed assumptions, fears, or lies without bringing them before You first. Help me take every thought captive and place it into Your hands. Give me discernment to recognize what is true and what is not. Let Your truth guard my heart, protect my relationships, and bring freedom to my mind. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.
If Gems of Knowledge has blessed your walk with Christ, please subscribe or consider partnering with us today. Your gift helps keep these devotionals free for everyone and carries Godโs Word to more hearts. Every seed mattersโthank you for sowing into this work! ๐
Test everything by the Word and the Spirit (John 16:13)
Alt...
A grieving woman clutches a crumpled paper labeled "ASSUMPTION" while Jesus compassionately offers her a sealed envelope labeled "TRUTH" in a warmly lit room.
๐๐ฆ๐โ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉต๐ฎ๐๐๐ฉต๐๐ผโโ๏ธ*DEAR BELOVED BRIGHT LOVING SPIRITED FRIENDS GOOD TUESDAY MORNING!๐๐
(Ephesians 2:1-10)*& (Philippians 3: 13-14)
#God #in #Christ #Jesus #AMEN #By #Grace #Through #Faith #Holy #Spirit #Beloved #Friends #Saints #Brothers #Sisters #Tuesday #Devotional #World #People #Pray #Love #For #One #Another #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #Gentleness #Understanding #Unity
Alt...
A gorgeous painting of 4 different colored horses standing together in calm cooling water
๐๐ฆ๐โ๏ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฉต๐ฎ๐๐๐ฉต๐๐ผโโ๏ธ*DEAR BELOVED BRIGHT LOVING SPIRITED FRIENDS AROUND THIS WORLD GOOD TUESDAY MORNING!๐๐
(Ephesians 2:1-10)*& (Philippians 3: 13-14)
#IN #TIMES #OF #GREAT #LOSS #God #in #Christ #Jesus #AMEN #By #Grace #Through #Faith #Holy #Spirit #Beloved #Friends #Saints #Brothers #Sisters #Tuesday #World #Pray #Love #For #One #Another #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Caring #Hospitality #Helping #Others #Gentleness #Understanding #Everyone #Unity
![[?]](https://choosejoyadventure.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/untitled-design-15.png)
When Life Feels Like aย Puzzle
Have you ever dumped a puzzle out onto a table and wondered how all those random pieces could possibly fit together? At first, the pieces seem disconnected. Some are upside down. Some appear insignificant. Others look like they belong somewhere else entirely. Yet the person assembling the puzzle trusts that every piece has a purpose because they have seen the picture on the box. Life often feels the same way. There are seasons when we can only see a handful of pieces. We see the [โฆ] [SENSITIVE CONTENT]
Have you ever dumped a puzzle out onto a table and wondered how all those random pieces could possibly fit together?
At first, the pieces seem disconnected. Some are upside down. Some appear insignificant. Others look like they belong somewhere else entirely. Yet the person assembling the puzzle trusts that every piece has a purpose because they have seen the picture on the box.
Life often feels the same way.
There are seasons when we can only see a handful of pieces. We see the heartbreak, the disappointment, the unanswered prayer, the unexpected detour, or the dream that didn’t unfold the way we hoped. Looking at those individual moments, it is difficult to understand what God is doing.
But God sees the finished picture.
What feels random to us is not random to Him. What appears broken is not beyond His ability to restore. What seems out of place is often exactly where it belongs in His greater plan.
Romans 8:28 reminds us:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Notice that Scripture does not say all things are good. It says God works through all things for good. Every piece matters.
Some puzzle pieces are beautiful. They represent blessings, victories, answered prayers, and joyful moments. We gladly place those pieces into the picture.
Other pieces are harder to accept. They represent grief, illness, loss, disappointment, and waiting. We may wish we could leave those pieces out altogether. Yet often those difficult pieces become the very places where God’s faithfulness shines brightest.
If you’ve ever worked on a puzzle, you know that the edge pieces usually come first. They create a framework that helps everything else come together. In the same way, God’s Word provides the framework for our lives. When circumstances confuse us, His promises help us understand where the pieces belong.
The truth is, we were never meant to assemble the puzzle alone.
God is the Master Designer. He knows exactly where each piece fits. He knows why certain pieces arrived when they did. He knows why some pieces seem delayed. He knows how today’s confusion will connect to tomorrow’s purpose.
Our responsibility is not to see the entire picture. Our responsibility is to trust the One who does.
Maybe today you’re holding a piece of the puzzle that makes no sense. Perhaps you’re facing a situation that feels unfinished or unresolved. Remember that one piece is not the whole picture.
Don’t judge God’s plan by the piece you’re holding today.
Trust that the Author of your story is still working. Trust that He is placing each piece exactly where it belongs. Trust that one day you will look back and see how His grace, wisdom, and faithfulness were present all along.
