JANUARY 3 & 4, 2026 Daily Reading—Genesis 6-8 / Matthew 3
WHAT GOD HAS SAID:
Matthew 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
WHAT I HAVE SEEN:
The term “make his paths straight” comes from Isaiah 40:3. In those days, when a king traveled, there would be those who went before him, clearing rocks and debris and leveling the roadways to make his travels smooth and trouble-free. John the Baptist had a task to perform. To prepare a spiritual road for Christ.
Today, there are many obstacles blocking people’s pathway to Christ. False religions, sinful lifestyles, vices of many natures, and more. We, as believers, also need to clear a path for the King of Kings to enter into the hearts of men.”
WHAT WILL YOU DO:
What can we do to “make his paths straight” into the hearts of men today?
IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:
Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this passage and today’s devotion?
Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?
What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?
WHAT TO DO ON SUNDAY:
On Sundays, we encourage you to attend your local church and listen intently to what God has prepared in the heart of your pastor. Write down all the scriptures he uses in that message, then, when you get home, reread those passages for today’s reading. God has given your pastor exactly what He desires for you to have on that day.
January 5, 2026
Genesis 9-11
Matthew 4
January 6, 2026
Genesis 12-14
Matthew 5
January 7, 2026
Genesis 15-17
Matthew 6:1-15
January 8, 2026
Genesis 18-20
Matthew 6:16-34
January 9, 2026
Genesis 21-23
Matthew 7
January 10, 2026
Genesis 24
Matthew 8
January 11, 2026
No Passages Assigned
Living In His Word Ministries “Getting people into the Word of God… …and the Word of God into people.” Romans 10:17
Evangelist, Dr. Franklin J. Senters, Th.D. Founder and President Hebrews 2:12
JANUARY 2, 2026 Daily Reading—Genesis 3-5 / Matthew 2
WHAT GOD HAS SAID:
Matthew 2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
WHAT I HAVE SEEN:
In Matthew 2:15, it says Jesus was called out of Egypt. Egypt has long been a biblical picture of the world. We find here that Jesus gave a great example to all humanity. As did Israel, Jesus came out of Egypt, a picture of coming out of the world or worldliness.
In verse 23, it says He was called a Nazarene. The people of Nazareth were not looked upon fondly. To be called a Nazarene was a sign of contempt. Christians, too, are often unfairly labeled and are called names by the world after accepting Christ. It matters not what the world calls Jesus.
WHAT WILL YOU DO:
The most important question is, what do you call Him?
IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:
Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this passage and today’s devotion?
Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?
What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?
Living In His Word Ministries “Getting people into the Word of God… …and the Word of God into people.” Romans 10:17
Evangelist, Dr. Franklin J. Senters, Th.D. Founder and President Hebrews 2:12
JANUARY 1, 2026 Daily Reading – Genesis 1 – 2 / Matthew 1
WHAT GOD HAS SAID:
Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
WHAT I HAVE SEEN:
Matthew 1:21 was the fulfillment of prophecies from hundreds of years in the past. Now think about that for a second. This prophecy was to be fulfilled in that year for Joseph. Never mind thousands of years of prophecy: this mattered to him that day.
I can tell you for years, “Do not put your hand in a flame.” It really won’t matter much until you are faced with an open flame and a choice. The stories of Jesus won’t matter much either unless you realize you’re the one He came to save from their sin. The birth of Jesus still makes a difference today
WHAT WILL YOU DO:
So, how does the birth of Jesus matter to you today? Or does it?
IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:
Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this passage and today’s devotion?
Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?
What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?
