Spiritual

DON’T CONFUSE ME WITH THE FACTS…


1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 – “Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.” NKJV

The old saying, “Don’t confuse me with the facts my minds made up” is applicable here and I find it more in Christianity than I’d like to acknowledge even among preachers and teachers of the Word.  We develop our “rabbit trails” through Scripture and our “pet doctrines” and are so locked into those that when someone presents TRUTH we can’t hear it because we’ve already made up our minds. 

I was one of those!  I could answer every objection to what I had to say with my little trail through Scripture and would not be shaken or allow anyone to cause me to deviate from my designed and determined path with partial quotations and half-truths.  Please understand I didn’t realize that I was giving “half-truths” until the Holy Spirit arrested me and challenged me to allow Him to go through my entire theology and belief system. 

That was neither fun nor painless because I had so many “sacred cows” that were slaughtered in the process and I still find one being offered up from time to time.  But, I have determined in my heart that I will not be “closed minded” to what the Bible has to say and will “test all things” and as I find something to be proven truth I will “hold fast to it” until and unless the Lord opens a new dimension that I have not yet seen.

Paul instructed Timothy to “study to show himself approved” in 2 Timothy 2:15 and in so doing would be able to “rightly divide” the Word of Truth.  The believers in Berea were commended over the Thessalonians because of their diligent daily receiving the Word with readiness of heart and mind and searching then to prove that which they had heard. 

Sadly, I’ve seen people so enraptured through the emotional presentation of a preacher that they ran with what he said as though it were “Law & Gospel” when, in fact, it was only partial truth.  Had they searched, studied, and proven the message they would have been spared much heartache but they didn’t.  Once they heard it they could be identified as those who would say, “Don’t confuse me with the facts my minds made up.”  I tried earnestly to point out to them some additional information but they were of no mind to hear anything different.

We need to always be ready to HEAR the Word of God and then know that TRUTH will stand up under examination and investigation.  The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart once that Truth was like a diamond with multiple sides or facets.  That only as I could view the Diamond from God’s position would I know ALL THE TRUTH. Therefore I should realize that looking at it from my earthly point of view I must always be ready to allow an expansion of what I understood as a new facet or side of that truth was revealed.  There are times that it takes me months if not years to settle an issue within my heart regarding a new perspective on a particular doctrine.  I will doggedly pursue the mining of that nugget until I am totally convinced that I have reached the foundation and the Holy Spirit has confirmed it to my spirit.

So instead of being “closed” to the possibility of something more than what you now see on a particular issue be “open” to allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to you, in the Word more fully.  It will enhance your spiritual walk and enable you to walk in greater light and fullness than ever before.

May God bless you richly as you go through your day!

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PROSPER AND BE IN HEALTH…


3 John 2-4 – “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”  NKJV

In our world today and the recent past we have faced difficult economic times, uncertainty with regard to so many things in this country and the world this is a powerful reminder of God’s desire for us.  As John says in verse four “I have no greater joy than to hear that God’s children walk in truth.”  John says his children but I did a Roy paraphrase to bring it into the perspective from which I speak today.

John’s prayer is a reflection of the heart and desire of God for all His children.  He wants us to PROSPER in everything not just an occasional victory.  He also wants us to be in HEALTH and walk in WELLNESS and WHOLENESS.  John makes the connection to our spiritual condition in both of these things because our spiritual condition will determine what we do with what we have.  It will determine if we consume it upon our own lust or selfish desires or if we utilize it for the Kingdom of God.

I’ve been blessed of God to have experienced the miracle of healing in my physical body more than once.  I have documentation to prove some of those miracles and the testimony of medical doctors, x-ray technicians, and other people who witnessed the occurrence.  I am a cancer survivor solely because of God’s healing power and as my surgeon said, “This never happens medically so someone higher than you and I had a hand in this.” 

Additionally, the radial head in my right arm was broken and depressed enough to cause the doctors to consider surgery and through the prayers of God’s people 10 days after the first x-ray a 2nd x-ray was taken and read by a doctor who knew nothing of the situation and he declared my arm to be a normal arm with no evidence of any fractures or previous fractures. 