The puzzle isn’t finished yet.
And that’s okay.
God is still putting the pieces together.
What piece of your life are you struggling to understand right now, and how can you choose to trust God with the bigger picture?
Proverbs 3:5-6 โ “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
With love and joy,
Laura
Alt...
When Life Feels Like aย Puzzle
![[?]](https://hermeneutrix.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cropped-prochazka-still-life-512.jpg)
Studying Matthew 8 5-13
This week weโre studying Matthew 8:5-13, the story of Jesus healing the servant of a centurion. There is another version of this story โ we assume itโs the same episode in the life of Jesus โ in Luke 7:1-10, which we studied some time ago. [Those notes, which include some background on centurions, are here.] Thereโs also a version of a story like it in John, John 4:43-54, but the details are so different it seems less like โthe sameโ story told differently, and more like a different story altogether. Here are a very few, hasty notes on this text:
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
Weโve moved into the gospel of Matthew, which weโll recall is the gospel in which Jesus does a lot of lengthy preaching and teaching interspersed with healing and other deeds of mercy, and in which there is a lot of explicit reference made to the way Jesus fulfills Hebrew Biblical prophecy, and fits into his Hebrew Biblical context. So much so that Matthew is sometimes described as the โmost Jewishโ of the gospels, and some readers see Matthew presenting Jesus as a โsecond Moses.โ Alternatively, or perhaps additionally, Matthew is often seen as the most explicitly Wisdom-oriented of the gospels, presenting Jesus as โWisdomโs child,โ or perhaps even as the embodiment of divine Wisdom.
When we reach our story, Jesus has already done plenty of general โhealing.โ This may explain why the centurion who initiates the encounter seeks him out; thereโs been plenty of word-of-mouth publicity by now. What he hasnโt done is much specific narrative healing, except for that of a man with a skin disease, immediately after coming down from the Mount where heโs just delivered the Sermon on the Mount. In other words, in Matthewโs gospel, this healing of a centurionโs servant is the second healing story we have about Jesus.
It wonโt be the last, of course. Heโll right away also heal Peterโs mother-in-law, and many more, and then โ not counting the men whose demons he exorcises โ a paralysed man and a woman with a chronic hemorrhage (while on the way to raise a little girl from the dead) and two blind men and a mute man, all of which will lead right in to sending the 12 out to be apostles.
All of this is still near the beginning of Jesusโ ministry, which as we know will continue on its trajectory toward the events of Holy Week, passion, crucifixion, death, and resurrection, and beyond.
This story is something we wouldnโt know was in the Bible if all we knew were the lectionary. Actually, more precisely, itโs something we would think was in the Bible, in Luke, since the version in Luke is a lectionary option, in the Luke year. So Bible Content Examinees, definitely be warned.
CLOSER READING
In Matthewโs version of this story, the centurion – a technical term that means a captain of a troop of 100 Roman legionaires โ comes to Jesus directly, rather than through intermediaries as happens in Lukeโs version. He appeals to Jesus in similar terms, though โ using the parakaleo word, the verb that also describes what the Spirit does. And addressing Jesus as Lord, which coming from a gentile, a Roman centurion, presumably a member of the imperial occupying force in the area, is probably remarkable. He will repeat that honorific address again, in v8.
He uses (v6) the same term for his servant as (once) in Luke, pais, a term that has a range of meanings that can include a child, and also an especially dear companion, but which can simply mean a young-ish servant. In this account, this term appears three times to refer to this individual servant (v6, v8, v13). And he goes into great detail about the servantโs malady: he is lying, a verb that literally means โthrown,โ paralyzed, grievously tormented.
Jesus immediately offers to come and cure him (v7). [Our published curriculum mentions that one popular translation renders Jesus words here as a question. Well … that’s always a possibility, since the Greek text doesn’t have any punctuation. But rendering it as a straightforward statement is … a whole lot more straightforward.]
This prompts the centurion to deliver a lengthy speech (vv8-9). Heโs not worthy to have Jesus come under his roof. The “worthiness” word he uses carries a sense of “not having attained” to something – we could think of those signs at amusement parks that say “must be this tall to ride this ride.” [Or, we could think of Psalm 24, and how the gates have to lift up their heads for the King of Glory to come in. The centurion’s response might that his ceilings just aren’t high enough …]
But Jesus can just speak the word, says the centurion, and his servant (pais again) will be healed. Here, the centurion uses a different โhealingโ word than Jesus used in v7, a word that arguably calls special attention to the miraculous nature of the healing.
Then the centurion goes on to describe the military chain of command that constitutes his world. He is under authority, and has his own direct reports, and heโs accustomed to giving and receiving orders, and basically, he knows how that works. The response suggests that this centurion assumes Jesus is positioned in a similar chain of command himself, which would mean that he can also give authoritative orders, that will be followed.