Living In His Word Ministries
“Getting people into the Word of God… …and the Word of God into people.” Romans 10:17
Evangelist, Dr. Franklin J. Senters Th.D. Founder and President Hebrews 2:12
Sermon Reflections & Spiritual Insights notebook is designed to help you remember the content of sermons, allowing you to grow deeper in your spiritual walk with the Lord. This Sermon Notebook provides you with 104 sermon pages to record key points, scriptural references, personal reflections, and actionable life solutions taken from the sermons of one year of AM and PM services. In the back of this Notebook are a few lined pages. You can use this for: •Prayer Requests •Personal Struggles Or Accomplishments •Extended Notes From a Sermon •Other Books You May Be Reading •Etc. 127 Pages In all for less than $7.00 CLICK HERE - AVAILABLE TODAY AT AMAZON .COM
And just like that, at the stroke of midnight, wherever you are, 2025 will end, and 2026 will begin. It does not take days or weeks or even minutes. In fact, it happens in less than a second of time. It just happens. It is a… MOMENT THAT DOES MATTER
Life is made up of moments—some very small and ordinary, others rather large and life-changing. However, all too often, we rush past these moments without pausing to consider their eternal weight. The devotions that will come on this daily page for 2026 will be taken from our book, “Moments That Matter.” These devotions were written with the desire to slow us down, even for a few minutes each day, and to draw our thoughts toward the One who gives every moment its meaning.
We live in a world of constant noise, endless demands, and hurried schedules. In the midst of it all, it is easy to overlook the importance of daily time with God. Scripture reminds us in Ephesians 5:16 to “redeem the time, because the days are evil.” Every moment matters, and how we choose to use it shapes both our present walk and our eternal perspective.
You might think of these devotions not as a checklist, but as a reminder. A quiet voice to encourage you in the morning or a gentle reminder at night. Whether you are young in the faith or have walked with Christ for decades, these devotions are meant to draw you closer to Him, one day at a time.
My prayer for you is simple: that “Moments That Matter” will help you treasure the gift of today, deepen your love for God’s Word, and strengthen your walk with the Lord.
Each devotion will be brief—easy to read in a few minutes—yet the truths they contain are meant to stay with you throughout the day. Each devotion is drawn from the New Testament and ends with a question, inviting you to reflect and apply Scripture to your life.
Each devotion includes:
● A Scripture verse from the King James Version of the Bible. ● A devotional thought drawn from that verse. ● A closing question to encourage reflection and application.
You will also find a Bible Reading Schedule provided every day. If followed, this plan will guide you through the entire Bible in one year. Whether you read it in the morning, during lunch, or at the end of the day, this daily rhythm of Scripture and reflection will help you treasure the moments God gives you.
While the devotions are not the inspired Word of God, they are built upon it. Each one will point you back to Scripture—the sure foundation of truth—and to Christ, the center of all hope and joy. My prayer is that as you journey through the days to come, you will not simply read the words that have been written, but experience God’s presence and hear His voice through His Word. May each day’s reading become more than just a habit. May it become a holy pause, a reminder that today—and every day—contain “Moments That Matter,” in the light of eternity.
Each devotion has been written with simplicity and clarity in mind. All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version of the Bible. The author, Dr. Franklin J. Senters, has studied and taught from the KJV for many years and believes it to be the most accurate English translation of God’s Word. While some words may seem old-fashioned, they are rich in meaning and faithful to the truth of the original manuscripts.
Allow me to introduce you to the design of the upcoming 2026 Daily Devotions.
Revelation 21:5 says: “And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.”
God said many years ago,
“I make all things new.”
While I understand this passage ultimately refers to eternity to come, the fact remains that every single day God makes things new. A new day, a new week, a new month, and a new year. We cannot change the past, but we do have the ability to make the new days before us count for the glory of God. Each devotion is designed to be just that—a reminder that each new day is a gift from God and that the words of Scripture are always true and always faithful.
This passage also says,
“Write: for these words are true and faithful.”
While the Lord spoke these words to John, I believe the same principle holds true for all who are called to share His Word. “Moments That Matter” are short devotions from the New Testament for each day of the week. Each devotion begins with a highlighted passage of Scripture for the day, followed by a devotional thought, and ends with a question for you to ponder and carry with you through the day.
It is always my desire to be a blessing to you as you read through God’s Word. However, let’s not forget the phrase that began our passage from Revelation 21:5:
“And he that sat upon the throne said.”
As you go through this year, never forget that He is still seated on His throne in glory—and He must also be seated on the throne of your heart and life.
I hope and pray that you will enjoy this Living In His Word Daily Devotional, “Moments That Matter,” over the coming year. May God richly bless you day by day as you allow Him to speak to your heart. Our desire and ministry motto remain the same:
“Getting People into the Word of God… …and the Word of God into People.”
