GOD KNOWS YOU ARE HERE

 

 

 

I’m here to tell you my truth today

It’s all I know

It is my gift to you

It is my story

Like your life is your story

Eventually I would love to hear your truth

Your story……BECAUSE IT MATTERS

Reality is that in the end

That’s all any of us have and we’re ALL in this together.

God is in our midst waiting, waiting for us to acknowledge

His presence

 

 

This talk is dedicated to those who have unanswered prayers……………

Those who are bound and gagged and don’t believe they are being heard

or seen.  Toni Morrison once said the worse thing you can do to someone is to cause

them to feel invisible.  I know for a fact God hears and sees everyone of us.

You are not forgotten!  God’s word gives us that promise and we need to claim

it everyday of our lives.

 

 

I was born in Columbus, Ohio to a navy veteran and his 17 year old sweetheart.  He

promised her if she would marry him, he would take her to California to live. They

got as far as Columbus (started out from Hurricane, West Virginia) and the car broke

down.  He got a job and my mom never did see California except on T.V.  She gave

birth to me and then to my brother eleven months later. I was born with a dislocated hip

and cried all the time which put quite a strain on my parent’s relationship.  I wasn’t diagnosed

until age four when my mom took me to an immunization clinic and the doctor saw I was

walking on my tiptoes.  I always wondered if mom and dad thought about the way I walked.

 

 

Anyway, they didn’t have the luxury of wondering because they had a baby boy who was born

with just one hand, a baby girl who cried day and night and no money. It was such a shock for

them and no family to lean on. It must have taken its toll because my earliest memory at around age two is riding

in the backseat of my parent’s car with my brother and Mom trying to jump out of

the car and Dad grabbing her long black hair and yanking her back inside.  She was crying for

help from someone on the street but no one came.  But God saw it.  The problem was they were not seeking Him.  They were leaning on their own understanding.

 

 

I had surgery at age four and had to be in a body cast for nine months.  I had my meals on the floor because I couldn’t sit at the table.  I guess Mom and Dad wanted me close by when we ate.  After I was out of the cast, we moved to Homer, Ohio and rented several houses over the years.  When I was nine years old, our house burned to the ground.  I ran into my Mom’s arms crying when I got off the

school bus and she looked at me and said, “What are you crying about?  We never had anything anyway!”  My Dad started drinking every night but he never missed a day of work.  He took any

job he could find and it even included shoveling a foot of chicken poop out of  our landlord’s chicken

house to pay the rent when he couldn’t find employment.  He loved us and life was hard.  He didn’t

have a high school diploma but he was one of the smartest men I’ve ever known.  Did he seek the wisdom of the Lord while he was in that hen house?  I know God was waiting on him.

 

 

Mom didn’t have any child rearing training growing up and could really whip hard if we ticked her off.  But

she loved us……..I know she did…….in her own way.  I remember one morning I woke up and told

her I had a headache.  We didn’t have running water and so we didn’t get our heads washed every

day like the other kids at school.  I started rubbing where it hurt and found a big fat dog tick in my

head and mom grabbed it and threw it on the coal stove she was cooking on and it cooked up just like

the eggs we would soon be eating.  Nothing much fazed Mom.  But she was always leaning to her own

understanding as far as I knew.

 

 

When I was ten, we came home from school one freezing January day (there were four kids now) and Dad told us we would have to go to bed right after supper because we had run out of coal and it would be a pretty cold night and that would be the only way we would be able to stay warm.

I was furious!   What did I do wrong to be punished this way?  It was so unfair in my child mind.

It got dark and I was laying in my bed crying and I said, “God, if you’re really real, show me.  Do

You even care about a little girl down here who’s cold and lonely?”  Now I can’t explain what happened next except that I felt a warm bear hug envelope me.  I didn’t see or hear anything but God

gave me the gift of faith that night.

 

 Now many years later I still have that faith.  I have never asked, “ God, where have you been?”  I’ve always asked……..“Why have I departed you?”  HE has never left me because He promises in His word that He will not forsake us.  His word tells me He will be present with us in the mist of our suffering and pain.  He said, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name,

you are mine.

