Tag: Creation

Genesis 6

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And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. Noah found grace in the eyes of God. Genesis 6:6,8

God regretted creating man.

The evil, which was ruling man, grieved God’s heart.

Man became so selfish and evil, God actually wished He had not created them.

Verse 5 says “every intention of the thoughts of his (man’s) heart was only evil continually.

Wow.

Like nothing but evil.

Literally.

Imagine living in that world where only evil reigns free and kindness is nearly non-existent.

Nearly non-existent due to the life of Noah.

Noah and his family found favor in God’s eyes.

That’s it. The only family on earth.

Only a few hundred years after God created Adam, He regretted man.

Not only did God want to destroy man, He also cut short future man’s long life which had been the norm.

Noah was 500 when he fathered Shem, Ham, and Japheth (Genesis 5:32).

That’s pretty old!

God declared man would live no more than 120 years in verse 3 as God did not want His spirit to abide in man forever.

You can see why.

God does not condone evil.

Period.

We might not be as bad or evil as the population Noah walked among, but evil is evil.

Sin is sin.

Do you ever stop to think your sin grieves God’s heart?

Sure some sins are worse than others, but any sin at all goes against God.

It goes against everything He is.

Sin is the opposite of God.

Lots of grace for us when we sin, yes, but ask God to help you live only within His ways.

Ask the Holy Spirit to build you up in your mind, body, and soul, as you pursue God and God alone.

Maybe the thought of grieving God’s heart will stop you from sinning.

After all, why would we ever want to cause God any pain ever when He’s done everything and more for us?

Photos by Lucas Dial, Aram, Aaron Burden, & Anne Nygård on Unsplash

How Dare We

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Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31

How dare we question God.

Yet we do.

Why? Because we want our own way.

We think we know better than Him.

Do you see how selfish that is?

How arrogant?

Did we create the earth and all it contains?

Did we place the stars in the heavens?

Did we design life with such variety and beauty?

Absolutely not.

We are God’s creation.

God is not our creation.

I get it though. Often our lives seem to turn unexpectedly, down a path we wished to avoid.

We question God. We question because we hate it. The direction we travel.

God allows things.

He created us with the ability to choose, and sometimes people make bad choices.

Or, sometimes it’s our own fault.

Yet God allows it.

We can be assured from Ecclesiastes 9:1 that “… how the righteous and the wise and their deeds are in the hand of God. Whether it is love or hate, man does not know; both are before him.”

All we do are in God’s hands.

We need God. He helps us filter out bad choices when we cannot see what’s right.

Further, we can rest assured God works all things for His purpose.

Romans 8:28 reminds us,” And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

God sees everything.

He sees the good, the bad, and the ugly.

While He might allow circumstances you detest, He will stay by your side.

And He has a plan. Do you trust Him?

You are worth more to God than anything else He created.

He sent His only son to die on the cross for you so you can spend eternity with Him.

Yes, God is holy.

Yes, He created all things.

And no, we are not in charge.

But you can rest assured God is.

God, who created order and beauty, is on the throne.

And when trials come, He will be with you every step of the way.

His ways are higher than ours.

We must not question God, but live peacefully, knowing He cares for all of His creation.

Yet we are of more value than many sparrows.

We are made in His image.

Photos by Marshall Patterson, Mathew Schwartz, Cédric VT, & Nicole Wreyford on Unsplash

Time to Pause

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Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. Psalm 37:7

Stop walking forward.

Pause, just for a moment.

Sometimes we push forward, forgetting to look behind us.

To remember. To refocus. To pause.

While you’re stopped, look around.

What do you see?

There are little bits of glory all around you.

Bursts of God’s miracles in your life.

The awe of creation.

The miracle of life.

Things that make you smile, because God knows you.

Now look behind you.

Do you see God’s faithfulness over the years?

There’s a long line of proof God has walked with you.

Some of it is easy to see, other parts are not.

Looking back should re-anchor your feet as your heart fills with hope again.

Hope as you dwell within the promise of God’s continued faithfulness.

Now look forward.

Do you see the hills and valleys laid out before you?

Or maybe you see a mountain, and you’re not sure what waits beyond.

As you keep God’s faithfulness from the past in your heart, reach out and grab His hand.

You are surrounded by God and all He has done for you.

His faithfulness will remain as you continue to seek Him for your future.

Stop, notice, and remember.

As you reflect often, God will continually fill you with His goodness as you purpose to walk with Him alone.

You might face mountains.

You might face valleys.

