YEAR OF THE BIBLE – WEEK 2 DEVOTIONS

January 5, 2026 – Read Matthew 5:13-16 - Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, emphasizing our vital role in reflecting His love and truth. As salt enhances flavor and preserves, we are to infuse our surroundings with goodness, offering hope and compassion in a world that often feels bland and lifeless. Similarly, as light dispels darkness, we are invited to shine brightly, illuminating the path for others through our actions and words. This passage reminds us that our faith should not be hidden but displayed openly, inspiring others to glorify God. May we embrace our identities as salt and light, living out our faith boldly and lovingly, and drawing others to the hope found in Christ.

January 6, 2026 – Read Genesis 15:1-6 – Abraham exemplifies the necessity of faith in our journey with God, especially when our future is uncertain. In this passage, God reminds Abraham that He is his protector and that He will reward him with descendants too numerous to count. Despite the uncertainty of his future and the lack of an heir, Abraham dares to believe God. Like Abraham, we may struggle to see the fulfillment of God’s plans, yet we are called to trust in His word. May we embrace the assurance that God sees our struggles and is intimately involved in our lives, encouraging us to step forward in faith, believing that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.

January 7, 2026 – Read Matthew 6:1-18 - In this passage Jesus teaches us about the heart behind our acts of righteousness. He emphasizes that our giving, praying, and fasting should not be performed for public recognition but as sincere expressions of our love for God. This passage calls us to cultivate a private relationship with the Father, reminding us that what is done in secret will be rewarded openly. When we give, pray, or fast, it should come from a place of humility and devotion, seeking to deepen our connection with God rather than to gain the approval of others. As we reflect on these verses, let us strive to align our actions with our intentions, focusing on the beauty of our relationship with God, who sees all and knows the deepest desires of our hearts. May our lives be a testament to the transformative power of genuine faith.

January 8, 2026 – Read Psalm 8 – Psalm 8 beautifully captures the majesty of God and the dignity of humanity. Though God’s majesty “fills the earth” and His “glory is higher than the heavens” God has chosen to crown humanity with “glory and honor,” entrusting us with stewardship over His works. We are not mere specks in the cosmos, but beloved creations designed to reflect God’s image. As we meditate on this psalm, let us embrace our responsibility to care for the world around us, live in a way that glorifies our Creator, and celebrate our identity as cherished children of God.

January 9, 2026 – Read Genesis 22:1-19 – Abraham’s faith is seriously tested when God asks him to sacrifice his son, Isaac, a request that challenges the very core of Abraham's trust in God's promises. Abraham’s prompt response reveals an unwavering faith in God's goodness and provision, believing that even in the darkest moments, God has a plan. This passage invites us to reflect on our own faith journeys, encouraging us to trust God even when His plans seem incomprehensible. Just as Abraham’s faith led to blessings for his descendants, our obedience can lead to divine provision and fulfillment of promises in our own lives. Let us embrace the call to deep faith, resting in the assurance that God sees and provides in every situation.

January 10, 2026 – Read Proverbs 3:1-6 – Wisdom comes from trusting in the Lord and following His guidance. The passage encourages us to keep His teachings close to our hearts and to let love and faithfulness be our compass in life. As we navigate the complexities of our daily journey, we are invited to acknowledge God in all our ways, allowing Him to direct our paths. This promise of divine guidance reassures us that when we lean on His understanding rather than our own, we can experience peace and clarity, even amidst uncertainty. Let us take a moment each day to reflect on His word, trusting that our heart's desires align with His perfect will.

January 11, 2026 – Read Matthew 8:23-27 – This passage reminds us to put our trust in Jesus even when the storms of life come our way. As the disciples find themselves engulfed by a storm, their panic reflects our own struggles in life’s turbulent moments. Jesus, asleep amidst the chaos, reminds us that we can find peace even when our circumstances seem overwhelming. The disciples cry for help resonates with our own desperate pleas during trials, while Jesus' gentle rebuke, “You of little faith,” calls us to trust Him more deeply.  In our storms, may we remember that He is with us, ready to bring calm to our hearts and clarity to our minds, teaching us that faith can quiet the fiercest winds.