Devotionals for September 11, 2024
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READ
Genesis 1:4a, 10b, 12b, 17b, 21b, 25b
"And God saw that it was good.” (6 times!)
"And God saw that it was good.” (6 times!)
REFLECT
Yesterday we finished by asking God to make the work of our hands fruitful, whatever that might be. But God doesn’t indiscriminately bless our work. As he looked over his own creative work, each day he declared that “it was good.” His call on us to bear his image carries a similar expectation. But what does good work look like? What are its traits?
Generally, there are three big patterns to God’s creative work in Genesis 1. First, it is constructive, not destructive. Second, it is unifying, not divisive. And third, it is enhancing, not detracting. While certainly not an exhaustive list of the attributes of God’s creative work, these generally describe the patterns of his words and actions in this passage.
Generally, there are three big patterns to God’s creative work in Genesis 1. First, it is constructive, not destructive. Second, it is unifying, not divisive. And third, it is enhancing, not detracting. While certainly not an exhaustive list of the attributes of God’s creative work, these generally describe the patterns of his words and actions in this passage.
APPLY
Q: Do you see these three patterns in the creative work of God in Genesis 1? What else strikes you about God’s work?
Q: As you consider the work of your hands today, does it align with these three patterns? If not, why not?
Q: Consider 1 or 2 ways in which the work of someone close to you reflects these three patterns, then call them or send them a note to say you see God’s hand in what they do!
Q: As you consider the work of your hands today, does it align with these three patterns? If not, why not?
Q: Consider 1 or 2 ways in which the work of someone close to you reflects these three patterns, then call them or send them a note to say you see God’s hand in what they do!
SING
PRAY
"Give us today our daily bread."
Lord, you are creative, unifying, and enhancing to all those who draw near to you in faith. Give me the grace to work in this way in my vocation. Make me a conduit of your grace to those around me, bringing creativity and unity to their lives and enhancing their sense of joy and hope in this world.
Lord, you are creative, unifying, and enhancing to all those who draw near to you in faith. Give me the grace to work in this way in my vocation. Make me a conduit of your grace to those around me, bringing creativity and unity to their lives and enhancing their sense of joy and hope in this world.