Stretched out like a curtain, the blue heavens opened. A Word was spoken, “Let there be light.” And “light” was there. It’s written. “God said,” and it was so.
Light separates. Darkness escapes.
The Book’s been opened, the words are read. But is there something stirring in my heart, and my head? Could this be … “evening and morning” a new day dawning? Like a ‘first day’ for me. I’m so desperate for ‘new.’ How about you?
God says “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). And somehow, I see something more than the ordinary. The hope is there, but it’s quickly erased by fear. Such a battle rages in every thought, every breath. Is there a way to move forward? Life is so complex.
Add to the mix, pain in the story. A bleeding heart or a body breaking down. The need for money so that the ends don’t fray. Life whirls past, then a new day.
There’s a hunger deep, for love, for more. Longing – loneliness for someone to care. Someone to hear. Won’t someone listen? Anywhere?
On this day, in this moment, an old chorus comes to mind – from the need of love that never changes, that doesn’t turn and never leaves – a song from the deep came up to the surface:
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new ever morning,”
“Never ceases,” the steadfast love of the Lord? How can His mercies never come to an end? Could they really be, new every morning? For me? Does God know my story? What about you?
“Let there be light,”
“And it was so.”
God says so.
No one did anything. God spoke. God simply “said,” and “it was so.” Incredible!
And, this day I read, perhaps, just for myself: “And there was evening, and there was morning–the first day” Genesis 1:5.
I can’t conceive, it’s too amazing to grasp, but even for me, even for me, and most definitely you too – on this new day, I believe. I believe in a whole new light. Somehow, there’s hope and courage for all things new.
Will you join me in this? His mercies never come to an end.
The word “never“ means according to the dictionary: “at no time in the past or future; on no occasion; not ever.”
Never do the mercies of God come to an end. “At no time in the past or future; on no occasion; not ever.” Guilt has no place, the Word dis-spells the darkness.
Genesis 1:5, God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning–the first day.
Today. God has separated the darkness from the light. Today, God has made my Night – Day. How about you? Let’s walk in the Light, and have courage to walk, step by step, with a willing heart to discover God’s Word. We can grow together in discovering just how much Jesus, the Son that God sent, loves us so:
Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, they are weak, but He is strong. Yes, Jesus Loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so. (Jesus loves me, hymn).
Teach us to pray with a hymn of old …
“Be Still my soul … ” (1)
O God … How can it be? The reality? God help us see – that You are the Almighty. “Be Still my soul … Be Still my soul.”
Words – are powerful. Let us speak old words together. With tears and pain, whether seen on the outside – it is raining within. Let us cry out with our whole heart – “O God – increase our faith – again.”
Words penned in 1752, over 200 years ago, bring health to the soul, somehow. So, today, let us pray together, to our God Almighty and our Father in heaven, with old words, true, (yet ‘first person’, is changed a few)- that we might comfort ourselves in You. Let us say together: “Be Still my Soul.”
“Be Still my soul, The Lord is on our side …
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to our God to order and provide;
In every change, You faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.”
“Dear God there is so much change. But You, O LORD remain. We draw near to You, and You draw near when we do. O God, help us, today in such darkness, take hold of Your light and believe and rest …
in Your faithfulness:
“Be still, my soul: Our God doth undertake
To guide the future, as You have the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
Your voice Who ruled them while You dwelt below.”
“Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart, And all is darkened in the vale of tears, Then shalt we better know Your love, Your heart,
Who comes to soothe our sorrow and our fears.
“Dear Lord, comfort the downcast with Your Spirit, we draw near.”
“Be still, my soul: the hour is hast’ning on
When we shall be forever with You Lord.
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.”
“Dear Father in heaven, we bow our heads together. The most important change that needs be, is that which must be done, inside of me. Increase my faith, that I might stand, and follow You, as You take hold of my hand:
“Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, You, O Lord on high; to
Acknowledge You in all our words and ways,
So shall You view us with a well-pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Son of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.”
Today! Today! This is what You have given us. Teach us to pray!
Teach us to trust. Help us to take hold of You – who are Love, and let go of all lust. Let us put off the fight, and the anger, and the strife …
and let us make harmony as we sing Your melody throughout the rest of our life.
