Monday 13th January 2020 Devotion
Scripture:- Genesis 3:1-24
Topic:- Six Hours One Friday [1]
Text:- Genesis 3:1
“Doubt. He’s a nosy neighbor. He’s an unwanted visitor. He’s an obnoxious guest. Just when you were all prepared for a weekend of relaxation. Just when you pulled off your work clothes and climbed into your Bermuda shorts. Just when you unfolded the lawn chair and sat down with a magazine and a glass of iced tea, his voice interrupted your thoughts.
“Hey, Bob. Got a few minutes? I’ve got a few questions. I don’t mean to be obnoxious, Bob, but how can you believe that a big God could ever give a hoot about you? Don’t you think you are being presumptuous in thinking God wants you in Heaven?
“You may assume you are on pretty good terms with The Man Upstairs, but haven’t you forgotten that business trip in Atlanta? You think He won’t call your cards on that one?
“How do you know God gives a flip about you anyway?” Got a neighbor like this?
He’ll pester you. He’ll irritate you. He’ll criticize your judgment. He’ll kick the stool out from under you and refuse to help you up.
He’ll tell you not to believe in the invisible yet offer no answer for the inadequacy of the visible. He’s a mealy-mouthed, two-faced liar who deals from the bottom of the deck. His aim is not to convince you but to confuse you. He doesn’t offer solutions, he only raises questions.
Don’t let him fool you. Though he may speak the current jargon, he is no newcomer. His first seeds of doubt were sown in the Garden of Eden in the heart of Eve.
There she sat, enjoying the trees, sipping on a mint julep and catching a few rays when she noticed a pair of beady eyes peering over the shrubs.
After a little small talk, he positioned himself between Eve and the sun and cast his first shadow of a doubt. Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’? See Genesis 3:1
No anger. No picket signs. No “God is dead” demonstrations. Just questions. Had any visits from this fellow lately? If you find yourself going to Church in order to be saved and not because you are saved, then you’ve been listening to Him. If you find yourself doubting God could forgive you again for that, you’ve been sold some snake oil. If you are more cynical about Christians than sincere about Christ, then guess who came to dinner?
I suggest you put a lock on your gate. I suggest you post a “Do Not Enter” sign on your door. I also suggest you take a look at an encounter between a fitful doubter and a faithful God.
Abraham, or Abram as he was known at the time, was finding God’s promises about as easy to swallow as a chicken bone. The promise? That his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. The problem? No son. “No problem,” came God’s response.
Abram looked over at his wife, Sarah, as she shuffled by in her gown and slippers with the aid of a walker. The chicken bone stuck for a few minutes but eventually slid down his throat.
Just as he was turning away to invite Sarah to a candlelight dinner, he heard promise number two.
“Abram.” “Yes, Lord?” “All this land will be yours.”
Imagine God telling you that your children will someday own Fifth Avenue, and you will understand Abram’s hesitation. “On that one, Father, I need a little help.” And a little help was given.
Prayer Point:- I command every doubt in me, what are you waiting for, summersult and die by fire now, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Have A Lovely Monday!
