Tag Archives: the book of Genesis

September 1
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Labor Day

“Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” (Genesis 2:1-3, NIV)

The first U. S. Labor Day holiday was observed in 1882. The first “Labor Day” holy day ever was at Creation!

The U. S. Labor Day was the idea of the American labor movement, and was “dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers.” God’s “labor day,” (a. k. a. “the sabbath”) is His idea, and is a day of physical rest from one’s work; and a time of reflection on God’s blessings.

The U. S. Labor Day holiday comes ’round once a year.  God’s holy day comes ’round each week. Each is an opportunity to rest, reflect, and be refreshed for the days that follow. Each is a gift. Don’t leave either unopened!  – Luther  

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

When we’ve lost our way, it helps to return to the beginning; the starting point; the original idea.

In explaining the origin of all that we are and all that we see, the writer of Genesis puts God at the starting point.  

We may regret days of our past — and the decisions made there — but today is a new day!  

As you begin it, remember: With God, all things are possible.  – Luther

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February 17
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“Then he said to the man, ‘Hold out your hand.’ So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one!” (Matthew 12:13, NLT)

Oswald Chambers reminds us: “God does not give us overcoming life — He gives us life as we overcome.”

The first task in our partnership with God is obedience. Too often, we say to God, “Show me, and I will go,” when God is saying to us, “Go, and I will show you.” To do the latter is to live by faith in God. To do the former is to live by common sight and human insight alone. 

Today’s scripture illustrates for us the way in which our heavenly Father works — which is the same as it was centuries before in the call of the “father of the faithful” — Abraham (who was previously named Abram): “The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.'” (Genesis 12:1)

It each case — including our own in our day — the great work of God begins with our personal commitment through obedience. Stretch out your hand. The overcoming power of God has never been nearer!  – Luther

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