January 1

Genesis 1:1-2:25, Matthew 1:1-2:12, Psalm 1:1-6, Proverbs 1:1-6



PREP: 

Pray before you read. 

Read Scripture as if reading a letter from God.

Edify: Look for edifying words or principles in the Scripture for your life.

Practice: What is the one takeaway you can practice or put to use in your life? 

Pray: “God open my eyes to see, my ears to hear the sounds of Your voice, and help me empty myself of me so Your Holy Spirit can now fill me with truth and Your very presence.”

Read: Genesis 1:1 through 2:25, Matthew 1:1 through 2:12, Psalm 1:1-6, Proverbs 1:1-6

Edify: 1) The writer of Genesis begins with a declaration: “In the beginning God…” This is not a hypothesis on the possible existence of a higher being. The writer begins with a statement of faith, as if he was there. In the beginning God created something out of nothing. God brought order out of chaos. 2) The Bible opens with Good News - God created the world and God created humankind in His image. We had a relationship with God that was not yet tainted with sin, fear and shame. Today is a day of new beginnings. 3) Matthew’s Gospel is no different as he also begins with a declaration of faith that Jesus is the Messiah and here is the genealogy to back it up along with prophecy to back it up. The Messiah is to come from King David’s line and no less born in Bethlehem, the City of David.

Practice: The Gospel of Jesus Christ begins with Good News. God came upon the universe which was void and without form. God created something beautiful out of a mess and brought order out of chaos. This is good news for you and me. God meets us right where we are in our chaos, our pain, our upside down world and can do a work of beauty in your life and in the lives of those around us. Today, I am determined to see the redemptive work of God in my life and the lives of others. Today is a new day if I partner with a God who can bring order out of chaos and fulfill His redemptive work in me through Jesus the Messiah.  Who can I encourage today? Today begins a New Year. Who can I share the Good News with today about a God who brings beauty out of our chaos?