Genesis 1

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%201&version=ESV

^"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light" (Genesis 1:1-3).

I love the picture of the Spirit of God hovering over the waters. The Holy Spirit- who didn't just suddenly appear on the day of Pentecost, but who has been intricately, irreplaceably involved since before time! I just love Him!

Genesis 1 is the perfect premise for the entire word of God (obviously). This chapter isn't about whether or not evolutionary theory is valid, and it's not just fuel for a debate on whether all these events actually took place in six literal days. This chapter sets the foundation for the character of God, eager to be displayed in the following 65 books of the Bible.

Every section begins with "and God said, 'Let there be ____,'" followed by, "and there was," which is then followed by, "and it was good." This is the basis of faith in God! That He looks into darkness- darkness of hearts, darkness of cultures and countries and lifelessness- says "Let there be light," and it comes to pass! Even today, in the areas of my life which I feel are void and without form, God "gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did" (Romans 4:17). Praise God; He is still in the business of speaking new life, whether it be in relationships, dreams, identity, or salvation. The first chapter of the Bible bespeaks God's faithful power, and all of history has since been proclaiming this good news.

Lord, build my faith!