Latest Devotion
First Things First
By: Lola Oni
Friday, January 2, 2026
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1: 4-5
After a woman's daughter was in a ghastly auto accident then miraculously saved, her mother boldly declared that she worshipped God because of who He is, not for the mighty thing He had done.
She was not diminishing the miracle or her daughter's praise report, she just wanted everyone to know she was focused on the giver of life not the gift. She went on to say that she trusted Jesus as Lord, regardless of her daughter's outcome. Her reaction during this difficult trial turned the eyes of many people toward God. They knew they had just witnessed a miracle, but perhaps they wondered as the disciples did: "who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him"? Matthew 8:27
Having a personal relationship with the Lord means getting to know who He is. We do that by "walking" (spending time) with Him daily. Spending time with God isn't just important, it's vital! His Word tells us that His mercies are new every morning, and that makes each day a unique experience. Spending time with God is how we learn to become more like Him. Scripture also tells us if we are a Christ follower, we are a new creation. Our new identity is found in and based on Christ Jesus. Our new identity is also anchored on who God is (2 Corinthians 5:17).
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” Revelation 4:11
We can never completely know God, but the starting point to understanding our identity in Christ and learning how to walk confidently in it is knowing God better. We do that by spending time with Him and keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
As we walk closely with Jesus in 2026 and beyond, I pray we will be faithful to pursue a deeper knowledge of God. I also pray we will use that knowledge to praise Him and tell others about Him!