Also, I know what it is to have someone walk up to you and place a sum of money in your hand that met a financial need although they knew nothing of the situation.  I know what it is to have job interviews changed so that the interviewer would be a person that would be favorable impressed with me and offer me the job.  I know that because I was told later that the original interviewer had already decided that I was not the right candidate but God intervened and gave me someone else and they sold my value to the committee selecting the candidate for the job. 

I know what it is like to experience God’s favor with man and it was directly connected to my spiritual condition and mind-set.  Please understand I’m not saying that because I am or was super-spiritual I received God’s blessings and those that did not were not super-spiritual.  NO! NO! NO!   It was all Grace not Merit! 

My prayer for each of you is that you prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.  I want you to enjoy a close relationship with the Lord because I know the benefit of that relationship.  I want you to enjoy the fellowship of the Holy Spirit that comes out of that relationship.  I want you to walk in the grace, peace, power, and provision of the Lord in all things and at all times.  I desire you to walk in His truth!

So as you go through this day may you go through it with the Power of the Spirit of God manifest in a noticeable way in your life! 

God be with you is my prayer!

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MOTHER’S DAY – 2019


Proverbs 31

Today is Mother’s Day and I want to deviate from my normal devotional routine and offer a poem that I wrote a few years ago for, to, and about my own mother.  She departed this life on March 4, 2015, at the age of 95 and I miss her more than words can convey.  Next, to God, she was my greatest rock when I needed an anchor.  She was my encourager when I was feeling blue.  She was my teacher when I needed to learn important lessons in life.  She was my defender when outside forces attacked.  She was my inspiration on so many levels it would be impossible to enumerate them all.

So, this is my Tribute to All Mothers but specifically, my Mother, Elva ‘Kellum’ Beaird.  I know that my brother and sister as well as all her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family would concur in my assessment of her.  She was truly a Proverbs 31 woman and demonstrated a life of godliness that has inspired me.  She prayed me through my early years when the doctors gave no hope that I would survive.  She prayed me through the teen years of rebellion. She prayed me through Vietnam and rejoiced when I gave my life to Jesus after returning. 

Here is my tribute:

A Legacy of Love

Winter is past, Spring is in full bloom, and Summer is near.

My mind is filled with memories so dear.

Thoughts of my childhood, thoughts of my life

Living in a world filled with trouble and strife.

Reflections of my heritage and the Legacy of Love,

Totally resting in the Arms of God above.

Times like these, cause me to reflect on my past

And give thoughtful consideration to the things which will last.

Thankful to God for the heritage I’ve known,

Treasuring the Love which has always been shown.

The Legacy of Love which came from my Mother,

Enjoyed by me, my sister and brother.

Mother’s Day, though a much-celebrated Day,

Is never enough to fully repay,

The debt of love that has been in our lives.

A Legacy that we can pass on to our children, husbands, and wives.

And even beyond our own little clan

A Legacy we can pass on to all of Man!

Thank you, Mother, for your undying love.

The kind that is truly born from above.

Thank You for the sacrifices and even the pain

That you’ve known so that we might gain.

Forgotten, your Legacy will never be,

You will always be God’s Treasure to me!

© Roy Beaird 2001

God bless you as you celebrate Mother’s Day.  Happy Mother’s Day to each Mother who reads this. 

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CAN’T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?


1 Peter 4:7-8 – “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”  NKJV

I do not mean to make light of that phrase and the answer is Yes and No.  We could all get along but we won’t all get along because we are not all believers. We do not all have the love of God shed abroad in our hearts.  Even when we are we don’t always get along as is evidenced in the many different denominations, sectarian schisms, and divisions in the Body of Christ and within local churches not to mention those outside the church.

The admonition of Peter here is that “the end is near” so we are to be serious or sober or sound in mind and judgment and watchful or aware so that we know how to pray and pray fervently.  Intercession is a vital part of the life of a Christian of any age but in these last days it is even more important.  He then gives us another directive that sadly is overlooked or excused by much of the Body of Christ – “have fervent love for one another.” 