We bow our heads, we pray to You. We end our words and whole heartedly say: “Our soul is still, as we set our minds on the hill, where You laid down Your life, as a perfect sacrifice, forgiving my failures, Dear Lord Jesus, Thank You.”
(1) “Be Still My Soul” by Katherine von Schlegel.
Not just a Teacher
Not just a Teacher with impossible commands, “Be holy, be blameless, let love rule your heart. Trust Me with your life, take hold of My hand.” So much of His Word, we simply don’t understand.
Impossible with man, His commands prove to be. For example, “Love – your – enemy.” But Jesus is more than a Teacher – He is. He’s Redeemer. He takes from us weakness, and gives His power in return. He takes from us doubt and reason of thought, and gives us hope and faith beyond what we are.
He’s not a rule-book, or judge, yet He is both of these. But first and foremost, He’s Redeemer and puts His very nature in me. Who wants to hear, “Blessed be the poor in spirit,” ? Jesus’ words exactly.
So the book is closed, because it brings about a storm, in the heart of man as we walk out our paths. And, step by step, our feet become worn, and in our own strength, we become defeated and torn.
But, His Book is the main event. His Book is the main Story. Not about man and how he messed it all up, but about Jesus who was given to bring life back from death, to restore man’s weak breath, to open blind eyes to see, and give to ‘the poor in spirit’ the power of God’s glory.
The Book, the Bible, God’s Holy Word is a love letter to His Bride, His Redemptive Story. There is no understanding at all for a man, until he’s poor in spirit, then God fills his heart and his mind to understand.
Then a complete change in the spirit so poor, filled with the love of God that just wasn’t there before. Power to overcome, to hope, to believe. Resurrection power, not once and for all, but step by step, by the Spirit within. The Spirit of God, beyond our comprehension.
He’s not just a Teacher. He’s the Son of God. He’s been sent to be Savior, Savior of the whole world. And He died, but He rose – that we might receive, all that He is at work now, in me. The very nature of God empowers a surrendered heart, forgets all that’s lost and brings a new start.
The Holy Spirit Comforts and guides and helps us at best. He reminds us, Jesus is not just a Teacher – He is Peace, He is Love, He is Hope, He is Life, He is Bread, He is Shepherd, He is Patient, He is Kind, – the whole entire Book, the whole of the Story is about the Redeemer, that we might presently, and eternally – have rest.
______________
Matthew 5:
1One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2and he began to teach them.
The Beatitudes
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
4God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
for they will be satisfied.
7God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
9God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
10God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” Matthew 5:1-10.
These are the words of Jesus. New Living Translation, simple, not sweet. But written for life’s transformation.
Drawing pictures as the Story is read …
The Story is told. But often lost and forgotten. Let’s read the old words, and bring the pictures to our vision: “The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and Even and clothed them.” This is Genesis 3:21, the New International Version.
(Rough rhyme, I’m aware. But perhaps rhythm and flow and melodious sound will help the ears listen to the old Words that are found.)
Did they ask for the garments? Did they cry out to God? The first man and woman, now knew they were bare. The Story is told in Genesis chapter 3, how they took itchy leaves and sewed them right there.
The sound of the LORD God was heard in the garden, so they took off and hid, from the LORD out of fear. “Where are you?” asked God.
Do you think He knew – that Adam disobeyed and Eve was deceived? Did God know they ate from the one tree forbidden? It’s quite obvious, they knew that He knew, from the Story that is given.
Adam blamed the woman, and she blamed the snake. The Story in Genesis 3 is repeated time and time again- but what happened next? Man wasn’t asking, “Where are You, God?” They were warned of a death if they disobeyed – now they were hiding, and blaming, and afraid.
“The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife,” God saw, God knew, God loved and made provision: The LORD God made garments of skin, “… and clothed them.”
Adam and Eve were going to suffer for this deed, for the rest of our lives. Yes, our lives indeed. But God made provision, the picture is clear, way back when, that we might understand, His hands covered them, with a sacrificial lamb.
“Who is the LORD God?” “What’s He about?” “Where is He now, in this world upside-down?” “What’s He doing about all that we see?” Confused hearts cry out, or think in their own reason completely.
