In the beginning . . . WHAT? What was in the beginning? There are a lot of people with a lot of theories. The big bang! I believe there was a big bang, but not like some teach it. Sooner or later the truth will come out. Science is proving it more and more every day. In The Beginning . . .

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“IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was present originally with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being. In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men. And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it].” John 1:1-5 Amp

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.” Genesis 1:1-5 NIV

The Big Bang. I believe that this really did happen. What about you? The universe was void. Even scientists think this. God spoke and all of a sudden it came into being. Maybe there was a loud clash. According to science, it is still happening. The universe is still growing. What power there is in words. It wasn’t random. There was a purpose and design to it. The universe is so intricate and perfect that it had to be by design. Look at the atom. Some say that it happened by coincidence or random action? Give me a break. I am not that dense. It would take more faith than I could ever attain to believe something so ludicrous as that. We don’t have to believe someone or group of people simply because they have a bunch of degrees. People with degrees also said that “whatever goes up, must come down.” Now we send spacecraft into space. And of course, it goes on and on. Who do we believe?

Spoken by design! These words still happen today. We hear the stories. To every good story there is an, “in the beginning.” In the beginning someone had an idea or dream. They wrote it down. They went after it. Then somewhere down the line it came into being. It was created by design. Only a fool says in his heart, “there is no God!” Psalm 14:1 and Psalm 53:1 Look at the evidence.

In 2004, I wanted to create this web site, but I didn’t know much about the computer or the internet. I knew how to surf a little and I knew how to send and receive emails. I also didn’t have the money to pay someone to do it. The job I had went away. What was I going to do? It was time to change careers. Within two weeks I was back in school for the first time in many years. It was a school I couldn’t afford to go to financially, yet the Lord made a way. There were times during my time in school I questioned whether this was the right choice. A little over two years later I graduated with honors with an Associate of Applied Science in Multimedia and Web Design from the Art Institute of Dallas and all of this with a family. I felt so honored. The Lord is so good. What an understatement.

In the beginning there wasn’t even a chance for this site, only a vision. Now, in less than three years, it had become a reality. Then it started growing. The vision continues to grow. It’s more than just encouraging others. It is about building the kingdom His way. It is about helping His people, even those who don’t know they are His yet. It is about walking the walk and demonstrating His plan and purpose on this earth. It’s not about perfection, but about grace. How will they know? How will they see? Someone must not only tell them, but also show them. It’s not about us talking about the love. It is about us being the love and then sharing the love. Jesus said, “Greater things will you do than this, because I go to the Father.” Greater Things!

Jesus made a profound statement. He simply said, “I Am.” He didn’t preach a lot of empty words. He was what He spoke. We must become that which we speak. As He is, I am. If He is in us, we are. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. They were called that because they were Christlike. Let others call us Christians because of our love. Let us stop judging and start living and being the example. Let us be like the early church who became a model and the Lord added daily to their number. Be who you are and stop acting. If you aren’t there yet, that is okay, but admit it. I’m not there, and I don’t think I will attain it this side of eternity. This life is a journey. It is a growing process. A blossom on a tree isn’t a ripe peach until it grows and matures. Above all, be true to yourself. Don’t live a lie.

I have found that one of the most profound things in life is a smile and a kind word. It changes lives. That person across from us or standing next to us needs to be encouraged. Life is hard. Can we smile? Are they worth it? You are worth it. You are loved. You need to know that and so do I. I need to know that He loves me. We need to encourage each other, everyday. Yes, in the beginning! What is your, In The Beginning? What is it that beats with every breath you take? What is your passion? In the beginning . . . to where it becomes reality. You can get there. The Lord will make a way where there seems to be none. Be encouraged! Journey on!

Joseph