March 20, 2012
"Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3
God speaks through e-mail.
In my last post titled My Morning Routine I shared with you my struggle to place God before my desire to check e-mail. For the past few years I've felt sure that God would use an e-mail to reveal to me His next move. I awoke each morning with thoughts of, "Maybe someone e-mailed me for spiritual help or support; maybe someone reached out to me desperate to find hope; maybe a publisher decided to acquire my book."
Two weeks ago I realized God did intend to speak to me each morning but not necessarily through modern technology. I resolved to leave my computer turned off until my quiet time with the Lord ended. I quit waiting for God to speak through e-mail and decided to let Him speak to me directly through His Word.
However, just as I ceased looking the e-mail came.
The title read, "Africa Missions." In part the message said, "I received your name from a friend of mine . . . I am writing because we are hosting a women's conference in Africa this summer. It is for women who have lived through a lot of personal challenges . . . you would be teaching along with a couple of other women . . . we would love to have you join us."
After much prayer and fasting I have agreed to go.
Crazy? Maybe.
Risky? You bet.
Will it require a sacrifice? Absolutely, on my part and on behalf of my precious family.
A random e-mail? Not a chance. In my next post I'll share the initial steps of my journey, a path I believe God began to place before me this past November.
God speaks. And when we turn off the computer long enough to call to Him, He'll tell us great and mighty things that we do not know.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
My Morning Routine
March 5, 2012
"In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." Psalm 5:3
Each day my alarm sounds at 4:45AM. Oh, I usually smack (yes, smack) the snooze button once or twice but I strive to arise by 5AM. I once preferred the
late-night hours for accomplishing tasks, but with three kids my energy
level seems to dissipate after 7PM. If I want quiet time with the Lord
the morning hours prove to be my best option.
I
enjoy--indeed, look forward to--spending time with the Lord each day. But last week I was rudely awakened by the fact that God no longer held His rightful place in my morning routine. Rather than arising with anxious expectation to hear from the Lord I found myself more highly motivated by the warm, creamy, hazelnut-flavored cup of coffee waiting for me in my coffee machine, which is preset to brew at 5AM. I nudged myself out of bed more intrigued by the thought of who might have e-mailed me during the night than the thought of what God might have in store for me for the day. Before I knew it I sat with coffee and computer in hand whispering to God, I'll be with You in just a moment . . .
Why?
Why isn't He enough?
In my grief I prayed and asked God to reveal that in my heart which offended Him. I realized that the reason I find myself more anxious to check e-mail than to meet with God is because e-mail (and Facebook and Twitter for that matter) is more tangible. With modern technology I can see, read, sometimes even hear that someone needs me or wants to communicate with me. It isn't always so obvious with God.
But God does want to communicate with me. He wants to renew me each morning. He wants to show me how He plans to use me today as He reconciles a lost and broken and hurting world to Himself. The God of the universe has written a most important message for me, and He waits all night for me to awake so He can inscribe His truth upon my heart.
Oh Father, that I may arise each morning anxious not for my cup of coffee, not for messages in my Inbox, but anxious to hear You speak.
"In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." Psalm 5:3
Each day my alarm sounds at 4:45AM. Oh, I usually smack (yes, smack) the snooze button once or twice but I strive to arise by 5AM. I once preferred the
late-night hours for accomplishing tasks, but with three kids my energy
level seems to dissipate after 7PM. If I want quiet time with the Lord
the morning hours prove to be my best option.
I
enjoy--indeed, look forward to--spending time with the Lord each day. But last week I was rudely awakened by the fact that God no longer held His rightful place in my morning routine. Rather than arising with anxious expectation to hear from the Lord I found myself more highly motivated by the warm, creamy, hazelnut-flavored cup of coffee waiting for me in my coffee machine, which is preset to brew at 5AM. I nudged myself out of bed more intrigued by the thought of who might have e-mailed me during the night than the thought of what God might have in store for me for the day. Before I knew it I sat with coffee and computer in hand whispering to God, I'll be with You in just a moment . . .
