DAILY BREAD READING* (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
MAY 1, 2026
READ: Genesis 1 (Focus vs. 26-31)
MEMORY VERSE
“God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27
BACKGROUND
After a company couldn’t meet the specifications for ink pens used in some US government offices in the 1960s, the General Services Administration asked National Industries for the Blind (NIB) to make 70 million pens—despite NIB having never made pens before.
They accepted the challenge and met all the specifications. Since 1967 blind factory workers have assembled these writing instruments used extensively by military personnel. The pens can be used to write upside down, make a mile-long line of ink, and withstand extreme temperatures.
Genesis 1:27 reminds us that each human being has been made to God’s perfect specifications: “God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” How we’re created reflects God’s character and nature.
Being created in His image means everyone has inherent dignity and worth. God said that each person’s story begins with being made “in [His] image, in [His] likeness” (v. 26).
This truth provides the foundation for understanding human dignity, identity, and relationships with others.
Just as those pens serve a vital role, so do we! Though we might feel unimpressive, each of us holds intrinsic value and purpose crafted by God. Today, may we embrace our story, knowing our Creator treasures us and calls us “very good” (v. 31).
Marvin Williams
INSIGHT
Adam and Eve were created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), but that image was distorted when they sinned (3:6, 16-19).
Everyone now carries that distorted image of our Creator. But through our salvation and the process of sanctification, we’re being recreated in the image (or likeness) of Christ.
Paul wrote, “Those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (Romans 8:29).
As believers in Jesus, we know that “He who began a good work in [us] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). As we wait for our complete transformation, we can be assured of our dignity and worth because we’ve been created in God’s image.
Bill Crowder
APPLICATION
How have you embraced your story as being created in God’s image? How has your image and identity been formed by Him?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“Being created in His image means everyone has inherent dignity and worth…Though we might feel unimpressive, each of us holds intrinsic value and purpose crafted by God.”
PR’s TAKE
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14
Adam and Eve were created in God’s image but that image was distorted when they sinned…Everyone now carries that distorted image of our Creator. But through our salvation and the process of sanctification, we’re being recreated in the image (or likeness) of Christ.
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You that I’m created in Your image.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE” Matt Redman
So fearfully and wonderfully made
How could they say there is no God?
Reminded every breath that I take
It’s by Your hand I have been formed
So what am I going to do with this life You gave me?
What could I do but live for Your praise?
You gave me this breath
And You gave me this strength
And every day I’ll live to obey You
With all of my heart
With all of my soul
Let every breath I’m breathing display You, God
Oh
There’s elegance in all You create
Your grand designs leave us amazed
The wonders of the way we’ve been made
Speak of Your power, and tell of Your grace
So what am I going to do with this life You gave me?
What could I do but live for Your praise?
You gave me this breath
And You gave me this strength
And every day I’ll live to obey You
With all of my heart
With all of my soul
Let every breath I’m breathing display You, God
So what am I going to do with this life You gave me?
What am I going to do with this life?
What am I going to do in these days You’ve ordained?
What am I going to do with this life?
You gave me this breath
And You gave me this strength, oh Lord
And every day I’ll live to obey You
With all of my heart
With all of my soul
Let every breath I’m breathing display You, God
All my life, all my days
All my life, all my days
All my life, all, God
How could they say there is no God?
How could they say there is no God?
