01
A Clean Slate
John TiltonGenesis 2:1-3
Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the
seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh
day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it
Holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that which he had
After God created all things of heaven and earth, and deemed that it all was
good, God rested. He not only rested, but he made that day, the seventh day, a
Holy day. The Jewish people observe this day from Friday evening to
Saturday evening. Christians usually observe this day on Sundays, and it is
often considered the first day of the week, or the beginning of the week. God
blessed this day. Many believers also observe their day of Sabbath on other
days of the week, as long as it is in accordance with principles of the Sabbath.
As I sit here in Kaloko, literally on the top of the Hualalai mountain, above
the cloud line on the Big Island; the meaning of this mountain and this
being the first day of the year ring so metaphorically and significantly for
metaphorically see me as sitting on the top of a mountain of so many
wonderful opportunities for the Lord’s will and plan. Being here with family
and having an intentional day of rest, beginning with my devotions,
reminds me of the work of 2014, and all that God has enabled to
successfully take place for His glory. It’s been a lot of work; and yes, it’s
been good!
Pondering today, I want this day of the New Year to begin as a day of rest;
a day of a new beginnings, launching from a clean slate and being
reminded that as I sit on a mountain top that in meaning affirms that God
saves; that I literally am sitting upon so much opportunity to serve the Lord
in 2015. However, as the Lord rested on the seventh day, I need to begin
with rest, know that through Christ I begin with a clean slate, and look
forward to a new season in 2015, rich with opportunities for His glory.
Dear Lord, thank you for all of your guidance, provision and blessing in
your presence, resting and pondering the many opportunities that await me
in serving you. Thank you for the clean slate given by your blood of
sacrifice on the cross, that I may continue in obedience as I walk with you
and serve you.
