It's a Genesis Month
"God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life." (Psalm 51:10 MSG)
A few days ago, while discussing someone's new venture, I said, "It's a Genesis month!" Genesis, the name of the first book of the Bible, means "origin," and the first verse (Genesis 1:1) exemplifies a new beginning.
After the conversation, Malcolm (my husband) and I reflected on this phrase, along with its meaning: "This is a season of new beginnings!" It seemed to echo in the atmosphere, and the word ministered to us personally. Then I said, "That was the Holy Spirit."
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters." (Genesis 1:1-2 NLT)
A Genesis season is a time of new beginnings, and it is marked by grace.
If that resonates with you in some way, be encouraged by these thoughts:
• Darkness speaks of mystery – you cannot see the path ahead. But God, whose very presence is light, is going with you. And He will light the way. This is your season of discovery and new beginnings.
• Emptiness speaks of a space ready to receive new things. If you feel empty or have recently had a chapter close, it is a sign that you have room to receive.
• Formless or shapeless remind us of the potter and the clay (Isaiah 64:8). As you surrender to God's hands, He will bring shape to your life and work. He is going about His good work! He is forming a vessel for His glory.
There Is a "God Factor"
At a time of year when many people are talking about goals, let's remember the "God factor."
The Bible says, "You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail" (Proverbs 19:21 NLT). (Photo via Unsplash)
The Bible gives us a key to planning, which is to first delight in Him (Psalm 37:4), and then from that place of fellowship, recognize what He is doing and see what His favor is on, then participate with Him in it.
So if the yearly chatter about goal-setting programs makes you feel uncomfortable, it does not mean that God does not have plans or projects for you. Perhaps that discomfort is an invitation from the Lord. He is beckoning you to watch and see where the Holy Spirit is moving uniquely for you.
"...And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters." (Genesis 1:2 NLT)
Vision of an Artist's Studio: The Parable of the Paintings
On Sunday as we worshiped, I was holding this word about new beginnings before the Lord. Suddenly, I saw an artist's studio in my mind's eye. The studio was lit with a low, golden light, and it looked as though it had been in use for many years.
Two easels were sitting in the room, and both were covered. Then, I saw the Lord's hands lifting the cover off the easel to the left. He revealed a canvas that was brand new and had never been used! Next, He lifted the cover off the easel on the right. This was a painting that seemed to have been left for a very long time.
The second painting appeared to be complete, and yet something was missing. It was as though the painter, being dissatisfied with it, had left it for a later day.
Suddenly, a light shone on the unfinished painting, on a particular spot. The light seemed to come from a high window, which was suddenly uncovered. Now the painting could be seen in a new light. It became clear how to go about finishing it.
Then, I saw Jesus coming through a door on the right. He was holding a third painting in His hands. This was a very old painting from a previous generation. It was evident that He had freshly restored the work and given it new life.
Once it had been faded and jaded, but now bright colors were seen, along with previously unseen details. (Photo via Unsplash)
The paintings are a parable, a picture, and a story. God is unveiling new opportunities represented by the blank canvas.
The light on the second canvas speaks of the Holy Spirit shedding new light on old dreams, with an "aha" moment! This includes projects and plans that we have laid aside. Now is the time to reflect that perhaps God's presence is on them for the current season.
The third painting being restored speaks of stories from past generations. God is healing aspects of our family identity.
He reminds us once again, "I am removing shame from the generations; I am changing the story you tell from now on."
God Is with You in a Genesis Season
The Scripture in Psalm 51 that I began with reminds us that during a season of new beginnings, God is working on our hearts, for David wrote it out of deep sorrow and repentance. The Lord wants to remind us of the nearness of His presence.
As the Master Artist, His hands are on the brush that paints the canvas.
As the Potter's hands surrounding the clay, He shapes it for His purpose.
As the Gardener, His hands are close as He prunes the vine (John 15).
His Holy Spirit hovers, calling you forth to life. Now He invites you to share the moment of creation, to declare, "Let there be!" and to participate with Him in your Genesis season.
Genesis, the name of the first book of the Bible, means "origin," and the first verse (Genesis 1:1) exemplifies a new beginning.
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Helen Calder
Enliven Ministries
Email:Â helen@enlivenpublishing.com
Website:Â www.enlivenpublishing.com
Helen Calder is a prophetic minister and writer, and founder of Enliven Ministries, in the David McCracken Ministries family. Helen has a unique gift of equipping in the areas of prophetic ministry, discernment and prayer. She is known for Enliven Blog, an online prophetic training and mentoring resource that reaches thousands of people globally. Helen and Malcolm have been married for 37 years and are at home in Planetshakers Church, Melbourne, Australia.
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