That is love that is “burning and constant.” It is a never fading love and one that “covers a multitude of sins.”  It doesn’t excuse sin or justify sin but love covers it in that it takes the sinner or brother/sister in Christ and reaches past the flaw to bring them to restoration.  Restoration to Christ if that is the need or restoration in our relationship if there is offense.  If we practiced this passage of Scripture we would see a unification of the church in such a way that it would send shock waves through the world and produce a revival and harvest like we have never seen.

I’ve heard people brag about “running their preacher off” as though that were a good thing.  I’ve heard people brag about “starving their preacher out” as though that were a good thing.  I’ve heard people, Christians say, “I don’t get mad I get even” as though that were a good thing.  When people tell me “I can forgive but I can’t forget” I always tell them God doesn’t expect you to develop Divine Amnesia he expects you to make a conscious decision to not allow that event to be a factor in future decisions and actions on your part. 

He expects you to love with UNCONDITIONAL LOVE or AGAPE LOVE and that is only possible through the work of the Holy Spirit.  I cannot love you unconditionally without divine help.  My humanity would step in and although I do not have a large overbearing ego I do have one as do you.  I am not prideful but I do have pride and have to deal with it from time to time as do you.  Our humanity hinders our ability to fervently love each other and should identify to us the need for diligent fervent prayer for the help of God to allow Him to LOVE THROUGH US! 

There was a time in my life that if someone disagreed with me I considered them an enemy or an adversary.  If someone did something to me I would retaliate and give them back double what they gave me.  Then when I  was rescued from myself by the Lord I realized that my actions and attitude were producing a harvest that I did not want to continue in my life and have diligently sought Him to help me LOVE.  My greatest concern is the condition of my heart toward fellow believers and my fellow man.  If God gets me right I can impact the lives of others in a positive and powerful way and even if they do not turn to Him I will have manifested Him and His love to them.

We need to realize that not everyone will agree with us, like us, or even love us but we can LOVE like Jesus!  So as you go through this day ask the Holy Spirit to help you in that regard! 

May God be with you as you go through your day!

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FEAR NOT…


Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’  NKJV

Years ago I had an individual tell me that there were 365 “fear not’s” in the Bible, one for every day of the year.  Imagine that, if it were true but after doing some diligent research I was unable to find 365 and in many versions not even 100.  However, that is not a problem because ONE – “fear not” from Jesus is enough right!  Although this is some almost worthless information the following has been found:

            KJV – 74 “fear not”; 29 – “be not afraid”

            NASB – 4 – “fear not”; 57 – “do not fear”; 46 – “do not be afraid”

The word “fear” in all of its forms is only listed 314 times in the original languages, which also includes words translated as terrible, dreadful, reverence, and terrible acts.  As per www.blueletterbible.com, we find the following:

NKJV – 129, NIV – 66, NASB – 127, ASV – 148, DBY – 155, HNV – 44, NLT – 38, ESV – 137, RSV – 139, YNG – 115, WEB – 144.

The truth is that if it was in the Bible just ONE TIME that would be enough because as we find in Genesis God only had to say, “Let there be light” one time for it to happen.  It didn’t take 365 to cover every day of the year.  God said it and that was enough to bring it into existence.  What we need to do is “believe” what He says about this and everything else. 

As Christians, we DO NOT FEAR or do not have to fear!  We have been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus and transferred from the kingdom or domain of darkness into the Kingdom of God’s Light and Love!  We are more than, conquerors through Him who loved and loves us!  He has overcome the World and He lives in our hearts so we are overcomers!  We have nothing to fear because God is with us! 

I am concerned about the condition of our nation spiritually but not fearful.  I am concerned about many things but not fearful.  I refuse to allow fear to have dominion in my life because I know that God has promised to “never leave me nor forsake me.” 

Fear would be an expression of doubt in the promises of God and I choose to believe His promises!  When “fear” raises its ugly head and tries to gain a foothold in my thinking I run to the Cross and look at the finished work of Jesus and fear dissipates. 

