Today’s Reading: Genesis 6-8, Psalm 12

Help, O Lord, for the godly are fast disappearing!
The faithful have vanished from the earth!
Neighbors lie to each other,
speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts.
May the Lord cut off their flattering lips
and silence their boastful tongues.
They say, “We will lie to our hearts’ content.
Our lips are our own—who can stop us?” — Psalm 12:1-4

Have you noticed that sin has a way of quickly multiplying, both in an individual’s life and in our society? What starts as allowing a little sin to creep in eventually becomes a habit of sin. These habits of sin make their way into our culture and into our politics, in time making sin an acceptable way of life. This is what happened by the sixth chapter of Genesis, and this is what we see evidenced in the world today.

The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on earth. It broke his heart. — Genesis 6:5-6

Not only does God direct us not to sin and warn us of the temptation of sin, it breaks his heart when we reject Him and choose to sin. The God of the universe cares enough to grieve when we push Him away in our attempts to live our own life and chase after all the world has to offer. He has a wonderful plan of salvation He was willing to sacrifice His Son in order to offer, and it saddens Him when we push His plan aside to make room for our own.

GOD SEES EACH DECISION MADE AND EVERY SIN COMMITTED.

In Genesis, God grieved over His new creation and their lack of love for their Creator. He saw the selfish desires of their heart and how quickly the people gravitated toward evil. But He also saw the heart of one who kept his eyes focused on God, who chose to walk in close fellowship with his Maker. God saw Noah, and He sees you too, my friend.

Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time. God chose to wipe all living creatures from the earth because of the violence that was everywhere. But, because of the faithfulness of one man, God created a plan to spare Noah and his family, as well as a portion of His creation.

God told Noah that he was going to cover the earth with a flood. Noah had never experienced a flood but he trusted God. God told Noah to build a boat. Noah had never seen a boat but he trusted God. Everything God told him to do, Noah did — exactly as God commanded him (6:22; 7:5).

AND EVERYTHING GOD SAID HE WAS GOING TO DO, HE DID — IN HIS PERFECT TIME.

It rained for 40 days and the floodwaters covered the earth for 150 days. After 5 months, Noah released a bird to see if the floodwaters on the earth had dried up. But the bird came back because there was no place for it to land. It was not God’s time. Noah sent out a dove, but again the bird came back. It was not God’s time. Seven days later, Noah released another dove and it came back with a fresh olive leaf in its beak. It was still not God’s time, but it was a sign from God that the time was drawing near. Seven days later, Noah released a third dove and it did not come back. Still Noah waited patiently for God’s instructions, which came in God’s time. Noah and his family left the boat when God said to leave the boat.

THE LIFE WE CHOOSE TO LIVE IS NEVER OUTSIDE OF GOD’S SIGHT.

He sees the choice we have made to serve Him, even when the rest of the world is redefining truth and rebelling against God. Our faith grows as a result of our choice to live our life for HIS PURPOSES and trust IN HIS TIME, believing that He is a God who keeps His promises. From that faith comes the gift of His righteousness and the promise of His protection.

The Lord replies, “I have seen violence done to the helpless,
and I have heard the groans of the poor.
Now I will rise up to rescue them,
as they have longed for me to do.”
The Lord’s promises are pure,
like silver refined in a furnace,
purified seven times over.
Therefore, Lord, we know you will protect the oppressed,
preserving them forever from this lying generation,
even though the wicked strut about,
and evil is praised throughout the land. — Psalm 12:5-8

GOD FILLED THE SKY WITH BEAUTIFUL COLORS AS A REMINDER THAT HE KEEPS HIS PROMISES.

God placed a rainbow in the sky as a reminder of the covenant He was making with Noah and his descendants, as well as with every living creature. That rainbow reminds us today that we serve a God who keeps His promises. As the psalmist said, his promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over.

Father God, thank you for having a plan and a purpose that goes beyond my own understanding. Help me to daily trust you enough to wait for your perfect plan in your perfect time. Thank you for today’s reminder of how quickly sin can destroy all the good things I am experiencing in life, and that you are a God who keeps His promises, a God whose heart I can trust. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Genesis 4 – 5, Psalm 37

“With the Lord’s help, I have produced a man.” – Genesis 4:1b

Eve gave birth to a son and her response was to recognize the wonderful gift God had given her — the blessing to have another life growing within her. She was the first woman to experience the pains of childbirth, yet her response was to recognize the Lord’s help rather than to focus on the struggle.

When given the opportunity to give a gift to the Lord, Eve’s firstborn son did not respond with the same heart of gratitude as his mother. Cain chose to give some of his harvest to the Lord, but he saved the best for himself. In contrast, his younger brother intentionally took the time to separate his flock so that he could give the best portions of the firstborn lambs. God accepted Abel’s gift, but He accepted neither Cain nor his gift. In response, Cain sulked in anger at God’s less enthusiastic response to his half-hearted effort.