But the Ancient Book on the shelves of all ages, has a sacrificial lamb written of, all through the pages. “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John chapter 1 verse 29, brings more than a covering. This Lamb’s Divine.
The Lamb of God, provided by the Father, takes away all the mess, shame, guilt and lies, and clothes us anew. How can we refuse?
But, so often we do.
Perhaps the picture of God we have in our head, must be renewed and transformed, by finding out and searching for what He actually says.
“The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.”(1) This is the picture of God in His Book.
“The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and Even and clothed them.” Today, let us draw new pictures of God, and learn of Him. In His Word – let us daily take a look.
(1) Exodus 34:6,7.
The Gift Giver
Notice, freedom to choose.
Given by God.
God gives, God gave.
Freedom to hate.
Choice has been given to man from God.
He’s the Creator above.
He’s the Author of life.
Choice was given, because God loves.
It’s so sad to see what we do to God.
Blame Him,
The Author of life. An eye for design, has gained pleasure with color,sound, shape, and line.
But His greatest joy, I believe I have learned, is when we choose to believe, receive and love Him back in return.
Then a song develops deep in our heart, and abiding in Him, strengthened by Him, joy returns with each day’s new start.
He’s a gift giver, our Father in heaven, reaches out His great hand. He sees, He knows, He is able … and He waits … ’till we reach out to Him.
If we don’t, we won’t see – that our Father in heaven sent Jesus to save us and the Holy Spirit of promise to keep, comfort, and help us.
The gift of God is gloriously expressed in heavenly sunsets, and sunrises. He is the Master Artist, the Author of life, and patient as He waits … for us to call Him beside us.
He’s the Creator of all that we see. He is Great. He is God. And we all have a choice. To live in the Spirit in fellowship with Him, or walk away from Him and follow the lead of our own voice.
Freedom to choose. God, the greatest gift giver. Freedom to love. When we choose Jesus, we bring God complete pleasure.
Revelation 3:20, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
John 1:12, Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—
"This I recall to my mind …" Lamentations 3:21
“This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope …” Lamentations 3:21.
Jeremiah, a prophet of God, wrote these words. Who was Jeremiah? What exactly is a prophet? What did he recall to his mind to bring him hope? Why was he so hope-less?
At a time like this, with a world filled with violence, and sudden destruction, and immorality, and confusion, perhaps we should recall the same things Jeremiah did, that gave him hope.
Jeremiah lived in a time filled with much the same as what we experience today, only, this was around 600BC.
Jeremiah was a prophet of God. Webster’s Dictionary’s definition from back in 1828 reminds us that a prophet: In Scripture, (is) a person illuminated, inspired or instructed by God to announce future events; as Moses, Elijah, David, Isaiah, etc.
Etc., including, Jeremiah. He was instructed by God to tell His people, (the nation of Judah, the children of Israel,) that they were bringing an avalanche upon themselves in judgement because they had turned away from their God.
Jeremiah was to show the people they had turned their back on their Creator-King, their Provider, their Protector. The One who gave them manna from heaven, the One who was their ‘pillar of cloud’ to lead the way, and their ‘pillar of fire’ to give them light in the night.
Jeremiah prophesied for 40 years warning the people of destruction if they didn’t turn their faces to God. Not one person turned. Zero, zilch, nada.
Jeremiah is known as the weeping prophet. But, he wept for the people, not himself.
Jeremiah wrote: “All your enemies have opened their mouth against you; they hiss and gnash their teeth. They say, “We have swallowed her up! Surely this is the day we have waited for; we have found it, we have seen it!” ( Lamentations 2:16).
Jeremiah weeps. He also writes: “Their heart cried out to the Lord.” (Lamentations 2:18).
Jeremiah reminds the people of Jerusalem’s hope: To cry out to the Lord,”O wall of the daughter of Zion, let tears run down like a river day and night; Give yourself no relief; Give your eyes no rest. Arise cry out in the night … pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord …” ( Lamentations 2:18,19).
Jeremiah deals with depression and the devastation around him, and he writes words that are hope.
Hope for him, Jeremiah who wept, and those whom he would hope to hear him back then. And, hope for me and for you, if our hearts are soft, if we are willing to hear. Jeremiah wrote inspired by the Lord:
“This I recall to mind, therefore I have hope. Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, therefore I hope in Him!”
