Aches and Praise Four Hundred & Eighty Eight

Posted on 2021-01-14 in English |

January 14, 2021
 
 
Dear friends,
 

As we read through the Bible, we see that there are consequences for our actions. The rebellion of Adam and Eve against God in the Garden of Eden resulted in them knowing that they were naked (Genesis 3:7) and they did not want to talk with the Lord (v. 8). The powerful emotion of fear entered the heart of Adam and Eve, causing them to want to withdraw from their relationship with their Creator. In his Study Bible, Dr. David Jeremiah observes: “Before Adam and Eve sinned, they enjoyed three very special privileges:

  1. They were in communion with God; they walked and talked with Him.
  2. They knew God as He is. Their minds were not clouded by falsehoods or half-truths.
  3. They possessed spiritual life. They were alive not just physically, but in every sense of the word their souls were alive.”

 

Dr. Jeremiah notes three consequences of Adam and Eve’s decision to disobey God: (1) their intimate communion was broken; (2) their knowledge was corrupted and (3) instead of knowing life as they once had known it with God, they began to know death.
 

As we hear of loved ones contracting the coronavirus, our thoughts immediately go to wondering how sick they are and how long it will be before they recover. In the spiritual realm, we know that those who have repented of their sins and trusted Christ as their personal Saviour will go to be with the Lord forever when their earthly life is over. What a comfort it is to know that Christ will welcome His children into Heaven, where there will be no more sorrow and suffering. As we contemplate the spiritual condition of those who do not have a relationship with Christ, however, our hearts are saddened, knowing the importance of having faith in the Lord.

Would you please pray for Dianne, who learned a few months ago that she has cancer? After being in hospital in Montreal for a few months, she was transferred to a rehabilitation facility a few weeks ago. This week she was sent to hospital and her health has worsened. Please pray for her husband, David, as well.

Scripture for the weekend: “And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.’” Revelation 1:17-18 (NKJV)

Thought for the weekend: “Just as weeding and planting are two essential elements of cultivating a beautiful garden, so also is our need to die to sin and live to righteousness if we are to cultivate a life that reflects the beauty of Christ.” – Rev. Mark G. Johnston (from “Tabletalk” – February 2021 – Ligonier Ministries, Inc., Sanford, FL)

 

By His grace,
 

Steve

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