Further From the Garden

Further From the Garden

 

Genesis 4: ¹⁹ Then Lamech took for himself two wives: the name of one was Adah, and the name of the second was Zillah. ²⁰ And Adah bore Jabal. He was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. ²¹ His brother’s name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute. ²² And as for Zillah, she also bore Tubal-Cain, an instructor of every craftsman in bronze and iron. And the sister of Tubal-Cain was Naamah.

²³ Then Lamech said to his wives:

“Adah and Zillah, hear my voice;
Wives of Lamech, listen to my speech!
For I have killed a man for wounding me,
Even a young man for hurting me.
²⁴ If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold,
Then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.”

 

============

 

GOD created the heaven and the earth for humans. But when Satan rose up with pride to try to become GOD, he was thrown out of heaven. He had a quest to take over humans, so he tempted the first to sin, Now all humans born would have a sin nature. Their son Cain ended up killing his own brother over jealousy and insecurity.

 

Cain was extremely intelligent and built a city. He had a son named Lamech. This was a very resourceful family who never once consulted GOD, but was given a vast amount of intelligence.

 

My Observations:

• Industries were born to support being away from GOD.
• Human needs, mixed with rage and lawlessness caused people to want to take from each other.
• Rage, greed, and lust caused a set of humans to move further away from GOD’s original intent of a peaceful existence in the garden.

 

Various industries were born out of necessity from being banned from the Garden of Eden and from being cursed even further from growing vegetables. Housing, livestock, music, education, and metalworking were just a few industries now needed to sustain life without GOD. Even though they were using GOD’s created materials, they never consulted GOD or asked for forgiveness.

 

Soon other people intermarried and more and more selfish people existed. They learned to survive by harming each other. Killing was now a thing. Doing things without GOD was also now a thing. Human measures of success would now rule. JESUS knew this would happen and was prepared to die for the sins of those who “would” ask for forgiveness.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about a conversation between Lamech, Adah and Zillah?
• Have you ever got tired of waiting on GOD and done some things on your own?
• What plans have you put in place to keep yourself from leaving GOD this time?

Narrow Escape

Mark 14: ⁵¹ Now a certain young man followed Him, having a linen cloth thrown around his naked body. And the young men laid hold of him, ⁵² and he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked.

============

“Almost there!” I said to myself anxiously. I could hear them saying, “Catch him” but I was too fast. As I ran in the door one person grabbed hold of my backpack and tried to pull me out. I squirmed inside. Fortunately it was where I worked so I was safe.

• There have been times when I have been chased.
• Three have been times when I have been in trouble.
• There have been times when the only solution was to run.

Fearing for their lives, everyone fled from JESUS because they could have been locked up and killed too. There was no longer a thought of a new king, only survival. Those who followed JESUS were now wanted by the government so everyone fled as if they never knew HIM.

• JESUS forgives me when I panic and run from HIM.
• JESUS forgives me when I get scared and doubt HIM.
• JESUS forgives me when I put myself first even though HE should be first.

Life can be scary. There are so many unknowns and trouble seems to rear its ugly head daily. BUT GOD understands. HE knows my fears, doubts and may worries. HE also sees HIS wonderful plan for me that HE has already executed.

HIS plan cannot be altered because HE has already done it for me, that is why HE can make so many promises. GOD says what will happen because to HIM it already happened. HE is the Alpha and the Omega, Beginning and the End. HE knows the future because HE is the future and HE has a bright future for me.

• Are you running scared right now?
• Is something right on your heels and you are panicked?
• Can you take a breather for a moment to understand GOD has a bright future for you if you put your trust in HIM today?

If Not Me

Matthew 21: ³⁸ “But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’ ³⁹ So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

⁴⁰ “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?”

⁴¹ “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.”

============

“Will you serve this particular Sunday?” was the question. “Yes” was my answer, because it was easy and I had nothing planned. “Will you teach?’ was the question. “Yes” was my answer, because it wouldn’t take up too much time.  “Will you go with us on a mission’s trip?” was the question posed to me. Many reasons came to mind as far as why I could not go, all of which were excuses.

• There are times when I think someone else should do “that.”
• There are times when I am called and I hang up the phone.
• There are times when I want life easy.

Wanting an easy life is not exactly the problem in this parable, but it is related. The tenants, Israel, rejected JESUS as the Messiah. They killed HIM thinking they would inherit HIS kingdom, namely heaven. Unfortunately they would never believe and would meet a wretched end.