The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly …
For the salvation of the LORD.”(Lamentations 3:21-26).
Jeremiah, I hear the words you proclaim from the Lord,so many, many years later. I am here to turn my face to the Lord, for such a time as this.
Let us,’pour out our hearts like water before the Lord’s face.
“Hear our cries Lord to You. We will trust in You, for You are our God.” Amen.
"Thy power … can change the leper's spots …"
“Lord, now indeed I find, Thy pow’r, and Thine alone, Can change the leper’s spots And melt the heart of stone. Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.” Elvina Hall, 1800’s hymn.
“Lord, …” means, master, or, captain of my ship. “Lord, now …,” means, this moment, the one I take orders from, or the one I choose to obey.
“Lord, now indeed I find, …” brings me to a place where I’m searching for what You have to say, NOW.
“I hear the Savior say, ‘Thy strength indeed is small; child of weakness watch and pray, find in Me, thine all in all.”
“ Even before he, (God), made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, …
and it gave him great pleasure.” (1) The Bible is said to be true. Ask God to show you if these words are trustworthy. Ask God, Himself. He will answer you.
“But, I’m full of fault, Lord! Now what do I do? I fail, everyday. I am far from being holy. Sin has left a crimson stain, tell me again, the Gospel Story.”
“Long ago, even before he made the world, God chose us to be his very own, …”(2) – don’t you remember, “His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His … family.” (3) His desire is to bring us back home.
The Father sent His only Son, Jesus Christ to die for us. He paid the debt we couldn’t pay, He laid down His life in sacrifice. So “we stand before him covered in his love.” (4) We are perfect, we are washed, we have hope of heaven. We have peace in this life.
“For nothing good have I Whereby Thy grace to claim; I’ll wash my garments white in the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb. Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”
“He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son, …” (5), this is the Good News found in Ephesians 1.
“He forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, … along with all wisdom and understanding …” God now reveals to us, all that regards Christ – all that’s mysterious!
God reveals, He will fulfill His own good plan. “And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ – everything in heaven and on earth.” (6) He was, He is, He is coming again.
The Gospel Story is that He saves you. He saves me. We can’t save ourselves – we all desperately need help. But we are surrounded by voices, we are deceived by lies. But God reminds and instructs each one of us: Look up. “I will guide you with My eyes.”(7)
” … when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised, …”(8) He has purchased us with His blood on the cross, this is how Jesus proves that He – loves – us.
“Lord, now indeed I find Thy pow’r, and Thine alone, Can change the leper’s spots, and melt the heart of stone. Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”
We’ve been bought with a price. He knows our weakness. He knows our strife. Yes, in receiving Christ, we become His Bride. “I am my lover’s, and my lover is mine. He browses among the lilies. (8) He is the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valleys” (9) I am my Beloved’s and He is mine.
For now, for tomorrow, for all of time.
“And when before the throne, I stand in Him complete, I’ll lay my trophies down, All down at Jesus’ feet. Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”
He washed it white as snow. My past – I let it go. In the present, I choose to go:
“And now complete in Him, My robe, His righteousness, Close sheltered ‘neath His side, – I am – divinely – blest. Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”
- Ephesians 1:4, New Living Translation
- Ephesians 1:4, Living Translation
- Ephesians 1:4, Living Translation
- Ephesians 1:4, Living Translation.
- Ephesians 1:5, Living Translation.
- Ephesians 1:7, New Living Translation.
- Ephesians 1:10, New Living Translation.
- Psalm 32:8, New Living Translation.
- Song of Solomon 6:31.
So, what about the angels?
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1.
So, what about the angels? Known as the host of heaven? Is this when life for them, had begun?
A prophet in the Bible spoke of the angels in 1 Kings 22:19: “Therefore hear the word of the LORD,” he said,
“I saw the LORD sitting on his throne with all the multitudes of heaven standing around him on his right and on his left.”
And, of course, most have heard the story, from Luke chapter 2, of a great company of angels, “of the heavenly host appearing, . . . praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest . . ., and on earth peace. “ The angels proclaimed peace, (to all men too.)