Why?
Why isn't He enough?
In my grief I prayed and asked God to reveal that in my heart which offended Him. I realized that the reason I find myself more anxious to check e-mail than to meet with God is because e-mail (and Facebook and Twitter for that matter) is more tangible. With modern technology I can see, read, sometimes even hear that someone needs me or wants to communicate with me. It isn't always so obvious with God.
But God does want to communicate with me. He wants to renew me each morning. He wants to show me how He plans to use me today as He reconciles a lost and broken and hurting world to Himself. The God of the universe has written a most important message for me, and He waits all night for me to awake so He can inscribe His truth upon my heart.
Oh Father, that I may arise each morning anxious not for my cup of coffee, not for messages in my Inbox, but anxious to hear You speak.
Monday, February 13, 2012
I Will Always Love You
February 13, 2012
"And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is." Ephesians 3:18
When others fail to show you the genuine affection you desire. When you long for a companion but find only callousness. When you feel unloved . . .
I love you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).
When the things of the world fail to satisfy your cravings. When you work longer and harder to maintain an elaborate lifestyle. When its never enough . . .
It is Me who will provide for you (Philippians 4:19).
When you feel as if everyone has left you behind. When you feel as if no one cares. When you feel alone and forsaken . . .
I will never leave you. I will never forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
When the past leaves you feeling worn-out and used-up. When you feel you've hit rock-bottom and there's no place to turn. When you look in the mirror and fail to see beauty and glamor . . .
I see you as a masterpiece. I created you new in my Son to do good things (Ephesians 2:10).
When you've messed up so badly you feel there's no hope, no chance for redemption. When your mistakes become your identity. When you feel stained by sin . . .
I will wash you clean (Isaiah 1:18).
When you feel shamed by the things you've done or by the things that have been done to you. When you've lost hope for restoration. When you feel like succumbing to the worst . . .
I will crown you with glory and honor (Psalm 8:5).
When the cares of this world weigh you down. When the load grows so heavy you can't take another step. When you feel weary and burdened . . .
I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).
The recent death of the queen of pop music grips my heart. I find myself captivated, not by the way she lived, but by the way she died--seemingly alone, hurt, attempting to mask the emptiness with what might have been one too many substances this time. I wonder how many read her story and think, I wish I could slip away too.
Death creates a void so deep we question how we could ever feel complete again. Perhaps the greatest gift of love we can offer is to faithfully lift the queen-of-pop-music's legacy in prayer. May she come to know the fulness of His love which somehow seemed to escape her mother's heart.
"And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is." Ephesians 3:18
When others fail to show you the genuine affection you desire. When you long for a companion but find only callousness. When you feel unloved . . .
I love you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).
When the things of the world fail to satisfy your cravings. When you work longer and harder to maintain an elaborate lifestyle. When its never enough . . .
It is Me who will provide for you (Philippians 4:19).
When you feel as if everyone has left you behind. When you feel as if no one cares. When you feel alone and forsaken . . .
I will never leave you. I will never forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
When the past leaves you feeling worn-out and used-up. When you feel you've hit rock-bottom and there's no place to turn. When you look in the mirror and fail to see beauty and glamor . . .
I see you as a masterpiece. I created you new in my Son to do good things (Ephesians 2:10).
When you've messed up so badly you feel there's no hope, no chance for redemption. When your mistakes become your identity. When you feel stained by sin . . .
I will wash you clean (Isaiah 1:18).
When you feel shamed by the things you've done or by the things that have been done to you. When you've lost hope for restoration. When you feel like succumbing to the worst . . .
I will crown you with glory and honor (Psalm 8:5).
When the cares of this world weigh you down. When the load grows so heavy you can't take another step. When you feel weary and burdened . . .
I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).
