Open Eyes

Scripture – Genesis 3:14-16: So the LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, “Cursed are you above all the livestock and all the wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” To the woman he said, “I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) God understood the serpent was behind all this. The man and the woman were responsible for their choice. And they would have to live with the consequences of that choice. At the same time, the serpent was a troublemaker. He was intentional about that. God knows that. God also has authority over the evil one. And so the great choice is put before us.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Satan continues to work his manipulative magic in our lives. He’s done a great job of controlling his image so people don’t take him seriously. Yet he continues to sneak up in the best of times and entice people away from God. The less I see of him, the more dangerous he becomes. I will keep my eyes open for the temptations that come. I expect him to be moving in my life today – trying to get me away from Christ. I will be ready for that.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please surround me with your protection today. As the subtle temptations come, calling me to follow a different path, help me see them. In you I will resist. In you alone, I will be victorious. Thank you for your power and presence. Help me keep the eyes of my heart on your today, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.