Philippians 2:14-15
Do all things without complaining and disputing;
that you may become blameless children of God
without fault in the midst of a crooked and
perverse generation, among whom you
shine as lights in the world
"This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine!
This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine,
Let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine! "
How well I remember singing this song with all my little friends in Sunday school class. We would hold up our pointer finger pretending it was our light that would never go out. We were going to sing for Jesus forever! Little did we know, without Jesus in our lives, we would have nothing to shine.
Then Jesus spoke to them again saying, "I am the light of the world.
He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
__John 8:12
Jesus became the light of the world to make a way for us in the darkness. Without Christ in our lives we are lost, like sheep without a shepherd. We live our lives without hope or promise for the future.
Before I came to Christ, life didn't seem to have any purpose. It seemed like all we did was the same thing over and over every day with no real meaning, and then we eventually died. It all seemed so senseless. Then I heard a pastor speak, and I felt like He was speaking just to me. He said, "You can't know your purpose until you know the One who made you." His words got my attention! He then went on to introduce the audience to Jesus Christ. At that point I knew Jesus as the Son of God, the One we prayed to and sang about in church, but I didn't know we could know Him personally, that He would come and live within us through the Holy Spirit. I accepted Jesus that day as my Personal Savior. I confessed I was a sinner, asked for His forgiveness, and then invited Him into my heart as my Lord and Savior. By faith I was saved and my life has never been the same. I have purpose where I once had confusion, light where I once walked in darkness, and hope for all my tomorrows.
If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God
has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes
unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
__Romans 10:9-10
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Monday, September 22, 2014
Tug-A-War
1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon Him,
for He cares for you
As I was pondering this Scripture, the word "all" stood out among the rest. The Lord is telling us to cast not just some of our care, but all our care upon Him. He wants the care we feel we can handle, the care that seems impossible, and the care that tears at our heartstrings, threatening to rob us of our peace.
I will never forget going through a particularly hard time in my life. After crying until I was exhausted, I finally fell asleep. In a dream I saw the Lord walking up to me with a big white box. As He held the box out to me, He gently said, "Cyndy, put everything that has to do with this situation in the box." I remember putting harsh words spoken and shattered relationships into the box. Then I put the lid on the box and handed it back to Him. As Jesus took the box from me, He took the lid off, and with compassion, said to me, "I said put all that has to do with the situation in the box. You have only put some." He wanted total commitment; I put myself in the box. As He took the box back, He looked at me and spoke these words;
"This is the situation. If you will let me have it, I promise to take care of
this heartache for you. But, I do not play tug-a-war. If you reach for the
box, I will let go and let you have it. Just know, if you take it back there
is nothing I can do. Either you will have the box, or I will. If you want me
to fix it, give me the box."
Then I woke up. Nothing had changed, the heartache was as real as it had been before falling asleep. But, I knew what I must do. I must give it all to Jesus. From that point on I hung on to His words, "I do not play tug-a-war," as I kept giving the heartache back to Him. True to His promise, and in His perfect way, He brought peace in the midst of turmoil, and joy unspeakable back into my life.
It is only as we are willing to put everything in the box and hand it all to Jesus that we find the peace we so desperately need. How important it is to remember; Jesus knows how to take care of our needs, we only think we know how. As we hand our heartache to Him, He will take what looks impossible to us, and use it for our good, and for His glory.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you
have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith,
being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by
fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus
Christ. __1 Peter1:6-7
Casting all your care upon Him,
for He cares for you
As I was pondering this Scripture, the word "all" stood out among the rest. The Lord is telling us to cast not just some of our care, but all our care upon Him. He wants the care we feel we can handle, the care that seems impossible, and the care that tears at our heartstrings, threatening to rob us of our peace.
I will never forget going through a particularly hard time in my life. After crying until I was exhausted, I finally fell asleep. In a dream I saw the Lord walking up to me with a big white box. As He held the box out to me, He gently said, "Cyndy, put everything that has to do with this situation in the box." I remember putting harsh words spoken and shattered relationships into the box. Then I put the lid on the box and handed it back to Him. As Jesus took the box from me, He took the lid off, and with compassion, said to me, "I said put all that has to do with the situation in the box. You have only put some." He wanted total commitment; I put myself in the box. As He took the box back, He looked at me and spoke these words;
"This is the situation. If you will let me have it, I promise to take care of
this heartache for you. But, I do not play tug-a-war. If you reach for the
box, I will let go and let you have it. Just know, if you take it back there
is nothing I can do. Either you will have the box, or I will. If you want me
to fix it, give me the box."