INTRODUCING ANGER

“Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” – Genesis 4:6-7

Often we make the choice of giving God less than He deserves from us. When things do not go as we want them to go, we get angry with God and wonder why He is not meeting our need to be recognized or fulfilled. We live as though God exists to reward our small contribution or to rain down His blessings on us instead of living life for the purpose of glorifying God every day.

God warned Cain that his anger was inviting sin to come and control him. He commanded Cain to subdue the sinful anger and stay in control, but Cain chose to wrap himself in self-pity instead. In response to his jealousy of Abel, Cain did what was wrong — he killed his brother.

Afterward the Lord asked Cain, “Where is your brother?”
“I don’t know,” Cain responded. “Am I my brother’s guardian?” – Genesis 4:9

INTRODUCING INDIFFERENCE

Cain had the choice to willingly do what is right or to refuse to do the right thing. He chose the latter and God punished him for his sins. When confronted with his sin, Cain could have humbly chosen confession and repentance; instead, he chose indifference. His brother was dead and he showed no remorse. Sin began to control Cain, and God punished him for his selfish behavior. Not only did Cain have to leave his home and his family, he had to leave God’s presence.

Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper — it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land. – Psalm 37:8-9

It is so easy to let anger rise up inside of us, sometimes out of jealousy and sometimes due to an injustice in our life. At times we have every right to be angry, but there are also times when our anger is unjustified. In both instances, God is warning us to beware of the influence of anger on our lives. Taking our focus off of God allows the enemy to come in and distract us with thoughts of self-pity and vengeance. God is saying to keep your eyes on Him, to commit everything in your life into His capable hands, and to trust Him for what comes next.

As I read through the 37th Psalm, I find so much great advice on how to respond when things have not gone our way, or when we are hurt by the actions of others. If there is a situation or person in your life that is causing anger to take hold of your life, I invite you to soak in the promises of Psalm 37.

Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong.
For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither.
Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.
He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. – Psalm 37:1-7a

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. – Psalm 37:24

Put your hope in the Lord. Travel steadily along his path.
He will honor you by giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed.
I have seen wicked and ruthless people flourishing like a tree in its native soil.
But when I looked again, they were gone! Though I searched for them, I could not find them!
Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.
But the rebellious will be destroyed; they have no future.
The Lord rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble.
The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked.
He saves them, and they find shelter in him. – Psalm 37:34-40

Father God, thank you for the grace that allows me to spend time in your presence this morning. With a humble heart, I confess to you the moments when I have allowed jealousy and self-pity to creep into my thoughts, like old friends willing to help me justify my poor attitude. Thank you for the reminder to live a life that focuses on pleasing you instead of pleasing myself. Give me a heart of generosity towards you and towards those you would like to minister to through my life. Heal the places of my heart that have been wounded by the words and actions of others. I place it all in your hands and choose to trust you. My hope is in you, Lord. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Genesis 3:14 – 4:1, Psalms 33 & 51

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. — 1 Corinthians 10:13

When the serpent approached Eve in the garden of Eden, he started by asking her, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” (Genesis 3:1) He was doing what he still does to us today; he was planting seeds of doubt. In the next few moments, he convinced the woman that she would not die if she ate from the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden. He planted in her heart the desire to be like God — to make her own decisions, to be enlightened, to do whatever she wants.

This same arrogance is prevalent in our society today. American culture is screaming to do what you want to do. They say hell is a lie — that there is no such place where God punishes sin. Some even go as far as to make us believe that when we end this life we simply start over again. It didn’t take long for the serpent to convince Eve, and sadly it does not take long for us to believe these lies either. The world is giving us permission to walk away from all the truth found in the bible, but it is a lie that this departure from God’s way will bring joy. What happened in the garden is a perfect example.

When Adam and Eve ate of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, their eyes were indeed opened just like the serpent said they would be. But instead of it making them stronger, wiser and greater, it immediately brought shame. New emotions poured in and they were shook by the unfamiliarity of their feelings.

INTRODUCING SHAME

When Eve chose to see the things that were off limits as beautiful, her heart was drawn towards sin instead of focused on God. With this disobedience came shame. Adam and Eve immediately looked at their nakedness and felt exposed. When they heard God walking in the garden, they hid from Him because they were afraid.

INTRODUCING FEAR

Adam and Eve went from peacefully enjoying the fellowship of their Creator in the most beautiful place ever created to fearfully hiding from the consequences of their decisions. Their relationship was now broken and the regret of their action was weighing heavy on them. These new emotions caused them to look for escape. The woman blamed the serpent and the man blamed the woman, and now their relationship was broken as well.

