The Creator and His Creation

Genesis 1:1 - the first scripture in the first book of the Bible, says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”  The rest of chapter one tells us that God spoke into existence everything that makes up the entire universe as we know it – our solar system including Earth, the sun and moon, morning and evening, land and water, creatures that live in the ocean, fly in the air, walk on the ground, and green growing plants with seeds that sustain life.  Last of all, God created mankind in His image and established our responsibility as caretakers of His awesome creation. 

“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’  So, God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.  God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.  Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’  Then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it.  They will be yours for food.  And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.’  And it was so.  God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”  (Genesis 1:26-31) 

God’s creation is marvelous to behold; it was designed in meticulous detail and has functioned with astonishing perfection through the ages.  The next time you go outside or look out your window, pause and take note of all you can see, hear, and touch that is of God’s creation.  Give Him your gratitude and praise, and thank Him that He made you to be a part of His Creation and eternal plans because He loves you. 

Passing Through Troubled Waters

When I was about 10 or 12 years old, my older sisters and I visited a local river spot called “The Chutes.” The river had a mix of sandy or rocky beach entry areas, as well as an area where huge boulders formed a series of very dangerous “chutes.” It was a popular summertime gathering place where people would swim, float on inner tubes, and even jump off high rocky cliffs into the cold, swift water. After floating a few times with an inner tube, I decided to try swimming without an inner tube and instead hung onto the back of someone else’s, eventually letting go to be on my own. I was able to touch the river’s bottom with my feet in most areas and was enjoying the experience like some of the older kids were doing - until I came to came to a deep part of the river and suddenly went under - I was about to drown. No one was around me; my sisters were further down the river. However, God in His mercy swept me against a large boulder, which I was able to cling to and crawl to shore.

There are times in our lives where we’ll find ourselves in other kinds of troubled waters - swift, deep, and terrifying. It’s at times like this that we must remember that we are not alone - God is with us. “But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” (Isaiah 43:1-7) God reminds us that He will be with us as we pass through the rivers, and they will not sweep over us. He is taking us through, not leaving us to drown. He knows us and we are His.

A New Start with the God Who Makes Things New

As this year comes to its end and a New Year is about to begin, are there areas in your life that you’d like to change or have a new start?  Maybe it’s a relationship, job, finances, or health.  Maybe it’s negative thoughts or unhealthy habits that aren’t working or are causing harm, but you’ve been living with them for so long that making even a small change seems overwhelming.   

The good news is that none of us have to do this alone.  The God who made us, loves us, knows and understands us completely, will help us identify what needs changing and will equip us to make it happen.  “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.  Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”  (Psalm 139:13-16) 

God loves to make things new and is waiting for you to ask for His help.  “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”  (Isaiah 43:18-19) 

He will guide you every step of the way and will bring your life into alignment with His plans and purposes for your life – both now and for eternity.  “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.   Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.   You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  (Jeremiah 29:11-13) 

Where to begin?  Start with a prayer to Jesus, God’s son; tell Him that you believe He died on the cross to pay for your sins, ask for His forgiveness and to be the Lord of your life forever.  You have now taken the first step of your new start – for the New Year and for the rest of your life.  Start reading the Bible and praying, and allow Jesus to guide your next steps as you walk each day with the God who makes things new. 

He Leads Me

Psalm 23 is a familiar favorite of millions of people, traditionally associated with people at life’s end or at funerals. Although some of Palm 23’s scriptures touch on impending death, its composer, King David of Israel, wrote it as his own personal testimony of God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness in his life.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. God is our good shepherd; He takes care of our needs.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. His care refreshes us physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. He will fulfill his good and righteous purposes for our lives that ultimately glorify Him.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. We may face life-threatening circumstances or illness, or suffer the loss of someone we love; but God walks with us through these dark valleys and will protect us every step of the way.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Even in the face of danger or illness, God will supply everything we need to overcome and have victory.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23) Our lives will be filled with God’s goodness and love as He leads us through this life and into eternity with Him.

Come Up Higher

When we become believers in Jesus Christ, we will begin a lifetime journey with the Lord.  This journey is like taking a long walk with your best friend - sharing your thoughts, problems, fears, and dreams.  Jesus knows us intimately and it delights Him to spend time with us.  We can trust in His perfect love, wisdom, counsel, and guidance.  By reading His word, praying, listening, and applying what He’s teaching us through the Holy Spirit each day, our love for Jesus will grow and we’ll find that we want to spend more and more time with Him.   

There will be times where Jesus wants to teach us something extraordinary, a deeper truth or promise that we need at certain times in our journey.  He is calling us to “come up higher,” above the clamor and distractions of life, closer to Him.  We are to heed His call immediately, get alone with our bible, and let Jesus speak to our hearts, minds, and souls.  Let’s make sure we are walking in step with our Lord, listening for His call.  Whatever He teaches us on these mountain tops, we will need later when we walk with Him through the valleys.  

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. 

He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. 

(Psalm 121)

Why Read the Bible Every Day

Our lives are busier than ever before. From the moment we wake up in the morning until we finally drift off to sleep at night, we are inundated with nonstop demands for our attention. What should we allow into our minds and what should we filter out? How can we know what is right or wrong, good or bad, true or false?

We look to God’s Word as our source of TRUTH. The Bible contains God’s own inerrant thoughts and words, given to us so that we may know Him, know ourselves, and know how to live life at its very best. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)

Make a habit of spending a few quiet moments before you start your day reading God’s Word. Allow Him to speak His love and truth to you; discover His purposes for your life; and experience His provision, protection, and guidance every day. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Grow Where You’re Planted

This lone, beautiful purple petunia popped up one summer in a bed of landscaping granite rocks.  It wasn’t planted there; a breeze had whisked its tiny seed away from a large pot of multi-colored petunias on a nearby porch and dropped it onto the rocks.  The seed rooted itself among the rocks and the little petunia thrived all summer until fall’s frost eventually ended its growing season.  It grew where it was planted.   

Sometimes, God plants us in hard, rocky places for a season.  It might be a strained relationship with a family member; or a job that you dislike, but need to keep because of finances; or it may be a painful illness or physical limitation that seems endless.  “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  (2Corinthians 12:8-10)

God loves us and understands the emotional, physical, and spiritual suffering we go through.  Ask God what He wants you to learn from your hard, rocky place, and allow His grace to sustain you each day.  In His perfect time your season will end, and you will be blessed in ways you would never have experienced had it not been for your willingness to grow where you were planted.  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Prayer changes things. Let’s commit to praying regularly for our communities, states, and nation. If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Our country, communities, and families are under spiritual attack. Satan seeks to DECEIVE, DIVIDE, and DESTROY. Watch Dr. Charles Stanley’s sermon, “Satan’s Strategy to Defeat Us,” and learn how to fight our spiritual battles God’s way.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:10-13)