Same goes for me. GOD wants me to do something. I don’t mean HE wants me to work my fingers to the bone trying to gain salvation. What I mean is HE wants me to do “something.” “If not me then who?” is the question. GOD wants me to serve someone at some point in time. HE may even call me to do something extreme for HIM and I should be ready.

• GOD wants me to serve others even when it is inconvenient.
• GOD wants me to pray for others even when I don’t like them.
• GOD wants me to speak well of others so HE can speak well of me.

The story ends with the tenants being replaced by others who are willing, by those without excuses. Unfortunately I have passed up my opportunities to serve others many times. BUT GOD has other opportunities ahead. I should be ready with “Yes.”

• Are you being called?
• Do you think someone else should do “that?”
• Can you listen to GOD’s calling and respond? 

Shorten the Running Period

Jonah 1: The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: ² “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”

³ But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.

============

“Hypocrites!” was my exclamation. This was my escape clause for not going to church anymore. I had seen one too many sins by so called “church people” that I decided not to go back. Everything seemed to go fine at first, then one wind came and another and yet another. Soon the winds of life were blowing so hard I actually had to cry out, “LORD please help me!”

• There have been times that I have run from GOD.
• There have been times that I have stopped worshipping HIM.
• There have been times that I have sought my own way only to find troubles that I could not get myself out of.

During my “running period” I noticed I was allowed to do anything I wanted. I chose things that were not pleasing to GOD and at first HE did nothing. I tried a little more and a little more and a little more. Soon I was headed down the path of questioning HIS existence. “If YOU do exist, then heal my eyes” was my childish rant.

• GOD allows me to sin, but prefers that I speak about HIS SON.
• GOD understands when I question HIM, but prefers I seek HIM with childlike faith.
• GOD knows the times when I run from HIM, but loves the times I chose HIS wonderful path.

In spite of my sprint away from HIM, GOD welcomed me back with open arms. HE restored me to a place where I could speak freely about JESUS and HE never looked back. I am glad GOD restores me!

• Are you running from GOD?
• Do you think you can get far away from HIM?
• Will you stop trying to do things on your own and allow HIM to transform you?
• Can you follow GOD’s plan for you today?

Independence Quandary

Hosea 10: ¹² Sow righteousness for yourselves,
    reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
    for it is time to seek the Lord,
until he comes
    and showers his righteousness on you.
¹³ But you have planted wickedness,
    you have reaped evil,
    you have eaten the fruit of deception.
Because you have depended on your own strength
    and on your many warriors

============

“I cannot wait to get away from here” I thought to myself when my parents were trying to tell me yet another thing to do. As I left home, I embarked on my journey of “independence” and immediately ran into trouble. My car broke down. Not having many numbers to call, I choked it up and phoned them.

• Sometimes I wanted to be independent.
• Sometimes I wanted to be on my own.
• Sometimes I wanted to not have to be told what to do, when to do it and how to do it.

I looked at GOD the same way. I mean HE was always trying to tell me to do stuff that did not seem “fun” and yell at me for the stuff I was doing wrong. I wondered if I could be independent of HIM for a while too.

• GOD said to me “I love you, I will be right here when you return to ME.”
• GOD said to me “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
• GOD said to me “Put your trust solely in ME and your paths will be made straight.”

Storming out from GOD was similar to how I stormed out from my parents. I only wanted to contact them when there was trouble, but otherwise do my thing and never let them know if I had fallen. I wanted to do my thing without having GOD looking at me as well. BUT GOD wanted me to see HIM differently.

GOD wants me to see HIM as the only one who could save me from this degrading world. HE wants me to see just how far I had fallen and to say “I need YOU LORD” as a show of my quest to be with HIM. HE is NOT trying to harm me or control me. GOD wants to protect me but as long as my stubbornness to allow HIM to protect me the way HE wants to exists, I will fail at my own plans. I’d rather depend totally on GOD than on me.

• Are you independent?
• Do you find yourself spinning your wheels when things are not going your way?
• Can you stop trying to be independent and look to GOD to fulfill your needs?

I Stopped Serving GOD

Proverbs 21: ³⁰ There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
    that can succeed against the Lord.

³¹ The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
    but victory rests with the Lord.

============

Frustrated at many situations that were not going well, I chose not to serve GOD. I mean it seems like everyone else was getting “their” way and I was not getting mine. I threw away prayer and did not attend church. I was angry at people who had disappointed me and claimed to be followers of GOD. Stop following GOD was my plan.

