January 3rd
Today’s Reading
Genesis 6, 7, 8 & Luke 3
Before You Read the Devotion start with this thought
Obedience is never wasted; it brings blessing into our lives.
Obedience was the virtue of paradise. God did not create robots—He created people capable of love. And true love always involves choice.
When God created the world, everything was good, beautiful, and perfect. He placed humanity in paradise and gave them freedom to enjoy all He had made. There was only one command—one opportunity to trust Him, love Him, and obey Him. Obedience was the proof of love.
But when Satan deceived Eve, the virtue of obedience was broken. Since that moment, the enemy has continued the same lie—especially toward women—whispering that obedience to God is unnecessary, restrictive, or outdated.
Yet Scripture shows us the opposite.
Obedience brings life, protection, blessing, and purpose. We see this clearly in Noah. While the world around him rejected God, Noah obeyed. His obedience was costly, lonely, and countercultural—but it carried rich reward. Through one obedient man, God preserved life, established covenant, and continued His redemptive plan.
Obedience to God is still a virtue. It is still one of the highest callings of the believer. And perhaps one of the most meaningful resolutions we can make this new year is not simply to do more—but to obey fully, trusting that God’s commands always flow from His love.
Scripture Focus
“So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart. …
But Noah found favor with the Lord.”
Genesis 6:6, 8 (NLT)
“This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God.”
Genesis 6:9 (NLT)
“But I will confirm my covenant with you. So enter the boat—you and your wife and your sons and their wives. So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.”
Genesis 6:18, 22 (NLT)
“So Noah did everything as the Lord commanded him.”
Genesis 7:5 (NLT)
“God wiped out every living thing on the earth—people, livestock, small animals that scurry along the ground, and the birds of the sky. All were destroyed. The only people who survived were Noah and those with him in the boat.”
Genesis 7:23 (NLT)
“Then Noah built an altar to the Lord, and there he sacrificed as burnt offerings the animals and birds that had been approved for that purpose. And the Lord was pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice and said to himself, ‘I will never again curse the ground because of the human race, even though everything they think or imagine is bent toward evil from childhood. I will never again destroy all living things.’”
Genesis 8:20–21 (NLT)
Reflection
I have always been intrigued by the verses about the sons of God, but let’s not let that be our main focus. Noah is our focus. What an awesome, godly man God called righteous.
What made Noah righteous in God’s eyes?
Not perfection—faith-filled obedience.
Here’s what Scripture shows us:
Lesson for Me
Righteousness in God’s eyes is not about flawlessness, but faith that obeys.
Like Noah, I am called to trust God’s Word, walk closely with Him, and obey—even when obedience feels lonely, costly, or misunderstood. God sees faithfulness long before others see results.
Application Questions
What were the results of Noah’s obedience?
Noah’s obedience brought salvation, covenant, blessing, worship, and lasting impact—not only for his family, but for all humanity.
This reminds us that obedience is never wasted. God uses one faithful life to accomplish far more than we can see in the moment.
Prayer 🙏
Lord, thank You that You look at the heart and not perfection. Teach me to walk closely with You as Noah did. Give me a faith that believes, a heart that obeys, and a life that honors You—no matter the cost. I want my obedience to rise as worship before You. Amen.
Journaling Reminder
Sit quietly with Jesus and ask Him what He wants to strengthen or change in your walk with Him today. Write what He shows you—and respond in obedience.
Today’s Reading
Genesis 6, 7, 8 & Luke 3
Before You Read the Devotion start with this thought
Obedience is never wasted; it brings blessing into our lives.
Obedience was the virtue of paradise. God did not create robots—He created people capable of love. And true love always involves choice.
When God created the world, everything was good, beautiful, and perfect. He placed humanity in paradise and gave them freedom to enjoy all He had made. There was only one command—one opportunity to trust Him, love Him, and obey Him. Obedience was the proof of love.
But when Satan deceived Eve, the virtue of obedience was broken. Since that moment, the enemy has continued the same lie—especially toward women—whispering that obedience to God is unnecessary, restrictive, or outdated.
Yet Scripture shows us the opposite.
Obedience brings life, protection, blessing, and purpose. We see this clearly in Noah. While the world around him rejected God, Noah obeyed. His obedience was costly, lonely, and countercultural—but it carried rich reward. Through one obedient man, God preserved life, established covenant, and continued His redemptive plan.
