Category: Genesis

Gen 2:2 …so on the seventh day He rested from all His work.
The beginning of Gen 2 caught my attention because the Creator of the universe took time to rest. It made me wonder how long it has been since I truly rested? Set all my cares to the side, put schoolwork and housework and any other work aside and just breathed? Honestly, I’m not sure I’ve ever done that. There is always something that needs doing, something that feels so pressing that it just can’t wait. Jesus, Help me.
Gen 2:25 Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.
The end of Gen 2 caught my attention because of the lack of shame. Shame feels almost like a second skin in this life. I’m ashamed of my pudge and my stretch marks. I’m ashamed that I can’t accomplish everything I set out to in a day. I’m ashamed that no matter how good I try to be in my Christian walk, I fail daily, multiple times a day. Jesus, Help me.
Gen 2:7 Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
Lord, Thank You for this day and for this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that we are to rest in You, truly rest, to be still and grateful in Your presence. Thank You for calling us to feel no shame in You, even though we are so ridiculously human and fallible. I want more than anything to live a life that is pleasing to You, to shine Your light for all to see. I want others to see Your glory, grace, and mercy, and not my humanity. Show me how, Lord. Draw me closer. Amen.
Gen 2:15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
Have a blessed day.

Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created….
I love the image of God as creative artist. In my mind, I see Him with a colorful artist’s smock and maybe a beret tipped rakishly to one side. Paintbrush in hand, loaded with color, He approaches His canvas with confidence. He is the Master. He is creating a masterpiece. In my mind’s eye, I see Him creating joyfully, with reckless abandon. He is having fun. There is joy in His brushstrokes. He is pleased with His work.
Gen 1:10 …And God saw that it was good.
I think about my own artistic attitude, so very different. I am hesitant, often reluctant. I don’t want to mess up the canvas. Instead of reckless abandon, I paint with trepidation and anxiety, and I’m creating a literal canvas, not the sweeping brushstrokes of the world. Regardless, I think He would want me to bring more joy to my work, more reckless abandon in the form of prayer and praise to Him. This isn’t a grim task set before me. It is a joyful opportunity.  
Gen 1:27 So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them….
Lord, Thank You for this day, this scripture, this reminder. Thank You for Your joyful exuberance in creating and for wanting us to experience that same sense of joy and wonder. Help us to put aside all that hinders us and to completely and joyfully give ourselves to the tasks You set before us. Draw us closer. Amen.
Gen 1:31 God saw all that He had made, and it was very good….
Have a blessed day.