• There were times when I rejected GOD’s calling.
• There were times when I did not want to hear about JESUS or the Bible or being good.
• There were times when I felt this “GOD” thing was not working so I should try something else.

I set out on my own and didn’t find many answers. In fact I saw calamity and wound up begging GOD to let me back in the house. Life was falling apart and I was without hope. I did not even have GOD to turn to.

• GOD welcomed me back with open arms.
• GOD forgave me for trying to run away from HIM.
• GOD insisted on blessing me when I stopped blaming HIM for my insecurities.

Looking back on this period I ask myself, “What was my plan?” I mean every movement my body makes cannot be done without GOD. Every breath that I take has to be blessed by GOD and every bite of food I take goes to HIS throne for permission to nourish me or kill me. I took GOD for granted and my immaturity made me think I did not owe HIM a thing rather HE owed me.

My plan to stop following GOD failed miserably. I had to swallow my pride and straighten up my act in order to be used of HIM again.

• Have you given up?
• Do you feel like you deserve to be treated better?
• Will you stop your prideful ways and run back to GOD with a humbled heart?
• Will you serve GOD today?

Does GOD Hate Me?

Proverbs 6: ¹⁶ There are six things the Lord hates,
    seven that are detestable to him:
¹⁷         haughty eyes,
        a lying tongue,
        hands that shed innocent blood,
¹⁸         a heart that devises wicked schemes,
        feet that are quick to rush into evil,
¹⁹         a false witness who pours out lies
        and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

============

Looking at this list made me ask the question, “Does GOD hate me?” I mean I have done a number of these things on the list and each time I suffered consequences. Everything I did on this list seemed to fall back on me, or come out into the open when hidden.

• When I sin I want to run away from GOD.
• When I sin I want to hide from GOD.
• When I sin I become god by saying what HE will do or won’t do.

The list is not exhaustive. GOD does not measure sin in increments. To HIM, sin is sin. There is no such thing as a small sin or a large sin, it’s just sin. So what can I do? I mean I sin daily.

• GOD said to me “I hate the sin but love the sinner.”
• GOD said to me “I cannot be in the presence of sin so I made you a new creation.”
• GOD said to me “I have washed away ALL of your sins by MY death and I AM alive creating a place just for you to live with ME.”

Sin is appalling to GOD so HE would rather that I try my best to reduce it as much as humanly possible. But here’s the great news. GOD forgives me when I fall. HE picks me up when I am down. GOD forgave me because I believed that JESUS did not die in vain rather HE is alive and cares about every detail of my life more than I can ever know! Does GOD hate me? NO! GOD loves me so much that HE lives inside me!

• Do you doubt GOD’s love?
• Do you think GOD is trying to make you fail?
• Can you stop thinking negatively about GOD?
• Will you reduce your sin without judging others and increase your praise of GOD today?

Not knowing is worse

2 Kings 22: ⁸ Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the Lord.” He gave it to Shaphan, who read it. ⁹ Then Shaphan the secretary went to the king and reported to him: “Your officials have paid out the money that was in the temple of the Lord and have entrusted it to the workers and supervisors at the temple.” ¹⁰ Then Shaphan the secretary informed the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king.

¹¹ When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes. ¹² He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Akbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king’s attendant: ¹³ “Go and inquire of the Lord for me and for the people and for all Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the Lord’s anger that burns against us because those who have gone before us have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us.”

============

Finally I was on my own.  No more tyranny from my parents, no more schedules to go to class! I had my own apartment and I was free to live as I pleased. After visiting my fourth club, I soon realized this dinky town has no “fun.” I longed for the big city but settled on trying to build my night life where I was.

For some reason I started to feel empty. Even when I went to clubs and bars full of people I felt something missing. A person I ran into said I should read the Bible and go to church. “If I go to church, they will tell me how to live my life. I’ll pass.” I said reluctantly.

• Ignorance of GOD is not an excuse for me.
• Ignoring what GOD has written through humans is not an excuse for me.
• Avoiding GOD so I can do what I want is not an excuse for me.

Josiah was eight when he took the thrown. His predecessors did not follow GOD even to the point where they sacrificed their own children. The Bible was lost and people didn’t have instruction on how to live. I tried to do the same by plotting my own course without GOD. I wouldn’t read, serve or learn. BUT GOD wanted more.

• GOD wants me to take HIS yoke upon me and learn of HIM.
• GOD wants me to open my eyes to HIS glory daily.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS face rather than hide from HIM.

