The Sixth Day

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."  

God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.  Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."  Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it.  They will be yours for food.  And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground - everything that has the breath of life in it - I give every green plant for food."  And it was so.  God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.  And there was evening, and there was morning - the sixth day.  
Genesis 1:26, 28-31

So far I have written to you about the third day of creation (water and land), the fourth day of creation (greater and lesser lights), the fifth day of creation (birds and great creatures of the sea).

I wanted to get across that while God was creating:

1. He was having pleasure in it
2. He saw that it was good
3. His ability to create is consistent and equal in the small and the great.

When  God finished creating His masterpiece of man, made in His image, He looks it over and says it is very good.  That includes you, perfectly made in His image, and He takes pleasure in you.  There is no freckle or wart out of place, not a hair too many or missing.  Your height, eyes, voice, skin colour, and location on the earth is exactly right where He wanted.

My response to His creation of me is joy and excitement, like a child has when a loving caring father spends time with them.  I allow myself to see all the good things in this world and the good that He created in me.  Whether I'm considered by some to be little in this world or by some to be great, the only thing that matters is that I know God wanted me here, and I'm enjoying it for as long as He has granted me time to.  Then I can have the confidence in knowing my loving Father will spend time with me for eternity.

• Can you see the good in the world?  List them.
• Think of all your God given abilities, attributes, and interests.  List them.
• How can you best utilise them now?
• Give thanks to God for all He has created in you.
• Are there any that you would like to further develop, whether they are physical, intellectual or spiritual?

Take Time To Enjoy The Children

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.  When Jesus saw this, He was indignant.  He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."  And He took the children in his arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.  

Mark 10:13-16

I'm late putting out my blog today, but I have a very good reason why.  This morning I was at a creché.  That is like a kindergarten and after school care facility for children.

A couple of weeks ago my wife Shelley brought home burglar bars for windows and thought that we (I) could install them for Penny, the principal of Butterfly Way Educare.  So today was the day that I went to so the work, hoping to make the place more safe and secure for her and the children.

Well, the truth be told, that wasn't the only thing James and I were doing, we were making the kids laugh simply by talking to them.  They thought we sounded funny with our Canadian accents (eh).  We also got to play a little touch tag with them until they had to get back to whatever Penny had planned for them.

Children are an integral part of society, in fact they will be in heaven, maybe more so.  From today's scriptures we're told Jesus took them in His arms, and that's all out acceptance.  Arms wide open, hands touching them, blessing them.  His actions show not only acceptance but protection and provision.  The disciples got it wrong by trying to keep the children away, Jesus was in fact saying they need me, they need you.  Children need our acceptance, protection and provision.

That is what I see in the work that Penny is doing.  I want to do a proper interview with her and give her the opportunity to describe and explain what goes on at Butterfly Way Educare.  For now though I am asking you to pray for Penny and her ministry to these children and go to her webpage (www.butterflywayeducare.co.za) to find out more.

Now go give your child, niece,  nephew or grandchildren some of your time.  If you don't have children go spend some time with your mom or dad.  Make it a blessing for everyone.  That way you will be following the example and instruction of Christ.