Worry is a by-product of fear so I choose not to allow worry to have any place in my thinking.  I do not try to justify worry or fear by saying “I’m just concerned.”  I am concerned about many things but confident that no matter how they turn out God is still God and will be with me through it all and in it all.   That brings peace to my heart and gives me the confidence and strength to face each day and all the struggles that that day might contain.

So as you go through this day go with the confidence that God is with you!  Walk in freedom, not fear! 

May God be with you as you go through your day!

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A PIG IS A PIG…


2 Peter 2:18-22 – “For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. 20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.” NKJV

Peter is addressing false teachers and heresy but makes some very interesting analogies in this portion of scripture that I want to look at briefly.  We have all known or known of preachers and teachers whose lives do not match their preaching and teaching.  Some of them are charlatans who live in the prison of their lust for money, power, position, lasciviousness, and the like.  They come promising the hearer liberty but are bound by corruption so they can offer nothing spiritually that is liberating.  They offer words that are “empty” because their words are not backed up by their hearts.

He addresses the sad situation where one escapes the pollution of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then becomes entangled in those pollution again.  He powerfully expresses that it would have been better for that person to have NEVER KNOWN the way of Righteousness than to have experienced it and turned back.  His picture is that of the natural inclination of a sick dog or a cleaned up pig returning to the mire.  

I know that some will totally disagree with me doctrinally on this but Peter tells us that we have an individual or individuals who have escaped the pollution of the world through the knowledge of Jesus Christ.  They moved out of darkness into light.  He then addresses the issue of that individual or individuals turning their backs on what they have received and returning to the way of the world and compares it to a dog’s nature or a pig’s nature.  A pig cannot help being a pig but a person who comes to know Jesus has a “new nature” through the Blood of Jesus and does not have to return to the mire.  

Just because temptation comes does not mean you are obligated to yield to it.  You are no longer a pig so get it out of your head that you are somehow obligated to wallow in the mire just because you are human.  That would diminish the power of the Cross and that is unacceptable to me.  If the Blood of Jesus can wash away my sin then the Grace of God can keep me walking in the way!  Of course, we may all and probably will stumble at times but that doesn’t mean we return to the mire and allow the “old nature” to gain control.  No, we immediately repent and allow the Spirit of God to help us learn from our mistakes and mature. 

I know people who keep succumbing to the same temptation time after time. They come in tears and lament over this condition. I had one person tell me one time, “I can’t help it it’s the way God made me.”  That didn’t sit well with me and I’m sure it didn’t with God because once we receive the knowledge of the Lord and are born into the family of God we are NEW CREATIONS so that is not the way God made us. 

It is our responsibility to “resist” and in “resisting” the Bible tells us that the devil will flee!  Bullies only bully people who offer no resistance.  So, a pig is a pig but you are not a pig you are a child of the King and have been washed clean.  If you stumble you have an advocate with the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ!  You may experience that failure but you don’t have to take up permanent residence there.  God’s Grace is Greater than all our Sin!

May the Lord be with you as you go through your day!

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TWO ROADS – WHICH ONE IS YOURS?


Psalm 1:1-6 – “Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.” NKJV

I love the Psalms and especially this first one.  It is applicable in all seasons and in all situations and expresses the heart of our Heavenly Father in such a powerful way.  There is the contrast of the “Blessed” person and the “Cursed” person or “Un-blessed.”  There is the identification that there are two paths in life that we can follow and the benefits or pitfalls of those choices.

THE BLESSED MAN:

Chooses the Lord and His Way over the wisdom of the world or the morals of an unregenerate society and this person is not scornful but takes delight in the law of the Lord and in God’s Word he invests himself as much as humanly possible.  In so doing, he finds that his life becomes like a tree planted by the refreshing streams that provide the nurture and nourishment needed to grow, thrive, and produce fruit.  It is not affected by the drought because it is receiving the life-giving flow of water from the river.  This person is prosperous in ALL that he/she does.  That is a position and condition that each of us should ardently desire.

