08.23.20 “The way we were made”

Introduction to this Week’s Reading

Many of us set aside time on an annual or semi-annual basis to determine goals for our lives. Within that process, we try to honestly evaluate where we are, remind ourselves of where we want to go and we try to identify the steps we need to take to close the gap between where we are and where we want to go. Following Jesus is a constant process of closing the gap. During the next three weeks our GPS guide will be focused on reminding ourselves where we want to go. As we take this journey together, we pray that God will give us each the wisdom to identify the next steps we need to take.

What is the goal for the Christian life? We understand the goal to be centered in loving God, loving others and serving the world. This week we will look at the first category of discipleship, loving God. As you work through your readings for this week, may this prayer guide you.

Lord, I want to grow more and more in love with you every day. I want to honor you with my every thought, my every word and my every deed. Help me, God, to see the places where I may be falling short, to discover the grace you have for the mistakes that I have made in my life and to receive again the courage you give to live a life of love and faithfulness to you. AMEN.

Scripture Reading: Genesis 3:8-9

8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?”

Read additional translations at Biblegateway.com or youversion.com

Reflection Questions

These two short verses from Genesis 3 which follow the serpent’s deception of Adam and Eve illustrate for us the original intent of creation as well as what went wrong with humanity in the garden. In the cool of the day, Adam and Eve hear the familiar sound of God’s footsteps. The creator of the world has come to be with them, but the guilt of their disobedience sends our first parents into hiding.

• What do you think it means to “hide” from God? In your life, what thoughts or feelings have led you to want to hide from God?
• What does this scene tell us about what our relationship with God was originally intended to look like? If you heard God’s footsteps today, would you anticipate sharing a nice long walk or would you be tempted to hide?

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.