How to Say “No”
Heart Happy
Audio By Carbonatix
(And 8 Things to Say “Yes” To in 2026)
By Tricia Goyer
Happy (almost) New Year! As we stare down the runway of 2026, many of us are making lists of resolutions. We want to do more—more exercise, more Bible reading, more volunteering.
But before you add another “to-do” to your list, I want to talk about the power of the “to-don’t” list.
A few years ago, I had a dilemma that shaped how I view my schedule today. We were late for church (because, life), and we slid into a seat just as worship began. Suddenly, a panicked sixth-grade girl rushed up to my husband, John. “Would you be our teacher today?” she asked. “Our teacher isn’t here.”
John has always loved children’s ministry. It was his passion for years. He was quick to respond, and another woman jumped up to help, too.
And I just sat there.
I knew I could help. I’ve taught a thousand lessons. But I stayed in my seat because I knew I didn’t have one ounce of “extra” to give.
That moment taught me a lesson that is more relevant in 2026 than ever: The only way to say “no” with confidence is by knowing exactly what you are called to say “yes” to right now.
The Season of the Shift
In my book Balance, I encourage women to narrow their “life themes” to eight. Why eight? Because none of us can do everything.
John used to have “Children’s Church” at the top of his list. He poured his heart into those kids every Sunday. But as we enter 2026, his list looks different.
We are now in a season when we are caring for his parents. The energy that used to go into lesson plans and high-energy games with sixth graders is now poured into doctor’s appointments, caregiving, and simply being present for Mom and Dad.
And you know what? It is okay to shift.
It is okay to lay down a good thing (like ministry) to pick up a necessary thing (like honoring your parents).
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
If you are holding onto a commitment just because “that’s what I’ve always done,” but God is calling you into a new season, this is your permission slip to let it go.
What Are Your Eight Life Themes for 2026?
Your priorities in 2026 shouldn’t look exactly the same as they did in 2020. Life moves. Families grow. Parents age.
Here is what my “Yes” list looks like in this current season:
- Being a child of God
- Being a wife (Walking this caregiving journey with John)
- Being a mom (Navigating adult kids and teens still at home)
- Caring for aging parents (This is a big, new theme!)
- Writing books
- Blogging/Podcast
- Keeping a home (Creating a sanctuary for us all)
- Staying healthy (I can’t care for others if I don’t care for myself)
It’s a full list. It’s enough.
There are many other good things I could do. But right now, caring for family is the assignment. I know Jesus has created me for a purpose in THIS day. In THIS season.
Steps for Your New Year Reset
If you are feeling overwhelmed this January, try this:
- Audit Your Year. Look at your life right now. What has changed since last year? (New baby? Aging parents? New job?)
- Define Your 8 Themes. Write down your top 8 priorities for 2026. Be honest.
- Practice the Holy “No.” If a request doesn’t fit one of those 8 themes, practice saying, “I would love to, but in this season, I have to say no.”
A Prayer for the New Year
Dear Lord,
As I step into 2026, I surrender my schedule to You. Thank You for the seasons of the past, but help me to embrace the season I am in right now. Give me the grace to care for the people You have placed directly in front of me—whether that is little toddlers or aging parents. Help me to say “no” to the good things so I can say “yes” to the best things. Let this year be one of balance, peace, and purpose.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Resources for Your Journey:
Balanced: Finding Center as a Work-at-Home Mom by Tricia Goyer
You’re Already Amazing by Holley Gerth
Gifts and Gratitudes: A Year of One Thousand Gifts
Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis
Want more insight? Join us on the Daily Bible podcast! 🎧 LISTEN & 📺 WATCH
📖 Introducing the Daily Bible Podcast
Audio Player! 🔊
Immerse yourself in God’s Word like never before with the MegaVoice Daily Bible Podcast Audio Player—a solar-powered, portable way to listen to the entire NIV Bible and the Daily Bible Podcast with Tricia Goyer and Michelle Hill!
✔️ Unplug & Listen – Step away from digital distractions and enjoy an uninterrupted discipleship experience.
✔️ Simple & Accessible – With easy controls, it’s perfect for all ages, including kids, seniors, and the visually impaired.
✔️ Listen Anywhere, Anytime – Solar-powered with up to 14 hours of battery life, plus a USB charging option for cloudy days.
💡 Whether you’re at home, on a mission trip, or enjoying quiet time in nature, this MegaVoice Audio Bible Player helps you stay connected to God’s Word—without a screen!
