In The Beginning

Join us as we dive into Genesis 1, exploring the story of creation where God brings light, life, and order into existence. This study will walk through each day of creation, highlighting God's intentional design, the beauty of His handiwork, and the significance of humanity made in His image. We’ll also reflect on the profound meaning of the seventh day. This study will help us see how powerful God is, how everything He made has a purpose, and why rest is important too.

Alexandra Jaclyn A.

Let's Get Your Bible Ready! It is important to always double check what you're reading. The Bible should be your primary source!

Before we start this study, I recommend you read Genesis 1:1-31 and Genesis 2:1-3. Keep your bibles open for the rest of the study for checking verses, highlighting key notes you like, and understanding where in the bible you are reading!

Genesis Chapter 1, God's Creation

Genesis chapter one teaches us about creation. God carefully took six days to create everything and one day to look back on His work. Let's break down each day together and learn the significant and beauty behind His work.

Day One

On the first day, God created light. He then separated the light, one for day and one for night. God saw that the light was good. That was the first day.

Now God isn't random, He has wisdom beyond our human understanding. Think about creation, creating light first was a very important task. Light helps plants grow, it helps creatures see, and it gives us warmth. Without light creation could not survive. So, it was very important that it was created first for all of the other amazing things to come.

How does this act of creating light first reflect God's intentional order and purpose in creation?
In what ways does light contribute to the survival and flourishing of life on Earth?

Day Two

On the second day, God separated the waters. He created a vault he called "Sky" and separated waters above and under it. And it was so.

Think about the sky, we need air to survive right? So, God created an area where His creation could thrive and breath oxygen. He very carefully planned everything so that creation could exist. Isn't He such an amazing God!

In what ways does the creation of the sky show God's care for His creation?
What are some ways you can be thankful for the sky and the air you breathe?

Day Three

On the third day, God gathered the water under the sky to be in one place. God called the dry ground "Land" and the gathered waters "Seas". After preparing the earth, He let the land produce vegetation, seed-bearing plants, and trees with fruits. The fruits had seeds to grow even more fruits. God saw it was good.

On the third day God made sure that when He created animals and humans they has something to eat. He also made sure the plants could regrow and be planted so we would never go hungry. He put so much love and care into every day.

How does the order of creation reflect God's wisdom and purpose?
How do these plants and trees contribute to the cycle of life?

Day Four

On the fourth day, God made the lights in the sky separate day and night. They marked sacred times, days, and years. God made the greater light for the day and the lesser light for the night. He also made the stars and set them in the vault. God saw it was good.

God literally created the Sun, Moon, and Stars so we could have a calendar, a clock, and a map! All placed in the sky, so His creation knew exactly what was going on. He made sure we were protected.

In what ways do the sun, moon, and stars help in marking days, seasons, and years?
How does this system of timekeeping benefit life on Earth?

Day Five

On the fifth day, God created living creatures in the water and birds in the sky. God saw that it was good and blessed them. He told them to be fruitful and increase on earth.

Before He created these living creatures, you can see how much care and effort He put into making sure their home would be beneficial for them. The same way a parent would care for their child by making sure they have a safe space. This was also the first creation He blessed. God understands the importance of life and blesses it.

Before creating the living creatures, God established their habitats. How does this demonstrate His care and foresight?
Reflect on instances in nature where you observe God's provision and care. How do these observations inspire gratitude and a sense of responsibility toward stewardship

Genesis

Chapter

One

Day Six

On the sixth day, God created creatures for the land and mankind for Himself. He created livestock, wild animals, and creatures that moved along the ground. God saw that it was good.

Then God said, "let us make mankind in our likeness and in our image, so that they may rule over the earth and other creations on it." He made them male and female, He blessed them and told them to be fruitful and increase in number. He gave us every seed-bearing plant and every tree that has fruit with seeds in it as our food.

Every living creature, that has the breath of life, has been given green plants for food.

God saw what He had made, and it was good.

Now stay with me because this one is a little longer than the other days.

If we look at creation, God created them to live a specific way. Let the waters have their creatures, let the sky have birds, let the land have its animals, and let US have mankind.

God didn't say " let me make mankind in my image", He said " Let US make mankind in OUR image". He was referring to the trinity. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. - John 1:1

God prepared the earth before creating creatures. Then He very thoughtfully created creatures for each thing. Lets think about what happens when they are moved from which they were created.

Remove plants from soil and they die.
Remove fish from water and they die.
Remove birds from the sky and they are more likely to die.
Remove livestock and wild animals from land and they die.
Remove us from God and we will die.

We were specifically made by God for God and blessed by Him. We cannot live without Him.

Genesis 1:26 states, "Let us make mankind in our image." What does it mean to be created in God's image, and how does this influence our identity and purpose?
In Genesis 1:28, God grants humanity dominion over the earth. What duties accompany this authority, and how can we responsibly manage creation in today's world?

Genesis Chapter 2:1-3, A Day Of Rest

Day Seven

The seventh day starts in chapter 2. We spent all of chapter one discovering creation and the significance of each day. Now we're discovering the purpose of a seventh day after creation was completed.

After the heavens and the earth and everything in it was completed, God rested. God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because on that day He rested from all of His hard work.

Remember the sabbath day by keeping it holy, six days you shall work but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. - Exodus 20:8-10

Why is it so important that He rested? Because we are supposed to follow in His ways and He made sure to lead by example.

One reason to have a day of rest is to physically heal. Rest, particularly quality sleep, is a cornerstone of physical healing. During periods of rest, the body engages in several critical processes that promote recovery and well-being:

Tissue Repair and Muscle Recovery
Immune System Support
Inflammation Reduction
Hormonal Balance and Stress Managment
Cognitive Function and Pain Managment

Another reason is rest is vital for mental healing. Here's how it contributes:

Enhances Cognitive Function
Regulates Emotional and Reduces Stress
Boost Emotional Resilience
Improves Mood and Reduces Risk of Mental Health Disorders
Supports Stress Recovery

A third reason is to be able to look back and appreciate all of the hard work we have done. If we're non-stop going, we can never slow down and be thankful for what we have and be proud of what we have done. Regularly taking time to relax and reflect on your achievements is crucial for maintaining mental health and promoting personal growth. These practices help reduce stress, enhance emotional well-being, and foster a positive mindset, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life. Just how God looked at His creation and said, " It Is Good".

The last reason I have is to be able to have time for your family, friends, pets, hobbies, etc. God gave us things to enjoy but how can we take time to truly enjoy it if we can't have a day of rest. Spending time with family and friends creates deeper connections, reduces feelings of loneliness, and enhances emotional support. It helps build your communication skills and learn about those around you. It makes you a well-rounded person, when you can enjoy different hobbies.

Why do you think God chose to rest on the seventh day after creation?
How does spending time with family and friends on your day of rest strengthen your relationships?
Reflecting on Exodus 20:8-10, what does it mean to "remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy"?

You have completed your devotional! I hope and pray this was an insightful experience and brought you closer to the Lord! Feel welcome to share your notes with the Salt and Light community! We love to learn and grow with you!

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