When your life is filled with the desire to see the holiness in everyday life, something magical happens:  ordinary life becomes extraordinary and the very process of life begins to nourish

your soul.   Rabbi Harold Kushner wrote this and I believe it.

I have been shown mercy every single day of my life and I am claiming through my own experiences

the blessings that follow brokeness.  I wish this for you but even more importantly,

know that God wants this for you if you will accept to follow Him. 

 

He  knows you are here…..turn to Him and know Him.  He’s waiting.

This is a summary of the testimonial given at the May, 2014 Baskets of Life Meeting by Shirley Curtis

WHY DO REALLY BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO REALLY NICE PEOPLE?

This question was asked at our last Baskets of Life meeting, and I have to admit that I myself have asked this same question. I think we all do at some point in our lives, especially when we see the dearest people suffering for no fault of their own. After much prayer and researching the Word, this is what I have concluded:

It's because Adam and Eve turned control of the earth over to Satan, so he now rules at this time. The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:8 "your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." He also has legions of demons who help create chaos in we human's lives. It's easy

for him to harm unbelievers or those weak in in their faith, so it's a small victory. But, for satan to harm a strong Christian would be a big victory...the thing he doesn't realize is that we are spiritual beings, and the torture that a Christian would experience on earth is only for a short time, compared to the lifetime we will live in the perfection of heaven. 1 Peter 5:9 -10 Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. The Lord of Grace, who called you to His eternal glory through Christ Jesus will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little . God may not always prevent us from suffering, but he does help us endure it here on earth.

Satan wants to torture Christians so they will reject God. In satan's mind, he will have won, and God will have lost. That is what happened with Job, the greatest man among all the people of the East. First, all his livestock were killed, but he didn't curse God.  Then all his servants were killed, but he didn't reject God. Next all his children were killed, but Job didn't reject God. Finally, Job himself became sick, but he still didn't reject God. Satan was defeated and God gave Job back all that he'd lost plus more. Job suffered because Satan and God were in a battle. Satan wanted to destroy Job and his faith in God. Job hung in there and would not be defeated. He was faithful and God rewarded him. God will bring good out of evil because He is Goodness, which always defeats evil. 

Sometimes it seems as though satan may win a battle, but God always wins the war. Psalms 34:19 states "Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivers him out of them all."  Whether it is in this life, or in heaven. Sometimes God allows us to suffer, but it's because he has something even better for us than we cannot even imagine. 

The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:13) teaches us to pray to God "lead us not into temptation, but to deliver us from evil." At the beginning of each new day, pray that God will put a hedge of protection around you, and the angles will keep you from stumbling. (Psalm 91:11-12) He will "guard you in all your ways." Jesus gave us authority to speak directly to satan and to rebuke him from succeeding with his plan to harm us.  If you feel under attack, speak directly to satan and say, "Satan, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus to leave me alone!" Speak forcefully and with the authority that Jesus Himself gave you, believing in your heart that it is true. Remember ALL things are possible with God. (Mark 10:27)

My hope is that this information will empower you to withstand the wiles of the devil, so you will be victorious through Jesus!

Christine and Jeff

 
WHAT IS LOVE?

There are many kinds of love. There is a mother's love, brotherly love, charitable love, patriotic love, but the love we hear about the most is sexual love. In our society, we see physical love on the TV, movies, and on the internet.  I have often heard couples say that, although they still love each other, they are splitting up because they are no longer "in love..."  Unfortunately, research has shown that tingling sensation is based on hormones, which lasts from one year to 18 months. That's it. It's purely a biological response. 