INTRODUCING BLAME

The Lord looks down from heaven
and sees the whole human race.
From his throne he observes
all who live on the earth.
He made their hearts,
so he understands everything they do. — Psalm 33:13-15

When I consider these verses in Psalm 33, my heart overflows with gratitude that our God understands why we do what we do, even when we are struggling to wrap our own mind around it. I think all of us know what it feels like to regret our actions or to grieve the words we have spoken in a heated moment. Our heart aches at the thought of disappointing God. What must he think when I self-promote, rebel or disobey? But when I consider his response to Adam and Eve in this next verse, I get a glimpse of the heart of our Creator.

And the Lord God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife. – Genesis 3:21

And here we see the beautiful grace of our God — that He would lovingly provide for us even after we have messed up. Adam and Eve had to leave the garden, but God gave them a new place to live. They had to work the ground in order to grow their food, but He gave them the strength and knowledge to do so. Eve experienced pain in childbirth, but He also blessed her with endorphins that brought her joy as she held her newborn baby. God gave her body the amazing ability to grow and nourish a new life, and Eve recognized God’s mercy and His provision.

“With the Lord’s help, I have produced a man.” – Genesis 4:1b

Eve gave birth to a son and her response was to recognize the wonderful gift God had given her — the blessing to have another life growing inside of her. In the same way, let’s take some time this morning to thank God for the many ways He has blessed us, even though we don’t deserve it. Let’s take all of our lingering guilt, regret, shame and sorrow and place it at his feet, allowing Him to take the broken pieces of our life and make something beautiful out of it. When the enemy causes us to doubt, we will ask God for the gift of more faith. May 2024 be a year of standing strong against temptation as we make ourselves available to experience all that God has for us.

Have mercy on me, O God,
because of your unfailing love.
Because of your great compassion,
blot out the stain of my sins.
Wash me clean from my guilt.
Purify me from my sin…
Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Oh, give me back my joy again;
you have broken me—
now let me rejoice.
Don’t keep looking at my sins.
Remove the stain of my guilt.
Create in me a clean heart, O God.
Renew a loyal spirit within me.
Do not banish me from your presence,
and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. – Psalm 51:1-2,7-11

Today’s Reading: Genesis 2:21 – 3:13, Psalm 16 & 23

On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation. — Genesis 2:2-3

I love Sundays! It is a wonderful day to rest from work and allow God to restore me for His purposes. I find it helpful to pull away from the stress and get re-centered. It is a great opportunity to look back on where God has brought me from and rest in the knowledge that He has been extremely good to me. Reading through the story of creation is a great reminder of the importance of sabbatical moments. What a gift God gives us when He calls us to be intentional with how we begin and end each week.

GOD RESTED

God created us to both need and crave rest. And with the need to rest, comes the need to sleep. Consider the gift of sleep and how God provides for us while we are laying still. In fact, it was while he was sleeping that Joseph was told how to respond to Mary’s pregnancy, and it was while they were dreaming that the Magi were warned not to return to Herod. Peter was awakened from his sleep in order for an angel to lead him out of prison, and an angel of the Lord woke Elijah up in order to comfort and encourage him.

It is in our moments of stillness and rest that God often communicates with us— giving us clarity of thought and restoring us for what lies ahead. There have been many nights when the Spirit enlightened me of my need to apologize to someone or to right a wrong. And it is often in the quiet moments before I fall asleep that the Lord answers a question I have been pondering, giving me the clarity I had been praying for. Rest not only restores me physically, it renews me spiritually.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength.” — Psalm 23:1-3a

GOD PROVIDED

It was while Adam was sleeping that God provided a companion for him. God gave Adam and Eve each other, along with a beautiful place to live — a place where God Himself would walk. There were all sorts of trees in the garden of Eden, each beautiful and full of delicious fruit. And the best part of all — God joined them in the garden.

He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. — Psalm 23:3b-4

Adam was assigned to reign over all God had created and to watch over it, but He told him not to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. At the same time, Satan desired to spoil the blessings God had provided, so he convinced Eve that it was not enough. The serpent convinced Eve that she needed what God had placed out of reach — that she deserved more. Eve had the opportunity to rest in God’s provision and follow His instructions, yet she chose to find beauty in what she could not have rather than contentment in what she did have. Adam and Eve quickly learned that there is no lasting joy in stepping away from God’s plan, and they suffered the consequences of their sin.

GOD CONFRONTED

Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” – Genesis 3:9

God was not asking for their physical location; He knew the exact place Adam and Eve were hiding. Perhaps God was asking them where they were spiritually. Now that they had failed to obey, now that they had sinned, Adam and Eve needed to figure out where they were with God. They needed to confess their sin, ask for forgiveness and seek restoration — something that had never been done before.

Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?” – Genesis 3:13a

GOD PUNISHED

Sin — to know what you ought to do but choose not to do it; the sin of omission
Sin — to choose to do what God has made clear you are not allowed to do; sin of commission

One of the first lessons we can learn from the Bible is that God is a holy God who punishes us when we disobey. He has a beautiful life planned for us, but we miss out on that plan when we willfully choose to follow our own sinful desires. Thankfully we serve a God of grace, who has provided a sacrifice to cover the sins of those who choose to repent and to make Him Lord of their life. He does not want any of His children to be destroyed by sin, but He desires for everyone to come to Him in repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. — Psalm 16:7-11

Psalms 16 and 23 were both written by King David — a man who knew what it was to succumb to temptation by following the desires of his sinful nature. He also knew what it was to be forgiven of his sins and to be restored into a right relationship with God. David’s life was not perfect after this time of reconciliation with God, and he still had his struggles. There were consequences to his sin, plus he lived in a world that was suffering due to the consequences of the sins of Adam and Eve, just like we do. Yet David saw the many blessings God had bestowed on him, and he praised God for His goodness and unfailing love.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. — Psalm 23:5-6

Father God, we thank you for calling us to walk with you, to daily follow the instructions you have clearly laid out for us in your word. We thank you for your provision and for your daily restoration as we make it a priority to spend time in your presence. As we start a new year, we thank you for the reminder to be intentional to create moments of rest throughout our week. May our focus remain on you as we find beauty in what you have given us today, and in what you have ahead for us tomorrow. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Genesis 3, Romans 8, Psalm 19

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. – Genesis 1:1-2

In December of 2018, our family climbed aboard a boat before sunrise and ventured out into the Pacific Ocean in hopes of seeing humpback whales. The sky was dark and the ocean was peaceful. In that moment, I was reminded of the beauty of creation and the power of our Creator. As the sun began to peek over the mountain and cast its glow across the water, I thanked God for His presence in this world and the evidence of His hand at work in all I could see and hear.

I am reminded of that early morning boat ride as I read the first chapter of Genesis. I try to imagine what it was like when darkness covered the deep waters. I consider the relationship of the Trinity as the Spirit hovered over the surface of the earth, while God spoke the world into existence, and the Word gave life to everything that was created (John 1).

THE HARMONY OF THE TRINITY AS SEEN IN CREATION IS A BEAUTIFUL THING TO CONSIDER.

Two days ago, we studied the beautiful way God created the world through separation, but the creation story also tells us of a more painful separation that created a new reality. When Adam and Even chose to eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge and evil, sin was introduced into the creation story. Their disobedience separated mankind from the beauty of the Garden of Eden, causing a separation between creation and its Creator. In the same way, when we choose sin over God’s righteousness in our lives, there is a separation that takes place between us and our holy God. Once again, the harmony of the Trinity plays a role in bringing us back into a relationship with our Creator.

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit. — Romans 8:1-4

GOD THE FATHER GAVE HIS SON FOR OUR REDEMPTION. GOD THE SON WILLINGLY BECAME THE SACRIFICE FOR OUR SINS. GOD THE SPIRIT FREES US FROM THE POWER OF SIN THAT LEADS TO DEATH.

The Spirit of God frees us from the hold that sin has on us, and this is possible because the Son of God was willing to become one of us in order that He could become the sacrifice for all of our sins. The sinful nature with which we were born is naturally hostile towards God; that’s why we need the Holy Spirit to come in and take control over our sinful nature, giving us life and making us right with God. When we invite the Spirit to come in and lead us, putting to death the deeds of our sinful nature, we become children of God.

Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. – Romans 8:15b-17

The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives gives us a foretaste of the glory we will experience one day, when sin no longer separates us from our Heavenly Father. One day, we will be released from the sin and suffering our bodies are currently experiencing, and we will be given new bodies as God gives us our full rights as His adopted children. Our current experience of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives gives us hope for what we will one day experience in God’s presence.

I find peace in imagining God’s Spirit hovering over creation just as I find peace in the knowledge that He is present in my life, hovering over and around and in me each day. I am thankful that He helps me in my weaknesses, praying to God on my behalf in harmony with the will of the Father (8:27). This gives me context to one of my favorite verses:

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. — Romans 8:28

GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT WERE WORKING TOGETHER WHEN THEY CREATED THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH, AND THEY CONTINUE TO WORK TOGETHER ON OUR BEHALF.

