In the WordSample

Week 1, Day 1 Read Genesis 1 Creation “Once upon a time ...” Familiar words. Your parents probably read fairy tales to you with this famous opening line, and you may have even shared those same stories with your own children and grandchildren since then. Though all fairy tales basically start with the same phrase, it’s from these first words that an incredible story takes on a life of its own. Soon, a setting is formed — the woods, a small town, a far-off land. Heroes and villains are introduced. A dilemma is presented to the gallant main character. Obstacles are overcome. Challenges are faced. Then the climax — the good guy and the bad guy square off for the final battle. Just as the curtain of defeat seems to make its descent, the hero comes through. Victory! With this triumph, all is set right in the land. The hero gets the girl, the enemy is vanquished, peace replaces conflict, and “they all lived Happily Ever After.” These fairy tales are not unlike the story we read in the Bible, with one key exception: The Bible is TRUE! Every account we read in Scripture is God-ordained and tells the true story of humanity. It’s an incredible, supernatural story ... God’s ultimate love story, and we’re the ones He’s in love with. And it all begins right here in Genesis. Think about: What does it mean when God says He created man in His own image? (Genesis 1:27) Think about: What attributes of God (His character, qualities, traits) do you see in the Creation story? List them here.