Since 2003, I've used my One Year Bible as a daily guide. It contains a daily portion of the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs.
After many years of reading this type of Bible, I now associate January with Genesis. Each year I learn something new by starting at the very beginning of creation, before sin ever entered the world.
Reading Genesis each January renews my faith, and it can renew yours too. Whether you're new to Bible study or an old pro, Genesis can give you hope and strength for the new year.
Here are several benefits to reading Genesis every January (or every year):
1. You see God's majesty in creation. Reading the creation account always inspires awe and holy reverence in my heart. You can set all the controversy over dates and science and read Genesis 1 and 2 with childlike faith. Imagine yourself sitting there, watching God create the world. You'll delight in the details as you slowly savor those first chapters.
2. You watch God's redemptive plan unfold. Sin enters the picture all too soon. Yet God's redemptive promise is present in Genesis 3:15. He cares for Adam and Eve by slaying an animal, which is a sign of all the sacrifices to come, culminating in Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. The beauty of the Gospel is right there in the beginning.
3. You learn about human nature. The stories of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Esau, and the twelve brothers of Israel unfold like a contemporary soap opera. Human nature hasn't changed in thousands of years. Our sinfulness is just like theirs, and our salvation can be found in God alone.
4. You gain faith in God's plan for your life. I truly enjoy reading Joseph's story from beginning to end. His deep struggles were not in vain, and they served a lasting purpose. If you need hope for your own story, you can find it in Joseph's triumph after years of suffering and refinement.
2019 could be your year to gather faith treasures from Genesis. I encourage you to read a chapter or two per day, asking yourself the following questions with each reading:
1. What does this passage tell me about God?
2. What does this passage teach me about human nature?
3. What applications can I draw from this passage for my daily life?
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always share at my site if you have any trouble leaving a comment here.After many years of reading this type of Bible, I now associate January with Genesis. Each year I learn something new by starting at the very beginning of creation, before sin ever entered the world.
Reading Genesis each January renews my faith, and it can renew yours too. Whether you're new to Bible study or an old pro, Genesis can give you hope and strength for the new year.
Here are several benefits to reading Genesis every January (or every year):
1. You see God's majesty in creation. Reading the creation account always inspires awe and holy reverence in my heart. You can set all the controversy over dates and science and read Genesis 1 and 2 with childlike faith. Imagine yourself sitting there, watching God create the world. You'll delight in the details as you slowly savor those first chapters.
2. You watch God's redemptive plan unfold. Sin enters the picture all too soon. Yet God's redemptive promise is present in Genesis 3:15. He cares for Adam and Eve by slaying an animal, which is a sign of all the sacrifices to come, culminating in Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. The beauty of the Gospel is right there in the beginning.
3. You learn about human nature. The stories of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Esau, and the twelve brothers of Israel unfold like a contemporary soap opera. Human nature hasn't changed in thousands of years. Our sinfulness is just like theirs, and our salvation can be found in God alone.
4. You gain faith in God's plan for your life. I truly enjoy reading Joseph's story from beginning to end. His deep struggles were not in vain, and they served a lasting purpose. If you need hope for your own story, you can find it in Joseph's triumph after years of suffering and refinement.
2019 could be your year to gather faith treasures from Genesis. I encourage you to read a chapter or two per day, asking yourself the following questions with each reading:
1. What does this passage tell me about God?
2. What does this passage teach me about human nature?
3. What applications can I draw from this passage for my daily life?
God will bless you as you dive into Genesis this January. I pray that as you accept the challenge to study the first book of God's Word, he will bless you with knowledge and faith.
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Have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings and God's peace to you,
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Reflection questions:
1. What have you learned about God from reading Genesis before?
2. When is the best time for you to read the book of Genesis in January?
I also began reading in Genesis this month and am amazed at the way it is encouraging me. Even in the familiar story of creation, it was wonderful to be reminded anew that when God speaks it is to accomplish His will.
ReplyDeleteHi Joanne! I always enjoy reading your blog and getting insights into God's Word from your posts. Honored to write in this same space with you, friend!
DeleteIn reading the scriptures for today, Genesis 10 through 12
ReplyDeleteAbram went to Egypt without the Lord's guidance. I'm guessing he was not totally convinced of the Lord's provision even through famine so he had to take it on himself to go to Egypt to find food. As a result he gave his wife over to Pharaoh to keep from getting murdered. it's interesting because we know the life of Abram soon-to-be Abraham, how God is teaching him provision and provision In God's Time not when Abraham wants..so he takes over to do it his way.. how many of us do not really trust God to provide or take care of us and we tend to do things our way, not waiting for His greater way of providing?
Great challenge, Sarah! I'm a firm believer that God's word opens us up to His wonder, power and presence like nothing else can! I'll be pinning!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the benefits of reading Genesis! Great things to keep in mind as I read through the book over the next couple of weeks!
ReplyDelete