Verse 2 of Genesis chapter 1: "And the earth was without form and void, darkness was upon the face of the deep.
Darkness is from the word choshek (Strongs 2821) meaning dark, darkness, figuratively misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness, night, obscurity. This does not sound like something God would create. It does sound like something God could use to bring forth something beautiful.
Face is from paniym (Strongs Hebrew 6440), meaning surface, before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before or in front of, before,countenance, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face
of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from
before the face of.
Deep (Strongs Hebrew 8415) - tehown-deep, depths, deep places, abyss, the deep, sea, water making a noise, a great quantity of waters and wave.
Here we have a picture of chaos. This is a situation without God. An earth that has no form, it is chaos. It's dark, filled with misery, death and wickedness. There are a lot of waters, which are noisy. It goes to the deep places, all the way to the abyss.
This is a scenario begging for help from God. I find it interesting that this is how our lives can become. When we make decisions based on our own ideas, or the "advice" of others. When we do what we think is best in our own eyes, we may find ourselves in the deep darkness. When we call upon the name of the Lord, He can move on our behalf.
It's my opinion that something happened between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. I don't know what, but I think that what God creates is good. Something happened that took what was good and made it chaotic, wicked and full of death. The second half of the verse is full of good news.
Forgetting: The wilderness of my life in the past.
Remembering: God has so much planned for me.
Read Jeremiah 9
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Day 12: Genesis 1:1-1:2 gap?
Is there a gap between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2? Many theologians believe that there is. In Genesis 1:1 God created the heavens and the earth. In verse 1:2, the earth is without form and void and darkness was on the face of the deep. The word for form is tohuw (Strongs hebrew 8414). It means lie waste, desolate, worthless. It can also mean vain, confusion, nothing or wilderness.
Void is from bohuw (Strongs 922). It means empty, a vacuity, empty or void.
This poses the question, did God create something so undesirable? Perhaps the question is could He create something that was worthless? God can do anything, so He could. But would He? I think the argument could be made that it is presented in an order. If this were the case verse 2 should come before verse 1. However, if that were the case then where did the formless and void place come from?
I believe that God is a God of order. So perhaps verse 1 is a statement of what happened and verse 2 begins the description of how it happened.
No matter which way you believe, you have to deal with something worthless being there.
If there is a gap, what happened during that time? How long was the gap? Why didn't God intervene? I do not believe we will ever know this side of eternity.
If there was a gap, it may help to bridge the distance between the age of the world, as seen by the world and the church view. It could be a day or millions of years.
As this is not something that I consider as a doctrinal issue, I mention it. I tend to subscribe to the gap theory. I think it is likely that the fall of satan and 1/3 of the angels happened during this time. When he was cast out of heaven, Isaiah states that lucifer did weaken the nations. (Isaiah 14:12) He was cast out into the earth (Revelation 12:9). Revelation 12:12 says 'woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you having great wrath, because he knows he has a short time.'
Void is from bohuw (Strongs 922). It means empty, a vacuity, empty or void.
This poses the question, did God create something so undesirable? Perhaps the question is could He create something that was worthless? God can do anything, so He could. But would He? I think the argument could be made that it is presented in an order. If this were the case verse 2 should come before verse 1. However, if that were the case then where did the formless and void place come from?
I believe that God is a God of order. So perhaps verse 1 is a statement of what happened and verse 2 begins the description of how it happened.
No matter which way you believe, you have to deal with something worthless being there.
If there is a gap, what happened during that time? How long was the gap? Why didn't God intervene? I do not believe we will ever know this side of eternity.
If there was a gap, it may help to bridge the distance between the age of the world, as seen by the world and the church view. It could be a day or millions of years.
As this is not something that I consider as a doctrinal issue, I mention it. I tend to subscribe to the gap theory. I think it is likely that the fall of satan and 1/3 of the angels happened during this time. When he was cast out of heaven, Isaiah states that lucifer did weaken the nations. (Isaiah 14:12) He was cast out into the earth (Revelation 12:9). Revelation 12:12 says 'woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you having great wrath, because he knows he has a short time.'
Forgetting: That I think I know about God. That I think I know all His ways and wisdom.
Remembering: God's ways are higher than my ways, His thoughts are not my thoughts. He promises to give me all things pertaining to life and godliness.
Day 11: In The Beginning
Forgetting: Any thought that usurps the place of God on the throne of my heart.
Genesis 1:1 states: 'In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.'
