1.1.11 "In the Beginning..."

"In the Beginning..."

Genesis 1:1-2:25
Matthew 1:1-2:12
Psalm 1:1-6
Proverbs 1:1-6

"Happy New Year!"

The beginning...

Here we are at the start of a new year. As we all look at this new year it's like we're at the top of a brand new roller coaster. Who knows what's coming? There will be joys and there will be challenges. There will most likely be tragedy at some level. There will be tears. For others, this could be the year where life-long dreams come to fulfillment. If the Lord tarries, a year from this morning, we'll be looking back at 2011 recounting all that God has done and what he's brought us through.

Without the security of knowing that God is taking care of us, it can be almost paralyzing to sit and wonder and fear what might be around the corner. We must prioritize what will truly be our strength in this new year. Let's renew our commitment to be in the word. THAT is where we will find sustenance for each new day and each new turn.

A couple of "priorities" that jump out from today's readings are as follows.

Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." As a young child it never occurred to me how important this foundational statement is. In the beginning, God was. How does that effect our lives? That means there is nothing new to him. Everything is in his sight. He knows all he sees all. It is important to live this year knowing God is in control!

Genesis 2:3 - "and God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he ceased this work of creation." It's important to apply the principle of Sabbath to our lives. We can't live the Balanced Christian Life without it.

Genesis 2:15 - "The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden as its gardener, to tend and care for it." God has me here to use the resources he has given me for his glory. There are no exceptions. All I have at my disposal, whether it be time, talent, family, finances, or anything else, is to be put to work for his glory.

Matthew 1 is the genealogy of Jesus. I'm sure you've read it before, but take note of the women who were mentioned: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheeba. Each of them lived a story that would cause us to write them off of our list of heroines. The women mentioned include a prostitute, a poor widow, and an adulteress. Yet God took their trial and difficulty, and through their lineage brought salvation to man. I need to take care that I don't overlook anyone. God has great plans for EVERY one of us. We need to strengthen and encourage each other to pursue that plan.

Matthew 2:24 - "When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel commanded..." It's one thing to have a dream. It's another to wake up and be obedient to it. I don't want to just have the dream, I want to make sure that I do what the Lord commands.

Psalm 1 lays it out: "Oh, the joys of those who do not follow evil men's advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God: but they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely.

"They are like trees along a river bank bearing luscious fruit each season without fail. Their leaves shall never wither, and all they do shall prosper.

"But for sinners, what a different story! They blow away like chaff before the wind. They are not safe on Judgment Day; they shall not stand among the godly. For the Lord watches over all the plans and paths of godly men, but the paths of the godless lead to doom."

Fruit bearing trees or chaff in the wind. I know which way I want to live.

I want what is listed in Proverbs 1:2-3 "for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair;"

Here we are. The beginning of a year. Where will your strength come from? Where will hope? Joy? Fulfillment?

God has plans for us. This year, lets draw near to him and allow him to change us. Transform us. He created us in the beginning. Lets be who he created us to be!

If Jesus doesn't return, what does "1.1.12" look like? Will you be the same, will you be different? Where will you focus your growth? Will it be on family? Friends? Wealth? Physical appearance? Or will you focus on your soul? It's amazing how when we focus on growing in Christ, everything else falls into place.

Matthew 6:33 - Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


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