But as you take God’s hand, remembering His complete faithfulness, you’ll confidently continue forward.

Why? Because God’s faithfulness is never-ending.

Pause. Notice. And keep moving forward with God.

Photos by Joyce G on Unsplas

Sneaky Lies

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So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Genesis 3:6

Adam and Eve were living in the Garden of Eden.

Spectacular food, unspoiled by death or disease.

Can you imagine how flavorful it was?

Probably beyond our wildest dreams.

Gorgeous scenery.

Lounging animals.

No schedules or work demands.

Talking with God every evening.

Just the two of them in paradise.

For how long had they been enjoying God’s creation?

Not sure. But it definately ended abruptly.

There were two trees alone in their glory: the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

The Bible clearly states the second tree was off limits. Completely.

No eating from the knowledge of good and evil tree.

It was God’s protection over them.

One day a serpent opened its mouth and talked to Eve.

Was that unusual? Having an animal or reptile talk to you?

Eve doesn’t act surprised. In fact she listens to what it has to say.

Eve had all the knowledge of God’s goodness surrounding her each and every day.

She talked with God every day.

Yet she chose to believe the serpent instead.

The serpent told her the forbidden tree would make her wise like God.

When those words were spoken, Eve’s eyes were convinced of its truth.

She saw the tree as good for her.

She saw a lie as truth.

What lies do you see as truth?

Lies about yourself? Others? Your future?

Eve didn’t consult Adam. She merely repeated the lie as fact.

And Adam believed it, too.

Instead of consulting each other and then asking God, who created all things, they believed a lie.

True, they did not understand lies existed, as they lived in a perfectly created world.

But the words went against all God had spoken to them.

Ask God today what lies you currently believe as truth.

Seek His truth over all things in your carnal mind.

We don’t have the luxury of living in the Garden of Eden.

But we do have access to God.

He wants to talk with you every day, too.

Filter your thoughts with His, seeing through Satan’s sneaky lies.

Photos by niko photos, Jeroen den Otter, Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦, & Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

Tasting Suffering

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And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10

How do you identify with Christ’s suffering?

Not a fun topic, I know.

Can’t we all just identify with his happy traits instead of his suffering or forgiveness?

Because Jesus came to earth fully human yet fully God, we can identify with Him when our humanness overwhelmes us.

When life on this earth is less than celebratory.

As mamas, we give our bodies over when producing life.

Our bodies are literally changed forever. Marked with our child.

Further, we give ourselves to them for care.

Whether a child grows within your body or heart, you are forever changed by that child’s mere existence.

Jesus gave his body for us.

He willingly gave up his body for our salvation.

Does all of human creation daily cry out songs of thanksgiving for His sacrifice?

Nope. Not even close.

How many have been lost, not clinging to God’s plan for salvation?

Not recognizing Jesus’ human suffering on the cross for us?

What does Jesus think when those who are lost come to mind?

When those who have rejected His sacrifice beg to do life instead all on their own?

He has compassion.

He sees them through love.

He still wants their heart.

And He doesn’t give up. Ever.

Mothers sometimes get the short end of the stick.

But when we do, we must look to Jesus’ example of love.

He keeps loving even when others don’t love Him back.

Even knowing some would reject His willingness to sacrifice for their eternal life, He still went to the cross for them.

As we keep walking forward during the more uncomfortable times of life, may we look to Jesus’ example and love all anyways.

Photos by Camila Damásio, Larm Rmah, JESHOOTS.COM, &  Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Image Bearer

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So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Colossians 3:10

God created us in His image.

Meaning, unlike the rest of creation, we can make decisions, have thoughts, feelings, dreams, and disappointments.

We are complex, not existing on pure instinct.

As the one creation made in the image of God, we stand higher than all the rest of God’s magnificent creation.

We have God’s image literally stamped on us.

Our capacity for love mirrors God.

Our capacity for jealousy mirrors God.

Our capacity for anger mirrors God.

On the other hand, we are nothing like God, because God is holy.

We live in a sinful world, constantly tempted to listen to our flesh instead of God.

We sin all the time and God is without sin.

However, Jesus took our punishment for our sins.

Because of Jesus, we can restore our relationship to God, our Creator.

We put on our new self, which is renewed in knowledge, bearing the image of God.

When you are God’s child, you put on who you are in His image.

Who you are is love.

Who you are is wanted.

Who you are is valued.

Protected. Safe. Chosen.

A bullet-proof vest against the lies of the enemy.

Oh, they still hurt and sting even, but the lies are not fatal.