So, what is true love?  Love is a behavior.  The word Love appears 686 times in the Bible. Why is Love so important? Because God is Love. He wants believers to show love, so other's can see our faith in action. When we follow Him, we are transformed into becoming like Him. We become a blessing to others.  The Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians, "And now I will show you the most excellent way..."   love is the most important of all the gifts God gives us. We can have all kinds of spiritual gifts, but if we don't love, we have nothing. We are called to walk in love. 2 John 2: 4 - 6. Christian love is from God; it is the purest and most enduring form of love. So, what does this type of love look like?  1 Corinthians 13:4-8 shows us how to truly love:

Love is Patient. How easy it is for us, in today's society, to get impatient when a slow driver is in front of us, and we are in a hurry..or if we have to wait a full minute when our computer doesn't respond as quickly as we want. Some versions of the Bible say that patience is "long-suffering." Anyone who has children knows how frustrating to is when they don't put the milk back in the refrigerator, and you've told them to do that for the hundredth time.  

Love is Kind. Make an extra effort to do a nice thing for another. Go out of your way to brighten someone's day. Commit "random acts of kindness"  just because.

Love Does NOT Envy. The purpose of marketing is to make us want something we don't have..be it a new flat-screen TV, more effective dish soap, you name it. We are a nation of wanting more and better. Another form of envy is jealousy, which is wanting to be like another person because they are handsome or popular, and we think that we are not. Be content with what you have and who you are.

Love Does NOT Boast. People with an inflated opinion of themselves often brag about their achievements. Be humble and don't jump into the conversation telling everyone what you did. Really listen to the other person share something about themselves without interrupting to tell your story.

Love Is NOT Proud. It's when we make a display of our selves...self importance...being pompous. It's the big "I", little "you" syndrome. Being modest and humble is more attractive than being arrogant.

Love is NOT Rude. This is due to lack of consideration for other's feelings or needs. Being impolite and having no manners seems to be a common occurrence, such as leaving shopping carts in the middle of the grocery store aisle, creating a jam up of frustrated shoppers. Be courteous and think ahead to see how our behaviors may be negatively affecting others.

Love is NOT self-seeking/selfish. People often look out for what's good for themselves, even when knowing it may not be good for others. Frequently these folks will use manipulations as a subtle form of selfishness. Others may be outright demanding, displaying childish behaviors. Don't be greedy. Instead of being first, be last for a change. Take the higher road.

Love is NOT easily angered..not quick tempered...nor easily provoked. Some translations even say not irritable. When someone starts "pushing your buttons," stop, take a few deep breathes and tell yourself "it's not worth getting angry over."  Other ways to prevent getting angry is to just walk away, bit your tongue, listen to soothing music, drink some cool water, and get some fresh air. Is getting angry with a loved one over something small worth damaging or losing the relationship? In the long run, does this really matter?"

Love Keeps No Record of Wrongs. This includes not brooding over hurts. We live in an imperfect world and people, even ones we love, do things unintentionally that hurt our feelings. Let the hurt go, then do some problem solving to prevent the situation from happening again. Once the behavior is corrected, start with a clean slate. Forgive and move on. Each day is a new day to start fresh. That's what God does for us.

Love does NOT Delight in Evil..or wrong doing. Don't gloat when someone fails or is confronted with troubles in their life. Stop gossiping. Remember, there will be a day when we are the recipient of  an injustice. Offer encouragement instead.

Love Rejoices with the Truth.  The Word is Truth; read the Bible and learn how to walk in the ways of Jesus. Listen or sing to praise music. Spread the Good News. Be truthful, in a loving way when talking to others. 

Love Always Protects.  Help those in need. Watch over the safety of children. Always be supportive of those who are discouraged.  Love never gives up, but bears all things, including a loved one's chronic illnesses. Pray for protection and healing, for yourself and others. There's never such a thing as too much prayer! 

Love Always Trusts. Others may let us down, but God never does. Never lose faith in God. Stay loyal to Him, and believe in His promises. Everyone else is human and sooner or later will disappoint you. Expect it..they are only human. Put your trust in the one True God.

Love Always Hopes. Believe! Stay positive and don't slip into discouragement. We don't know until the end how things will work out. Don't jump to negative conclusions. 

Love Always Perseveres. Endure. Don't Quit. Hang in there until the end. Finish the race set before you...it builds character. Fix your eyes on Jesus, not on the trial or temptation.

