OT 1 (Genesis 1-15)

As we start our Daily Devotional readings in the Old Testament (where on Fridays-Sundays, we read a dozen or so chapters), I will be sharing some highlights and thoughts here (hopefully every Friday).  These are just “bloggish thoughts” that might lend itself to further insights, reflection, and devotion to God.  So, here it goes:

Genesis 1-15 (Sept. 4-6)

1:1 “In the beginning, God…”: God is the beginning.  God creates from nothing, brings form to the formless, and order from chaos.  If God is not present at the beginning of all my endeavors (my work, my words, my thoughts, my days), then what/who will govern my life?  I will be left to my own devices and vices…and my life will be chaotic, formless, and empty.  And besides, God ought to be at the beginning because He will surely be at the end (per Revelations & reminders like Heb. 4:13  “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account“).

1:22, 28; 8:17; 9:1, 7 “God blessed them…”: God wants to bless.  So many times, we wrongly think that God is out to punish, to harm, and to hurt us — especially since we experience pains/hurts/sufferings.  But sometimes, these pains are our own doing.  It is because we have thought and done things without God at the beginning of our endeavors.  Here we see from the very beginning that God’s desire is to bless us, to have us flourish, to be fruitful, and to be a blessing to others (Gen 12:3 “…all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”). Thank you, Lord, for your generous and loving heart that wants to bless a sinner like me!

3:1 “Did God really say…”: Satan’s crafty tactic is planting doubt and mistrust — doubting God’s goodness & love and mistrust of why God would set up boundaries, rules, and prohibitions.  But if we remember that God is out to bless us from the beginning, then it should lead to greater trust in Him.  Doubt and mistrust also break relationships with one another (in family, between friends, in church).  If God is at the beginning of all relationships, there is love, and there is trust.

12:1 “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.”: Leaving and following.  Often times, following will require leaving.  God calls us to trust and follow Him as He leads.  What must I leave?  Leave my life of sin (John 8:11).  Leave my mistrust and doubt (Prov. 3:5).  Leave my childish ways behind me (1 Cor. 13:11).  We see from the very beginning, Christ-followers left their nets to follow Him (Matt. 4:20).  Yes, it’s scary.  Yes, it seems risky.  Yes, there may be doubts.  But that’s the life of faith as we place God at the beginning of our paths.

[Okay, I'll stop here for now.  There are so many other lessons that I want to share!  Maybe I'll incorporate them into future messages/sermons.  Feel free to comment on what you were blessed by from your readings!]