I have always been interested in the evidence assembled supporting what we believe as the bible creation story, and the conflicting stories we read about evolution, and the earth being millions or billions of years old. In order to explore this more, I recently read a book called Creation and Evolution; Compatible or in Conflict, by Jay Seegert. This book is a well researched and easy to read assembly of the information and perspectives on this subject. I found it very helpful in cutting through the headlines and hype, and understanding the evidence. (Click on the Title to see more information or get a copy.)

The conclusion I took from the book is that as Christians, we believe the bible story of creation, because we believe the bible is the inspired word of God. Our belief is supported more and more by archaeological and astronomical discoveries. Evolution, the Big Bang Theory, and other non biblical explanations for the origin of the universe, earth, and the origin of life are as much a religious belief as Christianity. The people who promote these theories start with the assumption that God cannot be part of the origin, so they must come up with some other guess then try to identify data that support their guess. Our growing understanding of the complexity of life and the universe make it more and more difficult for them to rule out the Creator.

Arguments against God and Creation have been ongoing since bible times, as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:19, “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God.” and in Romans 1:20 he writes, ” Since earliest times men have seen the earth and sky and all God made, and have known of his existence and great eternal power. So they will have no excuse when they stand before God at Judgment Day” TLB

If you have interest in knowing more, I would recommend the book.

Dear Lord, We thank you for people who will take the time and effort to help us understand the evidence that exists to support our belief in the validity of the bible. Please send your Spirit to those who question your word in the bible, and let them know You and know that the bible is your word. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Paul writes in Hebrews 11:1, “What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.” TLB

There is a scene in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, where Indiana Jones is standing on the edge of a gorge. He ,is looking at a diagram in an ancient book that indicates a bridge should be there, but there is no bridge. After studying the ancient document, he believes he has it figured out, that the only way to find the bridge is to step into the abyss, and the bridge will appear. Without seeing, he must act.

In the sames way, Jesus’ teachings in the bible are our ancient map, and in order to see the support God promises us is to step forward in faith.

Dear Lord, it is very difficult for us to take that first step of faith that we know you want us to take, whether, volunteering in our church, inviting a friend to worship, witnessing to someone in need, or putting our tithe in the offering plate, we all have a step we could be taking. Give us the courage to take the step and experience the joy of trusting you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The book of Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon, who God allowed to be the smartest person ever to live. (1 Kings 3:12) In Ecclesiastes, Solomon writes about his search for meaning. He goes through a methodical process of experiencing and considering many of the excesses of life, pleasure, drinking, folly, wisdom, wealth, and possessions. Solomon determines that all this is meaningless. He concludes in Ecclesiastes 3:12,13 that, “there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.” and in 5:18, he says, “Well, one thing, at least, is good: It is for a man to eat well, drink a good glass of wine, accept his position in life, and enjoy his work whatever his job may be, for however long the Lord may let him live.” NLT

So the smartest, and wealthiest man of his time, with access to every opportunity, concludes that satisfaction in life comes from being thankful for the gifts God has given us, and enjoying our work and what it provides us; More will not make us happier or more satisfied.

Dear Lord, help us to be satisfied and content with what you have given us, realizing that if we are not happy and thankful for what we have today, having more will not make us happy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Do you ever notice that people who are true professionals and outstanding performers in their field embrace difficult challenges. Professional athletes enjoy a very difficult workout or practice, scientists and academics enjoy challenging and technical problems to solve, musicians enjoy the hours of work to master a piece of music. The opposite I am sure you have also seen, the people who are always trying to cut corners, cheat, and avoid facing up to the challenge.

In many ways, this is like James describes in James 1:2-4, where he writes, “Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.” TLB

To master our lives as Christians we need to face our difficulties and temptations the way Jesus taught us to with faith, prayer, and confidence; knowing God is right there with us and these tests are helping us master our Christian lives.

Dear Lord, it is hard to be happy during the difficulties and temptations we face, but help us remember to use the things you teach us, faith, prayer, and confidence in your love for us, to face our difficulties. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

In bible days people didn’t have paper and pencil to write notes, or journals to jot down important facts and information. Important information was shared with others and these stories would be handed down from parents to children across generations. One other way that they remembered important events was to build altars and landmarks at the site the event happened.

Joshua 4 tells the story of the Jews finally crossing the Jordan river after wandering in the desert for 40 years. God parts the river and the people walk across on dry land. In verses 2,3 God tells them, “Tell the twelve men chosen for a special task, one from each tribe, each to take a stone from where the priests are standing in the middle of the Jordan, and to carry them out and pile them up as a monument at the place where you camp tonight.” and verse 6,7 say, “We will use them to build a monument so that in the future, when your children ask, ‘What is this monument for?’ you can tell them, ‘It is to remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of God went across!’ The monument will be a permanent reminder to the people of Israel of this amazing miracle.”

Having the monument allowed the people to remember the powerful miracle God did and remind them to believe he is able to do miracles for them, again. In the same way, we should have a way to remember times and events where God did exceptional things for us; saving us or a loved one from a terrible accident, the unexpected “snow day” when we were not quite prepared for a test, a terrible medical diagnosis that turns out to be a just something simple. I keep a simple list of times things occurred that cannot be explained by natural causes, but these occurrences prevented disasters, or created tremendous opportunities. I occasionally review the list to remind myself that God is there looking out for me. You might find it helpful as well.

Dear Lord, help us remember those times that your hand was clearly guiding or protecting our lives, and reflect on those times when we need reinforcement of our faith in you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.