The more I seek GOD the more I do the things HE wants me to do. This brings a radical change in me.

• Are you trying to do things without GOD?
• Are you tired of doing things under your own power?
• Will you take GOD’s hand and accept HIS might, HIS power, and HIS strength?

Watch out when fighting GOD

2 Samuel 18: ⁹ Now Absalom happened to meet David’s men. He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s hair got caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair, while the mule he was riding kept on going.

============

“I wonder what fun I will have this afternoon?” I thought to myself as I plotted my escape from school. We could go home for lunch and this time I planned not to return. I was a “latch-key” kid meaning I had a key around my neck tied to an old shoe string. Both of my parents worked while I was in school so my plan would be flawless. I would go home to an empty house.

When I arrived, there stood my father. Something had happened that required him to be home. You mean the ONLY time I tried to ditch school was on a day he was there! Yes my plan was small yet huge because I never tried again.

• Looking back I see times where GOD thwarted my plan for evil.
• Looking back I see times where GOD placed an obstacle in front of my plan to ignore HIM.
• Looking back I see times where GOD used something irregular to upset my fall into temptation.

When I was immature in knowledge of GOD it seemed like HE would stop my evil plans in order to keep me on the path. As I grew older, GOD allowed me to fall into the traps I tried to get into.  HE would allow consequences to hit me hard and would always leave HIS arms open wide for my return.

The whole Earth is GOD’s and HE can use any bit of it to make my plans unsuccessful or successful. HE knows when I am trying to follow my own plan which will lead to a destructive path and eventually wind up fighting HIM on all fronts. GOD simply wants me to follow HIM so HIS love for me will be pure.

• Are you fighting GOD on something?
• Can you allow HIM to say “No” or “wait”?
• Do you always have to get “your” way?
• Can you see when GOD is placing obstacles in your path in order to steer you?

Never too late to return

Deuteronomy 4: ³⁰ All of the things I’ve told you about might happen to you. And you will be in trouble. But later you will return to the Lord your God. You will obey him. ³¹ The Lord your God is tender and loving. He won’t leave you or destroy you. He won’t forget the covenant he made with your people long ago. He took an oath when he made it.

============

Staring at the phone drove me crazy! In college I had “friends” who called me constantly wanting to know the “fun” I had in store for them but, alas, I was no longer in college. I didn’t know anyone in this particular town and the apartment I moved into, while extremely close to work, was a semi-retired home full of old ladies.

Boredom quickly set in. “I have got to find a club or something to do” I said to myself. One of the old ladies in the building asked me “which church do you go to?” “Church?” “What’s church?” I said in my mind.  It had been a long time and I hadn’t considered actually worshipping GOD, not until I had chest pains and a broken down car and other problems.

• There are times that I forget GOD.
• There are times where I ignore HIS voice.
• There are times when I leave GOD’s ways to do what I want.

GOD knows what’s best for me so and HE knows I will not make the right decision.  HE takes me out of situations that will harm me and places me right where HE wants me. HE knows the right circumstances to place in front of me to guide me back to HIM.

• GOD is willing to accept me no matter how long I’ve been away from HIM.
• GOD is willing to love me no matter what I’ve done.
• GOD is willing to protect me no matter how low I’ve sank.

GOD wanted a relationship with me so HE died for me. Someone had to die for the sins I commit so HE volunteered. HIS only criteria is my belief, not just in HIS existence but in HIS position. HE wants me to believe I deserve to go to Hell based on my birth and that there is no “good” in me.

HE wants me to believe there is only one way to true worship and salvation and that way is through understanding JESUS volunteered to take away my sins. HIS resurrection placed HIM above all. GOD will never leave me or destroy me because of HIS tender love for me!

• Do you doubt GOD?
• Have you lost your way?
• Can you let GOD guide you back to HIM?
• Won’t you seek HIM again today?

GOD not me, send someone else!

Exodus 4: ¹⁰ Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”

¹¹ The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? ¹² Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

¹³ But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”

¹⁴ Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. 

============

“Why doesn’t this church have a good choir?” was the thought that ran through my mind. Then another thought popped in my head, “why don’t they have a program that reaches out ‘this’ group of people?” Then another thought came to mind, “wow this building is old, they should fix it up.”

Then the pastor asked for volunteers to help with “something” but I wasn’t listening. I mean they are always begging for money or volunteers. I’m sure someone else will step up.