LOVE NEVER FAILS. God is Love, and He never fails. We often do not see God's hand at work behind the scenes, but He is there. He may not do what we want or expect, or even answer prayers as quickly as we'd like. Be sure, however, that God is at work in your live bringing about good. People will fail us, but God never does. We may keep most of the 10 Commandments, but still be a miserable person. Jesus said all the commandments are fulfilled when we love our neighbors as our self. Love is greater than the law because Love never fails.

Every day check yourself - are you showing God's Love? Love is the ultimate expression of God's loyalty, grace, mercy and forgiveness which he extends to His people. Let your heart be filled with His love, so you can share that love in all your relationships. When we look at others, see the best in them. Be consistent, and they will become the best within themselves. That is True Love.

(Based on the talk given at the February 18, 2014 meeting of Baskets of Life.)

   

Putting On The New Self!

2014 is a new year, and with a new year we often make New Year's Resolutions to make improvements in our lives. We promise ourselves to lose weight, stop swearing, not be mean to our spouse, etc. We want to be a better person, but how long do we stick to our resolutions? Usually by February we've fallen back to our old ways and have become discouraged. How can we become that new self? The Bible encourages us to become that new person and also tells us how. 

Put off your old nature, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on a new nature..." Ephesians 4:22-24. If we are honest with ourselves, we will agree that mankind in general is selfish, angry, slanderous and are liars. Sure, some people are nicer than others, but when measured against the yardstick of a perfect life, the whole lifetime long, we all fall short.

For example, if we each started to swim from the United States to England, no one would make it. You might swim farther than I, and I might swim farther than someone else, but no one could swim that far. It's much the same way with trying to live a blameless life through our own thoughts, words, and actions. ...but now put away anger, rage, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie one to another, put off the old self with its practices and put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Colossians 3:8-10.  

And, this is important, we don't need to make this change into a new person by ourselves. God changes us! Here's how: Therefore, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you shall be saved (made whole). For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified (made right), and it is with your lips you confess and are saved. Romans 10:9-12 God sends the Holy Spirit into our hearts through the door held open by Jesus Christ. We are changed...into a new person.

Now if any one is "in Christ," he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 God knew that man cannot earn his way back into God's graces. Since the fall of Adam and Eve, mankind has been stained with imperfections. As we try to live our lives, we - not being perfect - cannot live a life that is pleasing to God. That is why God sent His son Jesus Christ to be our Savior, to be the payment mankind owed God for Adam's sinful act. Since Christ died for us, we are now justified (made right) by His blood; God's unchanging plan is to adopt us into his family. Ephesians 1:5  Jesus is our big brother who set an  example for us to follow while He was on Earth. He now sits at the right hand of God and intercedes for us...when we mess up, Jesus jumps to our defense. Through Him, God grants us mercy and grace.

How exciting and marvelous is that!...but wait. Our problem is that we still have our same old thinking patterns and bad habits that we carry over from our past. God changed us on the inside, spiritually, but how can we let that beautiful, new inside shine through our old nature? How can we let God's light within shine out to others?

Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect... Love one another with brotherly affection... be aglow with the spirit, serving the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of other Christians, practice hospitality." Romans 12:2, 10-13

Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled

the law (commandments)... You should love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong

to a neighbor; therefore love fulfills the law. Romans 13: 8-10  You see, with the new nature that is given to us by God when we accept Jesus Christ, we can fulfill the law. We can please God. We can do things we never even thought to do or thought we could do. I can do all things in him who strengthens me." Phillipans 4:13

How is that possible? Jesus, before his death, said to his disciples., ...I will not abandon you as orphans... the Father will give you another counselor, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads you into all truth. He lives in you now. He will remind you of everything I myself have told you. John 14:16-18, 26 The Holy Spirit is with you 24/7 to give you the wisdom you seek to make right choices, and guides and directs you to walk a Christian life.

