“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1, NIV)

     As we begin a new year, I bring up the beginning of creation itself.  We don’t have to dive very deep into the Bible to be familiar with this passage.  God created it all, including the human species.  We are awestruck by all of God’s creation because of its beauty and splendor. 

     God’s creation didn’t stop there.  Today, the creation process continues.  Every day is a new creation.  Every new life born into the world is a new creation.  Let’s not forget that every time someone chooses to give their life to Christ, it is a new creation.  “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; look, new things have come into being!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

     It’s exciting to know that our Creator has renewed our minds and renewed our Spirit.  He is at work in us every day, and it is beneficial to acknowledge that and strive to follow him.  I noticed a less than subtle difference between the New International Version and New Revised Standard Version of Genesis 1:1. The NRSV version says, “When God began to create the heavens and the earth.” He “began to create.” He didn’t stop on day 1, and he hasn’t stopped yet.  God is very much at work in our world.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your creation and a new year.  We also thank you for making us a new creation when we put our faith and trust in you.  We look with great expectation in this new year.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Blessings and Happy New Year,

Pastor Dave