🎧 Get yours today and experience the Bible in a whole new way!
Weekly readings for the Daily Bible Podcast with Tricia and Michelle
December 29
Revelation 11:1-14:20

Blessed in the Midst of Spiritual Battle
Today’s chapters, Revelation 11–14, remind us of the ongoing spiritual warfare between good and evil. While these visions are dramatic, they point to eternal truths—God is in control, His people are sealed and protected, and true blessing comes through steadfast faith.
Measuring, Witnesses, and the Seventh Trumpet
Revelation 11 opens with John being given a measuring stick to measure the temple of God and the altar. In the Old Testament, measuring often conveyed ownership, safety, and permanence. This act reminds us that God owns all things, knows all things, and protects His own.
Next, we meet the two witnesses—powerful messengers who prophesy for 1,260 days while clothed in sackcloth. These witnesses echo the prophecy of Zechariah 4, which speaks of two olive trees and a golden lampstand, representing God’s anointed ones.
The witnesses perform miracles, shutting the skies and striking the earth with plagues, yet they are killed by a beast that comes from the abyss. Their deaths are broadcast to all nations (a scene we can easily imagine with modern technology), and the world rejoices. But after three and a half days, God breathes life into them, and they are resurrected, striking fear into the hearts of onlookers.
The chapter concludes with the seventh trumpet sounding, declaring:
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15).
Even in a world filled with chaos, we see the promise of God’s eternal reign.
The Woman, the Dragon, and Spiritual Warfare
Revelation 12 paints a vivid, symbolic picture of spiritual warfare:
- The woman represents Israel and the church.
- The dragon is Satan, intent on destroying God’s people.
- The child refers to Jesus, the Messiah, who is taken up to God’s throne.
A war breaks out in heaven, and the archangel Michael leads God’s angels against the dragon. Satan is defeated and cast down to earth, where he continues to pursue God’s people.
Revelation 12:11 gives us a glimpse of victory:
“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”
This passage reminds us that spiritual warfare is real, but victory comes through Jesus’ sacrifice and our steadfast testimony.
The Beasts and the Mark
Revelation 13 introduces two beasts:
- The first beast rises from the sea and symbolizes the antichrist, a political and religious leader empowered by Satan. He wages war against the saints and demands worship.
- The second beast rises from the earth and deceives people with miraculous signs, leading them to worship the first beast.
The second beast introduces the “mark of the beast,” symbolizing allegiance to Satan’s kingdom. While many speculate about the mark, John emphasizes wisdom and discernment.
Revelation 13:18 says, “This calls for wisdom.”
Amid these warnings, we’re reminded that God’s people belong to Him. Revelation 14:1 reveals the Lamb standing on Mount Zion with 144,000, marked with His name and His Father’s name. This is a spiritual marking, symbolizing God’s ownership and protection of His people.
Blessed Are Those Who Die in the Lord
Revelation 14 brings messages of both warning and hope. Three angels proclaim:
- Worship God because judgment is coming.
- Babylon has fallen, representing the fall of corrupt world systems.
- Do not worship the beast, or you will face eternal punishment.
But in the midst of these messages, a beautiful promise is given:
“Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them’” (Revelation 14:13).
This reminds us that true blessing is not found in avoiding adversity but in remaining faithful to God. Even in death, God’s people are blessed, for they enter His eternal rest.
Word of the Day: Blessed
Definition: Made holy; consecrated.
It’s easy to think of “blessing” as comfort, ease, or worldly success. But in Revelation, “blessed” takes on a deeper meaning:
- Blessed are those who hear, read, and obey God’s Word (Revelation 1:3).
- Blessed are those who die in the Lord, for they will rest and receive their reward (Revelation 14:13).
- Blessed are those who remain faithful, for they will share in Christ’s victory.
Blessing is not the absence of struggle, but the presence of God within it.
As Nancy Guthrie writes, “This blessing is not that their lives will be comfortable or easy in the here and now. This blessing is far greater than that and will last far longer than that.”
How Can We Apply This?
- Stay Steadfast in Faith: Like the two witnesses and the 144,000, remain faithful to God even when it’s hard. He sees you, and He will reward your faithfulness.
- Seek Spiritual Discernment: Be wise and vigilant. Test every teaching and influence against God’s Word.
- Rest in God’s Protection: God marks His own. Trust in His sovereignty and care, even in times of uncertainty.
