Day 1 of the Rest of Your Life
Day 1
Today is the First Step Forward. How will you draw closer to God? What does it look like to join a journey of God revealing the plan He has for you?
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” “And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night” “And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.”
“And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds…And it was so.” Genesis 1:3, 14, 20, 24 WEB
“Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness...God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them. God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:1, 27-28, 31 WEB
Have you ever wondered how everything began? You were born into a world already alive with life. The Bible said God is the creator and He spoke everything into being. His Word is life.
You were made by a God who loves you, who after giving you life blessed you, gave you authority, and calls you very good.
In this first passage of the Word of God we learn that God is the initiator of relationship. He made us to be in relationship with Him and each other.
We learn that God has power and authority. With just a word He speaks and things happen. Where do you need God to speak a word in your life? Where do you need His mighty power?
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” Psalms 1:1-2 WEB
You have a choice. Hang out with people who live unhealthy lives or focus on the goodness of God. The Bible is full of advice on how to have a close relationship with the God who made you. What are you thinking about today? The Psalmist says you will be blessed if you think of the words or law of the Lord. Jesus said all laws can be summed up by loving God and each other.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Proverbs 1:7 WEB
We tend to rely on the internet, ChatGPT, or Google to help us acquire knowledge. Think of Genesis and all that God created with just a word. That same awe or reverence of God is the beginning of understanding. When you acknowledge who God is and who you are to him you can begin to walk with humility and gratitude.
Perspective matters. It helps us shape our priorities. When we start with God, we can see how we are part of a much bigger plan. When we start with ourselves, God can begin to seem very small. How is the awe and fear of God shaping your perspective and priorities?
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” Isaiah 1:17 WEB
The life of faith always involves awareness of the people around us and the community we reside in Ask yourself how you can help others today.
“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit...You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).” Matthew 1:18, 21, 23 WEB
Long before any of us knew we needed a savior, God had a plan to draw us back to him. He made us in the beginning and called us good then sent his son Jesus to redeem us back to the place we started. A place of intimate relationship with Him. Jesus is the personal invitation to intimacy with God.
Are you ready to commit to Jesus? To begin to walk in relationship with Him every day in all you do?