This is probably one of the first few verses I memorized at a young age. It is pretty self-explanatory. However, there are a few points I would like to make.
The Hebrew word for beginning is re'shiyth: the first, in place, time, order or rank. Strong's 7225.
So what was it the beginning of? I believe it was the beginning of time as we know it. This is just my belief, it is not something I can prove. Thus it is not something I hold as a truth. In Revelations 1:8, Jesus says: ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, saith the Lord, which is, and was, and which is to come, says the Almighty.‘
We know that creator God has always been. He has no beginning or end.
The second point is that God created the heavens. Note that it is plural. The heaven that we can see is what we call the Earth's atmosphere. Then there is what we consider space. Finally, there is heaven as in the dwelling place of God. We do not know precisely where God dwells. In John 14:2, Jesus said, 'In my Fathers house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.' So we know there are places to dwell in heaven.
Finally, the word Earth (Strongs Hebrew 776) is from a root 'to be firm, common, country, earth, land, wilderness'. This is interesting as in a few verses the word firmament is used. I find it notable that earth is singular, not plural. When God created the Earth it was the beginning of time as the Earth and its inhabitants would know. I find it interesting that the word common is used. It may be that the Earth is only one of many places that God created. However, we do not have evidence of other inhabited planets.
This is probably one of the first few verses I memorized at a young age. It is pretty self-explanatory. However, there are a few points I would like to make.
The Hebrew word for beginning is re'shiyth: the first, in place, time, order or rank. Strong's 7225.
So what was it the beginning of? I believe it was the beginning of time as we know it. This is just my belief, it is not something I can prove. Thus it is not something I hold as a truth. In Revelations 1:8, Jesus says: ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, saith the Lord, which is, and was, and which is to come, says the Almighty.‘
We know that creator God has always been. He has no beginning or end.
The second point is that God created the heavens. Note that it is plural. The heaven that we can see is what we call the Earth's atmosphere. Then there is what we consider space. Finally, there is heaven as in the dwelling place of God. We do not know precisely where God dwells. In John 14:2, Jesus said, 'In my Fathers house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.' So we know there are places to dwell in heaven.
Finally, the word Earth (Strongs Hebrew 776) is from a root 'to be firm, common, country, earth, land, wilderness'. This is interesting as in a few verses the word firmament is used. I find it notable that earth is singular, not plural. When God created the Earth it was the beginning of time as the Earth and its inhabitants would know. I find it interesting that the word common is used. It may be that the Earth is only one of many places that God created. However, we do not have evidence of other inhabited planets.
Remembering: God was there in the beginning. God was there before there was anything. He knows my end from the beginning. Psalm 139, His thoughts about me are many.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Day 10: Expectations of myself
Forgetting: The rigid, hard-liner ideas that I must do this or that.
Remembering: Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. It is important to remember this is a marathon and not a sprint. In a conversation with someone recently, the following thought was expressed. It is totally possible that while I am kicking myself from thither to yon, God is in Heaven rejoicing over the progress He sees in my life. It is important to learn to look at myself through His eyes.
Update 11/11/17:
The above is true. God looks at me through the blood of Christ. And He knows my weaknesses, but loves me anyhow.
Remembering: Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. It is important to remember this is a marathon and not a sprint. In a conversation with someone recently, the following thought was expressed. It is totally possible that while I am kicking myself from thither to yon, God is in Heaven rejoicing over the progress He sees in my life. It is important to learn to look at myself through His eyes.
Update 11/11/17:
The above is true. God looks at me through the blood of Christ. And He knows my weaknesses, but loves me anyhow.
Day 9: Goodness of God
Forgetting: unmet expectations
Remembering: Much of life is about perspective. Whose perspective will I use? My perspective from the "trenches"? Or will my perspective be from being "seated in heavenly places with Christ?"
When I expect people to meet my needs, my perspective is not correct. When I ask God for my daily needs, and trust Him, it frees my mind and spirit.
Regardless of what happens on this earth, God will always be with me.
Update 11/11/17:
I like writing 11/11/17 for some reason. Anyhow, I remain convinced that God is with me and always will be. We don't know what's around the next bend, but we can know that God is with us.
Remembering: Much of life is about perspective. Whose perspective will I use? My perspective from the "trenches"? Or will my perspective be from being "seated in heavenly places with Christ?"
When I expect people to meet my needs, my perspective is not correct. When I ask God for my daily needs, and trust Him, it frees my mind and spirit.
