January 3

Genesis 5:1-7:24, Matthew 3:7-4:11, Psalm 3:1-8, Proverbs 1:10-19 

Pray: Today we come to grips with both humanity’s capacity to do evil and wicked things and God’s greater capacity to redeem and save. So, let's pray that as we read Scripture we will not too easily dismiss seeing ourselves in the text. Perhaps there is a part of our story which will resonate with the wrongdoing of humanity and the Lord’s desire to spare us. Fill us O Lord, with the Holy Spirit to experience You fresh and new.

Read: Today’s reading is challenging from Genesis to Proverbs for we come to grips with the depths of human depravity. God destroyed the world. But, as we read the story of Noah, and Jesus and the Pharisees we should see encouragement, not discouragement. God found a way to redeem us, not destroy us. Look for your story in the midst of this greater story.

Edify: Perhaps the hardest verses for many are found in both chapters 5 and 6 of Genesis

1. “When God created human beings, he made them to be like himself” Genesis 5:1b and...
2. “So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart.” Genesis 6:6 

However, there was one man named Noah, who found favor with God through his obedience. John the Baptist emphasizes obedience in his comments to the Pharisees, “Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.” We then find Jesus modeling obedience to the Father by submitting Himself to baptism. One possible takeaway today is to never underestimate the importance of simple obedience to God. Disciples are not made in a day, but disciples are made daily. Your obedience gives you favor with God. Remember the words of the Father when Jesus was obedient to baptism, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” Perhaps you need to hear today the voice of God saying, “This is my beloved daughter/son who brings me great joy.” Or, the verse from the Psalmist, “I lay down and slept...for the Lord was watching over me.” Psalm 3:5 

Practice: Simply practice obedience. Love God and love your neighbors today. Do the next right thing you know the Lord would have you to do. Pray for who you will invite to church this next weekend. Then take a step of faith and invite them.