Then I woke up. Nothing had changed, the heartache was as real as it had been before falling asleep. But, I knew what I must do. I must give it all to Jesus. From that point on I hung on to His words, "I do not play tug-a-war," as I kept giving the heartache back to Him. True to His promise, and in His perfect way, He brought peace in the midst of turmoil, and joy unspeakable back into my life.
It is only as we are willing to put everything in the box and hand it all to Jesus that we find the peace we so desperately need. How important it is to remember; Jesus knows how to take care of our needs, we only think we know how. As we hand our heartache to Him, He will take what looks impossible to us, and use it for our good, and for His glory.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you
have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith,
being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by
fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus
Christ. __1 Peter1:6-7
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
What Work Will You Do?
John 6:30
Therefore they said to Him,
"What sign will You perform then,
that we may see it and believe You?
What work will You do?"
After healing the sick at the Pool of Bethesada, Jesus went over to the Sea of Galilee, where a multitude of 5,000 followed Him. Seeing that the people would be hungry, Jesus took five barley loaves and two small fish, and when He had given thanks, distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples gave as much food to the people as they wanted.
The next day the people were standing on the other side of the sea, and seeing that Jesus was not there, crossed the sea to Capernaum seeking Him. It is here we find Jesus speaking to the multitudes, explaining that He does nothing on His own, but only what His Father in heaven tells Him to do.
"This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."__John 6:29
Instead of falling on their knees in gratitude for how Jesus had just fed the multitudes, and in awe of who He is, the people demanded Jesus prove He was the Son of God.
Jesus answered them and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled." __John 6:26
How easy it is for us to read this and wonder how they could ask such a thing of Jesus. Didn't they realize from what He had just done for them that He truly is the Son of God?
Before we judge too quickly, it would behoove us to ask the same question of ourselves. After all Jesus has done for us; died on the cross for our sins, given us eternal life, blessed us with family and friends and goodness beyond what we deserve, don't we sometimes question God?
May we be willing to ask the hard question; Do we love Jesus for what He can do for us, or do we love Him simply for who He is? If He never did another thing for us, would what He has done already be enough for us to trust Him to the end? Jesus is LORD, may that be enough!
"For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of Lords, the great God, mighty and awesome."
__Deuteronomy 10:17
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Forgiveness
Psalm 139:23
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
What do you do when someone holds something against you? We have all had times in our lives when we see things differently than another person. Instead of coming to an understanding, both parties become bitter, holding resentments, and blaming the other person. Unfortunately, when we hold resentments and bitterness we also harden our heart, making it impossible to praise the Lord, study His Word, or have true fellowship with others.
Thirty-six years ago a love one of mine entered the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous. The steps he learned to remain sober were life changing, becoming a matter of life and death. As children of Christ, we need to take the Word of God as seriously. Just as he learned to make a searching and fearless inventory of himself, promptly admitting when he was wrong, and making amends to those he had offended, we need to do the same. Above all else our desire should be to walk blameless before the Lord, knowing we have allowed Him to search our heart, and then be willing to take ownership of our faults, asking for forgiveness from Christ and those we have offended.
Do all things without complaining and disputing,
that you may become blameless and harmless,
children of God without fault in the midst of a
crooked and perverse generation, among whom
you shine as lights in the world. __Philippians 2:14-15
Admitting our faults, asking for forgiveness, and then being willing to take reproof from the other party is never easy. Nevertheless, sometimes that is what we need to do. It isn't always necessary that the other party agrees with us. Sometimes we just need to agree to disagree. What matters is that we are at peace with the other person, that we come to an understanding, and that once again we are in fellowship with our Lord.
Confess your trespasses to one another,
and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man
avails much. __James 5:16
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
What do you do when someone holds something against you? We have all had times in our lives when we see things differently than another person. Instead of coming to an understanding, both parties become bitter, holding resentments, and blaming the other person. Unfortunately, when we hold resentments and bitterness we also harden our heart, making it impossible to praise the Lord, study His Word, or have true fellowship with others.
Thirty-six years ago a love one of mine entered the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous. The steps he learned to remain sober were life changing, becoming a matter of life and death. As children of Christ, we need to take the Word of God as seriously. Just as he learned to make a searching and fearless inventory of himself, promptly admitting when he was wrong, and making amends to those he had offended, we need to do the same. Above all else our desire should be to walk blameless before the Lord, knowing we have allowed Him to search our heart, and then be willing to take ownership of our faults, asking for forgiveness from Christ and those we have offended.
