Genesis 1-3 contains some of the most powerful and amazing stories of the Old Testament, and possibly even the whole Bible as we see the power of God as he creates the universe!

Right from the very beginning, we see the mind-blowing character of God.

The Genesis creation story is a story that is so familiar to us. We hear over and over again “And God said’ ‘And God said’ ‘And God said’.

However, how often do we stop to reflect on this? To consider the magnitude and awesomeness of God.

God is so powerful that when he spoke, creation happened! When he speaks, light comes where there was only darkness before. When he speaks, creatures start crawling.
This is the power of God’s word.

How amazing to think that God spoke everything into existence out of nothing.

Everything except for humanity.

When God made man there was something very personal and intimate that took place.

From the earth, God created man with His own hands, in His own image.

Nothing else in all of creation carries the privilege of being created in the image of the Creator God.
Creation is a clear and compelling depiction of the undeniable and unconditional love of God. We were intimately made to be the image-bearers of the One True God.

In these first few chapters of the Bible we learn that God is good.
He is thoughtful and caring and kind and generous. He loves his creation – He gives us good gifts. He gives us community. He provides for our needs. He gives us life and blessings. He delights in us. He shows amazing grace and mercy to us.
He has a plan and provides a Saviour in Jesus, who is the image of the invisible God, the only one who perfectly reflects all of God’s attributes and fulfills His will.

As we enter the busy Christmas season let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of our faith.

Sandee Batelic

These verses are a cornerstone of biblical wisdom literature, offering profound guidance on how to navigate life with faith and reliance on God – teaching us to trust in the Lord wholeheartedly and refrain from relying solely on our own human understanding.
To trust in the Lord with all our heart means to place our confidence in His character and promises.
It requires us to believe that God is good, loving, and faithful, even when we don’t fully understand His ways. This kind of trust is rooted in a personal relationship with God, nurtured through prayer, reading Scripture, and experiencing His faithfulness in our lives.
Next, we are instructed to “lean not on your own understanding.”
Human understanding is limited and often flawed. Our perspectives are shaped by our experiences, emotions, and biases, which can lead us astray. This is why the Bible warns us against relying solely on our own reasoning.
Leaning not on our own understanding means acknowledging our limitations and seeking God’s wisdom instead.
The third part of the verse requires us to “in all your ways submit to him.”
Submission to God involves recognising His authority and allowing His will to influence every aspect of our lives. Submitting to God in all our ways means seeking His guidance in both major life decisions and daily choices, knowing that our actions reflect our faith. 
The final part of the verse promises that “he will make your paths straight.”
This is a reassurance that when we trust in God, lean on His understanding, and submit to His will, He will guide us and direct our steps.
This doesn’t mean that life will be free from challenges or that we will never face difficulties. However, it does mean that God will provide us with the direction and strength we need.

As we grow in our trust and reliance on God, allowing Proverbs 3:5-6 to guide our daily lives, we will experience the peace and direction that comes from living in alignment with God’s will.

Sandee Batelic