(6 WEEK SERIES)
Welcome back guys : ) I trust you have had a good week since we last met and that you have been dusting off those bibles and enjoying some intimate time in your prayer closets. If so, you can attest to the fact that it makes an entire difference in your day/week when we stop to recharge those batteries. One or Two days a week at church is not enough, we must have that time in between to stay recharged and plugged in to suit up and be prepared for the path ahead and what it holds.
I totally envy my youth group right now; they just came back from a week of supercharged spirit they received from church camp. We had a few salvations (PTL) as well as rededications to God. I remember my own church camp days. There was nothing like a week unplugged from this world and plugged straight into nothing but GOD : )
As adults we don’t always get the opportunity of a week away at church camp as we did in our youth, but we can still unplug in other ways. We can purposely fast from social media, TV, and anything else that becomes a dominating distraction between us and our quiet time with the Father. It truly does make a difference when we control what goes into our minds. We have enough stress with just the day to day and then we pile on other unnecessary junk that we do not even need.
So, I challenge you to choose a fast for your brain and stimulate it only with good things. I mean we are in control of what we allow into our lives, right?
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are noble, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8
I know of a lovely couple that allowed some junk right into their lives/relationship. The consequences of their choices was no fun at all, but as usual for any of us they allowed sin to slowly creep in. I’ve often thought as I’ve read the story of Adam & Eve that we are not truly aware of how much time Satan used to wear Eve down with doubt.
I mean we don’t always get into our circumstances overnight, right? Satan is devious and the bible describes him as wiley. He allows penetration in small unrecognizable doses and slowly weasels his way into the cracks of our lives we leave unprotected.
Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23
So, let’s dive into our study scriptures shall we.
Genesis 3:9 -> Let’s review the scenario so that we are all on the same page: Adam and Eve God’s 1st union of holy matrimony. The perfect world. A garden where God meets them in the cool of the day and talks with them. A perfect relationship with their creator. But then that devious serpent of old comes along and he knows exactly what to do. He hates God and wants to be God. So, he attacks God by attacking his children and attempts to make them question God’s authority because let’s face it the devil wants to rule it all.
One rule and one rule only in this paradise where they reside. Do not eat of the tree in the middle of the garden and why? Because God said so. The devil tempts Eve by twisting the words of God and she takes the bait hook, line, and sinker, but to be fair to Eve we have all fallen and we have all broken God’s law. Sin entered the world and man became separated from God.
A broken relationship and sin that required an atonement for man – in the end it all points to our Savior Jesus. Every word, every jot and every tittle points directly to our Redeemer and the King of Kings. Now let’s look at Genesis 3:9 – First let’s back up to verse 8: 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.
Isn’t that just like a disobedient child? Hiding. Why? Because we don’t want to be disciplined. Right? Children understand when they misbehave, they just hate being held accountable, I’m a grown-up and I don’t like it either; but without consequences we wouldn’t learn our lesson. You touch the hot stove; you get burned and hopefully you learn your lesson.
Unfortunately, some lessons get repeated several times before we get it through our thick skulls. Adam and Eve were ashamed and that is why they hid. Not to mention this is the LORD and they recognized that authority in their life. Also, let’s not miss the elephant in the room, God never asks a question he doesn’t know the answer to. So, God talks them through the scenario and of course everyone points the finger at someone else. No accountability. In the end, God held each one accountable and each were punished according to God’s judgement.
However, God always comes prepared. Let’s not forget he is the three “O’s” Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent. Jesus is our conquer of this sinful world. God has a battle plan that wins the victory for his children that he loves so very much. I have a quote for this in my bible that reads: “God’s scheme pivots on embedding Jesus behind “enemy lines” where he can battle Satan head-on and triumph against sin and death.” And that is just what He did for everyone. PTL our overcomer. He came. He died. He lives and He’s coming back!
Now if that don’t get you shouting, I don’t know what will : ) Okay, we have reviewed where we all started let’s get to the good stuff shall we : )
John 1:38 – John the Baptist has been preaching repent for the time is at hand. Come to God and be saved! The forerunner of Christ who has been tilling the heart soil of God’s people to receive their KING!
Let’s back up to verse 36 – As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” (37) When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus. (38) Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you seek?” Now, remember God does not ask a question He does not know the answer to, and this is Simon Peter and his brother Andrew. The beginning of the 12 (First church) and they will tell the world about this Jesus who came and conquered all for us.