(Emphasis added on the word peace, and all, because something’s gone wrong. We will soon learn of the fall.)
“In the beginning God created the heavens …” Yes, and Psalm 104 sings: “ O LORD my God, You are very great; you are clothed with honor and majesty,”
Taking time to think of God as Creator, and the beauty and majesty of it all, makes my heart proclaim: “Let the praises ring.”
“You are clothed with honor and majesty. Who cover yourself with light . . . Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain . . .” filled with messengers to His delight. “Who makes His angels spirits. His ministers a flame of fire.” God’s word instructs, and passionately inspires.
Before the fall of man in Genesis chapter 3, let us not get ahead of where we’re supposed to be. There was a fall that is recorded in Isaiah 14. An angel’s fall. The story a must read.
How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! Lucifer was an angel of light. “Day-star,” was his name’s meaning.
Yet, God didn’t create this angel as he is now. God made him, full of wisdom, and “perfect in beauty”. And it’s recorded of his fall for us all – the how:
Lucifer was an angel, whom God, was his focus of worship. But he began to admire his own talent, his own beauty, and desired himself to be Headship.
His heart was lifted up, it says in Ezekiel 28. Look it up, the story’s there- the mystery is made very clear. God sets the story straight:
“I am a god,” you said. “Your heart was lifted up,” because of your beauty; your corrupted wisdom, and pride, so listen up:
“Behold, I am against you,”God says, (Ez 28:22). Because you have said, “I will ascend into heaven;” “I will be like the Most High.”
“You are fallen from heaven . . . you are cut down to the ground…”
It’s recorded Jesus saw him fall, like lightning out of heaven. In Luke 10, these words can be found.
Somewhere after Genesis 2:1, Lucifer fell and became Satan. Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host . . . were finished. And indeed it was very good, God said, at this time.
This is before Lucifer sought the worship he wished- the worship of, “me, … myself …, and I.”
Satan is the fallen angel of God, going about with 1/3 of the angels who now, ‘demons’ are called.
But “Do not fear!” A common word of the angels who abide in heaven. Be encouraged, two-thirds is more than one, when the math problem is given!
This is a sad and true story we read. But God has a plan- a good plan indeed. Satan hates God and you and your family.
But God sent His Son Jesus, to conquer Satan with victory.
We all have sinned. We will learn as we study. “But God,” are the best words- because in Him is … the remedy. In the beginning … God’s word is -a-m-a-z-i-n-g!
Slow but steady through the Book of Beginnings
With rhyme and reason I choose to walk, slow but steady, through the Book. The Book of Beginnings, Genesis to be exact. The invite is open – to join me at that.
Genesis chapter 1 verse three – the first record that God speaks: “And God said, ‘Let there be light; and there was light.'” And, again, the human soul asks, “Do I believe?”
The Father, the source found in verse 1. The Spirit moves over the waters in verse 2. And the Word is the revealer of all things in three … verses 1,2, and 3 – the Trinity.
The hungry and thirsty yearn to believe. The sceptic, (who’s in everyone) … until the eyes, see. Genesis 1 verse 3: “Let there be light; and there was light.”
With a little digging in a concordance, the word “light’ can be found. A treasure, gloriously bright, but do my ears hear the sound: “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness,
who has shone in our hearts
to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4 verse 6.
“For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness …” yes, this happens in Genesis 1 verse three, ” …who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God,” …
Who’s shone in who’s heart? could that be me? Could that be you? ” …who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, …”
Shone in our hearts? To give light, shining through? Could this be possible? In this life not complete? I don’t even know fully what I’m reading, but somehow I do.
Does this make any sense at all, to you? Could God be speaking, right now today? Going back to the beginning, what does the next verse say?
“And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.”
I must go back, to the concordance I have opened to find the word, “light.” My brain is so full, yet I really must see, what God’s word says about ‘light’ for me.
Directed to go to John chapter 8, a woman was brought to Jesus, with many accusers around. But, He stooped down to write in the dirt with His finger, and one by one, they all left. There was no sound.
“Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” These were His words to the woman that was there.
In chapter 8 of John, verse 12 we read, the people were then in the presence of Jesus, looking at His face and hearing Him speak: “I am the light of the world …” He said, Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, …
but will have the light of life.” “In the beginning God, …” has shone in our hearts to “give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
Today, did our hearts hear and gain sight: “Let there be light, and there was light.”
