In The Beginning

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

I have been on a "Space" kick of late. It was triggered by a class I was in last week. There were several examples of how to improve facility operations offered using movies with space themes.  And it all set me to wondering....

We have heard of space referred to as the "Final Frontier." And we have witnessed drama play out in space when astronauts are confronted by seemingly insurmountable odds in returning safely to earth from space.  But how did all this start?  Where did we get so much space? Well, our belief in God begins with the very first verse in the very first book in the bible. Genesis 1:1 challenges us to either believe God created everything, or we start to doubt that He did. We either accept God at His Word, or we don't. It is not some kind of half-measure.  We can't dangle our feet in the water and get a little wet, but not totally wet. We are either in, or out. If we are in, then we are saved. If we are not, then we are not. You either believe God, or you don't. Similarly and just as important you either believe Jesus died on the cross to save all men, or you don't. Accept the amazing grace of God, or reject it. Sorry to be so blunt, but that is what faith is all about.  My prayer, is that all mankind will one day soon accept God at His Word.


PRAYER: Almighty God, creator of all things. You were there at the beginning. You created all that we can see, and ever hope to know. We cherish the love You poured out in creation. And we cherish the love You showed for us in the sacrifice of Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Help us to hold steadfast in our belief when the world around us shouts disbelief.  This we ask in the strong name of Jesus. Amen.

Beginning the new year

Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

One of the biggest activities we all consider at the dawn of a new year is our new year's resolution. What basic, fundamental change are we going to undertake that will drastically alter our lives for the better?  Have you made yours?  How are you doing?

In our lives are new with the birth of Christ remembered and celebrated last month, we now embark on the grand adventure of the new year. We begin anew with our lives. Granted, New Years day is just another day in our lives. But the new year can be full of concern, worry, or even fear of the unknown elements that could comprise our new year. Doubt can creep into the equation anytime we change our course and try to implement a fundamental element of change for the better in our lives.  We can find comfort that we are not alone. God is with us. He is always with us. We have confidence in that knowledge that we are not alone. Similarly we are comforted that we have been justified through faith in Jesus Christ. We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. With this knowledge, we know we are strengthen from distractions that will try to take us off track.  Rest assured dear friends. With the peace of God that surpasses all understanding our hearts and minds will be guarded in Christ Jesus.

PRAYER: Almighty God, we worry about things which should not bother us. We all too often forget that you are there steadfastly by our side. Your rod and your staff comfort us. Help us dear Lord to keep You close in our heart. We ask this in the name of Your Son, our savior Jesus Christ. Amen

Okay, what's next?

Romans 3:22-24 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

I needed a break. It was time to stop writing, and to just take a break. Advent and Christmas were profoundly busy times. And thus I was cooked. So, I took a break. It was nice to just stop, reflect, and pray. Thank you for being patient while I recharged.

The anticipation of Christmas has come, and gone. We have opened presents, sung Christmas hymns, and closed the door on the Christmas season of 2010. Most folks have taken down their Christmas decorations, carefully placed them in storage in anticipation of next Christmas. So, now what do we do?  What is next for us?  Maybe it is time to reflect and let the miracle of Christmas really sink in. When we consider our natural state, we have much to be thankful for. We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  We, by our own efforts cannot attain righteousness.  That can be depressing, if not considered in the context of the miracle of Christmas. For as we learned in Luke 2:11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  A loving God has saved us, from ourselves.  He cares enough about each of us to give His Son as a sacrifice.  This was not a half measure requiring us to do some indeterminate amount of good works to finish. This was the whole deal, we have been redeemed lock, stock, and barrel. Finis, result, done, no more is required. Let the words of Romans 3:22-24 live in your heart so that doubt will have no room to dwell.  May this year bring you joy, love, laughter and a deeper faith in Christ Jesus. Amen.

PRAYER:  Lord and Giver of Life, Your Son has given us poor miserable sinners life again. We have been shown love that knows no end. We have been thrown a life line to grasp onto that rescues us from eternal death. We are pulled to You and life everlasting by Christ Jesus. Thank O Lord for Your love for all mankind. We offer this prayer of thanksgiving in the strong name of Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with the Father and the Spirit. One God, now and forever. Amen.