The recent death of the queen of pop music grips my heart. I find myself captivated, not by the way she lived, but by the way she died--seemingly alone, hurt, attempting to mask the emptiness with what might have been one too many substances this time. I wonder how many read her story and think, I wish I could slip away too.
Death creates a void so deep we question how we could ever feel complete again. Perhaps the greatest gift of love we can offer is to faithfully lift the queen-of-pop-music's legacy in prayer. May she come to know the fulness of His love which somehow seemed to escape her mother's heart.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Oh Me of Little Faith
February 4, 2012
"And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that
are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care
for you. Why do you have so little faith?" Matthew 6:30
I dislike the dentist. No offense Dr. T, but I would rather do most anything else than have my mouth examined. Last week was my semi-annual checkup. No biggie, just a cleaning . . . and a fitting for a hugely romantic night-guard (apparently I'm back to grinding my teeth again at night, something I struggle with every few years). Other than the pink goo my dentist used to take an impression of my teeth my appointment went rather smoothly. That is, until we received notice in the mail from our insurance company that we no longer have dental insurance.
Oops.
It seems that amidst HR changes within my husband's company we failed to renew our policy. Genius of us, I know.
God, where were you on that one? I questioned. Finances are tight. We do our best to honor you with our "wealth" (Proverbs 3:9). How can we honor you when we face a huge medical bill from the dentist? How can we save for a rainy day when we continue to shell out large lump sums to doctors?
Amidst my whining and complaining I decided to open the rest of our mail.
And there it was.
A notice from a different company that we are due a reimbursement check for twice the amount of what we owe the dentist office.
I fell to my knees and cried.
Father, I'm not worthy of your grace. Oh me of little faith! How could I question you? Accuse you? You remain faithful to me even when I am unfaithful to you (2 Timothy 2:13) . . .
I debated on sharing our mailbox miracle. First, it makes my husband and me look a little silly. More importantly, I know some pray without ceasing yet the check never comes.
Sometimes God provides for us financially. Other times He provides a shoulder to cry on or the strength to endure. He always offers Himself, which is all any of us really need.
“That is why I tell you not to worry about
everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes
to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look
at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for
your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him
than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?"
“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And
if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and
thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do
you have so little faith?"
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need." Matthew 6:25-33
I do not know why God chose to pour out His blessings on us this time but He did, and He deserves all the credit my feeble fingers can type.
What are you in need of today? I would consider it an honor to pray with you.
"And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that
are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care
for you. Why do you have so little faith?" Matthew 6:30
I dislike the dentist. No offense Dr. T, but I would rather do most anything else than have my mouth examined. Last week was my semi-annual checkup. No biggie, just a cleaning . . . and a fitting for a hugely romantic night-guard (apparently I'm back to grinding my teeth again at night, something I struggle with every few years). Other than the pink goo my dentist used to take an impression of my teeth my appointment went rather smoothly. That is, until we received notice in the mail from our insurance company that we no longer have dental insurance.
Oops.
It seems that amidst HR changes within my husband's company we failed to renew our policy. Genius of us, I know.
God, where were you on that one? I questioned. Finances are tight. We do our best to honor you with our "wealth" (Proverbs 3:9). How can we honor you when we face a huge medical bill from the dentist? How can we save for a rainy day when we continue to shell out large lump sums to doctors?
Amidst my whining and complaining I decided to open the rest of our mail.
And there it was.
A notice from a different company that we are due a reimbursement check for twice the amount of what we owe the dentist office.
I fell to my knees and cried.
Father, I'm not worthy of your grace. Oh me of little faith! How could I question you? Accuse you? You remain faithful to me even when I am unfaithful to you (2 Timothy 2:13) . . .
I debated on sharing our mailbox miracle. First, it makes my husband and me look a little silly. More importantly, I know some pray without ceasing yet the check never comes.
Sometimes God provides for us financially. Other times He provides a shoulder to cry on or the strength to endure. He always offers Himself, which is all any of us really need.
