Aug 30

Adam and Eve lived in perfect harmony with God in the beginning. They had heard his word and commandments about what they could and could not do and they obeyed them (Gen. 2:15-17). There was no need for God to teach them harshly through difficult circumstances. It was only after they disobeyed God's commands that such training was necessary.

It was not enough for Eve simply to hear God's words and obey them (Do not eat of this tree). Words were not enough for her. She had to experience through actions what God intended her to learn simply through listening with an obedient heart to his words. Her disobedient actions prompted God to act as well. Thus came about the first instance which illustrates the truth that there are two ways to learn from God: the easy way and the hard way.

If we, like Eve, cannot learn from God in the easy way, from harkening to his word spoken gently to us in the Bible, then he must speak more intensely, through experiences that can be much more trying to our souls and bodies.

"For God does speak -- now one way, now another -- though man may not perceive it" (Job 33:14).

Which way will it be for you? Do you perceive what God is telling you through his Word today? Through your circumstances? If not, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth.

Scripture for today: Job 33:14
Thought for today: God backs up his words with actions.
Prayer for today: Grant me reverence and respect for your Word, Lord, so that you will not have to instill such reverence through other, harsher means.

AUG 30