What an amazing reality! What a perfect truth to rest on as we begin the third day of a new year! Even though we daily experience the separation that sin in this world has caused between creation and its Creator, we can still feel God’s presence when His Spirit lives within us. Each day is a mixture of feeling the separation that exists until Jesus comes again, while also feeling the closeness of His involvement in our life. Separate, yet together. Distant, yet close.

Father God, I am so grateful this morning for the Spirit’s role in my life — hovering over me and daily creating me to be who you want me to be. The Spirit’s presence creates a longing in my heart for the day when I will worship before Your throne. Jesus, thank you for becoming the perfect sacrifice for my sins. Spirit, empty me of all that is selfish and sinful, and make me to be a child of God who daily brings glory to the Father in my actions and attitudes. Lord, we join David in this prayer as we begin another year:

How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
Keep your servant from deliberate sins!
Don’t let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt
and innocent of great sin.
May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. – Psalm 19:12-14

Today’s Reading: Genesis 2, Psalm 8; Ephesians 4:17-32

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers — the moon and the stars you set in place — what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority — the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents. O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! – Psalm 8:3-9

As I was reading through the creation story again, the word “fullness” jumped off the page at me. The earth was formless and empty, and God filled it. He filled the sky with stars and planets; He gave us the sun to fill the earth with its light during the day and the moon to light up the night sky. He caused the waters to swarm with fish and mammals, and he created birds to fill the sky. The world went from empty to full at God’s command.

IN HIS FULLNESS

There is such beauty in the variety displayed in God’s creation. From the great sea creatures to the small animals that scurry across the earth or burrow through the ground, God beautifully provided us with diversity from the beginning of time. And he gave the animals and fish the ability to reproduce and multiply so that they could continue to fill the earth with their beauty and purpose. And God looked at everything He had created in many shapes, sizes, and colors, and He said that it was good.

Then God said, “Let the earth produce every sort of animal, each producing offspring of the same kind—livestock, small animals that scurry along the ground, and wild animals.” And that is what happened. God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. – Genesis 1:24-25

God took the time to create all sorts of animals, each species similar to another but uniquely special. This beauty of variation is also evidenced in how God created humans with DNA that makes us unique. Our Creator filled the earth by creating a man and a woman with the ability to be “seed-bearing” — to reproduce and fill the earth. The genetics of a man combine with the genetics of a woman to create a new person. This new life has similarities to its parents, yet is beautifully different. We truly have been fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

Diversity is a gift from God. As more and more people filled the earth, ethnicities formed and skin color varied from family group to family group. Difference showed up in eye color, hair color and texture, skin tone, height, and personality. And this was all part of God’s wonderful plan; it was meant to be celebrated and appreciated — it was very good.

IN HIS LIKENESS

Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.” – Genesis 1:26-28

God formed man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils and he became a living person. “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him” (2:18). From man, God created woman. While the man, Adam, was asleep, God took one of his ribs and created a helper that was “just right for him” (2:20).

“At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.’” This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. — Genesis 2:23-24

God could have created the woman, Eve, from the dust of the ground like he did Adam and the animals (2:19), but it is worth noting that He did not. And God does not do things without purpose, which means He intentionally chose to create the first woman from the body of the first man. And from her body, would come their children and all the generations to come. Adam and Eve were not created in the same way, nor were they created to fully function in the same way, but instead were designed to beautifully complement each other. Again, this is something to be celebrated and valued.

IN HIS IMAGE

What does it mean to you to be created in the image of God? Perhaps if we saw ourselves as created in His likeness, we would be less likely to devalue ourselves and self-criticize. And if we were to live life fully embracing how God created us and the purpose for which we were created, we would be more available for the building of God’s Kingdom than we ever have been.

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. – Ephesians 4:21-24

Father God, simply by speaking the world into existence, you took what was formless and empty and created the amazing details of this life. The world went from empty to full at your command. From empty to full. Lord, those four words hold so much meaning for me this morning. I recognize the evidence of your creative hand in my life — how you take the empty pages of my life and write my story. May this new year be perfectly designed by you, and may I grow in wisdom and faith as I soak in your scriptures each morning. Lord, I trust you with all that is ahead. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Genesis 1, Psalm 104, Isaiah 45

I love mornings! I love the opportunity to wake up early and get a fresh start — to experience a new beginning. I love the first chapter of a new book, the first page of an empty journal, and the first hour of every day. I love newborn babies, sunrises on the beach and the first sip of a hot cup of coffee. And this morning, as I open up to the first verse of the first chapter of Genesis on the first day of a new year, I am looking forward to what is ahead.

THIS IS A NEW PAGE OF A NEW CHAPTER; TODAY HOLDS THE OPPORTUNITY TO WRITE A NEW STORY IN OUR WALK WITH GOD.