Thus far, we have had a perfect relationship that became broken by sin. So, let’s define the defining moment. What is Sin? Sin is anything we think, do, or say that is contrary to the Living Word of God. The bible says the “Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 10:27. Now before we move forward let’s look at the initial reaction of Adam and Eve. God called, where are you? We heard your voice, and we were what? Afraid. I would say Adam and Eve were smart, wouldn’t you?
Now I don’t know about you, but I’ve had my share of “Hoopins” from God. I needed it, but I do not want to repeat it. I also learned from the consequences of my own bad choices. Our lives are (not by coincidence) made up of relationships and I hope you are as blessed as I am by God who has placed some amazing women and men on my path of purpose to help me, guide me, and instruct me.
Relationships allow us to understand what God wants from us. We have people we love dearly; I like to call them my TRIBE. I would do anything for those in my TRIBE. I would even walk-through fire. God loves us dearly, HE did the most amazing thing for us, He gave us His One and ONLY SON to come and die as a sacrifice for the world’s sin. Why? So that we could be adopted into his family and partake of our inheritance that He wants to give us. We need connection and God more than anything wants to connect with you. God wants a daily personal relationship with us and to help us, guide us, and most assuredly bless us beyond measure.
Luke 11:13 – Do you want good things for the important people in your life? How much more would a good God want for you? A God who gave His one and only Son just for you to restore his relationship with you. We must make the choice for ourselves, remember God is a gentleman. He is not going to force you to do anything. He simply knocks and we either ignore him or answer the door and let him in.
So here we are thirsty with a well deep and overflowing with words of life for our souls and all we must do is grab a bucket and pour it out. Splashing in it, pouring it onto our family, friends, and neighbors. Loving God with everything we have, Valuing the people in our lives that we encounter every single day, and Improving ourselves on this path of purpose until the good Lord calls us home.
Matthew 8:23-26 Now, Jesus is exhausted he just laid the foundation of the gospel instructing the multitudes and healing many people of sickness and He instructs the disciples to take him to the other side of the lake and they enter the boat when suddenly a great storm arose on the sea, so high that the waves covered the boat and Jesus is asleep, passed out from exhaustion. The disciples awoke Him saying, “Lord save us! We are perishing!” But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O ye of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea and there was a great calm.
Focus is important. The thing that has our attention can get us into trouble. The fruit was beautiful in Eve’s eyes, she then touched it and ultimately tasted it. Satan shifted her eyes to the fruit and off God and His authority. The disciples were focused on the storm and totally forgot the miracles they had witnessed at the hands of our Jesus. We as humans can get ourselves so easily distracted and off course and unfortunately it only takes one single step in the wrong direction and sin is a slippery slope.
To meditate daily, provides not only the strength, but a firm reminder of focus on who we belong to. We are God’s children called to be separate and different from this world, otherwise how will the world recognize the love of God. You are the only Jesus some will ever see. I’m thankful that I have the freewill to choose daily and just as I took a step in the wrong direction I can just as easily choose to turn around and guess what? Jesus is there with us all the way and ready to get back on track.
Matthew 7: 7-8 – Pure and simple instructions – P-R-A-Y. Prayer is essential and it can be intimidating but be persistent and remember your just having a conversation. Prayer is the outpouring of our hearts needs to a God who wants to bless us and help us. REMEMBER PRAYER IS FOR YOU NOT HIM. Prayer is a reminder of our need to connect with the God of our salvation. Prayer is a powerful tool – utilize it.
Matthew 7:7-8 – He spells it out here ASK, SEEK, KNOCK and the first letter of each word spells? You got it! ASK. Well…. Here’s Your Sign : ) Come to me. Ask me. Seek your instructions. Knock and the door will be opened. Our God sees all, knows all, and is always there whenever we need Him. Get in that prayer closet daily. Get on those knees and pray to your heavenly Father who loves you so very much and CONNECT!
I hope this initial start has encouraged you in some way to dig deeper and challenged you in renewing your commitment to your relationship with your heavenly Father. I will be praying for you now and in the weeks to come, and I ask for your prayers as well. I want this to not only honor God but be His words of wisdom and not my own. I want to be His vessel and nothing more.
Blessings on your journey and truly owning your path of purpose in the name of Jesus. Look for a posting next Wednesday morning. Continued scripture to study below.
Please read Psalm 139 – While reading through this Psalm, I want you to personalize it and insert your name where possible. This is your truth, allow God to speak his promises to you.
Surrendered Heart 