Genesis 8:1
“Then God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the animals that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided.”
The last time Noah heard the voice of God he was instructed to enter the ark and shut the doors. Since that time, forty-seven days have passed. These were days of difficulty, unrest, fear and anxiety, as Noah and his family stepped out into the unknown. In a time when Noah needed the voice of God more than ever, it seemed that heaven had gone silent. What a blessing it is to read “God remembered Noah…”
Perhaps it would be of value to consider what it means that “God remembered Noah.” First, it does not mean God had forgotten him. Often, in the midst of our darkest trials, we get the feeling God has forgotten us. We have ventured out in faith only to look around, and it seems, He has left us all alone. We must keep in mind, God had His eyes upon Noah every moment. The Psalmist wrote,
Psalms 121:4
“Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.”
And Jesus declared,
Luke 12:7
“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
As we read Noah’s story, it is also quite clear, that while God seemed to go silent, He remained in complete control of the circumstances. It was God who caused the rain, stopped the rain, and caused the waters to reside.
In the midst of our darkest days, we are no more alone than Noah was. God is carefully watching our every step, as well as controlling the circumstances around us. In those times of darkness, it is critical, that like Noah, we keep clinging to the promises of God as we await His deliverance.
Pastor Jim
The story of the flood is a story of judgment and redemption. Mankind had turned its back on God. Moses is careful to describe the condition of the world at that time;
As the drama of Genesis unfolds, we are introduced to two of Adam’s sons, and given a glimpse into their lives and occupations. Abel, the younger, was a shepherd, while his older brother Cain was a farmer. It was not their occupations, but their character that determined their destinies. We read, Abel brought an offering of the flocks, while Cain brought the fruit of the ground; God respected Abel’s offering and rejected Cain’s. The question we must answer is why? What was wrong with Cain’s offering?
Those ancient travelers who went in search of the Child Jesus, form a valuable illustration of true worship. Their worship included at least five ideas we would do well to imitate.
The scene in the garden quickly shifts, and we find Eve face to face with great temptation. This text not only explains how sin and death entered the world, but also serves as an illustration of the temptations a believer will face. The first thing to note is how the devil is described, he is called “cunning.” It is important to remember, whenever facing temptation, that every word out of the mouth of the devil is designed to deceive. Jesus called him the father of lies (John 8:44), so we should expect that he will twist the words of God, in order to lead us astray. As their discussion continues, we see three key truths about temptation.
I did not grow up going to church. At the age of 15 years old, I had never seen a Bible. A close friend of mine went on a family trip to visit his grandmother, who apparently was a believer, although I had no idea what that meant. Upon his return, he told me he thought we needed to be “better”. He told me he was going to begin reading the Bible. I decided I would join him in this venture, and when I arrived home that day, I asked my mom to get me a Bible. A few days later, I found a little green book on my dresser. On the front cover it read, “New Testament.” I took the book to my mom, and told her I wanted a Bible, not some modern book. She explained that the New Testament was the second half of the Bible. I returned to my room and began to read. Three times I started, and three times my mind wandered away from the pages, not understanding a single word. I tossed the book back on my dresser and said to myself, “I guess this Bible stuff is not for me.”
The Biblical account of the origin of life is fascinating and filled with wonder. We read, all that exists was brought forth with nothing more than the voice of God. He spoke and mountains formed, the seas were birthed, and life began. Of all the wonders of creation, none is more fascinating than to read, after six short days God rested. If the only energy expended in creation was His voice, we know He did not rest out of exhaustion. Instead, His resting was a testimony to the fact that all creative work was accomplished.