Beginnings begun, but not far past verse 1
If Dr. Seuss could write in prose to ignite hunger in reading for the elementary world, perhaps a rhyme or two will invoke thirst to the mysterious glory found in God’s Word.
These are my thoughts when writing these days. I have no idea why I tend to write in this way. But, show up I will, as it’s been my motto, to read and write. (Maybe this is all for a future tomorrow!)
For a grandma, or granddad to sit with a child and read words that have depth and meaning that grow. So let us study together, if join me, you will. We pray, “God meet us, and bless us. Your will be done, still.”
The beginnings begun, and still on verse 1. But moving today to look at verse 2. “Genesis Chapter 1 verse two. How will we ever find our way through?”
“Read your Bible, pray every day …” this is instruction we’ve heard, So we read and again pray, “O God, help us understand, this minute, this hour, what You – have – to – say!”
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
“Oh, what does Genesis 1 verse 2 mean?”
So, let’s take a book from off the shelf, a book Henry M. Morris spent his lifetime in writing. The Genesis Record, all big and red. Finally the information seems inviting.
Troubled by the words, void and darkness, Mr. Morris reminds us that dark and empty space is a beginning of steps. How refreshing to note, God uses process!
How refreshing to be reminded that process is part of God’s plan. We can read daily, how He created a complete and inhabited land. What a mess enters in, so early we find, but reassuring it is The Master Artist works, step by step, watching and waiting so patient and kind.
The big issue before us, ‘Do we believe, or believe not?’ Is God good? It’s often hard to see. Let’s continue to read. That is, if you choose, to join me.
Next on the page in Morris’s big, red book, we’re directed to turn to Proverbs 8 and take a look. Yes, we will use the energy to turn to read, but I’ll put it all down here, so, to get up, there’s no need:
“When there was no depths I was brought forth, when there was no fountains abounding with waters before the mountains settled,” This is Proverbs 8 verse 24,
“Before the hills, I was brought forth: while as yet He had not made the earth or the fields, or the primal dust of the world.” Proverbs 8 verse 25.
Aren’t the questions stirring up, inside our minds?
Let’s keep reading, for God’s word is intriguing: “When He prepared the heavens, I was there. When He drew a circle on the face of the deep, when He established the clouds above, when He strengthened the fountains of the deep …”
The deep, the deep … He is there in the deep.
Doesn’t Proverbs 8 help color in some blank spaces: “The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the the waters.” In the beginning, Elohim created! The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
And we can see process as a part of God’s creation. Yes, not magic or Disney fantasy, but a process, and out of nothing God brings revelation!
God is working. We can trust in Him. He was there in the beginning and He’s with us today. Let’s walk like we know it. Let’s lift up His name!
Questions arising from the Book of Beginnings
Questions come quickly, as the Book is opened a-new.“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This is the first verse of 31 thousand, one hundred and two.
A choice must be made right from the start: “Yes, I believe in God,” or “What man wrote this book?” It’s about matter – a matter of the heart.
Believing God created is impossibly difficult for some, but for others, it’s reasonably easy, when time is invested in studying the eye or perhaps, the sun.
“In the beginning God, …” the first four words of this Book. Well, a Book of Books I suppose, in that the Contents lists 66, (if you take the time to look.)
Do you remember ever receiving a Bible? With your name in the front and all? I received one at my kindergarten graduation, with cap and gown, standing tall.
But don’t forget this one thing, dear friends, (2 Peter Chapter 3 verse 8), With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” Does that mean that, to the Lord, I received my Bible only hours ago. And He’s watching and waiting as I journey on and walk my way through this world.
So back to those words, that start things out: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1 verse 1. A new beginning for me, with big questions, I seek to find – what it’s all about.
So I took the time to look more at “God” and what that word really means. The divine name is in Hebrew, to be exact – Elohim. Elohim stresses majesty and omni-potence. And the ‘im’ is especially interesting, in that it’s a plural ending in a singular sense.
God is one, yet more than one? Even in the very first verse. Who is this God who created? Created the heavens and the earth. I learned this when I was five, even though I forgot it then, again – that God is 3 in 1. Today, it all comes alive.
