Day 1 – Genesis 1
Corresponding to Jan. 1 from this online devotional guide, page 16.By God’s design the world was created, and then mankind. The first verse in the English Bible answers these very important questions often asked by people of all ages.
Questions:
- What is there?
- How did it get there?
- Did it have a beginning?
- What or who is responsible?
Answers from Genesis, Chapter 1:
- The heaven and the earth.
- It was all created.
- Yes, it had a beginning.
- God is responsible.
For you and I to believe this is true, requires our acceptance by faith that God IS, and He IS our Creator. Only then can we understand our (individual) identity and purpose. This has eternal consequences, for it determines how we spend our time (eventually) in heaven and (presently) here on earth.
So, if God created mankind, then He created you and me. For what purpose?
Try to read and complete this statement, with whatever words come to mind: “By God’s design, I am ___________.”
What comes to mind?
The author of this devotional study gives the following scripture references to help us understand how we fit into God’s design, or plan. Look up these verses in a printed Bible, or online.- Psalm 139:14
- 1 Corinthians 11:3
- Ephesians 2:10 then Ephesians 5:21-6:9
- Titus 2:14
From the readings above, we learn that from God’s design, you and I are:
- Fearfully and wonderfully made.
- Members of the body of Christ. Christ is the head of the church.
- Created as God’s workmanship, designed to do good works as planned by God beforehand.
- Holy and blameless in Christ.
- Redeemed by Christ. His own, belonging to Him.
- Purified from all sin and lawlessness.
- Intended to be zealous for good deeds.
Prayer of Application:
Heavenly Father, thank You for having a plan and design for this universe, for mankind, and for me. Help me to understand how to walk daily with You, to serve you with my whole heart in obedience, and to be willing to serve You and others in good deeds, out of a sincere faith. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
