January 1, 2019: SOAP #3316:  January 1:  Genesis 1-2; Luke 1

Scripture:  Genesis (NIV) 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

Observation:  The earth was formless and empty, and darkness was over the surface of the deep.  It was not a good environment for starting God’s man-plan.  But the scripture notes that the Spirit of God was present.  Before the word brought forth the light, the Spirit of God was there.  Before the light was separated from the dark…before there was a day and night, the Spirit of God was there!

Application: To me, the year ahead is somewhat formless and empty.  I do not know much about tomorrow, but as the song says, I know who holds my hand.  And I know that the SAME Holy Spirit hovering over the waters before day 1 of creation is now hovering over my heart!   And as I am faithful to read the written Word every day, I know the Holy Spirit will bring God’s Word to life in me.  As there was something special about each day in Genesis 1, so I am expecting the Holy Spirit to bring something special out of the word every day this year.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, I am glad everything does not have to be perfect before you show up!  You make yourself known in the darkness.  Your presence is my assurance that there is a plan and that you will bring order to this year.    Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!