God created. He called into existence things that were not. I can make a gift, or bake a cake. But God, He creates something to be, through the very power of God.
Faith is needed to get past the first verse. Faith is believing, without ability to see. But when we look up and ask, and give Him our questions, He answers somehow – as our eyes look searching, the Universe … We wonder, and look, and we cry,”Let it be.”
The heavens, the sky, the vast space for our eyes. The canvas for beauty with every sunrise. With every sunset, the horizon is seen. Back to earth are our questions, for God, Elohim.
Questions are good. God must love them from us. So let us open His pages, each day of our lives, that we might struggle and fuss with the Lord who loves us.
How do I know about the Lord’s love for you? Surely you remember the lullaby song, when you were restless and weary, an infant child too. Yes, Jesus loves me, I want to grow in that love. And yes, He loves you. Perhaps, daily, we read together His word.
Beginnings
New years. New months, new days, new moments. Refreshing beginnings. All things new.
Do we open the Book? Will we glean something new?
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1.
What’s it all about? What does this have to do with me? I have so much to do, and don’t we already know what this Book says. But my eyes keep reading the very next verse,
And the earth was without form and void and darkness was on the face of the deep.
Void and darkness already? Isn’t God in control of all things? Didn’t He create and everything was magical and perfect? How in the world was there void and darkness even before verse 3? Do we read and have questions like these?
Is God aware of my questions and doubt?
All I know is, it seems words like void and darkness could be used to describe me. Well, not when I’m putting my best foot forward, but the real me inside. This is me, as I feel void in my natural sense. I sense darkness in my nature. What do you think? All I know, is, it seems at times, that there’s no escape.
So, my eyes continue reading the words on the page.
And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. Genesis 1 verse 2. The Spirit of God moved.
God moved. Even without any other doing. In the midst of emptiness and darkness, He initiated a move. Apparently, He wasn’t in need of anything.
Today, as I read these words and I think, of my brain and my heart being 73% water, with emptiness and darkness caught up in the mix, (But), And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters …
And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light; and there was light.”
Today, this day, I’ve read from the Beginnings. I didn’t get far, but I felt something stir within me. Could this Book be more than black and white on a page? For you and for me, the Spirit of God moved.
I will speak for myself, I hear Him speak to me: “Let there be light; and there was light,” on that day. Thousands upon thousands of years ago then, but also today, hope has lifted her head, and my eyes and my heart have chosen to receive.
If this is the first day of the rest of my life, then I will choose to take some time to read this Book daily. I will ask God to shine light on my emptiness and fill up the void.
So, in curiosity, I looked up Jesus as light, and John 8 verse 12, is recorded When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
God initiates. Do I choose, moment by moment, to follow?
Finally, joy has come to this world of mine …
Joy to the world! The Lord is come.
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart
Prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing. O how the familiar words of Isaac Watts play over again in our minds, but it’s on a glorious moment –
when the dust of our own personal world, and the North wind has blown to make us cold, but we are tired of being broken and alone –
that we invite the King in. That we finally make room for Him.
And the angels in heaven sing. And our eyes suddenly see all of nature, with exotic colors, form and beauty, form a symphony of song as we walk on our journeys.
Joy to the world, the Savior reigns
Let men their songs employ
While fields and floods
Rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy
Finally, when our flesh, says, to the LORD, “Yes.” The words of the hymn come alive. And the word ‘joy’ has meaning for the very first time. Deliverance comes when the fight finally ends. When the Savior at last, has the reins of our soul, and a miracle I witness, as I feel my world – whole.
Joy has finally come into my world, because room as been made, that the Great Surgeon can cut away, the hardness of heart, the criticalness:
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love;
And wonders of His love;
And wonders, …
the wonder of His love for me, who, for so long refused to see – His truth, His grace, … His beautiful life He gave. Joy to my world has come, with each new day, with each new breath.
Will you join my joyful chorus as well, and of the King and His greatness tell? We would sing together a joyful song: “Joy has come to this world of mine. I will sing of my King for all – of – time.”
brown paper wrapping with a scarlet chord
brown paper wrapping with a scarlet chord, amidst sparkling and glitter and silver and gold.
not chosen first. often chosen last – but when the gifts are all broken, all tired and worn, then on a lonely, cold night, the plain wrapping comes in sight.