- Live with an Eternal Perspective: Remember that true blessing comes through faithfulness to Christ. Live each day knowing that your good deeds follow you into eternity.
Closing Thought
Revelation 11–14 reveals the intense spiritual battle at play, but it also points us to hope. We are blessed when we remain faithful to the Lamb, no matter the cost.
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord… for they will rest from their labor, and their deeds will follow them” (Revelation 14:13).
What does it mean to live as one who is blessed? It means standing firm in faith, seeking God’s wisdom, and trusting in His promises—even in the midst of the battle.
December 30
Revelation 15–18

The Seven Bowls and the Fall of Babylon
Prelude to Final Judgment (Revelation 15)
Revelation 15 opens with a “great and marvelous” sign in heaven. Seven angels are given seven final plagues, completing God’s wrath. The victorious stand by a sea of glass mixed with fire, singing the song of Moses and the Lamb, praising God’s just and true ways. The temple in heaven is opened, and angels receive seven golden bowls filled with God’s wrath. The temple is filled with smoke from the glory of God, and no one can enter until the seven plagues are complete. This scene echoes the presence of God filling the Tabernacle in Exodus—complete and overwhelming.
The Seven Bowls of Wrath (Revelation 16)
Each of the seven angels pours out a bowl of wrath:
- Painful sores on those with the mark of the beast.
- Sea turns to blood, killing all sea life.
- Rivers and springs become blood—a judgment for shedding the blood of saints.
- Sun scorches people with intense heat.
- Darkness covers the beast’s kingdom.
- Euphrates dries up, preparing the way for kings from the East and the gathering at Armageddon.
- “It is done”—lightning, thunder, earthquakes, and giant hailstones fall. Babylon is remembered, and still, people curse God and do not repent.
These judgments show the full and final extent of God’s justice. The number seven—used repeatedly—isn’t random. It symbolizes completion, perfection, and divine oath. This is not just punishment—it’s a fulfillment of God’s sworn justice.
Religious Babylon: The Prostitute and the Beast (Revelation 17)
An angel reveals the judgment of the great prostitute—a symbolic representation of spiritual corruption. She is lavish, powerful, and deadly, drunk on the blood of the saints. She rides the beast with seven heads and ten horns, an image likely linked to Rome, the city on seven hills.
John’s readers would have recognized her as a representation of cities like Rome or Babylon—places of power, wealth, and pride. Today, we might compare her to any modern city or culture that rejects God and entices people with worldly allure.
Interestingly, the beast ultimately turns on the prostitute. As one scholar notes, Satan can’t tolerate anyone who steals worship from him, even his own allies.
Commercial Babylon: Wealth and Collapse (Revelation 18)
Revelation 18 shifts from religious Babylon to commercial Babylon—a great city filled with merchants, wealth, and self-indulgence. In one hour, it falls. Kings and traders weep over her destruction, not because of repentance but because of lost profit.
There’s a distinction between the two Babylons:
| Feature | Religious Babylon (Rev 17) | Commercial Babylon (Rev 18) |
|---|---|---|
| Symbol | Harlot woman | Great city |
| Identity | Inland (Rome) | Port city |
| Guilt | Religious abominations | Greed and self-indulgence |
| Destruction | By political power | By act of God |
Living for What Lasts
These chapters challenge us with questions:
- Are we breaking up with the world?
- Are we preparing to face these trials with faith?
- Are we longing for Christ’s return?
Praying “Come, Lord Jesus” means judgment comes—but so does the wedding supper of the Lamb.
Word of the Day: Seven
The number seven in Scripture means completeness, perfection, and salvation. The Hebrew word sheba comes from the root saba, meaning fullness and oath. In Revelation, it reminds us that God’s plan is unfolding in full, solemn completeness. The seven churches, seals, trumpets, bowls, and final judgments are not random—they testify to a sovereign, complete, and true plan.
Seven shows up 54–55 times in Revelation, emphasizing that God’s word is final, true, and trustworthy—from beginning to end.
December 31
Revelation 19-22

The Glorious Conclusion
As we come to the final chapters of Revelation—and of the entire Bible—we stand in awe of the beauty, power, and hope woven through God’s ultimate plan.
Heaven Rejoices and the Wedding Feast Begins (Revelation 19)
Chapter 19 opens with a mighty chorus in heaven celebrating the fall of the great prostitute—symbolic of worldly corruption. The joy in heaven echoes from the great multitude, the elders, and the four living creatures. Their “Hallelujah” rings out in triumph, and this heavenly worship sets the stage for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, where Christ, the Bridegroom, is united with His Church.