Hearing this response Jesus marvels, specifically at the centurion’s faith, which he has not found in Israel, ย and then delivers a long speech of his own, addressed to his followers (so, not specifically his โdisciplesโ). Many will come, from east and west โ from all over โ and will literally recline with the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob โ so, the honored progenitors of Israel โ in the kingdom of the heavens.
We might note that the usage here suggests a view of โthe kingdomโ as somewhere table fellowship can take place, that is, more a โplaceโ view of the kingdom than an โactโ view of it. And we might also note this, about the directions: “east” is Biblically in the direction of exile; which makes “west” symbolically the direction of redemption. Though also of “the sea,” which is more about disorder than redemption. But “west” is, in practical geographical terms, the direction of Rome, relative to Capernaum, and the point of origin of this gentile centurion. Something to think about.
This will happen as the heirs of that kingdom are thrown out โ compare the posture of the paralyzed servant! โ into the outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. It seems unlikely to be a coincidence that the thrown-ness of these outcast heirs and the grievousness of their torment is a counterpoint to the specific position and torment of the centurionโs slave. Jesus has a cure for the slave.
We might be meant to notice that Jesus could have a cure for the at-risk heirs, too. And we might be meant to think they will need someone to appeal for them, the way the centurion appeals for his servant.
In v13, this centurion who begins the story by coming is now told by Jesus to go, with the affirming โlet it be done for you according to your faith.โ And it is, from that hour.
Overall, we can see why we might want to include this story in a quarter in which we are looking at “faithful witnesses.” The centurion becomes an exemplar of a faith in Jesus’ power, and also his kindness, which leads to his willingness to use that power on behalf of another, that makes something marvelous possible. We might well consider how the centurion comes by this faith, and how others might also come by it.
Image: “Feuchtwangen Pfarrkirche – Vorhalle Fresko Evangelist Matthรคus” (cropped), Wolfgang Sauber, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
v2, revised 06.30.26 with a couple of additional observations, after I woke up enough to make them …
#BibleStudy #commentary #exegesis #Jesus #Matthew8513 #meaning #readingTheBible #textsThatArenTInTheLectionary
Alt...
fresco of angel of St. Matthew
Donโt Let the Devil Steal Yourย Joy
Have you ever had a thought enter your mind that instantly changed your entire outlook?In just a few seconds, your emotions begin to change. Your peace starts slipping away. You replay the thought over and over until it feels true. Yet nothing around you has actually changed. The only thing that changed was the thought you agreed with. As I was praying about this recently, the Lord spoke this Gem of Knowledge to my heart: Silence every lying spirit that whispers in your ear, in the name of Jesus. Do not let any more lies sway your walk with Me. I will tell you truth, and it will change everything. Amen. Learning to recognize the difference is one of the most important lessons we can learn as followers of Christ. The enemy whispers,ย "You're alone." Jesus says,ย "I am with you always." The enemy whispers,ย "You'll never change." Jesus says He is making you into a new creation. The enemy whispers,ย "God has forgotten you." Jesus reminds you that He will never leave you nor forsake you. The enemy whispers,ย "... [SENSITIVE CONTENT]
Today’s One Year Bible Verses:ย 2 Kings 15:1โ16:20, Acts 19:13โ41, Psalm 147:1โ20, Proverbs 18:4โ5
Silence the Enemy’s Lies
Have you ever had a thought enter your mind that instantly changed your entire outlook?
Perhaps everything was going well until suddenly a thought crossed your mind.
“They probably don’t like me.”
“I’m going to fail.”
“Nobody understands what I’m going through.”
“I’m not good enough.”
“God can’t really use someone like me.”
In just a few seconds, your emotions begin to change. Your peace starts slipping away. You replay the thought over and over until it feels true. Yet nothing around you has actually changed. The only thing that changed was the thought you agreed with.
As I was praying about this recently, the Lord spoke this Gem of Knowledge to my heart:
Silence every lying spirit that whispers in your ear, in the name of Jesus. Do not let any more lies sway your walk with Me. I will tell you truth, and it will change everything. Amen.
The more I reflected on those words, the more I realized how subtle the enemy can be.
He rarely begins with obvious lies. Instead, he whispers. Seeds of fear, insecurity, offense, doubt, condemnation, suspicion, and hopelessness quietly drift into our minds. If we don’t recognize where those thoughts are coming from, we begin to entertain them until they take root in our hearts.
What begins as a passing thought can eventually shape the way we think, feel, respond, and even the direction of our lives. No wonder Scripture tells us to take our thoughts captive.
I’ve learned that not every thought that enters my mind deserves a place in my heart. Some thoughts come from the Holy Spirit. Others are whispers from the enemy.ย Learning to recognize the difference is one of the most important lessons we can learn as followers of Christ.