Do all things without complaining and disputing,
that you may become blameless and harmless,
children of God without fault in the midst of a
crooked and perverse generation, among whom
you shine as lights in the world. __Philippians 2:14-15
Admitting our faults, asking for forgiveness, and then being willing to take reproof from the other party is never easy. Nevertheless, sometimes that is what we need to do. It isn't always necessary that the other party agrees with us. Sometimes we just need to agree to disagree. What matters is that we are at peace with the other person, that we come to an understanding, and that once again we are in fellowship with our Lord.
Confess your trespasses to one another,
and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man
avails much. __James 5:16
Sunday, June 1, 2014
"I Will"
Ezekiel 34:16
I will seek what was lost
and bring back what was driven away,
bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick.
Do you need to read this Scripture again? I know I did. This is a Scripture that needs to be memorized, inscribed on a plaque, hung for all to read. We all have loved ones who are lost and need to be brought back, or love someone who is broken in spirit, or suffering from sickness. The Lord did not say "I will try," or "possibly." He promised, "I Will." We can stand on these words. They are truth and they are hope. They are the words of God!
Every word of God is pure
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. __Proverbs 30:5
How easy it is for us to forget how big God is. We become so consumed with our heartache we forget; regardless of how impossible the situation might appear, God is bigger. We have to know that we know; whatever our concern, God is in control and nothing is too hard for Him.
Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying,
"Behold I am the LORD, the God of all flesh.
Is there anything too hard for Me?" __Jeremiah 32:26-27
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
__Hebrews 13:8
Where does our confidence come from? Does it come from peaceful circumstances, our loved ones living as we desire for them to live, a problem free life? Or does it come from our unshakable trust in the Lord? When we come to know that we can trust the Lord, and what He said He would do, He will do, we will find a peace that only He can give.
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You. __Isaiah 26:3
God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent,
Has He said, and will He not do?
Or has He spoken, and will not make it good? __Numbers 23:19
Stand strong my friend. God has spoken. His promise; "I Will!"
I will seek what was lost
and bring back what was driven away,
bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick.
Do you need to read this Scripture again? I know I did. This is a Scripture that needs to be memorized, inscribed on a plaque, hung for all to read. We all have loved ones who are lost and need to be brought back, or love someone who is broken in spirit, or suffering from sickness. The Lord did not say "I will try," or "possibly." He promised, "I Will." We can stand on these words. They are truth and they are hope. They are the words of God!
Every word of God is pure
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. __Proverbs 30:5
How easy it is for us to forget how big God is. We become so consumed with our heartache we forget; regardless of how impossible the situation might appear, God is bigger. We have to know that we know; whatever our concern, God is in control and nothing is too hard for Him.
Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying,
"Behold I am the LORD, the God of all flesh.
Is there anything too hard for Me?" __Jeremiah 32:26-27
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
__Hebrews 13:8
Where does our confidence come from? Does it come from peaceful circumstances, our loved ones living as we desire for them to live, a problem free life? Or does it come from our unshakable trust in the Lord? When we come to know that we can trust the Lord, and what He said He would do, He will do, we will find a peace that only He can give.
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You. __Isaiah 26:3
God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent,
Has He said, and will He not do?
Or has He spoken, and will not make it good? __Numbers 23:19
Stand strong my friend. God has spoken. His promise; "I Will!"
Saturday, May 3, 2014
My Peace I Give
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you;
not as the world gives do I give to you.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
What are your first thoughts when you wake in the morning? Are they thoughts of great anticipation for all the day holds, or a pit in your stomach dreading the thought of facing another day? As children of God we can rest in the Truth that we will not walk through the day alone. As we hang on tight to the hand of our Father, He will lead us through every decision, circumstance, heartache, or frustration we may face.
Whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure,
without fear or evil. __Proverbs 1:33
The Word of God tells us that when we live our lives focused on Jesus and all He is in our lives, we will find a peace the world does not know. No longer do we walk in despair and hopelessness, but our lives become a reflection of our heavenly Father, a sweet fragrance for all to see.
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ,
and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every
place. __2 Corinthians 2:14
I heard a Christian teacher once say, "We get to choose where we look." I have never forgotten those words; they make all the difference in the life of a believer. Do we choose to look at the problems life holds, or do we choose to look at the One who has the answer to every situation we face? It is the difference in living with a pit in our stomach, or hope in our heart.
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You,
because he trusts in You. __Isaiah 26:3
May we choose to look at Him, and wake each morning praising the Lord for His never ending love and faithfulness.
This is the day the LORD has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it. __Psalm 118:24
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you;
not as the world gives do I give to you.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
What are your first thoughts when you wake in the morning? Are they thoughts of great anticipation for all the day holds, or a pit in your stomach dreading the thought of facing another day? As children of God we can rest in the Truth that we will not walk through the day alone. As we hang on tight to the hand of our Father, He will lead us through every decision, circumstance, heartache, or frustration we may face.
Whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure,
without fear or evil. __Proverbs 1:33
The Word of God tells us that when we live our lives focused on Jesus and all He is in our lives, we will find a peace the world does not know. No longer do we walk in despair and hopelessness, but our lives become a reflection of our heavenly Father, a sweet fragrance for all to see.
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ,
and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every
place. __2 Corinthians 2:14
I heard a Christian teacher once say, "We get to choose where we look." I have never forgotten those words; they make all the difference in the life of a believer. Do we choose to look at the problems life holds, or do we choose to look at the One who has the answer to every situation we face? It is the difference in living with a pit in our stomach, or hope in our heart.
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You,
because he trusts in You. __Isaiah 26:3
May we choose to look at Him, and wake each morning praising the Lord for His never ending love and faithfulness.
This is the day the LORD has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it. __Psalm 118:24
Monday, March 3, 2014
You Are Mine
Isaiah 43:2-3
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
And through the rivers,
they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire,
you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior
How many tines gave we gone through trials that threatened to overcome our very existence? We thought we were strong, our faith solid, then, like an out of control tornado, the heartache of a lifetime comes roaring through our life. Perhaps it was an unexpected divorce, a telephone call in the middle of the night, a pink slip ending a career, a child refusing to listen to our guidance, a life threatening disease attacking our body. Whatever it may be, trials can send us into depths of despair we didn't think possible.
Do you see the word "through" in these Scriptures? When you pass through the waters, through the rivers, through the fire. Nowhere does it say we will be overcome, but instead it assures us we will go through the trials of life. Why?
For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
The Holy One of Israel, our Savior, will carry us through the waters, through the rivers, and through the fire.
Fear not, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
__Isaiah 41:10
The next time trials seem to be winning, let's remember to whom we belong and hold on tight to the hand of our Savior. He alone will carry us through.
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them;
for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you.
He will never leave you nor forsake you.
__Deuteronomy 31:6
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
And through the rivers,
they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire,
you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior
How many tines gave we gone through trials that threatened to overcome our very existence? We thought we were strong, our faith solid, then, like an out of control tornado, the heartache of a lifetime comes roaring through our life. Perhaps it was an unexpected divorce, a telephone call in the middle of the night, a pink slip ending a career, a child refusing to listen to our guidance, a life threatening disease attacking our body. Whatever it may be, trials can send us into depths of despair we didn't think possible.
Do you see the word "through" in these Scriptures? When you pass through the waters, through the rivers, through the fire. Nowhere does it say we will be overcome, but instead it assures us we will go through the trials of life. Why?
For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
The Holy One of Israel, our Savior, will carry us through the waters, through the rivers, and through the fire.
Fear not, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
__Isaiah 41:10
The next time trials seem to be winning, let's remember to whom we belong and hold on tight to the hand of our Savior. He alone will carry us through.
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them;
for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you.
He will never leave you nor forsake you.
__Deuteronomy 31:6
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Why Are You Afraid?
John 6:20
"It is I, do not be afraid."
Leaving the Sea of Galilee, the disciples rowed toward Capernaum. As the night grew dark the seas rose all about, threatening to overturn their boat into the raging waters.
Just as they were losing hope, feeling as if this was the end, they saw someone walking on the sea.
"Who is coming toward our boat?"
"Is it a ghost, an illusion?"
"How can they be walking on the water?"
"It is I, do not be afraid."
Did they hear right?
Was that Jesus?
Could it really be Him?
As I read this portion of Scripture I thought about the fears, apprehensions, and circumstances in my life that keep me awake at night, causing doubt and worry to consume my every thought. Just as the disciples tossing all about the raging seas, I become afraid of what the future may hold. My thoughts become filled with "what if's" and I create problems in my mind that never come to pass. If I would only listen with a heart toward Christ instead of allowing fear to consume me, I would hear Him say as He said to the disciples, "It is I, do not be afraid."
The Scriptures continue with the words,
"Then they willingly received Him into the boat."
__John 6:21
As I read these words I considered how willing I would be to receive Jesus if He came walking to me on the water. Too often when He tells me to not be afraid I try to reason with Him, explain to Him how He doesn't understand the many aspects of my situation, and how impossible it is that it could work out with any sense of success. As I contemplated my response, I knew it was time I learn from the disciples. Just as they didn't reason, but received Jesus, I need to do the same.
"Is anything too hard for God?" __Genesis 18:4
"Ah, LORD GOD! Behold You have made the heavens and
the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is
nothing too hard for You." __Jeremiah 32:17
"It is I, do not be afraid." __John 6:20
"It is I, do not be afraid."