Dressed in fine, clean linen, the Bride represents God’s people made ready not through their own efforts, but by Christ’s sanctifying work (Ephesians 5:25–27). Jesus, the Rider on the white horse, arrives in power—His name is the Word of God. He brings righteous judgment, defeats the beast and false prophet, and claims the ultimate victory.
The Millennium and the Final Judgment (Revelation 20)
Satan is bound for 1,000 years. During this time, Christ reigns with His faithful ones—those who did not worship the beast. This is the first resurrection, a resurrection of blessing, power, and privilege. Yet, even after this peace, Satan is released, deceiving nations one last time. Fire falls from heaven, and the final judgment begins.
At the Great White Throne, all are judged according to what is written in the books. Those not found in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire—eternally separated from God. This is the sobering end of evil and rebellion.
A New Heaven, A New Earth, and an Eternal “Amen” (Revelation 21–22)
Here it is: the glorious finale. A new heaven and new earth appear. God dwells with His people, wiping away every tear. Death, sorrow, and pain are no more. This is what Abraham looked forward to—a city with foundations, designed and built by God.
The New Jerusalem shines with precious stones, pearl gates, and streets of gold. There is no need for sun or moon, for the Lamb is its light. A river of life flows from the throne, and the tree of life brings healing to the nations.
Nancy Guthrie beautifully notes that John uses imagery of a bride, a son, and a city to help us grasp the blessings of the new creation. We will be adorned for Jesus, at home with Him, and secured in community.
The Bible closes with Jesus’ words:
“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book.”
And our hearts echo the final word: Amen.
📖 Word of the Day: Amen
Definition: “Amen” is uttered at the end of a prayer or hymn, meaning “so be it.”
In Revelation 19–22, “Amen” isn’t just a word—it’s a declaration of faith. It confirms the truth of God’s promises, the justice of His judgment, and the beauty of His final victory. From the songs of heaven to the new creation, each scene draws us to a heartfelt Amen. As believers, may our lives declare a continuous “Amen” to God’s goodness, glory, and grace.
January 1
Genesis 1-2, Genesis 3:1-24

Back to the Beginning
As we open the pages of Genesis, we step back to the dawn of creation. Through the Bible, we witness the story of the world’s beginning, where every word and act reflect the power and majesty of God.
Genesis 1: The Divine Symphony
"In the beginning, God created."
These five words form the foundational chords of a divine masterpiece. Each day of creation showcases the perfection and power of God’s Word.
Here’s how creation unfolds:
- Day 1: Light is separated from darkness, defining day and night.
- Day 2: The sky and the air are formed, creating the atmosphere.
- Day 3: Land emerges, accompanied by the sprouting of vegetation and plants.
- Day 4: Celestial bodies, including the sun, moon, and stars, are set in the sky.
- Day 5: Birds take flight, and fish swim in the waters.
- Day 6: Land animals and humans are created.
This chapter isn’t just a story of origins; it’s a declaration of God’s absolute authority and love. Each element of creation, declared good by God, reflects His glory and care. As we read, let’s marvel at the beauty and intricacy of God’s work as a reflection of His character.
Genesis 2: A Holy Rest and Divine Provision
On the seventh day, God rests, setting a pattern of Sabbath—a divine rhythm of work and rest.
The chapter also introduces the Garden of Eden, a place of God-given provision and presence. Amidst this paradise, humanity faces its first test. The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil symbolizes the choices that define our lives.
Genesis 3: Temptation and the Fall
This chapter brings us face to face with temptation and its consequences. The serpent’s craftiness leads Adam and Eve to eat from the forbidden tree, resulting in the entry of sin into the world.
Lessons on Authority, Choice, and Consequence
- God’s Loving Authority
God’s authority, as Creator and Sustainer, is not restrictive but protective. His commands are rooted in love and wisdom. - The Struggle with Choice
Eve’s choice, influenced by the serpent, reveals our human tendency to rationalize desires. Yet, every choice carries a consequence. - The Role of Divine Boundaries
Respecting God’s boundaries protects us and guides us toward His best. Ignoring them invites brokenness and separation from Him.
Word of the Day: Authority
Definition: The power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior.
Reflection: God’s authority as Creator is the ultimate source of comfort and guidance. As we live under His authority, we can trust His plans and commands to be good, perfect, and loving.
