From Genesis 1-12

As I read thru the Bible again this year, I am going to try and keep an online journal (of sorts) with a few thoughts from what I read. Perhaps some of my thoughts might be relevant to you too...I pray that may be so....at least on some of the days.


As most of us know, the first book of the Bible - Genesis - is about origins or beginnings. But have you ever thought about what it is the beginning of? It's not just the beginning of the world, although there is that remarkable account of an awesome God planning and creating this magnificent universe. And to think, all He had to do was say it and it was...and it was GOOD!


So Genesis is also the beginning of life. It tells us how we got here. Life - including humankind - was created by a loving God. Logically then, life is precious. It is a gift. It is to be revered and valued. And we are to be grateful for it and thoughtful in how we treat and use it. The early chapters of Genesis remind us that we have been created in God's image...the only part of His creation that can claim this. I hope that as I live my life today, I reflect even a part of His amazing character.


Genesis tells of the beginnings of marriage....Adam and Eve together as a God-ordained couple. And a definition of what marriage should look like: Genesis 2:24 - For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. And we are also given the principles for a successful marriage.....walk daily with God and wives, be a helper to your husband. Someone who 'does him good.'


The early pages in the Bible also reveal other beginnings, not all good. There is the beginning of sin, as Eve and then Adam disobey God. They chose to live life - this life given by Creator God as a gift - on their own terms. And the result? Separation from Him and a legacy of sin and separation for all generations to come. The beginning of judgement....God cannot abide sin and as a just God, He needs to deal with it. And as we know from Romans, the 'wages of sin is death'.


But how incredible that Genesis also is the beginning of grace. God has made a way for us to be forgiven, reunited with Him and able to live life without fear of eternal death. And finally, we can read about the beginnings of covenant....solemn promises God makes with Noah and Abraham. Promises that still impact us today and particularly relevant as flood waters continue to rise and fall. (see: Genesis 9:9 and on)


To me though, one of the best bits about the book of beginnings is the fact that it tells us that God had no beginning. He always was and always will be. Beyond time and space, God existed....always. He is not limited in any way. He is limitless. Infinite. Exceptional. And He is the One in whom our hope and trust can find the firmest and most secure and fulfilling foundation. I have a small grasp of WHO He is and who He is makes all the difference when I consider WHO I am. A simple, but astounding, concept I heard at a conference once is 'Because He IS, I AM.' If God was not, then neither would I be. If God did not exist, I would not exist. Just a little reminder that you and I are not here by accident. There is a plan and purpose to our existence...and it's not just for the here and now, but for an eternity.


Finally, Genesis: it is the story of a good God and His good creation. It tells of man's role and outlines sin and its effects. It is the story of hope as we read about God reversing those effects and providing a future. Yes Genesis is about origins...but it is also about our destiny as well.....and when we faithfully walk with our Creator, that destiny looks VERY GOOD. 


(Credit where credit is due.....thanks to the Bible Society's Women's Devotional Bible for ideas for this post.)

The New Diary

I was so excited last week as I wrote in my new diary. Not a diary/journal, more a planner. So as I planned and put in all sorts of dates like birthdays and to do lists and dinner ideas and my weekly prayer for J, I was filled with a real sense of anticipation and excitement for the new year.
This is a special diary too, in that it has Bible verses and quotes for each week to inspire and encourage. Last week's quote was from Joseph Barnby: "When morning gilds the skies, my heart awaking cries; May Jesus Christ be praised." How appropriate, I thought. As a new day starts, my thoughts should turn to Jesus. As a new year starts, my focus should be on Him. Each new day brings opportunities to spend in His presence - learning, growing, changing, being refreshed. And He is so worthy to be praised...no matter what! No situation or circumstance changes His goodness. All those great thoughts filled my heart and made me feel lighter.


Then....reality struck! Since reading that quote and having all those marvellous thoughts, my circumstances have changed. Almost overnight baby j morphed from an angelic little baby boy, into a screaming, sleepless terror. And sadly, the circumstances got to me. I too, became a terror....a sleep deprived, frustrated, sobbing, short tempered terror. I became a me I do not want to be. A me that my husband is not blessed by. A me that is not the best parent for my little boy. A me who does not reflect God's goodness and grace.
But the incredible Jesus Christ IS to be praised. It is because of His grace that I can hope that things will change....and they have. j has settled somewhat, that's true. But I have changed. As I crawled back into bed after sleep interruption #3 early this morning I hid myself under the sheet and I prayed. As I climbed out of bed this morning I thought about Jesus and I prayed. As I write this now, I am praying. And my prayer is not for smooth sailing and for j to be perfect and to sleep....it is for me to more like this Jesus Christ.