Happy New Year! 

Thank you for joining us on this journey through the Bible this year. The reading plan I have chosen for myself, and invite you to participate in, is the BibleProject: One Story That Leads to Jesus. You can find this in the YouVersion Bible app. This reading plan provides daily readings that will take us on a journey through the full text of the Bible. There is a wealth of explainer videos supplied by the BibleProject team.

The Bible translation I am using as my primary source this year is the New International Version (NIV). From time to time, I will compare and contrast other translations along with The Message paraphrase.

Who do you know who would benefit from joining us on this journey? You can forward these emails via the tools in the box at the top of the page. You can invite them to sign up via the form at davidgbowman.com.

As you know, there is no charge for these daily devotionals, and there never will be. There will never be any financial solicitations in this space.

Pray with me now that God would give us ears to hear and willing and obedient hearts to follow his words of truth and life.

With gratitude,
David Bowman

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Genesis 12:1-3  The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (NIV)

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Why did God bless Abraham? 

He blessed him to be a blessing.

Why does God bless us?

He blesses us to bless others. 

God blesses us so that we can live Abrahamic lives. We are to bless others with the blessings God places in our hands. 

Each of us has something to contribute. What are your best strengths? How can you use them to add value where you work, build relationships at home and in the community, and produce resources that make life better? 

Beyond this, take the long view. How does your character and commitment influence those closest to you, and how will it continue influencing people long after you’re gone?

Living with eternal values and by everlasting truth shapes souls, and not merely our own. How many books and movies talk about a grandparent’s character and how it still affects people generations removed from that one life?

Here’s a thought: Live the kind of life now that your great-grandchildren and beyond will honor. Life an Abrahamic life of faithful obedience to God and service to others. Be the blessing God created you to be.

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I will live an Abrahamic life.

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Our Father, you created me with a purpose. Fulfill your purpose in my life. Give me a willing and obedient heart to become who you want me to be and to do what you want me to do. Make me a blessing in my home, in my family, in my work, and to everyone I meet. Amen.