In the Beginning...

***Editor's note: I apologize for getting this entry in late (Darrel's fault)***

A few weeks ago my 14 year old son, Carter and I were leaving our church when we noticed fast-moving clouds passing over a silvery full moon. Carter remarked how incredible it looked and I agreed. Over the years I've seen God's beauty hundreds of times in the nature around me.

What in nature leaves you speechless? Maybe it's the glory of a breathtaking sunset, the beauty of a morning sunrise, or some natural wonder like the Grand Canyon.

The psalmist expressed it this way-

The heavens declare the glory of God: the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens has has pitched a tent for the sun... (Psalm 19:1-4)

The Bible does not attempt to explain how the universe was created as much as it says who created it. Because of this, the Bible doesn't limit its teaching about God as the Creator to the book of Genesis. All the biblical writers acknowledge God as the cause and Creator of all existence.

There are several things the Bible implies about God and His creation-

>God created all things out of nothing. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. (Colossians 1:6) This is unlike pagan cultures and their creation stories. They always begin with pre-existing matter.

>God is the author of life, specifically human life. The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of lie, and the man became a living being. (Genesis 2:7) All the biblical writers acknowledge the historical reality of the first human couple, Adam and Eve.

>God's purpose in creating the universe was to display His own glory and honor. Isaiah speaks of God's sons and daughters as those... "whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." The evidence of God in creation demonstrates HIs great power.

>God delights in His creation. God is pleased with the result of His work. He declares His creation good after each stage. (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21 ,25) It culminates in Genesis 1:31, "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.. And there was evening, and there was morning - the sixth day."

The Bible is very clear about God and His creation. Spend some time today acknowledging His greatness and enjoying all that He made.

Question to Consider: Is God the crowning passion of your life?