Creation

The Moment It All Changed

The Moment It All Changed

“Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.”Genesis 3:7 (NIV)

As we look into this verse, we see a pivotal moment in human history – the moment when sin entered the world.

Adam and Eve, who had once enjoyed perfect intimacy with God, now felt the weight of shame and guilt for the first time.

Consequence

Their eyes were opened, not to a deeper understanding of God’s love, but to their own nakedness and vulnerability.

Suddenly, they were aware of their flaws and shortcomings, and they tried to cover themselves with makeshift garments made from fig leaves.

The Separation

This act was a symbol of the separation that had occurred between them and their Creator. No longer could they walk in perfect harmony with God, as they had in the Garden.

A rift had been created, and they found themselves hiding from the very One who had breathed life into them.

The Hope

But even in this darkest of moments, God’s love shone through. He sought them out, not to condemn, but to offer a way back.

He promised that one day, a Savior would come and crush the head of the serpent – the one who had tempted them into sin.

Although the consequences of their sin were severe, God’s grace was greater still. He provided a way for them to be forgiven and reconciled to Him. And this same grace is available to us today, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.




~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Forgiveness
All Creatures Great and Small

All Creatures Great and Small

“And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so.”

Genesis 1:24

With effortless authority, God proclaimed, “Let the land produce living creatures!” At His Word, the earth teemed with animals great and small, each after its own kind. Sea and sky filled with fish and birds. Forest and field overflowed with beasts and bugs.

God needed no raw materials to construct this vast variety and volume of creatures. His Word alone commanded teeming life into being. As easily as saying “let there be,” infinite diversity exploded at the Creator’s decree.

Stand in awe of God’s power, as in an instant He called forth all these creatures by His Word. Our mighty Maker needs nothing but the sound of His voice to fill the world with life.

Magnificent Variety

What a spectacular menagerie God spoke into existence! Livestock for food and labor, wild animals stalking the forests, creeping critters underfoot – animals of every shape and size appeared at God’s command.

The Lord did not fashion just one generic beast but splendid diversity. He crafted the majestic lion and the lowly lizard, the towering giraffe and the tiny gecko, the belching hippo and the buzzing housefly. Every creature reflected God’s artistry.

May the glory and variety of God’s animal kingdom inspire praise for the Creator. Let us joyfully join the chorus all creatures raise.

Cared for by the Creator

Not only did God speak animals into being, but He faithfully cares for each one. Jesus said not even a small sparrow falls without the Father’s notice and concern. We never escape God’s sovereign sight and care.

In a world that often prizes the large and flashy above the small and ordinary, how reassuring that God treasures each creature He made. The same powerful God who rules the universe attends lovingly to all.

Dear fiend, you are immeasurably more valuable than animals to God. Rest in His watchful, caring hand over your life.

Creatures in Harmony

Before sin’s curse, animals lived peaceably without fear. God’s original design was full harmony between man and beasts. One day He will restore creation to that perfect state.

Until then, may we reflect God’s care for all creatures, great and small, by pursuing their flourishing. As being created in the image of God, let us steward His world in ways that allow all life to thrive.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
A New Home

A New Home

2 Peter 3:13But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

Things on earth are broken, but we can hold firmly to God’s promise of a coming day, when Jesus will recreate and restore all things. Righteousness will reign fully in the new heaven and earth.

Eager Expectation

With eager anticipation, we can look forward to that magnificent day. In this certain hope, we carry on faithfully, knowing our labor in the Lord is not in vain. Our future is secure.

A Flourishing World

Try to envision the breathtaking beauty of a world with no sin, suffering, or death – only righteousness and shalom.

No longer will evil darken the earth. All will flourish in goodness.

Our True Home

As much as we love this planet, it is not our permanent home. We’re made for the flawless new creation to come where God will dwell intimately with us. What a joy to anticipate our true home!

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
Dust to Dust

Dust to Dust

Have you ever stopped to ponder the brevity of life?

In Genesis 3:19, we find a profound truth that reminds us of our mortal nature:

“By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”

This verse serves as a reminder that our existence on this earth is temporary and that one day we will return to the very dust from which we were formed.

Humility of our Origins

When God created humanity, He formed us from the dust of the ground and breathed His life into us, giving us a unique place in His creation. Yet, this verse from Genesis reminds us of our humble origins. We were not created to be above the earth or separate from it, but rather to be connected to it.

Our lives are a constant reminder of our dependence on God and the humbling reality; physically speaking, we are finite.

Embracing the Temporal

Our time on this earth is limited, and rather than being disheartened by this truth, we can find a profound sense of purpose and meaning in it. It compels us to prioritize what truly matters, to invest in relationships, and to make a positive impact during our brief sojourn.

Knowing that our lives are like a fleeting mist, we are encouraged to live intentionally, seeking to love and serve others, and to leave a lasting legacy.

Hope of Resurrection

While Genesis 3:19 emphasizes the reality of our mortality, it does not leave us without hope. As believers, we find comfort in the promise of resurrection and eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Though our bodies may return to dust, our spirits will live on. In 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, the apostle Paul speaks of the transformation that awaits us:

“The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.”

This hope assures us that the end of our earthly journey is not the end of our story. We look forward to a glorious resurrection, where we will be reunited with God and experience everlasting life.

As you contemplate the profound wisdom found in Genesis 3:19, and as you navigate the brevity of life, embrace your humble origins, live with intentionality, and find hope in the promise of resurrection.

Remember, it is not in the length of our days that our true significance lies, but in how we embrace and steward the time we are given.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
Eager Expectation

Eager Expectation

Romans 8:19 presents a profound truth that stirs the imagination:

“For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.”

