On the fifth day God created all creatures in the water and all the birds. Genesis 1:21 tells us about this. “So God created the large sea animals. He created all the many living things in the sea and every kind of bird that flies in the air. And God saw that this was good.”
The Bible emphasizes that God made all the creatures that live in the water at the same time. God made all the different kinds of fish, dolphins and whales, oysters, crabs and octopi — every creature that lives in the water.
God also made all the birds, from the tiny hummingbirds to the tall ostrich. These creatures and birds did not slowly evolve, starting from a single cell. No, God made them all in one day!
If we study the way creatures in the ocean live together, we see that it would be impossible for them all to slowly evolve. Each one affects the others around it in a special way. All of these creatures work together like a perfectly organized system. This system did not happen by accident!
Think about all the beautiful colors and shapes of birds and fish. God designed them this way on purpose. God wants to enjoy the things He created, and He wants us to enjoy them, too!
The Fifth Day
January 7
Matt Keller
God's Word
Eileen Wood
There are many problems in the world today. Parents are worried about their children. They want their children to love and obey God. But there are so many things in the world to distract them from following Jesus. Children need to know and obey God’s Word. They need to learn Bible verses and remember them. Then, when they are tempted to follow the world, these verses will encourage them and help them stay close to God. Paul wrote about God’s Word in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. “All Scripture is given by God. And all Scripture is useful for teaching and for showing people what is wrong in their lives. It is useful for correcting faults and teaching the right way to live. Using the Scriptures, those who serve God will be prepared and will have everything they need to do every good work.” The best thing you can do for children is to help them explore and learn from God’s Word. Share the Bible with your children at bedtime. Tell your grandchildren how the Bible has helped you in life. Teach a children’s Bible study or Sunday School class. Find a way to help the younger generation become strong and effective Christians!
Live Wisely
Donna Howard
The writer of Psalm 90 talks about time and the shortness of our life on earth. Psalm 90:10 gives a summary of life. “We live about 70 years or, if we are strong, 80 years. But most of them are filled with hard work and pain. Then, suddenly, the years are gone, and we fly away.” Some people are able to enjoy their families and serve God for many years. But often they look back over their lives and wonder if they have used their time wisely for God. In the New Testament, Paul warned Christians to not be foolish with their lives. Instead, he encouraged them to obey God and live wisely. If we live wisely, we need to do what God wants us to do. What does God want us to do? He wants us to spend time with our family and friends — loving them, sharing with them and encouraging them. God also wants us to work hard at our jobs and to reach out to the people we work with. But most of all, God wants us to spend time with Him — loving Him, praising Him, praying to Him, reading His Word and obeying Him. If we do those things, we will be living wisely. Think about your life today. Are you spending time with God? Are you living wisely for Him?
Thunder
Jo Krueger
Thunder is an amazing thing. We can experience thunder by feeling its vibrations or hearing its rumble. For many years thunder has been a symbol of great power and authority. God told Moses that He wanted to meet with the people of Israel. Moses helped the people prepare themselves for this special meeting with God for two days. Then on the third day, God came down to Mount Sinai. Exodus 19:16 describes this event. “On the morning of the third day, a thick cloud came down onto the mountain. There was thunder and lightning and a very loud sound from the trumpet. All the people in the camp were frightened.” Wow! The mountain was covered with smoke, the trumpet sound became louder and louder and God’s voice was like thunder. That must have been an awesome display of God’s power. God’s power was so great that He told Moses to warn the people to not come too close to the mountain. If they came too close, they would die. God is very loving and kind. But He is also great and powerful. We can read about God’s power all throughout the Bible. And we can see God’s power today through creation. Take time today to look around you. Think about God’s power and thank Him for everything He has made.