Perhaps you are also in need of a new beginning this morning. When you look back over this last year, are you reminded of moments of fear and uncertainty, or seasons of grief and sorrow? Perhaps there have also been wonderful celebrations of new marriages, new careers, new homes, new friendships and new opportunities. I pray you can look back and see God’s hand of protection and provision over each moment — the good and the bad.

Although the last few years have held great loss for me, God is faithfully teaching me how to let go and trust Him through seasons of uncertainty and separation. As I read through the first chapter of Genesis, I am reminded that God created the world through the act of separation. He separated the light from the darkness, which created what we know as day and night. He separated the waters of the heavens from the waters of the earth, creating the sky. When God separated the waters of the earth, He created land and sea; when He separated the lights in the sky, He created a cadence of days, seasons and years. He created the animals giving some the sea to swim, others the land to roam and others He gave the sky as their playground. God created by separating.

IF SEPARATION HAS BEEN A NATURAL PART OF LIFE SINCE THE VERY BEGINNING, THEN WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT TO ADJUST TO?

We have all experienced the reality of separation over the last several years. There have been times when we were asked to stay home, special events in our lives have been canceled, and isolation has become the new norm. Many people now work from home, and thousands have made watching church services online their new normal. But in the midst of this post-pandemic culture, God is still busy creating. He is using separation to give us new insight; He is using this interruption to realign our priorities. New and beautiful realities are being birthed from the struggle.

Then God said, “Let the waters beneath the sky flow together into one place, so dry ground may appear.” And that is what happened. God called the dry ground “land” and the waters “seas.” And God saw that it was good. – Genesis 1:9-10

When God separated the waters, dry land was created. This new creation of rich soil provided a place for God to create seed-bearing plants that grow seed-bearing fruit. He created the plants to reproduce and multiply on their own so that there would be a beautiful cycle of the earth reproducing itself. In the same way, God created animals and mankind to reproduce and multiply.

Then God said, “Let the land sprout with vegetation—every sort of seed-bearing plant, and trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. These seeds will then produce the kinds of plants and trees from which they came.” And that is what happened. The land produced vegetation—all sorts of seed-bearing plants, and trees with seed-bearing fruit. Their seeds produced plants and trees of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. – Genesis 1:11-12

GOD ALLOWS SEPARATION IN OUR LIVES IN ORDER TO CREATE SOMETHING NEW, WHICH ALSO HAS THE POTENTIAL TO AGAIN CREATE SOMETHING NEW.

Have you ever stopped to consider how amazing that is? Naturally, separation can be painful, which is why we often resist it rather than resting in it. Our natural tendency is to write our own story instead of allowing God to be our Author and Creator. But even the most painful experiences of life can be “seed-bearing”, and God can create something beautiful when we submit to His artistry.

“Open up, O heavens, and pour out your righteousness. Let the earth open wide so salvation and righteousness can sprout up together. I, the Lord, created them. What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’ How terrible it would be if a newborn baby said to its father, ‘Why was I born?’ or if it said to its mother, ‘Why did you make me this way?’”

This is what the Lord says — the Holy One of Israel and your Creator: “Do you question what I do for my children? Do you give me orders about the work of my hands? I am the one who made the earth and created people to live on it. With my hands I stretched out the heavens. All the stars are at my command. – Isaiah 45:8-12

PERHAPS THIS YEAR CAN BE A SEASON OF ALLOWING OUR CREATOR TO DO SOMETHING NEW IN OUR LIVES WITHOUT ARGUMENT OR RESISTANCE — EVEN IF IT INVOLVES THE PAIN OF SEPARATION OR CHANGE.

Father God, I praise you this morning for the beauty of your creation. Will you place in me a stronger faith that is daily reproducing new faith, no matter how unfamiliar my circumstances feel. Please continue to mold me and shape me for your perfect plan. Lord, I pray that you will be glorified in my life and that you will be present each morning as I soak in your scriptures.

May the glory of the Lord continue forever! The Lord takes pleasure in all he has made! The earth trembles at his glance; the mountains smoke at his touch. I will sing to the Lord as long as I live. I will praise my God to my last breath! May all my thoughts be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord…Let all that I am praise the Lord. Praise the Lord! – Psalm 104:31-35

Today’s Reading: Luke 14:28-33; Psalm 127

WHAT IF THIS IS THE YEAR THAT WE FINISH WHAT WE STARTED?

“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’” – Luke 14:28-30

I have been seeking the Lord all weekend, asking him to show me what He wants me to do and what He wants me to learn this year. I am a goal setter, so this is the time of the year when I really lean into my purpose and how it fits into God’s plan. I will develop a long list of goals and spend time organizing my strategies for reaching those goals. My goals will range from weight loss to a reading list, from personal growth to professional development. Intentionality and time management will be two of my greatest resources, but it means nothing if I do not seek the Lord’s plans for 2024.