The enemy whispers,ย “You’re alone.”
Jesus says,ย “I am with you always.”
The enemy whispers,ย “You’ll never change.”
Jesus says He is making you into a new creation.
The enemy whispers,ย “God has forgotten you.”
Jesus reminds you that He will never leave you nor forsake you.
The enemy whispers,ย “Nobody loves you.”
God says,ย “You are My beloved child.”
Every one of those whispers has the power to shape the way we think, respond, and live if we allow it. But every one of them is silenced by the truth of God’s Word.
In today’s reading from Acts 19, we see that the name of Jesus carries real authority over the powers of darkness. That same authority has been given to us. We do not have to quietly accept every lie that enters our minds. We can reject it in the name of Jesus and replace it with the truth of God’s Word.
Psalm 147 reminds us that God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He doesn’t simply expose the lies we’ve believed; He lovingly replaces them with His truth. As the Lord said in today’s Gem,ย “I will tell you truth, and it will change everything.”
One final thought comes to mind.
Several years ago, I was sitting in an airport waiting for my flight when I overheard a woman talking on the phone nearby. I don’t remember who she was talking to or even what the conversation was about, but one sentence has stayed with me ever since.
She simply said,
“Don’t let the devil steal your joy.”
I’ve thought about those words many times over the years because I’ve realized that’s exactly how he does it.
He whispers.
He whispers lies that create fear, offense, insecurity, discouragement, suspicion, comparison, and hopelessness. If we believe those lies, they slowly rob us of the very peace and joy God wants us to have.
Don’t let the enemy have another conversation with your mind.
When the lies begin, silence them in the name of Jesus.
Then listen for the voice of the One who always speaks truth.
Because His truth really does change everything. ๐
Action (5 Minutes with God)
Take 5 minutes tote with the Lord today. The more time we spend with Him the more we learn His voice. Ask Him:
- โLord, what do You want me to know about this personally?โ
- Journal what He gives you through His Holy Spirit.
- Then ask, โWhat do You want me to do?โ
- Journal what He reveals โย then do it!
Let today be a day of holding every thought captive. Ask yourself,ย “Does this thought agree with what God says?”ย If it doesn’t, reject it in the name of Jesus and replace it with the truth of His Word.
Prayer
Father, thank You that Your voice always speaks truth. Forgive me for the times I have believed the lies of the enemy instead of believing what You say about me. Help me recognize every whisper that seeks to draw me away from You, and give me the wisdom and courage to silence it in the name of Jesus. Fill my heart and mind with Your truth until it becomes louder than every lie. Let Your Word shape my thoughts, my relationships, and my walk with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.
If Gems of Knowledge has blessed your walk with Christ, please subscribe or consider partnering with us today. Your gift helps keep these devotionals free for everyone and carries Godโs Word to more hearts. Every seed mattersโthank you for sowing into this work! ๐
Test everything by the Word and the Spirit (John 16:13)
Alt...
A woman stands in prayer as shadowy whispers filled with words like fear, rejection, failure, and shame swirl behind her while Jesus reaches toward her with healing light, silencing the lies with His truth.
๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐๐๐๐๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐๐๏ธ๐ฉ๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐ฉท๐ฉต๐๐๐โฒ๐๐คฝ๐๐ฆง๐ค[*& AGAIN JESUS TEACHES US ALL ACROSS THE WORLD!*โWhoever has my commandments!*& keeps them!*he it is who loves me!*& he who loves me will be loved by my Father!*& I will love him!*& manifest myself to him!โ]๐ค๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐ฉท๐ฉต๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐๐๏ธโค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐ฉท๐ฉต๐๐ฆโ๏ธโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐ค๐๐๐๐๐โฒ๐๐คฝ๐๐ฆง๐ค
(John 14:15-17*& 21)
#Jesus #I #Am #the #Way #Truth #Life #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #Father #God #World #Pray #Believers #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Goodness #Kindness #Love
๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐๐๐๐๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐๐๏ธ๐ฉ๐โค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐ฉท๐ฉต๐๐๐โฒ๐๐คฝ๐๐ฆง๐ค[*& AGAIN JESUS TEACHES US ALL ACROSS THE WORLD!*โWhoever has my commandments!*& keeps them!*he it is who loves me!*& he who loves me will be loved by my Father!*& I will love him!*& manifest myself to him!โ]๐ค๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐ฉท๐ฉต๐๐ฆโ๏ธ๐๐๏ธโค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐ฉท๐ฉต๐๐ฆโ๏ธโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐ค๐๐๐๐๐โฒ๐๐คฝ๐๐ฆง๐ค
(John 14:15-17*& 21)
#Jesus #I #Am #the #Way #Truth #Life #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #Father #God #World #Pray #Believers #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Goodness #Kindness #Love