Finally a curious glance at the scarlet red chord – and the question,”What’s it all for?”
To choose to pick up the package of brown, and loosen the scarlet chord tied around, feels uncomfortable, even painful in part. As if it’d be easier to simply quit, and not make a new start.
“I’m hungry. I’m in the dark. I don’t know which way to go. I need some guidance. I need a new life. I need breath -it’s time to grow.”
So, the choice is finally made, to take hold of the scarlet thread, and unloose the Gift that was given, of the Story that I’d only known, … in my head.
Great discovery was made – the boring package – magnificent – water and light and a sword for the fight. Gold and pure. Dispelling the lies.
God really cares. Even when I cared-less. When I refused to listen to His gentleness.
When I chose not to believe, and He wrote, “I believe in you.” With nail prints in His hands, He said, “I – believe – in you.” No matter what you do, I have paid your debt. I Am truth.”
Now what? what do I do?
The package in brown, in Scarlet chord all around, is a mystery revealed in the pages of the Book.
Who wants to surrender against their own selfish will? “No one.” Is the answer. But He laid down His life on the cross. His is the example. Be still and know – He is God, and I am not. The Gift seems less, but it’s most. It’s not as I thought.
Jesus waits and watches: “Will they receive Me? Or will they not?”
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, …” Jeremiah 29:11-14.
I am the bread of life. John 6:35 and 48. I am the light, John 9 verse 5.
I am the resurrection and the life, John 11: 25.
I am the good shepherd. John chapter 10. I am the door. John 10 verse 11.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7 verse 7.
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.
Do you believe this?” John 11:25 and 26.
“Will you receive Me?” Can you hear Jesus asking?
May I share a hidden treasure of a hymn-"It came upon a Midnight Clear"
Christmas hymns can become familiar and sterile, yet when the waves of a storm are greatly brought on, there is a searching that comes,
as we look for a glimmer of hope, or the light of the dawn.
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, That glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth To touch their harps of gold. “Peace on the earth good will to man, From heaven’s all gracious King!” The world in solemn stillness lay To hear the angels sing.”
The hymnal is opened, Edmund H. Sears work is displayed. “The world in solemn stillness lay? …” There is nothing in this world that is still, it seems, except for the broken in heart and children’s dreams.
But the flood has come, or we’ve been made to walk through the fire, but the hymn sings in our ears, the words of the angels: “Peace on the earth, good will to man, from heaven’s all gracious King!”
My eyes catch the words of the hymn-writer’s story, (thank you Robert J. Morgan for sharing, Then Sings My Soul, in this hymn book I was given.) Recorded are lost words not known, quite forgotten, (still sung with the same melody and rhythm:)
“Yet with the woes of sin and strife/ The world hath suffered long; Beneath the angel-strain have rolled/ Two thousand years of wrong; And man, at war with man, hears not/ The love song which they bring;
O hush the noise, ye men of strife/ And hear the angels sing!”
I’ve been hushed. I’ve been striving against my Lord. Perhaps the brokenness has brought me life: “O God, bring me to hear the angels sing. My vocal chords have been stilled for far too long. Dear Jesus, will you restore to me, Your song.”
And so, I read in my Christmas gift hymnal, a verse I’ve never in the past seen:
“For lo, the days are hastening on, By prophets bards foretold; With the ev-er circling years, comes round the age of gold. When peace shall o-ver all the earth, Its ancient splendors fling;
And the whole world give back the song Which now the angels sing.”
So perhaps, this ‘mid-night’ has been made clear, as my eyes caught the promise of the glorious King. God Almighty has restored to me sight, and brought back a song that was hidden in night.
I will sing of my King, and give back the song: “Peace on earth …” this earth that is me. This Christmas has brought revival and song. Lord Jesus, my Savior, God with us, Immanuel – I bow my knee …
I bring my offering … to worship Thee, my glorious King.”
If you feel revival in heart is needed today, Admit your wrongs, Believe Jesus loves you, and Call out His name! He hears, He loves and forgives and restores. Jesus is here to give you life evermore.