These chapters remind us of the importance of keeping our hearts attuned to God’s voice. Through His Word, we discern the right path and avoid the snares that lead us astray.
- Reflect on God’s authority as your Creator and how His love shapes His boundaries.
- Consider how you respond to temptation and the importance of aligning your choices with God’s will.
- Take time to marvel at the beauty of creation and how it reflects the character of God.
Genesis 1-3 sets the stage for the grand narrative of redemption. As we navigate life’s complexities, let’s remember that God, our Creator, lovingly provides guidance, protection, and the promise of restoration.
January 2
Genesis 4-6, 1 Chronicles 1:1-4

Justice and Grace
Today’s reading covers Genesis 4-6 and a brief glimpse into 1 Chronicles 1. These chapters weave together themes of justice, mercy, and God’s enduring grace in the face of humanity’s failings.
Genesis 4-5: Cain, Abel, and the Genealogy of Humanity
Our journey begins with the tragic tale of Cain and Abel. In a fit of jealousy, Cain murders his brother, a heartbreaking testament to the destructive power of sin. Yet even in this moment of profound injustice, God’s mercy shines.
- Justice and Compassion: God punishes Cain but also protects him, marking him to ensure he isn’t harmed. This dual act underscores God’s justice tempered with compassion.
Genesis 5 then chronicles the lineage from Adam to Noah, a genealogy marked by both faithfulness and the weight of sin. Lamech’s words about his son Noah hint at the world’s struggle post-Eden:
"He will comfort us in the labor and painful toil of our hands caused by the ground the Lord has cursed.” (Genesis 5:29)
1 Chronicles 1: The Genealogy Tied to Israel’s Story
This chapter briefly recounts the lineage from Adam to Noah, bridging the creation narrative to the story of Israel. It reminds us that God’s plan spans generations and unfolds through His chosen people.
Genesis 6: The Wickedness of Humanity and the Faith of Noah
As the world grows and thrives, so does its wickedness. Genesis 6 reveals God’s sorrow over humanity’s corruption:
"The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled.” (Genesis 6:6)
Yet, amidst the darkness, Noah emerges as a beacon of righteousness. He walks faithfully with God, and through him, God provides a way of escape—a testament to grace amidst judgment.
The Dance of Justice and Grace
- The Balance of Justice and Mercy
- Cain’s story reminds us of God’s ability to balance justice with mercy. While consequences for sin are inevitable, God’s heart is still tender toward His creation.
- Walking in Righteousness
- Noah’s integrity in a corrupt world is a powerful example of the impact one faithful person can have. His obedience leads to preservation, not just for himself but for all creation.
- God’s Grief Over Sin
- God’s sorrow in Genesis 6 reflects His deep care for humanity and His desire for a relationship with us.
- Hope in Redemption
- Even as judgment looms, God provides a way forward, pointing to His ultimate plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.
Word of the Day: Justice
Definition: The maintenance or administration of what is just, especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments.
Reflection: God’s justice is perfectly balanced with His mercy. He holds us accountable for our actions while providing grace and redemption through His love.
- Reflect on how you balance justice and mercy in your life. Are there areas where you need to extend more grace to others?
- Consider Noah’s example. How can you walk faithfully with God, even in challenging circumstances?
- Acknowledge the grief sin causes God and turn to Him with a heart of repentance and trust in His grace.
The stories of Cain, Abel, and Noah remind us of our dual longing for justice and grace. As we live in the tension between these two truths, let us draw near to the God who perfectly embodies both, offering hope and redemption through His enduring love.
January 3
Genesis 7-9, Genesis 10:1-5, 1 Chronicles 1:5-7

Respecting God’s Authority
Today’s reading invites us into the chapters of Genesis 7-10 and a brief glimpse into 1 Chronicles 1. These passages recount the story of the flood, its aftermath, and the genealogies that followed. While these chapters are often skimmed, they are rich with themes of God’s justice, human nature, and His enduring grace.
Genesis 7-9: The Flood and Its Aftermath
Genesis 7: Noah’s faithfulness is evident as he obeys God’s command to enter the ark with his family and pairs of living creatures. The floodwaters—a symbol of judgment and cleansing—cover the earth, erasing life outside the ark. This chapter underscores the severity of sin’s consequences and God’s provision for new beginnings.
Genesis 8: As the waters recede, a phrase rings out: “God remembered Noah.” This isn’t just about memory; it signifies God’s care and faithfulness. Noah’s first act upon leaving the ark is building an altar, an expression of worship and gratitude. God then makes a promise never to destroy the earth with a flood again, symbolized by the rainbow—a timeless sign of hope and His enduring covenant with humanity.
