A Simple Question

Scripture – Genesis 3:9-13: But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Even as the man and the woman were hiding from God, He called to them. God’s love for me never stops. He’s always reaching out to me – even when I try to hide. I cannot keep God from loving me. I don’t have the power to stop that. It’s a choice He has made. God called, and the man answered. That’s a good thing. Then God asked two simple questions. The second one needed only a “yes” or a “no” for an answer.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) In 1 John 1:9 we find this promise: “If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The culture in which we live encourages us to avoid responsibility for our actions. We’re taught to look for someone else to blame. Yet the simple fact is I am responsible for decisions I make and the consequences of my actions. I find forgiveness for my sins when I confess them honestly. I will be responsible today. I will be honest with God and with myself.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for loving me. Please keep reminding me there’s no way I can lose that. Teach me to be honest today. As you raise questions in my heart, give me the inner integrity to answer truthfully. Help me live fully in the light of your grace this day. Thanks again.