“That is why I tell you not to worry about
everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes
to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look
at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for
your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him
than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?"
“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And
if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and
thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do
you have so little faith?"
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need." Matthew 6:25-33
I do not know why God chose to pour out His blessings on us this time but He did, and He deserves all the credit my feeble fingers can type.
What are you in need of today? I would consider it an honor to pray with you.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Do Not Hesitate
January 31, 2012
"When morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, 'Up, take your wife
and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.' But he hesitated." Genesis 19:15-16a
I consider myself a hesitater. My spell-check dislikes the word hesitater, and frankly so do I. But when it comes to decision making I rarely respond with immediate action. I tend to drag my feet, refusing to take the next step until I've had a chance to weigh my options. I believe God's way is good and trustworthy. I sometimes hesitate to follow God's lead because I question whether I've heard Him correctly. Discretion is good. However, when it comes to following the call of God I believe Scripture reveals that hesitation can prevent us from receiving His best.
In Genesis 12:1 God says to Abram (who in Genesis 17 becomes Abraham), “Leave your native country, your relatives,
and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you." Notice God doesn't tell Abram where to go, God simply instructs Abram to go to the land that He will show him.
At this point I would have composed a thousand questions for God. In which direction should I head? Should I pack a snack? Will this be an overnight stay or should I plan for a week? or more? Will it be hot or cold when I arrive? Can I bring my flat iron?
Genesis 12 records no questions from Abram. Instead we read in verse 4, "Abram departed as the LORD had instructed." No questions. Not an ounce of hesitation. Abram simply obeys.
Skip forward a few chapters to Genesis 19. In this chapter we find Lot, Abraham's nephew, residing in the city of Sodom. Two angels come to Lot and say, "Whomever you have in the city, bring them out of the place; for we are about to destroy this place, because their outcry has become so great before the LORD that the LORD has sent us to destroy it" (Genesis 19:12-13). Unlike God's call to Abram the angels tell Lot exactly where to take his family in order to escape destruction. But Lot hesitates.
Abraham became the father of many nations. His descendants eventually inherited the Promised Land. God counted Abraham righteous because of his faith.
And Lot?
Lot helped form two nations . . . through his own two daughters (Genesis 19:30-37). Rather than escaping to the mountains as the angels commanded, Lot sought refuge with his daughters in a cave. Seemingly alone and feeling cutoff from civilization Lot's daughters concoct the idea of having relations with their father so that they could preserve their family line. The firstborn daughter bore a son who became the father of the Moabites. The younger daughter also bore a son who became the father of the sons of Ammon. Eventually both the Moabite and Ammonite nations were destroyed.
Lot's outcome may have had to do with more than just his hesitation. But I can't help but to consider how his lot might have changed if he had obeyed the Lord without delay.
For more than a year I have felt the Lord encouraging me to consider other publishing options with my first book, A Place of Peace. Realizing I would find it difficult to cancel my publishing contract I've prayed that God would make it obvious when I should act. A printing error on a recent order, one which the publisher failed to fully reconcile, helped me to recognize that now is the time. I consulted my contract yesterday and realized I have sixty days remaining until my contract automatically renews for an additional year (and I have to give thirty days notice of my intent to cancel). A few weeks of hesitation could have forced me to stay bound another year to an agreement from which I feel the Lord leading me away. In light of the story of Abraham and Lot I decided to obey right away.
Not to worry about the book. Though I may experience a few days of unavailability toward the end of March, the Lord has already provided another way for publication. Not with a big-name publisher but with a way which will still allow me to make my book available to those who need it most.
Where is the Lord calling you to go?
Do not hesitate.