Regardless of what happens on this earth, God will always be with me.
Update 11/11/17:
I like writing 11/11/17 for some reason. Anyhow, I remain convinced that God is with me and always will be. We don't know what's around the next bend, but we can know that God is with us.
Day 8: It may look the same, but it's new
Forgetting: Sameness. Thinking that every day is the same, one after another. That life resembles a line of zombies monotonously plodding one behind another.
Remembering: Each morning brings new mercies from God the Father. Each day He releases the thing that I need to get through that day. Every day can be an adventure with God. My part is invite Him, and to follow where He leads, and do what I see Him do.
Update 11/11/17
In June of 2017, there were people painting rocks and leaving them places. A co-worker gave me a rock that said "And so the adventure begins" or something like that. Well, the adventure needs to end. Sameness is looking really good now. Everyday with God is an adventure to some degree. The joy is there if we choose to tap into it.
Remembering: Each morning brings new mercies from God the Father. Each day He releases the thing that I need to get through that day. Every day can be an adventure with God. My part is invite Him, and to follow where He leads, and do what I see Him do.
Update 11/11/17
In June of 2017, there were people painting rocks and leaving them places. A co-worker gave me a rock that said "And so the adventure begins" or something like that. Well, the adventure needs to end. Sameness is looking really good now. Everyday with God is an adventure to some degree. The joy is there if we choose to tap into it.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Day 7: Sinner? or Saint?
Forgetting: I am a sinner.
Remembering: i WAS a sinner, now I am a saint. I am now dead to the law. The law served a purpose, to show me my need for Jesus.
Just as Jesus died I died with Him. I know am not to worry about the law of sin. Now I am to live as Jesus lived. He will help me so that I can bring about Gods will for my life.
Jesus changed my spiritual DNA. Now I look like Christ. It's not always easy but worth it.
Update 11/11/17
While the above is true. It is also true that I do sin, everyday. It's important to remember that when we sin, we confess our sins in order to be set free. I John 1:8 -10
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Update 11/11/17
While the above is true. It is also true that I do sin, everyday. It's important to remember that when we sin, we confess our sins in order to be set free. I John 1:8 -10
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Day 6: Pleasing God First
Forgetting: the ideas that come to my brain that people don't like me.
Remembering: people can only like me to the extent I love myself. I was not put on earth to please people, but to please God.
Update: 11/11/17:
This one is almost funny. The Bible teaches us that we can capture our thoughts and bring them into submission to the truth of scripture. I am learning it does not really matter if people like me or not. I'm here to do my job, regardless of what I am doing.
Update: 11/11/17:
This one is almost funny. The Bible teaches us that we can capture our thoughts and bring them into submission to the truth of scripture. I am learning it does not really matter if people like me or not. I'm here to do my job, regardless of what I am doing.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Day 5: Change
Forgetting: it won't change anything. I wonder how many people don't speak up because they do not believe it will make a difference.
Remembering: that silence can be condoning. If no one speaks up nothing will change.
Change may be hard at times, but change is needed for growth. God's ways are higher than my ways.
Update 11/11/17:
I do make a difference. Fortunately, I do know that how I make a difference will likely not be known in this life. It's the little things that are the biggest. A cup of cold water in the name of the Lord, is a good example.
Update 11/11/17:
I do make a difference. Fortunately, I do know that how I make a difference will likely not be known in this life. It's the little things that are the biggest. A cup of cold water in the name of the Lord, is a good example.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Extra, extra
Sometimes when you start out on a journey you don't know what the route looks like. At times you may go through a place you have never been before.
When I started out on this journey, I didn't realize some of the implications of what I was doing. One thing I had been doing monthly I will no longer be doing. This is a ministry I had been involved in for a number of years. It was very difficult to stop. However for over a year God was preparing me.
Per prophecies I have received and what I have received from God, I have three main ways God uses me. These are: prophecy, prayer and healing.
In my case I believe that God is helping me to unlearn somethings so that I can re-learn kingdom principles. What makes this hard is that most of my Christian friends probably do not understand. The fact remains that God works differently with me than others.
Update: 2/3/15
I am happy to report growth and repentance in my life.
I have the release to begin praying again for the ministry mentioned above.
God has done work in my heart. He has re-ordered priorities, put relationships in correct places in my heart. It is such a joy to pray for my fellow workers for the gospel. Also, this means being able to be a helper to a dear friend of mine. My helping her, I am helping the cause of the gospel of Christ.