One last word before you begin: independent authors greatly benefit from the reviews of their readers. If you have been blessed by this or any of our devotional materials, would you please take a few moments to leave a review on Amazon, where the majority of our books are sold? Click here to go to the review page. Your kind words and encouragement help others find this devotional and allow us to continue sharing God’s Word.
God bless you, and again—THANK YOU SO MUCH.
www.LIHWMinistries.org – or – www.LivingInHisWord.com Office Phone: 616-805-2688 LIHW@LIHWMinistries.org – or – LIHW@LivingInHisWord.com
Living In His Word Ministries
“Getting people into the Word of God… …and the Word of God into people.” Romans 10:17
Evangelist, Dr. Franklin J. Senters, Th.D. Founder and President Hebrews 2:12
Quick Start Guide How to Use “Moments That Matter”
Read the Daily Devotion ● Each day you’ll find a short devotion from the New Testament. ● Each devotion includes: ● A Scripture verse (KJV) ● A devotional thought ● A closing question to reflect on throughout the day Set Aside Time with God ● Begin by asking the Lord to open your heart to His Word. ● Suggested prayer: “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” (Psalm 119:18) Follow the Bible Reading Plan ● Each day includes the readings for that day. ● If you follow the plan, you will read through the entire Bible in one year. ● Break up the readings if needed: morning, lunch, and evening make the plan manageable. Carry the Thought With You ● Don’t just read—pause and apply. ● Use the daily reflection question to guide prayer, journaling, or conversation. Remember the Goal ● The devotions are short and easy to read in a few minutes. ● Yet, the truth of God’s Word is meant to stay with you all day. ● When Christ is at the center, every moment becomes… ”Moments That Matter.”
Proverbs 31:4-6 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
THOUGHTS ON GOD’S WORD:
In church, we sing a song: “I’m a Child of the King, A Child of the King, with Jesus My Saviour I’m a Child of the King.” Children of the king are called Prince or Princess.
Tonight, millions of people all over the world will be ushering in the New Year at parties and family gatherings. A lot of them include alcohol. Sadly, many who will be drinking at those parties will include church members.
The Bible says that the Children of the King, a prince or princess, should not drink. Why? “Lest they drink, and forget the law.” This is not just the law of man, but also the law of God. I can hear some of you now, “we’re not under the law,” and you are right. However, when you were saved, you were saying, I love you, God, and will obey your commandments. We obey the law now, not because of the law, but because of our love for the lawgiver, God.
Our text also says we might “pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.” In one night, we can ruin our testimony for the rest of the year. As the lost see us doing as they do, they often think, “Why do I need their God? I am just like them.”
Who should use alcohol? The medical professionals of that time used it to relieve the pain of death in some and those with heavy hearts. (Heavy hearts are not the lonely and sad for those of you who thought here is my excuse to get plowed.) The Hebrew definition for “heavy hearts” is “Bitter of Soul.” Should a Christian be Bitter of Soul? NO. The Bible says to rejoice in the Lord always. Celebrate Christ, your Salvation.
CARRYING THAT THOUGHT THROUGH THE DAY:
As this day draws to an end and one more year slips away, let’s not let Satan steal our testimony we tried all year to convey to our lost friends. Stand Up for Jesus. Leave the Alcohol to the lost. Act like royalty. Let’s LIVE FOR CHRIST. Have a safe and Happy New Year.
What joy did God bring into your life this past year?
IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:
Ask yourself what MY THOUGHTS are concerning this Passage and today’s Devotion?
Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?
What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?
GOD TALKING TO ME: December31, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE ACCELERATED READING (OT-1, NT & PS-2, Prov-Monthly) Malachi / Psalm 150 Proverbs 31 / Revelations 22
THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY Malachi / Revelation 22
Living In His Word Ministries “Getting people into the Word of God… …and the Word of God into people.” Romans 10:17
Evangelist, Dr. Franklin J. Senters Th.D. Founder and President Hebrews 2:12
WE NOW HAVE TWO DEVOTIONAL BOOKS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT AMAZON (Click book titles below to be taken to Amazon Page) "KEYWORDS IN GOD'S WORD" "WORK WEEK DEVOTIONS THROUGH THE BOOK OF PROVERBS" Both are available in E-Book, Paperback, & Hardcover. Please leave a review online at Amazon if you read these devotions.
