In any good book, the opening sets the stage, establishes the characters, and builds a foundation for all that is to come. The same is true in the Bible: the introduction not only tells us how everything began but it points to God’s eternal plan for redemption from the very first page.
Before you begin
Ask the Lord to give you a fresh sense of wonder as you read His Word. Pray for understanding and for an open, humble, obedient heart to receive what He wants to say to you.
Read
Review
Write a sentence or two about what you've just read. This could be a summary of the passage or an observation or highlight that stood out to you.
Reflect
Do you live with a daily awareness that God created and has authority over all things—including the details and decisions that make up your life?
"Nowhere do we see God seeking out a relationship with any of His creation—except for man. Only to Adam and Eve did God reveal Himself. There was no fear or shame because they delighted to know and do the will of God. Communion with Him was the reason for their existence." —Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth1
Respond
Write a short prayer, based on today’s reading. This could include praise, gratitude, personal confession, agreement with the truth, or a request for yourself or someone else.
1Revive My Heart, p. 96.
Takeaway Thought
What key verse or insight will you take with you into your day?