Trust God to make it happen, for He who calls you is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
"When morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, 'Up, take your wife
and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.' But he hesitated." Genesis 19:15-16a
I consider myself a hesitater. My spell-check dislikes the word hesitater, and frankly so do I. But when it comes to decision making I rarely respond with immediate action. I tend to drag my feet, refusing to take the next step until I've had a chance to weigh my options. I believe God's way is good and trustworthy. I sometimes hesitate to follow God's lead because I question whether I've heard Him correctly. Discretion is good. However, when it comes to following the call of God I believe Scripture reveals that hesitation can prevent us from receiving His best.
In Genesis 12:1 God says to Abram (who in Genesis 17 becomes Abraham), “Leave your native country, your relatives,
and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you." Notice God doesn't tell Abram where to go, God simply instructs Abram to go to the land that He will show him.
At this point I would have composed a thousand questions for God. In which direction should I head? Should I pack a snack? Will this be an overnight stay or should I plan for a week? or more? Will it be hot or cold when I arrive? Can I bring my flat iron?
Genesis 12 records no questions from Abram. Instead we read in verse 4, "Abram departed as the LORD had instructed." No questions. Not an ounce of hesitation. Abram simply obeys.
Skip forward a few chapters to Genesis 19. In this chapter we find Lot, Abraham's nephew, residing in the city of Sodom. Two angels come to Lot and say, "Whomever you have in the city, bring them out of the place; for we are about to destroy this place, because their outcry has become so great before the LORD that the LORD has sent us to destroy it" (Genesis 19:12-13). Unlike God's call to Abram the angels tell Lot exactly where to take his family in order to escape destruction. But Lot hesitates.
Abraham became the father of many nations. His descendants eventually inherited the Promised Land. God counted Abraham righteous because of his faith.
And Lot?
Lot helped form two nations . . . through his own two daughters (Genesis 19:30-37). Rather than escaping to the mountains as the angels commanded, Lot sought refuge with his daughters in a cave. Seemingly alone and feeling cutoff from civilization Lot's daughters concoct the idea of having relations with their father so that they could preserve their family line. The firstborn daughter bore a son who became the father of the Moabites. The younger daughter also bore a son who became the father of the sons of Ammon. Eventually both the Moabite and Ammonite nations were destroyed.
Lot's outcome may have had to do with more than just his hesitation. But I can't help but to consider how his lot might have changed if he had obeyed the Lord without delay.
For more than a year I have felt the Lord encouraging me to consider other publishing options with my first book, A Place of Peace. Realizing I would find it difficult to cancel my publishing contract I've prayed that God would make it obvious when I should act. A printing error on a recent order, one which the publisher failed to fully reconcile, helped me to recognize that now is the time. I consulted my contract yesterday and realized I have sixty days remaining until my contract automatically renews for an additional year (and I have to give thirty days notice of my intent to cancel). A few weeks of hesitation could have forced me to stay bound another year to an agreement from which I feel the Lord leading me away. In light of the story of Abraham and Lot I decided to obey right away.
Not to worry about the book. Though I may experience a few days of unavailability toward the end of March, the Lord has already provided another way for publication. Not with a big-name publisher but with a way which will still allow me to make my book available to those who need it most.
Where is the Lord calling you to go?
Do not hesitate.
Trust God to make it happen, for He who calls you is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
Overcoming the Mommy Blah's
February
"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for [little] people." Colossians 3:23
The remaining leftovers are put away. The last house guest has returned home. For the past two weekends our home has nearly burst at the seams with family and friends who joined us to celebrate various occasions, and I've loved every minute of it. But as our celebrations draw to a close I realize that during the day its just me, the kids and a dog who drools.
