January 1, 2026
Today’s Reading
Genesis 1–2; Luke 1
Scripture Focus
Reflection
“In the beginning God created…”
Before anything existed—God was there. He is the source of all life, all truth, and all purpose. As I read these opening words of Scripture, another verse came to mind: “Let God be true, but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4). Genesis begins by anchoring us in truth—God created everything, including us.
We are not random. We are not accidents. We are not products of chance or evolution. Scripture tells us that we are God’s poema—His masterpiece—fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). We were created for His glory and His good pleasure (Revelation 4:11). Even before the foundations of the world, God knew you. He designed you with intention, value, and purpose.
What makes this even more personal is that God didn’t just speak humanity into existence—He breathed life into us. That breath wasn’t merely physical; it marked relationship. From the very beginning, humanity was created to walk with God, hear His voice, and reflect His character.
But embedded in the beauty of creation is something just as important: obedience. In paradise, before sin entered the world, God established a choice. Obedience was not harsh or restrictive—it was relational. It was an invitation to trust God’s Word and align with His will.
As we read through God’s Word this year, we will encounter many commands, warnings, and choices. And we’ll discover that the way we bring pleasure and glory to God has always been the same—from Eden to today: through loving obedience. What was broken in the garden was not just innocence, but trustful obedience. And that struggle still lives in every human heart.
As we step into a new year, God is inviting us back into what was lost—not through striving, but through relationship restored in Christ.
Lesson for Me
I was created in God’s image to reflect Him, walk with Him, and glorify Him.
Obedience is not about control—it is about trust.
A loving, obedient relationship with God is the purpose for which I was created.
Application Questions
Prayer 🙏
Lord, You are the Creator of all things, and You created me with purpose and love. Thank You for breathing life into me and inviting me into relationship with You. Forgive me for the times I have resisted Your voice or trusted my own way instead of Yours. As I begin this new year, I choose to walk in a loving, obedient relationship with You. Help me trust You more deeply, listen more closely, and follow You wholeheartedly. May my life bring You pleasure and glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Journal
Sit quietly with Jesus. Ask Him what He wants to show you about obedience and trust this year. Journal what He places on your heart—what He is inviting you to change, surrender, or strengthen as you walk with Him in 2026.
Today’s Reading
Genesis 1–2; Luke 1
Scripture Focus
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
Genesis 1:1
“So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
Genesis 1:27 (NLT)
“Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.”
Genesis 2:7 (NLT)
“But the Lord God warned him, ‘You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.’”
Genesis 2:16–17 (NLT)
Reflection
“In the beginning God created…”
Before anything existed—God was there. He is the source of all life, all truth, and all purpose. As I read these opening words of Scripture, another verse came to mind: “Let God be true, but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4). Genesis begins by anchoring us in truth—God created everything, including us.
We are not random. We are not accidents. We are not products of chance or evolution. Scripture tells us that we are God’s poema—His masterpiece—fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). We were created for His glory and His good pleasure (Revelation 4:11). Even before the foundations of the world, God knew you. He designed you with intention, value, and purpose.
What makes this even more personal is that God didn’t just speak humanity into existence—He breathed life into us. That breath wasn’t merely physical; it marked relationship. From the very beginning, humanity was created to walk with God, hear His voice, and reflect His character.
But embedded in the beauty of creation is something just as important: obedience. In paradise, before sin entered the world, God established a choice. Obedience was not harsh or restrictive—it was relational. It was an invitation to trust God’s Word and align with His will.
As we read through God’s Word this year, we will encounter many commands, warnings, and choices. And we’ll discover that the way we bring pleasure and glory to God has always been the same—from Eden to today: through loving obedience. What was broken in the garden was not just innocence, but trustful obedience. And that struggle still lives in every human heart.
As we step into a new year, God is inviting us back into what was lost—not through striving, but through relationship restored in Christ.
Lesson for Me
I was created in God’s image to reflect Him, walk with Him, and glorify Him.
Obedience is not about control—it is about trust.
A loving, obedient relationship with God is the purpose for which I was created.
Application Questions
- How does knowing that God intentionally created me change the way I see my worth and purpose?
- In what ways do I sometimes resist obedience, even when I know God’s Word?
- Do I view obedience as a burden—or as a response of love and trust?
- What areas of my life does God want me to surrender more fully to Him this year?
- How can daily time in God’s Word help realign my heart with His will?
Prayer 🙏
Lord, You are the Creator of all things, and You created me with purpose and love. Thank You for breathing life into me and inviting me into relationship with You. Forgive me for the times I have resisted Your voice or trusted my own way instead of Yours. As I begin this new year, I choose to walk in a loving, obedient relationship with You. Help me trust You more deeply, listen more closely, and follow You wholeheartedly. May my life bring You pleasure and glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Journal
Sit quietly with Jesus. Ask Him what He wants to show you about obedience and trust this year. Journal what He places on your heart—what He is inviting you to change, surrender, or strengthen as you walk with Him in 2026.
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