Please read God's Word and learn:

• Why man needs a savior - Romans chapters 1-3
• How a person can be saved - Romans chapters 4, 5 and 10
• The great things that we become when we are adopted as God's children - Romans chapters 5-8, Ephesians chapters 1-3

Knowing that we can shrug off our old nature like an old raggedy, stained coat, we can then put on our new nature, not by struggling to live up to God's standards, but by remembering who God is making us to be. Put on that new coat. Start behaving like that person. Remember, God loves you enough to help you be like His Son Jesus, through prayer, renewing your mind by studying His Word (the Bible), and by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

                       

                    OR

    Which do YOU Choose?

If you have questions or a thirst to learn more, please see Christine or Jeff. This month we will begin a new program to help beginning Christians learn how to give more and more of themselves to God. We will meet from 4:30 - 5:30, after the meal that follows our usual Baskets of Life meeting. We welcome you to this new group, transforming you, by following Him.
Hope to see you then,

Jeff and Christine   

THANKSGIVING

Our November meeting of Baskets of Life was a program of beautiful praise and worship music to thank God for all that He is and has done for us. As we enter the Thanksgiving holiday, let our hearts focus on our thankfulness.

What does thankfulness mean and how can we make it real in our own lives? The word "thank-ful" means having a heart full of thanks. To have our hearts full of thanks, we must empty it of negative emotions which distort our thinking.

Our society encourages us to look at what we don't have and we become dissatisfied. Advertising is designed to make us want the newest model, the most shiny, expensive items, which is constantly changing. The big screen TV that we purchased last year only satisfies us until the next model comes out with newer features
, so we are envious of what we don't now have -which leads to covetousness. Matt 6:19,21 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,where moth and decay destroys, and thieves break in and steal...For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. 

  

Entertainment, such as TV and movies, depict extravagant and dangerous lifestyles that seem so exciting. When we compare our own ordinary lives with what we see, we become disappointed with the responsibilities and routine of daily life. Some people attempt to step over the moral boundaries into the lifestyle depicted, but quickly discover that leads to severe consequences..addictions, financial loss are just a few.

The average American is on some type of social media for 6 hours a day.

When we compare our lives to what others say their family members are doing...little Suzie is on the honor roll, taking dance, voted most popular, we wonder "why can't I have a child like her?"  Jealousy grows within us. 

  

As discontent grows, we begin to feel negative emotions. We begin to look at the negatives and not the positives in our life. If this pattern becomes a habit, we see few things to be thankful for. How many times have we sat around the Thanksgiving table with family members (or ourselves included) complaining about how our life does not measure up to our expectations.

The word Thanks has its origin in the word Think. It's the not the events or circumstances that cause us to have negative feelings, but how we think about those things. It's our thinking, not the circumstances that cause us to be discontent. When we take control of our thinking, we can look at life differently, so we can be thankful.

Scripture shows us how:

In everything give thanks...1 Thessalonians 5:18

Place your trust in God, not in mankind or material things. God loves you; you

are his child. He wants the best for you. Even when life seems unfair, trust that God can turn things around to benefit you. Don't focus on the circumstance at this moment, this too shall pass.  Good things come to those who wait.

...rejoice in every good thing which the Lord, your God, has given you. Deuteronomy 26:11 

Keep your focus on what you do have and not on what you don't. The simple things in life bring the most joy. Stop your hurried pace and enjoy the beauty of the sunset, see how pure, white snow is as it blankets the earth.Thank God for his creation and that you have eyes to see. Go for a walk and thank God you have two legs that move, breathe in the fresh air and know that God is the one who gave you breath. Love and appreciate the family in which God has placed you. God has a plan and purpose for your life. You are there for a reason. 

Colossians 3:15-16

Let the peace of Christ control your hearts...and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude.

Psalms 135:3

Praise the Lord; for the Lord is good: sing praises unto His name; for it is pleasant..Thank you Jody for your beautiful praise music. Go to our U-Tube to hear some of the music sung at Baskets of Life, Nov. 19th 

What do Twislers

and Halloween have in common?