"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for [little] people." Colossians 3:23
The remaining leftovers are put away. The last house guest has returned home. For the past two weekends our home has nearly burst at the seams with family and friends who joined us to celebrate various occasions, and I've loved every minute of it. But as our celebrations draw to a close I realize that during the day its just me, the kids and a dog who drools.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Separated by Sin
January 24, 2012
"When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the LORD God among the trees." Genesis 3:8
Nearly two weeks ago I delivered what I feel is my life message to a group of women from my home church. Upon coming to know Christ as my Savior as a sophomore in high school I embraced God's promise of abundant life. Though I endured a period of wavering faith after my daughter passed away, I shared with these women how God restored my relationship with Him. God allowed me to discover life more abundant than ever before by leading me along a path of His Word on which I choose to walk daily across the troubled waters of life into a place of abundance in Him. I shared how nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Nothing. But the more I reflected on my message the more I feared the idea that I misled someone. May God deal with me ever so severely if I ever sugar-coat His truth. Nothing can separate us from His love . . . but there is something that separates us from Him.
After God established His Creation He placed man and woman, Adam and Eve, in the garden of Eden (technically God made Eve from Adam while Adam was in the garden of Eden). God granted Adam and Eve permission to eat from any tree in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In Genesis 3 the serpent convinces Eve to eat the forbidden fruit who in turn shares the fruit with Adam. Following their disobedience Scripture tells us, "the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the LORD God among the trees" (Genesis 3:8). Prior to their sin Adam and Eve walked in close fellowship with God. After their sin Adam and Eve felt too ashamed to appear before their Creator, and were eventually banished from His presence.
Separated from God's love?
Never.
Separated from Him?
Yes.
Though nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38) sin will drive us away from His best every single time.
Stroll with me for a moment down the ol' Roman road. All have sinned and fallen short of God's glorious standard (Romans 3:23). The penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23a) but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23b). If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).
Sin separates us from God. But God loves the world so much He sent a way for us to return to Him (John 3:16). The Way is Jesus (John 14:6).
When we turn away from our sin trusting in the work of the cross, our relationship with God is restored. To embrace a life of abundance in Him we must choose to turn away from sin and walk in His Ways instead.
Will we get it right every single time? Probably not. But as Jeremiah recorded in Lamentations 3:22-23, "the faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning." I invite you to seek God and His mercy each and every day.
"When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the LORD God among the trees." Genesis 3:8
Nearly two weeks ago I delivered what I feel is my life message to a group of women from my home church. Upon coming to know Christ as my Savior as a sophomore in high school I embraced God's promise of abundant life. Though I endured a period of wavering faith after my daughter passed away, I shared with these women how God restored my relationship with Him. God allowed me to discover life more abundant than ever before by leading me along a path of His Word on which I choose to walk daily across the troubled waters of life into a place of abundance in Him. I shared how nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Nothing. But the more I reflected on my message the more I feared the idea that I misled someone. May God deal with me ever so severely if I ever sugar-coat His truth. Nothing can separate us from His love . . . but there is something that separates us from Him.
After God established His Creation He placed man and woman, Adam and Eve, in the garden of Eden (technically God made Eve from Adam while Adam was in the garden of Eden). God granted Adam and Eve permission to eat from any tree in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In Genesis 3 the serpent convinces Eve to eat the forbidden fruit who in turn shares the fruit with Adam. Following their disobedience Scripture tells us, "the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the LORD God among the trees" (Genesis 3:8). Prior to their sin Adam and Eve walked in close fellowship with God. After their sin Adam and Eve felt too ashamed to appear before their Creator, and were eventually banished from His presence.
Separated from God's love?
Never.
Separated from Him?
Yes.
Though nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38) sin will drive us away from His best every single time.
Stroll with me for a moment down the ol' Roman road. All have sinned and fallen short of God's glorious standard (Romans 3:23). The penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23a) but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23b). If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).
Sin separates us from God. But God loves the world so much He sent a way for us to return to Him (John 3:16). The Way is Jesus (John 14:6).
When we turn away from our sin trusting in the work of the cross, our relationship with God is restored. To embrace a life of abundance in Him we must choose to turn away from sin and walk in His Ways instead.
Will we get it right every single time? Probably not. But as Jeremiah recorded in Lamentations 3:22-23, "the faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning." I invite you to seek God and His mercy each and every day.
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