They pierce you, but fall away because you are reminded of Whose image you bear.

Place your trust in Almighty God.

Ask God to remove your sins because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

Walk in the freedom He gives you as you clothe yourself in His image.

Allow God’s strength to fill you.

His peace to cover you.

And His love to ground you as you walk as a child of the Most High God.

Photos by Rhendi Rukmana, Alex Lopez, & Laura Rivera on Unsplash

His Creation

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So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them…And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. Genesis 1:27-28,31

God created us in His image.

We are the only things He created so special.

Yes, everything He created is unique. Amazing. Intricate.

But we are the only creation made literally in His image.

The image of God is stamped upon you.

Let that sink into your incredible brain He created to contemplate!

He also gave us dominion over all living things on this earth.

That includes yourself.

Your flesh.

You, through God’s power, have dominion over your flesh.

Yes, your flesh was created in God’s image.

But sin entered the earth, marring your flesh forever.

The war you have with your flesh is because of sin.

But you can win.

You can win your war over your flesh, because of Jesus.

Finally, God called all of His creation very good.

While I don’t let my students use that word as an adequate adjective, in Genesis “good” refers to beautiful or best.

God created you in His best way.

Created in His image, you are beautiful. The best. So good.

Remember today where God has placed you.

Above all His other creation.

Made in His image.

The very image of God.

Photos by Samantha Sophia & Ben White on Unsplash

Remembered No More

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For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. Isaiah 65:17

As God’s beloved, He renews you.

Renews your mind.

Your thoughts.

Your new self covered under His salvation.

God wants you to live within His freedom from your previous ways of thinking.

The untruths you held dear.

The inadequacy that gripped you.

The fears that wouldn’t let go.

When a thought pops into your mind, do you immediately believe it?

If it tears you down feeling worthless, it’s not God.

God will gently bring you into freedom.

He only wants the best for you, so as you embrace His freedom, you’ll feel better and better.

Science shows us brain pathways can be retrained.

But you must cut the ties with your former ways of thinking.

Your former ways of thinking apart from God.

Cutting your connection with the untruth means you don’t think about it like you used to.

When an old nasty thought pops into your brain, you declare God’s truth instead.

If you’ve suffered from negativity, you begin to thank God for His goodness.

You look for it. Search for it, proclaiming He is good.

If you’ve suffered from fear, you thank God for His protection.

You remind yourself how perfectly safe you are under His wings.

If you’ve suffered from loneliness, thank God for His companionship.

You begin to list all the ways God sees you and knows you.

Start today.

As Isaiah reminds us, the former things will be remembered no more or even come to mind.

Declare the lies you previously believed gone.

The fear previously holding you gone.

Your mind is pure, covered in God’s truth.

Renewed.

Walk in the freedom God has already provided you.

You are a new creation, inside and out.

As you replace the old thoughts with God’s truth, your brain will remember them no more.

Photos by Mike Tinnion, Priscilla Du Preez, &Timothy Eberly on Unsplash

God-breathed

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The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. Job 33:4

Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein. Isaiah 42:5

God breathed and life erupted.

His life filled what He breathed upon.

Creation.

The apostle’s baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Can you imagine anything better than the creation of life or the indwelling of God’s spirit within you?

When God breathes on something, life erupts. Multiplies. Becomes alive.

While at worship last week, I had a picture of God breathing on the ugly parts of life.

The sections of our hearts or lives that contain ugly, messy cobwebs.

With one word, God breathes and darkness disappears, clearing away the cobwebs.

Whoosh. God says, “I am breathing on all of your cobwebs. Cleaning them all away. Forever gone.”

What areas of your life do you desperately need God to breathe?

With His breath, you’ll replace death with life. Destruction with living. Selfishness with godliness.

Ask Him to breathe on your heart. Ask Him to clear away your cobwebs.

Cobwebs connecting to family members. Gone.

Cobwebs connecting to destructive habits. Gone.

Cobwebs connecting to ugly past sins, guilt, or shame. Gone.

Cobwebs convincing you God truly deems you unworthy of Him. Gone.

When you allow God to fill you with His breath, He will make all things new.

Breathe Him in and receive His healing. His power. His peace.

Breathe Him out and become His hands and feet. His witness. His proof.

All glory returns to God for creating us in His image, allowing us to experience the freedom, forgiveness, and purpose He has for us. Spread the word. To God be all glory.

Photos by Saad Chaudhry, Aaron Burden, & Hugo Fergusson on Unsplash