THE UNGODLY:

Next we see the contrast in the state of the ungodly.  They are unstable like the chaff of the wheat that the wind blows wherever it may.  The ungodly are unable to withstand the judgment or ability to stand in their own defense in a trial because they are guilty, unrepentant, and Unforgiven.  They have no place or position in the congregation of the righteous or in the blessings that flow to the one who follows the Lord with a whole heart.

We are reminded that God is fully aware of our state and condition.  The righteous will walk in victory, grace, peace, power, and success but the wicked or the ungodly will perish.  I readily acknowledge that God sends the rain on the just and unjust alike and that many go through life with seemingly little negative as a result of their chosen lifestyles but I know that ONE DAY we will give account and on that day my heart cries to hear – “Well done!  Come on in!” The ungodly will hear, “Depart from Me for I never knew you.”

We all have choices in life and when we set our hearts to follow God, the Holy Spirit will come to our side and walk with us through life’s pathways.  It may not be easy but it will lead to Eternal Life!  So which road is yours?

May God bless you as you go through your day!

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ENTITLEMENT MENTALITY AND THE BIBLE…


2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 – “But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” NKJV

Let me say first – I am totally in favor of helping the truly needy!  However, let me continue to say that the “Entitlement Mentality” exhibited by much of the world and more particularly America today runs completely contrary to the teachings of Scripture as is evidenced in this passage.

Church discipline is almost non-existent today because we have little real concept of the Kingdom and the governing ministries and functions that God has established in the Church.  The apostle is emphatic that the church withdraw fellowship from every “brother” – – (a professing believer) who walks disorderly and contrary to how the apostles and Christ had taught them.  He stresses that in order to emphasize the importance of industry rather than idleness and laziness he and his companions labored rather than depended on the offerings of the Church for their sustenance.  They did so as examples.  Would to God that men and women of God, in leadership today would take this to heart on a deeper level than is frequently exhibited for it is a shame for a man or woman of God to become an example of “Entitlement” rather than “Industry.”

Paul, speaking to the church where all “welfare” or Christian charity came from addressed this issue and declared what our government and many in the church seem to miss – There is always work that can be done!  He is speaking to that issue and said plainly that if anyone would not work they should not be given food.  Busybodies, talebearers, idleness should not something be favored but should experience the sting of being outside the camp in order to bring them to their senses and even to repentance so that they can be restored.

In order that no one miss his true message he followed that piece of instruction with a charge in verses 13-15 that identifies that the motivation is to always be charitable, willing to help and do good, but maintain discipline not for punitive purposes but for restoration purposes.  I am convinced that if they church could somehow come to the place that it accepted the Apostles Doctrine and followed the guidelines of Scripture in this and other areas we would see the government booted out of the welfare business in a significant measure. We would find that more and more people would follow the directive of Scripture and enjoying the fruit of their labors in the Lord. 

When we shift our dependence upon man from God we become subservient to man and thereby shut off many of the blessings of the Lord.  “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness and ALL THESE THINGS shall be added to you,” is more than a nice catchy phrase it is a principle of life. Churches, pastors, believers let’s consider getting in order so that we can have the fullness of God’s provision, protection, power, and potential. 

May the Lord bless you as you go through your day!

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“IF” – – MY PART and HIS PART…


Colossians 3:1-11 – “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.

8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.” NKJV

It is always important to note any sentence, thought, topic, or paragraph that begins with “if.”  Without the “if” the remainder of the thought has no application for the reader especially if it is a participatory subject as we find in this passage.  The apostle Paul is telling the Church a Colossae and to all who will read in the generations to follow that if they have been raised in the “New Birth – Salvation” through Jesus then there are some important things to note.

  1. IF – THEN “seek” those things which are above where Christ is.
  2. IF – THEN “set your mind” on things above and not on earth.

Because if you have died to sin your life is now “hidden” with Christ in God and the world no longer recognizes you because you are no longer part of it.

Verse five begins a process that is not possible without the divine work of Grace and the Holy Spirit.  Verse eight identifies some things that it is our responsibility to do.  Obviously this is not without the work of the Spirit of God but these are things that are our responsibilities as “born-again believers” who have been transferred out of darkness into the newness of life and light in Christ.