Update: 2/7/15
I have yielded to the call of the Holy Spirit, regarding my call to being a watchman. I know it will be hard, I likely will suffer in many ways.
Update 11/11/17:
I had no idea how I would suffer. This journey is hard at times. My friends and family often do not understand where I am coming from. They want me to toe the "Christian line". Change is not easily embraced by "Christianity". However, the deep, abiding peace of God is worth it all. When I stand before God, I want to hear him say "Good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord."
Unfortunately, I have seen relationships change that I thought would always be there. I've seen problems where I could not imagine. BUT it's time for me to rise up and put my faith in the ONE who will not fail me. That is my everlasting Father, the prince of Peace, and my Lord and Christ Jesus.
When I started out on this journey, I didn't realize some of the implications of what I was doing. One thing I had been doing monthly I will no longer be doing. This is a ministry I had been involved in for a number of years. It was very difficult to stop. However for over a year God was preparing me.
Per prophecies I have received and what I have received from God, I have three main ways God uses me. These are: prophecy, prayer and healing.
In my case I believe that God is helping me to unlearn somethings so that I can re-learn kingdom principles. What makes this hard is that most of my Christian friends probably do not understand. The fact remains that God works differently with me than others.
Update: 2/3/15
I am happy to report growth and repentance in my life.
I have the release to begin praying again for the ministry mentioned above.
God has done work in my heart. He has re-ordered priorities, put relationships in correct places in my heart. It is such a joy to pray for my fellow workers for the gospel. Also, this means being able to be a helper to a dear friend of mine. My helping her, I am helping the cause of the gospel of Christ.
Update: 2/7/15
I have yielded to the call of the Holy Spirit, regarding my call to being a watchman. I know it will be hard, I likely will suffer in many ways.
Update 11/11/17:
I had no idea how I would suffer. This journey is hard at times. My friends and family often do not understand where I am coming from. They want me to toe the "Christian line". Change is not easily embraced by "Christianity". However, the deep, abiding peace of God is worth it all. When I stand before God, I want to hear him say "Good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord."
Unfortunately, I have seen relationships change that I thought would always be there. I've seen problems where I could not imagine. BUT it's time for me to rise up and put my faith in the ONE who will not fail me. That is my everlasting Father, the prince of Peace, and my Lord and Christ Jesus.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Day 4: Spirituality
Forgetting: a poverty spirit
Remembering: my God and Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He uses gold to pave streets. He creates universes. His worlds are songs composed of light and music. Despite all He has he chooses to love the people He created. He promised that He would meet all my needs according to his riches in glory.
Read: Psalms David talks about the majesty of God. While I don't understand it, I do know that God cares about my every need.
Update 11/11/17:
While I believe that this idea of a purpose driven life is akin to heresy, I do believe that God has work for me to do. My "work" is to do the will of the Father. I am to do good works daily. Those good works could be many things, such as: a smile at a disheartened co-worker, crying with someone in pain, listening patiently instead of thinking of all I could be doing, being patient in a line at a store, cooking a meal for my family. These are the will of the Father, and a whole lot more.
Read: Psalms David talks about the majesty of God. While I don't understand it, I do know that God cares about my every need.
Update 11/11/17:
While I believe that this idea of a purpose driven life is akin to heresy, I do believe that God has work for me to do. My "work" is to do the will of the Father. I am to do good works daily. Those good works could be many things, such as: a smile at a disheartened co-worker, crying with someone in pain, listening patiently instead of thinking of all I could be doing, being patient in a line at a store, cooking a meal for my family. These are the will of the Father, and a whole lot more.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Day 3: God's Love
Forgetting: I am just_________ (fill in the blank.)
Remembering:
I am the apple of the Lords eye
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
I live in the shadow of Almighty God
I am the righteousness of God in Christ
I am seated in heavenly places.
Read Psalm 139
Update 11/11/17:
This is a great reminder. I'm very glad I'm taking another look at these blogs before I start writing new blogs. I want to show others my path so that I can hopefully keep someone from being deceived.
Read Psalm 139
Update 11/11/17:
This is a great reminder. I'm very glad I'm taking another look at these blogs before I start writing new blogs. I want to show others my path so that I can hopefully keep someone from being deceived.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Day 2: Influence
Forgetting: I have no influence on anyone.
