I’ve committed myself to a new bible reading plan that goes through the entire bible in one year.  And like most bible plans, Genesis 1 & 2 are assigned for the first day of the year. And while I have read Genesis over and over again, something stood out to me that hadn’t before.  The word “Genesis” means “beginnings” or “origin”. Other similes are: embark, start, initiate, & open. There is something fresh and optimistic about these words. When we think of opening a new gift, starting a new job or relationship, initiating a new project or embarking on a new year, we experience feelings of hope, wonder and excitement for the future. Most of us are starting 2012 with a joyful anticipation of what we are going to experience, overcome, and accomplish during the next 12 months. We have set goals, made resolutions, and proclaimed that this time, we’re going to see them through: lose weight, exercise more, do more for others, get organized, mend broken friendships, go to church, control our temper, get better grades, start a new business, stick to a budget, stress less, etc etc.

The first four words of the bible are: “In the beginning God . . . “ and then Genesis 1 & 2 continue with the miraculous story of the creation of earth and of Adam & Eve. Genesis begins with God. Before all of the extraordinary, mind-blowing displays of wonder on this earth, first was God. If we want to experience extraordinary, mind-blowing successes and accomplishments; if we want the hope, wonder and excitement of the year to extend beyond the first few weeks; if we truly want to see ourselves overcome things that we have been struggling with for years; we are going to have to begin with God. He must be at the “genesis” of all that we do in life. Matthew 6:33, says “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” As we start this New Year, I encourage each of you to begin with God – with His Word, with prayer, and in His will – in order to see the full manifestation of what He has for you this year & every year!