The Masterpiece on Day One

Today's Word of Wonder: Workmanship

The Scripture Spotlight for Today

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."— Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

The Devotion: Handiwork Before Homework

On this first day of the year, the pressure to "become someone better" is at an all-time high. We are bombarded with messages about self-improvement, new habits, and productivity. But Ephesians 2:10 invites us to start our year from a place of finished perfection rather than frantic performance.

The word for "handiwork" (or "workmanship") in the original Greek is poiema—it’s where we get our word Poem.

Before you do a single thing in 2026, you are already God’s poem. You are His masterpiece. Notice the order of this verse: First, we are created in Christ Jesus (that is our Being). Only after that does it mention the "good works" (that is our Doing).

The WOW Moment for January 1st is realizing that the "good works" for your year have already been prepared in advance by God. You don't have to invent a new version of yourself or stress about "doing enough" to make this year count. Your only job is to walk in the identity He has already given you. When you focus on Being His masterpiece, the "Doing" becomes a natural, joyful walk along a path He has already paved.

Happy New Year. Today, you don't have to start a marathon. You just have to sit at the feet of the Artist and remember whose you are.

Wonder Prompt (Actionable Reflection)

Look at your goals for 2026. Are they things you feel you must do to be worthy, or are they things you get to do because you are loved?

• Action: Today, do one thing purely for the joy of it—no productivity required. Whether it’s a walk, a nap, or a slow cup of coffee, let it be a celebration of just being alive in Christ.

• Affirmation: I am God's masterpiece. My value for 2026 is already settled in Christ Jesus.
  

• Prayer: "Lord, thank You for making me Your handiwork. As I start this new year, help me to rest in my identity in You. I trust that You have already prepared my path. Let my life be a poem that reflects Your grace. Amen."