Where Are You?
By Pastor Terrence J. Melvin
Genesis 3:9 says - And the LORD God called unto Adam , and said unto him, Where art thou? Did you know that God is looking for you? You are not where God last fellowshipped with you. You have for what ever reason moved from the environment that was conducive for a relationship with the only one that really loves you and God is looking for you. Answer his call today and return to full and free fellowship with God through his Son the Lord Jesus Christ. The first part of this month we will briefly look at what causes us to loose fellowship with God and the latter part of this month, we will see how we can restore our fellowship with God.
Week One – – Genesis 3:1 - Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"
Thought – The Power of the Enemy – What really catches the child of God off guard is in not realizing the Power of the Enemy. When the serpent meandered his way into the Garden of Eden, he was on assignment. Jesus said in St. John 10:10 - The thief cometh not, but for to steal , and to kill , and to destroy : I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Please understand that you have no power of your own that can withstand the influence of the devil. He's got you out numbered. His plan is to steal you away from God and put you in a situation that will by your own decisions destroy you. That's why being saved and having the Holy Ghost operating in your life is key to your survival. Listen “Don't Play With The Enemy”. Don't under estimate his power or potential to sever your relationship with God and your family.
Week Two – Genesis 3:6 - And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
Thought – Deception – James really sums up Genesis 3:6. James 1:14says - But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. We realize in the context of Genesis chapter 3 that Satan was the tempter, but it was the decision of both Adam and Eve to allow themselves to be drawn or tempted by their own desires. You perhaps can blame others for the temptation but the decision to submit or decline the offer is up to you. They accepted a false idea that “ you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” What causes many to stray from God is our willingness to believe a lie rather than the truth. Please understand that the devil will always tempt you in the area for which you have the greatest desire. He will make the temptation pleasant to the eyes, pleasant to the tastes, something to be desired and in the case of Adam and Eve , something to die for.
Week Three - Genesis 3:8 - 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?"
Thought – Hiding From God – When both Adam and Eve sinned their world and the world to come was turned upside down. Instead of seeking God, and looking for help and forgiveness they hid from Him. As was the usual custom of God to fellowship with his creation, when the presence of the Lord was in the garden, instead of man presenting himself to his creator, he hid. The bible says that “they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden”. Isn't it ironic that they would hide themselves in the area where they had sinned. Where are you today, are you hiding in the areas of your weakness and downfall? Please beloved understand, that you cannot hide from God. You can drown yourself in other commitments, you can fill your schedule and life with other endeavors to shield you but you cannot hide your heart and soul from God. Their guilt was to much to bear so their first reaction was to hide. But look at the God of Love, Forgiveness and a second chance. Verse nine says - But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?" – He's calling you. You are hiding like a child in the game of hide and seek, but God knows where you are. So he calls you. His call first alerts you that you are not where you should be. Secondly, his call is his way of giving you and opportunity to answer and seek help. Our heavenly father asks “ Where Are You”, he knows where you are but do you? Failing to realize the power of your enemy, being deceived, and now the pressure of it all has caused you to hide in the area of your iniquity, but I want you to know that this is the day, that the Lord wants you to come out from hiding, confess your sins to him, and “be healed, be delivered and be set free” in Jesus Name.
Week Four – II Chronicles 7:14 - If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Thought – Coming out of hiding – The first step is to realize that God is not your enemy, he is the one that loves you and wants to effect change in your life. The second step is go back to the place that you first found the Lord and do the works over again. Thirdly realize that in all areas of your life the grace of God will give you the power and strength to resist the temptations and help you to make the right decisions if you would ask. If you would take the time to humble yourself and realize that you are nothing without God, but with Him, you can do all things. Strive to seek the face of God as this will cause your focus to be on those things that are spiritually pleasing and beneficial to you. When you do these things, you will once again here from heaven, your sins forgiven, and your life restored.
Week Five – Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
hought – Get the Understanding – To avoid falling in to the same trap as Adam and Eve , learn to trust God. Realize he never makes a mistake, and he will never lead you to do anything wrong or harmful to your or the ones that you love. Also, when in doubt and facing temptation, make sure that you obtain a full understanding of the consequences of your actions. Realize that God will never tempt you to do evil. Knowledge without wisdom is like a light without electricity.
