12/31/23 – 1/6/24

The End of 2023 and the Beginning of 2024

Have you ever wondered, “Why am I here? What is life all about? What is my purpose?” Our purpose was given to us by the One who created us. As one year ends and a new one begins, you are invited to use this daily devotional for the first week of 2024 as a reminder of what The Bible reveals about God’s purposes for life, you, and the world. The format is designed for you to use as much or little as you have time to use each day. Below is a guide for the daily use of this devotional:

Each Day

• Read the portion of the Psalm to begin
• Spend a few minutes in silence as you wait in the presence of the Lord
• Read The Bible verses for the day
• Answer the question(s) using a journal or notebook, talking to someone else about them, or simply think about your responses
• Watch the videos on the recommended days
• Pray
• Live in response to Jesus

 

Daily Psalm:

Each day read the verses from the Psalm to begin your time set apart to be with and encounter the living God revealed in and through Jesus:

 

The earth is the LORD’S, and everything in it,

the world, and all who live in it;

for he founded it on the seas

and established it on the waters.

Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD?

Who may stand in his holy place?

The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,

who does no trust in an idol or swear by a false god.

They will receive blessing from the LORD

and vindication from God their Savior.

Such is the generation of those who seek him,

who seek your face, God of Jacob. – Psalm 24:1-6 NIV

 

Silence & Solitude:

You are encouraged to spend a few minutes quietly alone with God after reading the verses from the Psalm. You may find it helpful to sit, kneel, lay down, or walk as the message rolls around in your heart and mind.

 

Daily Bible Verses to Read:

Sunday – 1 John 4:7-21 (love God & people)

Monday – Genesis 1:1-2:3 (Watch the “Genesis 1” Bible Project video.)

Tuesday – Genesis 2:4-25

Wednesday – Colossians 1:15-16

Thursday – Ephesians 1:3-14

Friday – Ephesians 2:10

Saturday – Matthew 11:27-12:13 (Watch the “Sabbath” Bible Project video. The Sabbath theme for today is “STOP & REST.”)

 

Videos to Watch:

You are invited to watch the Genesis 1 video on Monday, before or after reading Genesis 1:1-2:3, as well as the Sabbath video on Saturday, before or after reading Matthew 11:27-12:13, either using the link below for The Bible Project website or via YouTube:

Genesis 1 by The Bible Project (on Monday)

https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/genesis-1/

 

Sabbath by The Bible Project (on Saturday)

https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/sabbath-video/

 

Daily Questions:

You may find it helpful to write your responses to the following questions or to talk about them with a family member, friend, or your small group:

What do these Bible verses reveal about God or Jesus?

 

What do these verses reveal about people?

 

What do these verses reveal about the purpose of life and the world? How is my purpose revealed by them as well?

 

How should I respond to God’s message today and throughout the new year?

 

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NIV). Am I resting in Christ each day by giving my cares and concerns to the One who can carry far more than I can?

 

Am I giving my body the sleep God designed it to receive each day? If not, why not?

 

How will I prepare to observe a full or partial Sabbath day of rest the first weekend of the new year?

 

PRAY thanking and praising the Lord, then let the Bible verses guide your prayer. You may feel the Holy Spirit guiding you to lift up the new year, as well as the people, animals, and plants of the world, our community, the church, your family, and other concerns or burdens you may have to the source or grace and mercy. You may want to pray for:

• Those Who Are Closest to You (family members & friends)
• Those Who Point Others Towards God (parents, grandparents, pastors, teachers, professors, coaches, musicians, authors, filmmakers, influencers, churches, etc.)
• Leaders (locally, nationally, & globally)
• Those Who Are Vulnerable & In Need (children, orphans, widows & widowers, the hungry & homeless, refugees, sick & diseased persons, prisoners, etc.)
• Yourself (tell God your thoughts, concerns, feelings, and desires)

 

*If you do not have a Bible, consider downloading the YouVersion Bible App for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play for your smartphone or tablet. You can also use www.BibleGateway.com to look up and read various translations of Bible verses online.