Yes, that red licorice stick of candy and Halloween. What do they have in common? The answer...they are both twisted and both cheap imitations.
Did you know that there is not one bit of licorice in a Twisler? The ingredients are corn syrup, flour, sugar,gelatin spun round and round to give a twisted appearance.And, Halloween is now considered by many to be a holiday, but is far from being a holy-day. Quite the opposite. It celebrates the complete opposite of holy. It is actually an event that Satan, the ruler of this world, has lulled us into believing is a harmless, fun activity. Both appear to be something they are not.

When Lucifer (satan) was an angel in heaven, he wanted to raise his throne above the the stars of God... and make himself like the Most High. (Isaiah 14:12-14) He has been in competition with God for eons..wanting more of our time, our money, and our very decision making. 

• We've been bombarded the entire month of October with TV ads to celebrate Halloween, and the stores are loaded with all kinds of decorations and costumes. Americans spend so much money for this "holiday" that commercially it is second only to Christmas. Money that could be spent on healthy food for growing kids, paying bills, or tithes to God are instead being spent on candy that causes tooth decay, weight gain, sugar addictions and diabetes, which is at an all time high. How good is this??
• Trick or Treat night has recently been extended over an entire week. What exactly is Trick or Treat?...it appears to be a harmless activity, but it's origin is not. Children would threaten homeowners that if they did not receive candy, money, or treats, they would play pranks on the people, such as breaking windows, sitting fires, etc. That does not sound like fun to me..but more like extortion.Surely, not Godly behavior.
• Satan is an expert of masquerading. (Rev.2:13-15). He deceived Eve by appearing as a serpent or snake, and roams about as a lion. Halloween is about masquerading as something or someone we are not. Everyone knows that Halloween parties are incomplete without costumes. There are entire stores that sell nothing but costumes, with people beginning shopping for them months in advance and spending large amounts on money for the most outrageous. Is satan our role model?
• The symbols of Halloween are those that reflect the work of satan:
  
  rotting corpses, bare-boned skeletons, witches, monsters, evil henchmen, devils, tortured souls of the dead. This stuff in real life is not fun. Death is the work of satan, not of God. How many of us have mourned the loss of a loved one, yet satan, through Halloween, makes death seem glamorous. 
• Terror and fear are also made to seem like fun. Haunted Houses are so popular that folks stand in line to enter, and horror movies are a hot ticket especially this time of year. However, if anyone were tortured and brutalized in real life, it would not be fun, but a tragedy. We even expose our small children to all this, yet did you know that children's minds cannot distinguish reality from fantasy? Heart monitors have been placed on children going through Halloween torture chambers and their heart beats are elevated to a dangerously high level.(What parent wants to scare their precious child to death?)
• This all seems like insanity to the rational mind. How can this be? Well, satan is the Father of Lies and the Spirit of Falsehood. He is the murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. Just as Eve was deceived by the serpent and his cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray. (2 Cor.11:3) The god of this age (satan) has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light..the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (2 Cor.4:4.) 

We all want to fit in and be liked, but we need to be mindful of what we are doing...which means, we need to think what are we really saying through our actions. Do we really want to celebrate evil, pain and death? It's so easy to take the broad path of our society...do what everyone else is doing, without really thinking about what our actions mean in the spiritual realm. Satan wants to entice us to follow the crowd in doing what seems on the surface as fun. He excites and incites us to act in ungodly ways. Don't fall for his tricks. Jesus said "Away from me, satan! for it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only." Mat.4:10  Peace be with you, Christine

Forgiveness

Forgiveness... What is it? How to? When? A number of folks have asked for an explanation of this concept over the past few monthly meetings. Wow, what a deep question. Understanding forgiveness will add peace, strength and patience to a believer's walk on this earth.

Before a person can ask for forgiveness, he has to do something wrong. Before one can forgive someone, one must have had something wrong done to them. In the Bible, chapter 2 of Genesis, God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, a place of paradise, in order to tend it and keep it. God gave Adam one rule. They were not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. As we all know, Adam and Eve broke that rule and did eat of the fruit. When God looked for them in the garden, they hid from Him. God called for them and asked why they were hiding from Him, had they done something wrong? "Have you eaten of the tree, that I commanded you not to eat?" Adam's response is so human, "The woman you gave me, gave the fruit to me and I ate... so it's her fault." Eve's response is just as human as Adam's, "The serpent, who was really the devil, fooled me and I ate." Why does mankind always seem to try and put the blame elsewhere? Mankind wronged God by breaking His only rule. I do not know of anywhere in the Bible where Adam and Eve ever asked God to forgive them. So, sin nature entered the world and entered mankind. Man's nature is to be rebellious and break rules.