I have learned over the years that I can be my own worst enemy when it comes to goal setting. I have a tendency to set my goals too high or make my timeline too short. This passage in Luke has been a great reminder to me this weekend that I need to consider my resources, that I need to count the cost. How I start this year will greatly affect how I finish.

“Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.” – Luke 14:31-33

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT I GIVE EVERYTHING TO THE LORD BEFORE I START THIS NEXT LIFE CHAPTER.

2023 was the year of embracing God’s directions for me to stay light on my feet. This year we sold or gave away most of our earthly possessions. We let go of some things we realized we did not need, things that no longer held a purpose in our lives. But even with this clearing the Lord called us to, I still must ask myself this morning if I am holding anything back from God. I need to examine my heart to see if I am motivated by pride, fear or unforgiveness? This morning the Lord is calling me to again strip off every weight that will slow me down, especially any sin that is bound to easily trip me as I run the race God has set before me (Hebrews 12:1).

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. – Philippians 2:3-4

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT I ASK THE LORD TO EQUIP ME WITH EVERYTHING I NEED FOR THIS YEAR AHEAD — COURAGE, ENDURANCE, PERSEVERANCE, WISDOM, STRENGTH AND ESPECIALLY THE HOLY SPIRIT.

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. – James 1:5-8

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! – Galatians 5:22-23

Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity,
but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. – Proverbs 21:5

But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded. – 2 Chronicles 15:7

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT I BUILD THE HOUSE THE LORD IS CALLING ME TO BUILD, AND THAT I DO SO WITH THE LORD’S HELP.

Unless the Lord builds a house,
the work of the builders is wasted.
Unless the Lord protects a city,
guarding it with sentries will do no good. – Psalm 127:1

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. – Ephesians 2:8-10

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. – Romans 12:1-2

THIS YEAR IS ABOUT BEING AVAILABLE TO DO WHATEVER GOD WANTS TO DO THROUGH ME.

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. – Colossians 3:23-24

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. – Ephesians 3:20-21

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31

Thank you so much for joining me each morning in 2023 as we have read the scriptures together and sought the Lord’s understanding. I am looking forward to starting back at the beginning tomorrow. I invite you to join me for another 2-year journey through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 29; Psalm 37

WHAT IF THIS IS THE YEAR THAT I TRUST THE LORD WITH MY WHOLE HEART?

This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” – Jeremiah 29:11

The Israelites were entering into a season marked with unfamiliarity. They were being escorted by their enemies into a foreign land because they had sinned against the Lord. They were being punished for their rebellion, yet the Lord spoke words of hope over them, giving them reason to believe that there were better days ahead. God revealed His heart of love for His people in this message.

GOD WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN THIS NEXT CHAPTER OF THEIR LIVES. WHEN THEY PRAYED, HE WOULD LISTEN. WHEN THEY SOUGHT HIM, HE WOULD BE FOUND.

Last night, as we traveled back from one of our family Christmas gatherings, we began to talk about the blessings each of us has experienced in 2023. We looked back at the wonderful opportunities the Lord had given us, some of which were unexpected and very life-giving. Four of us had traveled quite a bit, so we took time to consider the places we had been and the people we had met.

We also looked back at the hard times. We started this year with some loved ones who are no longer here to end the year with us. There were some disappointments, some loss, and some heartache along the way. In some ways, we are not where we thought we would be when we set our goals for 2023. So, if life can look so different today than we thought it would look as we dreamed about the year ahead, how does that affect our perspective on setting goals for next year?

DO WE BELIEVE THAT GOD WILL BE PRESENT IN THE NEW YEAR? AS WE LOOK BACK ON WHAT IS BEHIND US, DO WE TRUST HIM WITH WHAT IS AHEAD?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take. – Proverbs 3:5-6

What great advice the writer of Proverbs has for us. Perhaps the key to trusting God is to seek Him in all that we do. Perhaps the moments when we have regretted trusting the Lord have more to do with letting ourselves down because we were pursuing what we wanted instead of what God wants.

But what if I ask the Lord to shape the desires of my heart so that He can lead me down the path He has chosen for me? What if I stop making decisions based on my best guess or my limited understanding, and instead depend on the wisdom of God to provide me with direction and focus?

WHAT IF THIS IS THE YEAR THAT I TRUST THE LORD WITH MY WHOLE HEART?

Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him and he will help you. – Psalm 37:3-5

Commit your actions to the Lord,
and your plans will succeed…
We can make our plans,
but the Lord determines our steps. – Proverbs 16:3,9

I KNOW THAT I CAN TRUST THE HEART OF GOD AND ALLOW HIM TO WORK OUT HIS PLANS FOR MY LIFE.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever;
his intentions can never be shaken. – Psalm 33:11

Lord, we are leaning in and listening for your still small voice. We ask that you guide our thoughts and shape our desires for the year ahead. We trust you to write your plan in our hearts and then lead us through every decision ahead. May we desire only what you desire, and may our plans be guided by your Spirit. We will give you the glory for every success and every blessing in 2024! And may our reaction to the challenges and disappointments life may bring this next year also bring you glory. Amen.

And my prayer for you, friends, is that you will find God as you seek Him in the coming days. May you sense His fierce love for you, and may you find confidence in the truth that He is listening to you. I pray that the Lord will guide the desires of your heart so that they align with His. May He give you closure on some of your biggest disappointments, and may He heal your wounds and give you hope for all that He has ahead for you.

May he grant your heart’s desires
and make all your plans succeed. – Psalm 20:4

“May the Lord bless you
and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor
and give you his peace.” – Numbers 6:24-26

Today’s Reading: Psalm 81, 82 & 143

I heard an unknown voice say:
“I removed the burden from their shoulders;
their hands were set free from the basket.
In your distress you called and I rescued you,
I answered you out of a thundercloud;
I tested you at the waters of Meribah.
Hear me, my people, and I will warn you—
if you would only listen to me, Israel!
You shall have no foreign god among you;
you shall not worship any god other than me.” – Psalm 81:5b-9

Father God, we recognize this morning that you have rescued us over and over again. Not only did you send your Son to walk this earth, knowing how your creation would treat its Creator, you continue to show mercy to this sinful world today. We called out to you and you rescued us; you answered our cries, responding to our needs and providing according to your wisdom and love.

“I am the Lord your God,
who brought you up out of Egypt.
Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.” – Psalm 81:10

OPEN WIDE YOUR MOUTH AND I WILL FILL IT.

This verse beautifully describes the heart of God. He wants to pour out His blessings on our lives; He desires to be generous with us. But we must cooperate with the Gift Giver; we must be open to all that God wants to do for us, in us and through us. We must quiet the chaos of life and find undistracted moments to listen for the voice of the Lord speaking to us.

“But my people would not listen to me;
Israel would not submit to me.
So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts
to follow their own devices.
If my people would only listen to me,
if Israel would only follow my ways,
how quickly I would subdue their enemies
and turn my hand against their foes!
Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him,
and their punishment would last forever.
But you would be fed with the finest of wheat;
with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.” – Psalm 81:11-16

I WILL SATISFY YOU WITH HONEY FROM THE ROCK.

For most of my life, it has been a prayer of mine that my heart would mirror the desires of the Lord. I have repeatedly asked God to take away anything my heart desires that does not reflect what He desires for me and for those I love. I long to be satisfied with the honey provided by the Rock of Ages; I desire to be aligned with the heart of Jesus. I want my prayers for my own life to be unselfish, surrendered to all that God wants; I want my prayers for others to be directed by the thoughts of God.

“Defend the weak and the fatherless;
uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” – Psalm 82:3-4

These first two psalms we have looked at today were written by a musician named Asaph. Asaph was a Levite appointed by King David to minister before the ark of the Lord, to extol, thank, and praise the Lord (1 Chronicles 16:4-5). Asaph’s calling was to attend to the needs of others, to praise the Lord enthusiastically, to lead God’s people in the expression of gratitude, and to lead the nation of Israel in the approval and admiration of the Lord.

I believe that Asaph’s calling matched the desire of his heart. I am convinced that worshiping God came naturally to the chief of temple worship — to the man appointed as the worship leader. Asaph wrote poetry and song lyrics, like King David, and the Israelites continued to use his words when they praised the Lord, just as we do today (2 Chronicles 29:30). He passed on his talents and his heart for worship to his descendents. They, too, became temple musicians and were known as the sons of Asaph (Ezra 2:41 & 3:10, Nehemiah 7:44).

OPEN WIDE YOUR HEART AND I WILL FILL IT.

I am so thankful that God did not leave us in the condition we were in when we surrendered our life to Him. God’s love for us is expressed in His willingness to fill us with His righteousness so that we can be made right with him, reflecting the righteousness of God through our actions and attitudes. God’s mercy is evidenced through the opportunities that He gives us, allowing us to be used by Him in the lives of others — the weak and the fatherless, the poor and the oppressed, the weak and the needy.

Lord, open our hearts and fill us with all that you desire. May our lives be a beautiful reflection of your unfailing love and great kindness. As we end one year and prepare for a new beginning, we ask that you would guide our lives. Give us direction each morning as we rest in your presence and soak in your words. May we be satisfied with the sweet honey you provide, and may we trust you with all that is ahead. Amen.

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk,
for I give myself to you. – Psalm 143:8