Genesis - A New Era

I finished Genesis this morning, as rain fell lightly on the window. I began reading thru the Bible my second time on October 1st. God told me back around 2 John to "continue in My word" so I'm going thru again. I prayed God would make this a new era in my life, and He has.

During these weeks He has produced a more pure flow of the Spirit from my heart. I've been singing the song "I've got a river of life flowing out of me". I love Him more and see my life differently. Reading the 1st 2000 years of human history really effected me. I saw the men who lived 900 years and thought of how many cultural acheivements they witnessed. They had so much time to experience life, yet they accomplished nothing. Only a few men, out of 2000 years, had the words "walked with God" by their name. I want that to be me.

As I read Abraham I saw how God blessed him with wealth and a heritage. I know He's given the same to me. And like Abraham, I want to walk thru life simply as a friend of God, letting go of earthly things (plain of Jordan) and prepared to rescue weaker believers (Lot).

Isaac followed in his father's footsteps, unstopping the old wells and providing for his family.

Jacob's life is very encouraging. Through his decisions, good and bad, God's blessing and purpose were accomplished. I don't want God to have to use bad decisions in my life. I love where Jacob is at the end of his life, prophesying and blessing everyone he meets.

Joseph ofcourse is amazing to read. He ministered to prisoners and was confident the moment he was called before Pharoah. He had complete forgiveness waiting for his brothers and saw God at work with so little evidence. I admire the consistency of his walk with God and his great faith.

Words can't express all Genesis has meant to me. God's given me a larger soul, an older perspective, more peace, more joy, more confidence talking with people, more love, more humility, and more Spirit flowing thru me. I had one test day to speak of. I felt tempted to help God grow our college ministry with some kind of fun event. But the Spirit reminded me of how Jacob ranked his family when he was to meet Esau. His lack of faith left him unable to love his family, and I would also begin to rank people if I didn't leave the group to the Lord. I made the right decision and the Lord told me "you don't need a tent" (an attraction).

These have been the best weeks of my life. I can only look forward to more of the same in Exodus tomorrow morning.