MONDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 1:1-17
Acts 1:1-11
Psalm 1
Genesis 1–2

Genesis 1–2
Just four words—In the beginning, God—but, oh, what a profound declaration! The writer does not offer any explanation for God’s existence; he assumes it. Of course, God exists! The transcendent God predates time, space, and the entire cosmos. In truth, there is nothing that predates him. The source and beginning of everything is him. And since he existed before all things and created all things, he will certainly remain on his throne long after the stars cease to shine. In this first week of the New Year, you can face tomorrow by putting your trust in the God of all beginnings.

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 1:18-25
Acts 1:12-26
Psalm 2
Genesis 3–4

Psalm 2
What is your favorite characteristic of God? Gracious, merciful, forgiving, compassionate—we are the recipients of such divine attributes. Verse four, however, speaks of a delightful trait we seldom contemplate: “The One enthroned in heaven laughs.” The capacity to laugh is a wonderful gift and distinguishes us from the rest of creation. It’s not just some frivolous exercise, it really is beneficial. Research indicates that laughter releases endorphins increasing our sense of wellbeing and reduces cortisol, the hormone most associated with stress. Such healing is a delightful “built-in” gift from God. I look forward to hearing his laughter in Heaven, don’t you?

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 2:1-12
Acts 2:1-21
Psalm 3
Genesis 5–8

Genesis 5–8
God commanded Noah to build an ark to save his family and the animal kingdom. Have you ever considered any different ways God could have transformed this broken world while saving Noah and a sampling of creation? He could have swept across the planet with gale force winds, a global virus, a consuming fire, or a meteor strike that changed the environment. And yet, he chose a flood as if to say, Through the water comes cleansing and a fresh start. No wonder 1 Peter 3 reflects on this event as a picture of baptism and our pledge of a good conscience toward God.

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 2:13-23
Acts 2:22-47
Psalm 4
Genesis 9–11

Matthew 2:13-23
Terrorists massacre innocent children without provocation. Headlines from the New York Times? No, it’s a scene from the streets of Bethlehem two millennia ago. In our cozy celebrations of Christmas, we forget that tragedy followed in the wake of Jesus’ birth. In his wicked anger, King Herod had all the boys in Bethlehem two years and younger killed. Evil has been hounding humanity for eons. But because the boy Jesus lived to die another day, we—including those sons of Bethlehem—have the assurance of everlasting life. We may not survive the scourge of evil in this life, but in Jesus we have eternal hope.

FRIDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 3:1-12
Acts 3
Psalm 5
Genesis 12–14

Acts 3
Good deeds lead to goodwill and goodwill leads to good news. That’s what happened in Acts 3. Through Peter and John, God’s Spirit brought healing to a man who could not walk and changed his life forever. The miracle attracted the attention of an amazed crowd and Peter did what any good preacher would do. He preached the gospel, the good news. All of us are capable of good deeds. And such kind and caring actions create goodwill in a culture that is becoming more mean-spirited. When your good deeds are noticed, take that opportunity to glorify God and share the good news!

SATURDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 3:13-17
Acts 4:1-22
Psalm 6
Genesis 15–17

Matthew 3:13-17
The humility of Jesus was never more clearly seen than at his baptism. Most of us find it difficult enough to admit when we are wrong, but to do something self-effacing that doesn’t apply to us is rare indeed. Remember, John’s baptism was a demonstration of repentance and repentance requires a recognition of sin. So when Jesus, the Lamb of God without spot or blemish, approached John to be baptized, it was pure humility that drew him into the muddy Jordan. “It’s the right thing to do,” Jesus reasoned and in doing so left us an example of divine humility and obedience.