Remembering: I am called to be salt and light in this world. It is not about how it looks but about God. If I obey God the results are His responsibility.
Light dispels darkness. Darkness automatically leaves when light enters. Isaiah 60:1 says to: Arise SHINE for you light has come.
Salt is a preservative and brings out the flavor. All Christians have a responsibility to the world around them. I am no exception.
This is one of the things that should be basic Christianity. Unfortunately, it seems that even seasoned Christians are not immune to deception.
Update 11/11/17:
I feel like I'm running in place. Expending energy, but not getting anywhere. However, I'm more convinced than ever that most American Christians are very deceived. I had no idea until I stopped listening to the propaganda of the "Christian" community at large. More on that to come.
This is one of the things that should be basic Christianity. Unfortunately, it seems that even seasoned Christians are not immune to deception.
Update 11/11/17:
I feel like I'm running in place. Expending energy, but not getting anywhere. However, I'm more convinced than ever that most American Christians are very deceived. I had no idea until I stopped listening to the propaganda of the "Christian" community at large. More on that to come.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Day one: The Tongue
Forgetting this: thinking that I will always get into trouble because of my tongue.
So before too long into my day I found that I had done it again. Opened mouth and I inserted foot. It seems that many people do this and it doesn't bother them.
It did bother me. I want to change. According to the book of James, taming the tongue is possible. It's hard but possible.
Learning: to tame the tongue.
It seems that in order to succeed, I should be wise in my speech. I probably would benefit from reading James 3 often.
Another good thought would be to read Proverbs daily.
Another good thought would be to read Proverbs daily.
Future: reading James has brought up other issues I believe I need to deal with.
Update 11/11/17:
I am still having trouble with the tongue. I am still hopeful that I will grow closer to God and part of this is taming that tongue. I do talk a lot less than I did, but it seems like talking gets me into trouble. I am trying to listen more and talk less.
Update 11/11/17:
I am still having trouble with the tongue. I am still hopeful that I will grow closer to God and part of this is taming that tongue. I do talk a lot less than I did, but it seems like talking gets me into trouble. I am trying to listen more and talk less.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
The Beginning
I was reading Kris Valloten's book Spirit Wars this morning. This one sentence jumped out at me: "What I did not realize until that night was that I had been educated right out of my solution." That hit me hard. This thought came to me, "what if I could forget what I thought I knew about God and start fresh and learn again" It sounds crazy. That is the purpose of this blog, a reset, a new beginning. Starting without preconceived ideas about God. Doing what new Christians do.
My plan: to write what I am forgetting and what I am learning.
Afterward: Coincidentally? Tonight I watched "God's Not Dead". It is about a student who chooses to accept a challenge to try to prove that God is not dead.
Update: 2/16/15
This has been a much different journey than I had expected. But just as a plant is pruned to help it grow and produce more, so have I been pruned. This winter has been long and cold. In many ways it has been hard but joyful. It won't be long until I hear the words, "Lo, the winter is past....."
Update 11/11/17
How far this journey has taken me. I believe that if I had not left the Standard American "Church", I would be a dead and cold Christian. I am shocked to see where I am now. But there is the "life" of God stirring in my heart and I believe that I am closer to being like Christ. Is that not what we are meant to be? Formed in the image of Christ. I am planning to update my blogs first and there continue on, by relating how I have gotten from where I was to where God has brought me. I have a glimpse of my future. I believe that many Christians all over the world are escaping "church" in order to become the body of Christ, His church, also called the "remnant".
My plan: to write what I am forgetting and what I am learning.
Afterward: Coincidentally? Tonight I watched "God's Not Dead". It is about a student who chooses to accept a challenge to try to prove that God is not dead.
Update: 2/16/15
This has been a much different journey than I had expected. But just as a plant is pruned to help it grow and produce more, so have I been pruned. This winter has been long and cold. In many ways it has been hard but joyful. It won't be long until I hear the words, "Lo, the winter is past....."
Update 11/11/17
How far this journey has taken me. I believe that if I had not left the Standard American "Church", I would be a dead and cold Christian. I am shocked to see where I am now. But there is the "life" of God stirring in my heart and I believe that I am closer to being like Christ. Is that not what we are meant to be? Formed in the image of Christ. I am planning to update my blogs first and there continue on, by relating how I have gotten from where I was to where God has brought me. I have a glimpse of my future. I believe that many Christians all over the world are escaping "church" in order to become the body of Christ, His church, also called the "remnant".
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