When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit, and ate; and she gave some to her husband with her, and he ate. The eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. They heard the voice of Yahweh God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of Yahweh God among the trees of the garden.      Genesis 3:6-8 (WEB)
Familiar story of Adam and Eve, a snake, and an apple. Two bites of the apple and all is lost. Adam and Eve knew no fear prior to their sin. They were ‘naked’ before God; totally exposed and had no fear. Adam and Eve disregarded God and that is sin. When I disobey God and turn from His blessings, I say that I know better. My life becomes me-focused and God-less. It makes me want to hide from those who know me. God knows me.
God must hate my evil desires. I do. I hate it when I turn left when I know God wants me to stay the path. I hate when I judge and I act selfishly. If sin sickens me, how much more must it disgust Holy God! God must stay mad at me! What can I do but hide in the bushes???
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear… Â Â Â Â 1 John 4:18 (WEB)
Jesus loves me. He died for me. Jesus’ love is perfect. It has no conditions or hidden clauses. Jesus loves too much to leave me in doubt about that love.
[Jesus said,] “For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. He who believes in him is not judged.â€Â      John 3:17-18 (WEB)
[Jesus said,] “This is the will of the one who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son, and believes in him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.†  John 6:40 (WEB)
If God’s love was IMperfect, we would have a reason to fear and worry. Imperfect loves keeps lists of wrongs and never forgets! But God has destroyed our sin through Jesus! Jesus brought the message, the Good News, that the Father loves completely and without end! ACCEPT GOD’S LOVE! ACCEPT GOD’S FORGIVENESS! If I have not accepted God’s free gift of forgiveness, then I am doomed to live in doubt and fear. When I accept the gift, yes, every time I sin, then I am free! Live in the Light and live in the Presence of God and silence the ‘liar’ who whispers his lies.
This will be the easiest and the most difficult part of my new year. I believe the journey begins with a daily habit to start each day with God, asking for His plan for the day. And then end each day with God, listening to His assessment of the day and learning to take the time right then to confess when I stepped away from His plan and asking and accepting His forgiveness so that I end the day in God’s presence. It is dedicating time with God for spiritual health just as I would dedicate time in the gym for physical health.