Genesis 9: Even righteous Noah, chosen to preserve life, has a moment of vulnerability. The incident involving Noah’s drunkenness and the curse on Canaan reveals the complexities of human nature and the far-reaching consequences of our actions.
Genesis 10 & 1 Chronicles 1: The Genealogies of Nations
In Genesis 10 and 1 Chronicles 1, we encounter genealogies that detail humanity’s spread across the earth. These lineages, though often overlooked, are significant.
- Japheth’s descendants become seafarers and pioneers.
- Ham’s lineage includes Nimrod, a mighty warrior and founder of cities like Babylon and Nineveh.
- Shem’s line leads to Abram, a pivotal figure in biblical history.
These genealogies remind us that every life contributes to the unfolding of God’s plan. They’re not just names but stories, each playing a part in the grand narrative of faith.
Justice, Mercy, and Grace
- God’s Justice
- The flood demonstrates God’s righteous judgment against sin. It’s a sobering reminder of the weight of our choices.
- God’s Mercy
- Despite humanity’s failures, God provides a way forward. The ark symbolizes preservation, and the rainbow is a sign of His enduring promise.
- Human Nature
- Noah’s story illustrates the tension between our moments of faithfulness and our vulnerabilities.
- Hope and Purpose
- The genealogies show that God’s plan spans generations, weaving together lives and stories into His redemptive purpose.
Word of the Day: Respect
Definition: A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
The story of Noah and the flood, as well as the genealogies we read today, reminds us to respect God’s authority and His promises. Noah’s obedience, even in a world full of wickedness, shows respect for God’s word. The rainbow stands as a sign of God’s respect for His covenant with creation.
Let us live lives of respect—toward God, His creation, and the people He has placed in our lives. Respect isn’t just about admiration; it’s about honoring God with our choices, as Noah did.
- Reflect on God’s Promises: Consider how the rainbow reminds us of God’s faithfulness and enduring grace.
- Acknowledge Human Frailty: Learn from Noah’s faithfulness but also recognize the need for God’s mercy in our moments of failure.
- Find Meaning in Genealogies: Every life has significance in God’s plan. How can you contribute to His purpose in your life and the lives of others?
Through the flood, the covenant, and the genealogies, we see God’s justice, mercy, and grace woven into humanity’s story. As we continue this journey through the Bible, let us open our hearts to learn, grow, and find our place in this grand narrative of faith.
January 4
Genesis 11-14, 1 Chronicles 1:24-27

Persistence in Faith
In today’s reading, we delve into the stories of Genesis 11-14 and 1 Chronicles 1:24-27, uncovering lessons of persistence, faith, and the long-lasting effects of our decisions.
Genesis 11: The Tower of Babel
Human ambition led to the construction of the Tower of Babel, a monument to human pride rather than divine purpose. God intervened, confusing their languages and scattering them. This reminds us that persistence must align with God’s plans to succeed.
Genesis 12: Abram’s Call to Obedience
Abram (later Abraham) emerges as a central figure of faith, as chronicled in 1 Chronicles 1:24-27. He demonstrates persistence in following God’s call, leaving his homeland for an unknown destination. His unwavering obedience, even in uncertainty, is an example of faith in action.
Genesis 13: Humility and Trust
Abram’s persistence in trusting God’s provision is seen in his handling of conflict with Lot. He allows Lot to choose first, trusting God to provide for his needs. While Lot chooses the fertile Jordan Valley near Sodom and Gomorrah, Abram continues to honor God through worship and humility.
Genesis 14: Rescue and Worship
Abram persistently fights for his family, rescuing Lot from captivity during a regional conflict. His encounter with Melchizedek, king of Salem, demonstrates his persistent devotion to God. By refusing the king of Sodom’s wealth, Abram declares his dependence on God as his provider.
Word of the Day: Persistence
Definition: Continuing steadfastly in a course of action despite difficulty or opposition.
A Legacy of Faith
Abram’s story highlights the importance of persistence in trusting God. His faith-filled actions shaped his legacy and influenced generations. Similarly, our persistence in faith and obedience today can have far-reaching effects on the lives of those who follow.
Abram’s persistence in obeying God, even when the path was unclear, serves as a powerful example. His unwavering trust in God’s promises reminds us that persistence in faith is vital, even amidst challenges.