Obedience to God is still a virtue. It is still one of the highest callings of the believer. And perhaps one of the most meaningful resolutions we can make this new year is not simply to do more—but to obey fully, trusting that God’s commands always flow from His love.
Scripture Focus
“So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart. …
But Noah found favor with the Lord.”
Genesis 6:6, 8 (NLT)
“This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God.”
Genesis 6:9 (NLT)
“But I will confirm my covenant with you. So enter the boat—you and your wife and your sons and their wives. So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.”
Genesis 6:18, 22 (NLT)
“So Noah did everything as the Lord commanded him.”
Genesis 7:5 (NLT)
“God wiped out every living thing on the earth—people, livestock, small animals that scurry along the ground, and the birds of the sky. All were destroyed. The only people who survived were Noah and those with him in the boat.”
Genesis 7:23 (NLT)
“Then Noah built an altar to the Lord, and there he sacrificed as burnt offerings the animals and birds that had been approved for that purpose. And the Lord was pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice and said to himself, ‘I will never again curse the ground because of the human race, even though everything they think or imagine is bent toward evil from childhood. I will never again destroy all living things.’”
Genesis 8:20–21 (NLT)
Reflection
I have always been intrigued by the verses about the sons of God, but let’s not let that be our main focus. Noah is our focus. What an awesome, godly man God called righteous.
What made Noah righteous in God’s eyes?
Not perfection—faith-filled obedience.
Here’s what Scripture shows us:
- He believed God
Noah trusted God’s word when no one else did. Hebrews 11:7 tells us his faith moved him to action. - He walked with God
Genesis 6:9 says Noah “walked in close fellowship with God.” This speaks of an ongoing, daily relationship—not a momentary decision. - He obeyed completely
Over and over the text says, “Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him” (Genesis 6:22; 7:5). Obedience marked his life. - He stood apart from a corrupt world
Noah remained faithful while surrounded by violence and wickedness. His righteousness was evident by contrast. - He responded with worship
After deliverance, Noah built an altar and worshiped (Genesis 8:20). His obedience flowed from reverence and gratitude. - In short:Noah was righteous because he trusted God, walked with Him, obeyed Him fully, and honored Him—when it was costly and countercultural.
Lesson for Me
Righteousness in God’s eyes is not about flawlessness, but faith that obeys.
Like Noah, I am called to trust God’s Word, walk closely with Him, and obey—even when obedience feels lonely, costly, or misunderstood. God sees faithfulness long before others see results.
Application Questions
- Am I trusting God’s Word even when I don’t fully understand His plan?
- What does my daily walk with God look like right now—close fellowship or occasional contact?
- Is there an area where God has spoken clearly, but I’ve delayed obedience?
- How do I respond to God after He delivers me—do I pause to worship and thank Him?
- What would faith-filled obedience look like for me today?
What were the results of Noah’s obedience?
- He found favor with God
Noah experienced God’s grace in the midst of judgment (Genesis 6:8). Obedience positioned him to receive God’s favor. - He and his family were saved
Because Noah obeyed, his entire household was preserved through the flood (Genesis 7:1, 7, 23). His obedience impacted generations beyond himself. - God established a covenant with him
God confirmed His covenant with Noah, promising preservation and blessing (Genesis 6:18; 9:8–11). Obedience led to a deeper revelation of God’s faithfulness. - Humanity was preserved
Through Noah’s obedience, God continued His redemptive plan for mankind. Obedience became the pathway through which God protected the future. - Worship followed deliverance
Noah responded to God’s salvation by building an altar and worshiping the Lord (Genesis 8:20). Obedience produced reverence, not entitlement. - God’s mercy was declared
God promised never again to destroy all living things by a flood (Genesis 8:21). Obedience became a testimony of God’s mercy to the whole world.
Noah’s obedience brought salvation, covenant, blessing, worship, and lasting impact—not only for his family, but for all humanity.
This reminds us that obedience is never wasted. God uses one faithful life to accomplish far more than we can see in the moment.
Prayer 🙏
Lord, thank You that You look at the heart and not perfection. Teach me to walk closely with You as Noah did. Give me a faith that believes, a heart that obeys, and a life that honors You—no matter the cost. I want my obedience to rise as worship before You. Amen.
Journaling Reminder
Sit quietly with Jesus and ask Him what He wants to strengthen or change in your walk with Him today. Write what He shows you—and respond in obedience.
Type your new text here.