Leaving the Sea of Galilee, the disciples rowed toward Capernaum. As the night grew dark the seas rose all about, threatening to overturn their boat into the raging waters.
Just as they were losing hope, feeling as if this was the end, they saw someone walking on the sea.
"Who is coming toward our boat?"
"Is it a ghost, an illusion?"
"How can they be walking on the water?"
"It is I, do not be afraid."
Did they hear right?
Was that Jesus?
Could it really be Him?
As I read this portion of Scripture I thought about the fears, apprehensions, and circumstances in my life that keep me awake at night, causing doubt and worry to consume my every thought. Just as the disciples tossing all about the raging seas, I become afraid of what the future may hold. My thoughts become filled with "what if's" and I create problems in my mind that never come to pass. If I would only listen with a heart toward Christ instead of allowing fear to consume me, I would hear Him say as He said to the disciples, "It is I, do not be afraid."
The Scriptures continue with the words,
"Then they willingly received Him into the boat."
__John 6:21
As I read these words I considered how willing I would be to receive Jesus if He came walking to me on the water. Too often when He tells me to not be afraid I try to reason with Him, explain to Him how He doesn't understand the many aspects of my situation, and how impossible it is that it could work out with any sense of success. As I contemplated my response, I knew it was time I learn from the disciples. Just as they didn't reason, but received Jesus, I need to do the same.
"Is anything too hard for God?" __Genesis 18:4
"Ah, LORD GOD! Behold You have made the heavens and
the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is
nothing too hard for You." __Jeremiah 32:17
"It is I, do not be afraid." __John 6:20
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Truth of God
Genesis 3:4
Then the serpent said to the woman,
"You will not surely die."
Once the creation of the world was complete God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden, blessing him with a woman named Eve.
And the LORD God said, "It is not good that man should be alone;
I will make him a helper comparable to him." __Genesis 1:18
The Word of God tells us that Eve was discussing with the serpent, the most cunning beast in the garden that they were not allowed to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil or they would die. Why was Eve spending time with the shrewdest creature in the garden? Didn't she know time with him would only lead to deception and temptation?
Eve believed the lies of the serpent and ate of the tree of knowledge. Then she gave the fruit to Adam and he ate of it.
Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that
they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and make
themselves coverings. __Genesis 3:7
God told Adam not to eat of the tree of knowledge before He created Eve as his helpmate. Nevertheless, Adam listened to Eve, setting aside what he knew to be Truth. He chose to believe Eve over the Word of God.
Just as Adam and Eve fell for the shrewdness of the serpent we, too, can fall into the snares of Satan. Satan will do everything he can to convince us we will not die if we choose his ways over the Truth of God. Sin will take us farther than we want to go, cost us more than we want to pay, and keep us longer than we want to stay. Satan knows exactly what he is doing.
When we find ourselves entangled in the snares of Satan, tempted to believe his lies, our Father will not leave us but promises a way of escape.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man;
but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what
you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape,
that you may be able to bear it. __1 Corinthians 10:13
The next time Satan comes calling, answer him with the Truth of God. He will run and the battle will be won!!
Then the serpent said to the woman,
"You will not surely die."
Once the creation of the world was complete God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden, blessing him with a woman named Eve.
And the LORD God said, "It is not good that man should be alone;
I will make him a helper comparable to him." __Genesis 1:18
The Word of God tells us that Eve was discussing with the serpent, the most cunning beast in the garden that they were not allowed to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil or they would die. Why was Eve spending time with the shrewdest creature in the garden? Didn't she know time with him would only lead to deception and temptation?
Eve believed the lies of the serpent and ate of the tree of knowledge. Then she gave the fruit to Adam and he ate of it.
Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that
they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and make
themselves coverings. __Genesis 3:7
God told Adam not to eat of the tree of knowledge before He created Eve as his helpmate. Nevertheless, Adam listened to Eve, setting aside what he knew to be Truth. He chose to believe Eve over the Word of God.
Just as Adam and Eve fell for the shrewdness of the serpent we, too, can fall into the snares of Satan. Satan will do everything he can to convince us we will not die if we choose his ways over the Truth of God. Sin will take us farther than we want to go, cost us more than we want to pay, and keep us longer than we want to stay. Satan knows exactly what he is doing.
When we find ourselves entangled in the snares of Satan, tempted to believe his lies, our Father will not leave us but promises a way of escape.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man;
but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what
you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape,
that you may be able to bear it. __1 Corinthians 10:13
The next time Satan comes calling, answer him with the Truth of God. He will run and the battle will be won!!
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