Notice the things he tells us to put away “ourselves.”

  1. Anger
  2. Wrath
  3. Malice
  4. Blasphemy
  5. Filthy language
  6. Lies

Because we have put off (by the work of the Holy Spirit) the Old Man with his deeds and have put on the New Man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him and it is universally applicable to everyone regardless of race, creed, or national origin.

In this NEW LIFE in Christ there is a part that God does sovereignly by the work of the Holy Spirit and a part that we cooperate and participate in through our knowledge and even personal determination which some would call will-power.  We know they are not right and if we are IN CHRIST we have no justification for continued participation in them.  You do not have to lie. You do not have to allow anger or wrath to rule.  You do not have to allow malice in your heart.  You do not have to blaspheme or use filthy language.  Those are things you can decide not to do and immediately the Holy Spirit will become your Helper.  Of course you will be attacked by the devil but “Greater is He that is in us that he that is in the world.”  We are victors in Christ!

May God bless you as you go through your day!

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THE CURSES OF THE FALL IN THE GARDEN…


Genesis 3:14-19 – “So the LORD God said to the serpent:

“Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat dust All the days of your life. 15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”

16 To the woman He said:

“I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you.”

17 Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’:

“Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life.

18 Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. 19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.”  NKJV

It is clear that there is so much more here than can be covered in a short devotional regarding the multiple curses regarding Adam & Eve’s DISOBEDIENCE and CHOICE in the Garden as well as the Serpent’s involvement.  God was specific and yet we seem to miss much of what He said and the impact of what He said.

  1. The Serpent was Cursed and informed that the “Seed of the Woman” – CHRIST would crush him in time to come.
  • The Woman received a three-fold curse.
  1. Multiplied sorrow.

This may well include the anxiety of the mother over her offspring not just in birth but as they develop and grow and seems to be a life-long situation.

  • Pain in Child-bearing.

Since there were not births before this it seems to be that God never intended for a woman to have pain in bearing children but because of disobedience this came into being.

  • Subjection to her husband.

Adam and Eve by all accounts were co-regents ruling the Earth but because she took the lead in this disobedience she was not relegated to a position of subjection to her husband.  Not his slave but subordinate in the structure of God’s plan for the family.

  • The Man received more than just a curse for himself.
  • Adam caused the very ground in which he grew produce to be cursed and it would no longer produce at the magnitude it had before.
  • He would have to labor to produce the food he would eat and that was passed on to all successive generations.
  • This condition would be a life-long condition.

Disobedience brought pain, trouble, and a conflict of the genders.  It also brought about a struggle for mankind in producing food and his livelihood.  None of which was necessary but “SIN” brought it into play.  The Garden of Eden was truly a land flowing with “milk and honey”. The productivity of the earth was something that successive generations would never know again.  The physical labor of a degree that would take a significant toll on the human body and initiated the process of physical death was brought into the picture.

The Garden of Eden was a Heaven on Earth and the Choice of Adam & Eve to disobey God’s directive and follow the deception of the serpent penalized all of mankind into perpetuity.   Sin has consequences!  That is a subject not often talked about in many churches today but it is a valid Biblical principle.  We do not have to succumb to temptation but if we do there is a consequence.  We can walk in obedience to God’s Word and if we do there is a benefit.  It truly is our choice!

Adam & Eve brought pain and suffering on mankind that has led to the wars and strife we see today in our world and have seen generation after generation.  The earth does not produce as it did in the Garden because of their disobedience.  Had it not been for the mercy of God and the coming of Christ to the Cross we would be of all men and women most miserable.  But, Jesus reversed the curse of sin!  Some of the elements of the curses stay with us but we are no longer under the dominion of the devil and have moved from dominance by the god of this world to the Kingdom of God’s Dear Son.  We have moved from darkness into light.  We have moved from hopelessness to abundant life.

So as you go through your day realize that although you may find some things difficult the ultimate promise of God found in the curse is that Jesus would and has crushed the head of the devil and WE ARE FREE!  So live free!

May God bless you as you go through your day!

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