PART 1 – Flexibility Training – Reading
The Creation
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
The Bible starts so simply, but so profoundly. In the beginning. Sometimes, like a child I ask, “what happened before that?” What happened before the beginning?
God.
God was before the beginning. He has always been. So…
In the beginning God.
He had a plan. He knew every detail of that plan. He knew how the elements would work together. He knew how everything would look and sound. He knew everything He made would be “good.” He even knew evil would enter the world and would try to wreck it all and make it bad. So before He began, He also knew His plan would involve the cross. Before we were ever created, God had already made a plan for how to deal with our sin.
But before we get to that story, let’s enjoy God telling us how He made the heavens and the earth and everything else. How it was all GOOD!
Read one of these translations of Genesis, chapter 1. Holy Spirit, I ask that You would give us insight into this word from the Bible. Teach us and help us to understand.
As you read this, ask yourself these questions:
* What happens on each day and how does God rate each creation?
* Where is Jesus in this story? (He is in every story since the Bible is all about Jesus.)
* What do you wonder about as you read Genesis 1? What questions does it bring to your mind?
Are you wondering about that question, Where is Jesus in this story? Never is Jesus’ name mentioned in the Genesis account of God’s creation. So how do we know he was there involved? John, the disciple of Jesus that was closest to Him, told us.
John 1:1-3. In the beginning was the Word [Jesus], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.
Thanks to John, we know that Jesus was the one through whom all things were made.
PART 2 – Strength Training – Memorizing & Thinking
Memorize the verse below, along with where it’s found in the Bible. Put it on your phone, or write it on a card and put it in your pocket. Test yourself throughout the day and see if you still remember it.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Other places God talks about The Creation in the Bible
After you’ve read this beginning of Genesis, think about these verses that fill in more details. How do they fit with what you’ve just read? Spend some time reflecting on how it all goes together.
Colossians 1:15-17. He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together
Job 38:4-7. Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
Revelation 4:11. “Worthy are You, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for You created all things,
and by Your will they existed and were created.”
Putting all these verses together with Genesis 1, I see that God had a plan before He ever spoke “Let there be…” I wonder what He brooded over as His Spirit hovered above the surface of the waters. Perhaps that is when He measured the foundation of the earth and set it in place. That act of creation was so amazing, the morning stars sang. How I would love to hear the song they sang. Was it like the song from Revelation 4 that they’ll sing at the end of this age?
PART 3 – Cardio Training – Prayer
Talk to God about what you just read. Tell Him what you found amazing that He did. Ask Him the questions that you wonder about, or that trouble you. If you don’t know what to say, try something like this:
Dear Father, You created an amazing universe. I love the beauty of the planets and nebulae. I love the different shades of green that You used for the different types of trees. I love how You made people different from the rest of creation. You made us in Your image. You have an amazing plan that we cannot mess up, no matter how sinful we are. From before creation, Lord Jesus, You were already set to take on human form and give Yourself to pay the penalty for our sins. Thank You for making that plan for us. Thank You for giving us such a beautiful creation, that even though sin has marred it, it is still marvelous.
PART 4 – Endurance
Now that you’ve started, keep going. Endurance is a very important part of Christian life. But don’t try to accomplish everything all at once. Just take it one day at a time, one memorized verse at a time, one prayer at a time, one page at a time.
Then come back tomorrow and read some more.
Faith Gym 