• Sometimes when there is a need I make excuses.
• Sometimes I can’t see people in need because I have my head down doing my thing.
• Sometimes I ignore the needy because it just seems like it would take so much work to help them and I don’t have the time, resources or energy to assist.

GOD speaks to me all the time; I just choose to not listen to HIM.  HE shows me people in need during what seems like the most inopportune times.  Whether tired or worn down or busy, it seems like something will pop up when I’m at my worst. “Can’t you send someone else?” I ask.

• GOD has a special purpose for me that only I can do.
• GOD has a plan for me that does not always include my plans.
• GOD wants me to see HIS plan as a benefit, not an inconvenience.

Quite honestly if it were my plan, I and everyone I know would be wealthy, retired and on constant vacation. BUT GOD wants something different. HE wants me to prepare the way for HIS SON’s return. This will be met with anguish, fights and challenges. I choose to accept HIS plan.

• Are you avoiding people in need because you are in need?
• Do you feel you have nothing left to give?
• Can you look to GOD and ask HIM what HE wants you to do?
• Won’t you reach out and help someone today?

I was lost

Colossians 1: ²¹ Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. ²² But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—

²³ if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.

This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

============

A quick glance at my watch raised panic in my mind. The meeting was going to start in minutes and I couldn’t find the building. I started devising a plan that seemed to be futile and time was running out. I thought “If I could look at the buildings then maybe I could see something familiar.” Finally after looking at maps and driving in circles I found someone to give me directions. I felt peace easing my mind.

• Whenever life gets tough I try to develop plans that don’t include GOD.
• Whenever life gets difficult I try to create my own way excluding GOD.
• Whenever life gets painful I try to generate my own destiny, thinking I don’t need GOD for this situation, I can handle it myself.

In my mind, GOD was cramping my style. I mean HE wanted me to be “good” and to “trust HIM” yet HE didn’t seem to care because HE wasn’t handling the situation the way “I” wanted HIM to. At least that’s what my mind was telling me. BUT GOD acts and reacts much higher than I do.

• GOD saw I would not choose HIM yet HE allowed HIS SON to die for me to save me.
• GOD saw I would walk away from HIM many times yet HE chose to forgive me.
• GOD saw I would fight with HIS plans yet HE continues with HIS plans of love for me.

Whenever I fight with GOD and HIS mighty plan, I seem to get lost. Don’t get me wrong, I may seem to be doing fine from a humans’ perspective but I stop serving, praying and soon believing. I start believing I know better than GOD and after a while I leave HIM out of the picture completely. Then when life gets difficult I run back to HIM like a little baby.

GOD wants me to remain in HIM placing my faith and hope in HIS marvelous ways. Only HIS SON can remove my sins and declare me free from blemishes.

• Are you lost?
• Do you think you have a plan to get you out of your mess?
• Can you turn your life over to GOD and focus on HIS way?
• Won’t you believe in HIS SON who is the only one who can save you?

I want to run away!

John 6: ⁶⁶ From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

   ⁶⁷ “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.

 ⁶⁸ Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. ⁶⁹ We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”

============

With a steely eyed glance my parents looked at me as I tried to lie my way out of the situation. I went to visit a young lady and as innocent as my plans were, I had not told them where I was going. We hung out most of the day and when I got home the heat from my parents could be felt at the North Pole. I just wanted to get away!

• Uncomfortable situations in which I am wrong makes me want to run away and hide.
• When the going gets tough I want to curl up and stay in bed.
• Lusts sometimes drive me into a feeling of “wanting to get away” from GOD just for a moment.

When JESUS laid out the path for HIS disciples, hundreds of people left because the path was too hard. They wanted JESUS to be an earthly king so they could be rich and have temporary peace here on earth.

JESUS remained the poorest person who ever lived on earth and only had HIS mind focused on the heavenly kingdom after this life. Many people left because they had a false expectation of what GOD would do and I am no different. Fortunately for me, HE won’t let me go.

• When times are tough and I want to run away, GOD shows me that I need to turn back to HIM.
• When the road is difficult and full of obstacles, GOD shows me that I need to turn back to HIM.
• When it seems like everything in life is broken, GOD shows me that I need to turn back to HIM.

Where would I go? What would I do without GOD? I don’t know but often I try things without HIM and they just don’t work. HE is the way, the truth and the life. All HE wants from me is to believe.

• What are you facing?
• Can you ask GOD to use HIS power to fill you up today?
• Will you request that HE fix the situation that’s making you tired?
• Do you hear the words “don’t give up” from HIM?