 Some may wonder that not eating fruit from a certain tree doesn't sound like a big deal, why such a harsh penalty? I don't know that anyone can answer that question. It was God's garden. We don't get to make or question the rules. Just as when I visit you in your home, there may be rules I don't understand, but the loving thing for me to do is to obey them. If I don't, I have created a division between us and it is my responsibility to make things right. The bottom line is that man wronged God and it was his responsibility to put it right..... But he couldn't. We just are not able to do the right thing all the time in every situation.

Having been wronged, did God "hold a grudge"? No! Before He even told Adam and Eve the consequences of their having wronged Him ( being thrown out of Paradise and having to work hard for their food from then on) He told His plan to redeem them as He said to the devil, "... and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." God's prophecy is that there will always be trouble, problems between those people who are by nature rebellious (people with the nature of mankind, or basically all of us) and the "seed of the woman". The devil's seed will bruise his heel, but the seed of the woman shall bruise the devil's head. Wait a minute! I thought that the male gender carried the seed and that the woman carried the egg! That's correct! And that shows us why, a few thousand years later, when a young woman named Mary, who had never "been with a man" became pregnant with the only begotten son of God, it was such a big deal! This was God fulfilling His promise to mankind that He would bring mankind back to Himself. God created seed inside this young woman and Jesus the Christ was born, because she obeyed God completely. Jesus loved mankind, even those rebellious ones who always troubled him and caused him problems. He continued to obey God, even to letting people murder him by crucifying him on a cross. Jesus did God's will completely, always forgiving those who wronged him... even those who nailed him to the cross. That is why Jesus spoke the truth when he said, "... I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me."

God forgave us because of what Jesus Christ accomplished for mankind. God gave man a path back to Himself. Surely we have all been truly forgiven by someone for something at some point in our life. Remember how light our heart felt when we received it? Remember how we swore to ourselves that we would change and not wrong them again? Remember how healthy our relationship with that person was at that moment?  Jesus Christ took this sin that Adam and Eve had committed, which allowed sin nature and rebelliousness to become such a big part of our nature, and paid the price that allowed God to open His arms to us and welcome us back into His presence. Jesus Christ paid the price required. Men had tried for thousands of years to earn God's forgiveness and couldn't. Instead of throwing mankind away, God sent His son Jesus Christ to pay the price so that we could be forgiven. God forgave us.

Now that we know this, how can we not forgive others who want to be forgiven? Now that we know that man's basic nature is to make mistakes, break rules and step on toes, we know to expect strangers, friends and family to wrong and disappoint us. Sometimes they do it by accident and sometimes on purpose. If I am honest, I can look back and see the times I've disappointed and done wrong to others. Actually there are too many to count. And since God was gracious enough  to forgive me, how can I not offer forgiveness to others who have wronged me? If someone does not want to forgive me for something I've done wrong to them, even if I've asked for their forgiveness, why can't I even forgive them for their lack of forgiveness? To forgive or not is simply a mental decision each one of us makes. If I remember all the wrongs I've done to God, yet He forgave me, it seems much easier to me to be gracious enough to forgive others. After I've forgiven them, I might be somewhat on guard until I feel I could trust them, but I train my thoughts
 until I'm sure that my thinking and actions are truly loving, not faked. I'm only responsible to God to try to live my life according to His wishes; I'm not responsible for how they live their life. I can now go on with my life with a clean and clear heart.

I urge each of us to try forgiving others. It's the way God designed to help relationships stay loving. I know we've only scratched the surface of this deep and vastly important topic. If you want discuss this more, please come to our Bible study after the meal following Baskets of Life. May God bless you and yours this day and forevermore.

Jeff & Christine