Day 1: Creation and Fall – Why We Need Redemption
Scripture Reading:
Genesis 1:1 (CSB) — “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
Commentary:
The Bible opens not with humanity, but with God. Before time, space, or matter existed, God already was. He created everything out of nothing, demonstrating His sovereign power and rightful authority over all things—including us. This isn’t just a fact to know; it’s a foundation to live by. Your life, your breath, your story—all of it exists because of Him.
Yet almost immediately after creation, rebellion enters the story. Adam and Eve chose independence over intimacy with God, and through their sin, all of creation was marred. If we don’t understand the seriousness of the fall, we’ll never grasp the depth of God’s redemption. Sin isn’t just breaking a rule—it’s betraying a relationship.
Reflection Questions:
- How does recognizing God’s authority over creation impact the way you view your life?
- Why do you think people often minimize or redefine sin?
- What areas of your life reflect a trust in God’s good design—and what areas fight against it?
- How does understanding the fall change your view of the world’s brokenness?
Thought of the Day:
You were made by God, for God—and when you drift from Him, you drift from your purpose.
Song Recommendation:
“Is He Worthy?” — Andrew Peterson
Quote for Reflection:
“If you fail to understand the significance of the fall—you’ll misunderstand the whole Bible.”
Prayer Focus:
Ask God to help you see both the beauty of His creation and the seriousness of your sin. Praise Him for not abandoning you after the fall.
Day 2: Redemption Announced and Promised
Scripture Reading:
Genesis 3:15 (CSB) — “I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”
Commentary:
Right after sin devastated everything, God immediately promises a Redeemer. Genesis 3:15 is the first whisper of the Gospel: someone born of a woman will one day crush the serpent’s head. Even as judgment is spoken, hope shines through. God’s response to our rebellion wasn’t abandonment—it was rescue.
The entire Bible from this point on is the unfolding of this promise. Humanity would spiral into deeper sin, but God was never without a plan. In Jesus Christ, the serpent’s head would be crushed, and victory secured forever.
Reflection Questions:
- What does God’s immediate promise after the fall teach you about His character?
- How does knowing Jesus was the promised Redeemer affect your view of the Old Testament?
- What does it mean that the serpent would “strike his heel”?
- In what ways are you living like the battle is already won?
Thought of the Day:
God’s first response to sin was a promise—not punishment.
Song Recommendation:
“Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery” — Matt Papa & Matt Boswell
Quote for Reflection:
“This is the first glimpse of the Gospel. A Savior is coming. Fully human. Fully victorious.”
Prayer Focus:
Thank God for His unwavering commitment to rescue you through Christ. Praise Him that even in your worst moments, His grace runs deeper.
Day 3: The Flood, the Ark, and God’s Covering
Scripture Reading:
Genesis 6:5 (CSB) — “When the Lord saw that human wickedness was widespread on the earth and that every inclination of the human mind was nothing but evil all the time…”
Commentary:
Genesis 6 paints a dark picture of humanity’s heart. Apart from God, we don’t drift toward goodness; we dive headfirst into evil. But even in judgment, God provided mercy. Noah’s Ark wasn’t just a survival plan—it was a picture of salvation. The Ark, sealed with pitch (a word tied to “atonement”), shielded Noah’s family from death, just as Jesus’ blood covers and saves us from eternal judgment.
God’s wrath and His mercy are not opposites—they meet at the cross. The flood tells us how serious sin is—but it also tells us how serious God is about saving us.
Reflection Questions:
- What does Noah’s story teach you about God’s justice and His mercy?
- How does the Ark point forward to Jesus?
- In what ways are you tempted to believe humanity is “basically good”?
- What does it mean for your life today that you are “covered” by Christ?
Thought of the Day:
Jesus is your Ark—and His blood is your only safe covering.
Song Recommendation:
“Rock of Ages (When the Day Seems Long)” — Sovereign Grace Music
Quote for Reflection:
“The Ark wasn’t just a ship—it was a pointer to the greater rescue still to come.”
Prayer Focus:
Praise God that you are fully covered by the blood of Jesus. Pray for the strength to live every day in the security of His grace.
Day 4: The Law, the Tabernacle, and the Cost of Access
Scripture Reading:
Exodus 12:13 (CSB) — “The blood on the houses where you are staying will be a distinguishing mark for you; when I see the blood, I will pass over you.”
Commentary:
Through the Passover and the Tabernacle, God shows that salvation isn’t casual. It’s costly. In Egypt, it wasn’t the Israelites’ goodness that saved them—it was the blood on their doorposts. In the wilderness, God didn’t just want to rescue His people; He wanted to dwell among them. But His holiness demanded atonement and sacrifice.
Every lamb slaughtered. Every drop of blood. Every burnt offering. They were all echoes pointing to the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. God was showing His people (and us) that His presence is precious—and it always comes at a price.
Reflection Questions:
- Why do you think God put so much emphasis on blood sacrifice in the Old Testament?
- How does the Passover foreshadow Christ’s work on the cross?
- What does the Tabernacle reveal about God’s desire to be near His people?
- How can you honor the cost Jesus paid to make you clean?
Thought of the Day:
Grace is free to us—but it cost God everything.
Song Recommendation:
“Jesus Is Better” — Austin Stone Worship
Quote for Reflection:
“God isn’t just freeing His people from slavery. He’s preparing them to live with Him.”
Prayer Focus:
Spend time thanking God for the blood of Jesus that covers you. Ask Him to help you treasure His presence above everything else.
Day 5: Promises, Pressure, and the Fight of Faith
Scripture Reading:
Joshua 1:9 (CSB) — “Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Commentary:
God delivered His people out of Egypt and into the Promised Land—but entering the land wasn’t the end of the battle. There were enemies still to fight, pressures to endure, and temptations to resist. Israel’s story reminds us: salvation is the beginning of a lifelong journey of trust, obedience, and perseverance.
You are saved by grace, but you still have to fight. Fear, unbelief, compromise—they’ll knock on your door every day. But the same God who led Israel is the God who lives in you today. The fight is fierce—but the victory is secure.
Reflection Questions:
- What fears or pressures are you facing in your faith walk right now?
- How does God’s promise to “be with you wherever you go” strengthen you?
- Why do believers still have to “fight the good fight” even after being saved?
- What promises of God do you need to hold onto today?
Thought of the Day:
You are saved—but you’re still at war. Fight with faith.
Song Recommendation:
“Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me” — CityAlight
Quote for Reflection:
“Salvation secures your future, but you still have to fight the good fight of faith.”
Prayer Focus:
Ask God for courage and endurance to keep trusting Him through every battle. Pray for a heart that holds onto His promises when pressure mounts.