Week of January 5th, 2026

Day 1: The Foundation of True Happiness

Reading: Psalm 128:1-6

Devotional: True happiness isn't found in wealth, success, or material possessions—it's rooted in fearing the Lord. This "fear" isn't about terror, but about giving God our undivided attention, standing in awe of His majesty, and offering Him our complete commitment. When we place God at the center rather than compartmentalizing Him to Sunday mornings, everything changes. Our work becomes meaningful, our relationships flourish, and our lives gain purpose. Today, examine where you've relegated God to the margins. Are you giving Him your full attention in your career, marriage, family, and finances? The pathway to blessing begins when we stop treating God as just another item to balance and instead make Him the heart of everything we do.

Day 2: Finding Fulfillment in Your Labor

Reading: Genesis 2:15; Colossians 3:23-24

Devotional: God designed work to be a blessing, not a burden. Before sin entered the world, Adam was placed in the garden "to work it and take care of it"—work was part of paradise. Yet 70% of people today don't like their jobs. The difference isn't always the work itself, but how we approach it. When we conduct ourselves with honesty, humility, service, and integrity—working as unto the Lord—even mundane tasks gain eternal significance. You may not love every aspect of your job, but you can experience fulfillment when your attitude and behavior reflect your commitment to God. Today, ask yourself: Does my work ethic honor God? Am I bringing excellence and integrity to my labor? Remember, you're not just working for a paycheck; you're working for an audience of One.

Day 3: Cultivating Fruitfulness in Marriage

Reading: Proverbs 18:22; Ephesians 5:25-33

Devotional: Marriage is God's idea, and He desires it to be a source of blessing and fruitfulness. The image of a "fruitful vine" speaks of vitality, productivity, and flourishing life. Yet marriage isn't easy—it requires mutual respect, selfless love, pursuit of peace, and unwavering commitment. A God-fearing spouse remains loyal not just because of feelings, which fluctuate, but because of accountability to God. When love feels distant, commitment rooted in reverence for God sustains us. Whether you're married or single, the principle applies: do relationships God's way. For married couples, ask today: Am I pursuing my spouse with selfless love? Am I modeling Christ's love in my home? For singles: How can I honor God in my current relationships and prepare for possible future commitment?

Day 4: Raising Children as Olive Shoots

Reading: Proverbs 22:6; Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Devotional: Olive trees grow slowly, requiring years of patient nurturing before bearing fruit—but once established, they produce abundantly for decades. Our children are the same. Parenting demands tremendous time, attention, tears, and frustration, but the investment yields lasting fruit. Training children in godliness means teaching wisdom, modeling reverence, and finding that delicate balance between love and discipline. It means integrating faith into everyday moments—talking about God when you sit at home, walk along the road, lie down, and get up. Your children are watching how you fear God, not just hearing what you say about Him. Today, consider: What am I modeling for the next generation? Am I pointing my children (or those I influence) toward reverence for God? Invest patiently—the fruit will come.

Day 5: Walking in God's Ways Toward Blessing

Reading: Psalm 128:1-6; Deuteronomy 10:12-13

Devotional: God's blessings are conditional—they come to those who fear Him and walk in His ways. This doesn't mean perfection; none of us have ideal families or flawless lives. We're all messy, broken, and in need of grace. But the promise remains: blessed are ALL who fear the Lord. God may not bless you exactly as you envision—perhaps not with marriage, children, or wealth—but He will bless you according to His perfect wisdom. This psalm ultimately points beyond our earthly imperfections to the perfect family we'll experience in heaven. As you begin this year, commit to longing after what God wants you to long after. Fear Him. Walk in His ways. Make decisions that honor Him. Your life matters—not just to you, but to those around you. And remember: God's grace is wider and richer than you can imagine.