This verse invites us to consider the grand scope of God’s redemptive plan and our role within it. It speaks to the anticipation and longing of all creation for the revelation of God’s children, those who have been adopted into His family through faith in Christ.

The phrase “the creation waits in eager expectation” suggests that the entire created order, from the majestic mountains to the smallest creatures, is eagerly awaiting the full manifestation of God’s redeemed people.

It’s as if creation itself is yearning for the moment when the beauty and glory of God’s children will be fully unveiled. This speaks to the significant impact that our lives can have on the world around us when we live as true children of God.

As children of God, we are called to live in a way that reflects our heavenly Father’s love, grace, and righteousness. Our lives should shine as a testimony to the transformative power of God’s redeeming work in us.

Just as the world eagerly awaits the revelation of God’s children, may we embrace our identity and purpose in Christ, allowing His love to radiate through us and impact the lives of those around us.

Remember that our lives have a divine purpose beyond our individual experiences. We are part of God’s redemptive plan, and creation itself longs for the revelation of God’s children.

Live in a way that brings honor to your heavenly Father, sharing His love with others, and participating in the restoration and renewal of all things.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Holiness, Thankfulness, Trust
Evolution and the Pesky Problem of Soft Spots

Evolution and the Pesky Problem of Soft Spots

I was the pastor of a church in the small rural town of Emporium; a quaint little town nestled deep in the mountains of Northwest Pennsylvania.

 

During my tenure there, an old middle school, which had been the centerpiece of our community for nearly 80 years, was up for sale. Our church acquired the building and subsequently found multiple uses for it.

 

It was not uncommon for retired teachers, who taught in this building, to stop by and reminisce about the good old days, and to see what we were doing there!

 

One day, while I was headed to my office, I met one of the local school teachers walking in the main hall. As we talked, we both commented that we had attended school there; reminiscing about the teachers, classes, and activities we took part in.

 

In the course of the conversation, we discussed the future use of the old building and I divulged that we were considering the idea of running a Christian School there. I went on to share how I considered much of the teaching, in the public school setting, was not entirely accurate.

 

I could see that she was beginning to feel uneasy about the direction of the conversation, but I gently pressed the conversation.

 

Natural selection is inadequate in explaining evolutionary processes

 

I shared how I felt the whole idea of evolution and natural selection to be inadequate in its explanation of how humanity came into existence. She looked puzzled and said; “how so?”

 

I used a simple illustration to show the folly of evolution; here is what I shared with her.

 

I asked if she ever wondered why most living creatures, including humans, have eyes. Almost every creature that lives either on land or in the sea has them. I asked her; “In light of the theory of evolution, how can this be?” She looked confused, so I continued.

 

The theory of evolution espouses the idea of natural selection; or the “survival of the fittest.” The idea is that weaker and more vulnerable creatures, and those less able to adapt, would become extinct; the strong would survive. She agreed.

 

According to the evolutionary theory, it would have taken millions upon millions of years for the eye to evolve into the functional apparatuses that they are today.

 

The problem with soft spots

 

That means almost all the creatures on the planet would have to live with ever increasing “soft spots” right in front of the most sensitive part of their body; the brain; for millions of years!

 

It would seem to me, that those animals with this soft spot on their head would have been exploited by other, more aggressive animals, who would quickly take advantage of this weakness.

 

It would stand to reason, that from a purely evolutionary standpoint, the whole idea of an eyeball would have been a really, really bad idea! With that, she said; “Huh, I never looked at it quite like that.”

 

Indeed, when we use a little common sense, we can see the silliness of what so many take for, as fact!

 

Interestingly enough, as our technology increases and we unravel the mysteries of the human genome, scientists are discovering more and more evidence of complex intelligent design; at every level!

 

It is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain the theory of evolution

 

The intricacy of the creation that surrounds us is stunning, and with the advent of the electron microscope and other scientific tools, it is becoming increasingly difficult to continue with the whole idea of random chance, as the driving force, creating it all!

 

Many years ago, it was purported to be the solemn truth, that the world was flat. Anyone who denied this issue was criticized, mocked and called crazy!

 

As mankind bravely continued to explore the world, and study the cosmos, gaining knowledge and understanding, they began to realize the world was actually round! Who knew?

 

Unfortunately, there are still many who believe the earth is flat; disregarding the overwhelming evidence that it is not.

 

I wonder if someday soon, the evidence of an intelligent designer will become so overwhelming, that even the most ardent supporters of evolution will have to agree that this theory is no longer valid. One can only hope!

 

I am sure, just like the case with those who still believe in a flat earth, there will be those who refuse to see the folly of evolution and they will hang onto those myths as long as possible.

 

Finally, concerning the whole issue of creation, there is a rather old book; some would say an ancient one; that gave a great deal of insight concerning this topic. What book did you ask? Hold on. . . It’s the Bible, and here is a relevant excerpt:

 

Romans 1:20

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

 

This book, by the way, that has been mocked, burned, and made illegal in many countries; still has relevant truth today. Perhaps this current scientific generation, ought to consider the truths mentioned in its pages; doing so may just help illuminate the pathway to even more stunning discoveries; after all, the God of the Bible, is the One who created science in the first place!

 

God has placed an insatiable desire in the heart of mankind to learn, to seek, and to gain knowledge. It is as if God Himself has placed a trail of breadcrumbs for us to discover along the way, and that scientific trail will always point to Him!

 

So grab a microscope, a telescope and keep searching, keep looking; one Day, His face will fill your lens!

 

 

Posted by onthesolidrock in Faith, 0 comments