A New Year – A New Beginning

Reading:  Genesis 1:1-3; John 1:1-3

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was empty, a formless mass cloaked in darkness. And the Spirit of God was hovering over its surface. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. (Genesis 1:1-3 NLT)

1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He existed in the beginning with God. 3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. (John 1:1-3 NLT)

Welcome to a new year of GraceNotes daily devotionals! In past years, I’ve mostly based the devotionals on a through the Bible in a year plan, one year through the New Testament, and then one year on  the Gospels of Matthew and John plus John’s letters. This year we’re going Topical (Not Tropical!).

Through our daily devotional years together, there’ve been times when I’ve wanted to stay with a particular thought or emphasis for more than a day and explore it more deeply. So we’re going to start out that way and see how it goes. I’m not sure how much it will demand of me, but I’m going to give it my best shot!

Now, here’s my question and challenge for you! What New Beginning can you initiate this year? What can you try that might or might not work, but will stir you, cause you to learn new things, and push the boundaries of your comfort zone? Not just a New Year’s resolution, but a fresh start of something new! I challenge you to think, pray, and talk to someone about it, and then give it your best shot!

I’m saying to you in faith, “Let there be light for our path and strength for our journey as we follow Jesus the Word through the pages of God’s Book this year! Let’s do this together!”

Prayer:

Father, Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105). Help us to daily open our eyes to the Light of Truth, and our hearts to your soul-nourishing Words of Life. May we hear and obey, may we see and respond. Amen!