Girlfriends in God - Oct. 6, 2008

October 6, 2008
The First Question
Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth
But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9 NIV)

Friend to Friend
Sometimes it is easy to read about Adam and Eve’s failure in the garden and wonder how they could disobey like that!   But the reality is that this is not Adam and Eve’s story alone.  It is our story as well.  We make decisions on a daily basis that dishonor God.  We disobey, take charge of our own lives, and become Lord of our own ring.  Then like Eve, we try to cover up our shame and even attempt to hide from God.

Do you know the first question God asked in the Bible? After Adam and Eve hid from God, He asked – Where are you?  God knew exactly where they were, what they had done, and what the enemy had stolen from them.  However, He decided to remain in relationship with them and begin the process of restoration which was completed on the Cross of Calvary.  He asks the same question of us today, “Where are you?”

I think “but God” are the two most beautiful words in Scripture.  “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).  When did we become a sinner?  The first time we sinned?  No, we were born sinners and that sin is what separated us from God.  While we were yet sinners, He became the perfect sacrifice for us, not to cover our ugliness, but to cleanse us forever – once and for all.  Salvation Army Officer, John Allen once said, “I deserved to be damned in hell, but God interfered.” God interfered, intervened, and intercepted our death sentence. He sent His son, who paid the penalty for our sin and all we have to do to receive the pardon is accept His wonderful gift.

How do we accept the gift? “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved” (Romans 10:9).    When you accept Jesus Christ as your own personal Savior, you are freed from the penalty of sin (spiritual death and eternal separation from God) and He gives you a new living spirit. “Salvation is moving from living death to deathless life.”

Why did God do this for us? “For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son.  And whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).  When you become a Christian, your spirit is reborn and you experience a spiritual makeover at that very moment “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).  We were crucified with Christ and now we live in Him (Galatians 2:20).

Have you accepted God’s incredible gift?  If not, He’s still asking, “Where are you?”

Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, Thank you for your great love for me.  Thank you that you called me by name – asked “Where are you?”  Thank you for sending your Son to pay the penalty for my sin and save me from separation from You.
In Jesus’ Name.
Amen

 
Now It’s Your Turn
Is there ever a time when you felt as though you wanted to hide from God?

How did God draw you back to Himself?

Is there any particular sin that God has brought to your attention that you need to repent of (turn and go in the opposite direction?)

What is the assurance that you have that God will forgive you?

Write your own “but God” story today.     I was…………but God………….

More From The Girlfriends
The Bible says that when we come to Christ, we are a new creation.  Since that is true, then why do we struggle with the same old issues?  If I am a new creation, then why don’t I act like one?  I think it is because we don’t have a good understanding of who we are as a child of God and the incredible power that lies within us.  If you would like to learn more about who you are, what you have and where you are as a child of God, see Sharon’s book, Experience the Ultimate Makeover. 

Don’t miss the next Girlfriends in God Conference, October 17-18, in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  For more information, go to www.gcccpray.com.