Disappointing God

~~~ Genesis 4:1-15, 25 ~~~ Psalm 50 ~~~ Mark 8:11-13 ~~~

There is no delicate way to say that when Eve and Adam 

disobeyed God there life would change forever.

Not only did they hide from God.

They also covered their bodies in shame.

God did not stop loving them even in his 

disappointment with their actions.

We cannot escape the consequences of our own actions.

Adam and Eve were undoubtedly disappointed in themselves.

They had everything in the garden and they failed to be grateful.

They carried within themselves the guilt, shame, 

and sadness for disappointing God.

They were not able to love themselves 

to the degree to which God had intended.

When you harbor such things in your heart

 it affects the rest of your life.

Perhaps Adam and Eve were not able to love 

Cain and Abel with pure hearts.

What if they never really felt 

like they deserved to have their sons?

Parents do pass on feelings and attitudes without 

even realizing it is happening.

Certainly I am not saying it is their fault

 that Cain killed his brother,

 but something was corrupt in his own heart.

If the parents cannot love themselves 

how can they pass on love to their children?

God loved them all.

But he could not force them to love 

one another as he did.

So the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest anyone

 should kill him at sight.

God never ceased loving Cain 

even in his greatest time of sin...when he 

took the life of his brother.

Adam and Eve were granted great joy 

in giving birth to their sons.

They were also to experience great sadness 

in the death of Abel;

and even greater sorrow

 that his life was taken by his brother.

God loves us, but lets the consequences

 of our actions be fully experienced.

Before you chose to stray away from God's commands

 pause and consider what the consequences

 might be later in your life.

The love God has for us does not protect

 us from a pained heart.

The opinions expressed here are not meant

 to be a psychological diagnosis.

They are offered for your reflection...Adam and Eve 

were human just like us.

Blessings of loving kindness.

~~~Peace~~~

Covenant of the Heart

~~ Jeremiah 31:31-34 ~~ Psalm 51 ~~ Hebrews 5: 7-9 ~~ John 12: 20-33 ~~

A contract is made between two parties who do not trust one another and because of this distrust they set 'limits' to their own responsibilities. A covenant is made between two parties who trust one another.
Throughout the Old Testament we see God entering into covenants with individuals...Adam, Noah, Abraham, and Moses.

If you have ever purchased anything life a car or a house you have undoubtedly had the experience of entering into a contract with another party. Usually these contracts are filled with legal verbiage that mean nothing to the non legal person...until something goes wrong. If something goes wrong then you drag out the contract, that you faithfully signed, and begin to read the fine print...

When you enter into a covenant with God you never have to be anxious about the fine print or the legality of the agreement. Covenants with God are always for our good. God does not break his covenants, but the other party may not follow through.

God makes a new covenant, a covenant of the heart. God places upon our hearts his law claiming us for his own. '...they shall be my people.'

This covenant of the heart which God initializes remains in us and resides in the hearts of each person. To further solidify this covenant he sends his only Son to earth. This son, Jesus, through obedience to the Father perfects this covenant of the heart God makes with us. Because of the death of Jesus we have complete trust in God. The death of Jesus sealed the covenant of the heart; "he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him."

When we honor our side of this covenant we too become obedient to the Father. We must die to ourselves just as the grain of wheat in order to become fruitful. "Whoever serves me must follow me" To honor his/her side of this covenant.  "...and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me."
A covenant with God is imbued with Love and never distrust.

Those who live in covenant of the heart with God will be lifted up
from the earth and drawn to Jesus himself.

It is to our benefit to guard this covenant of the heart we have with God. He wants us to be at peace with this 'covenantal' arrangement. He creates the clean heart of a clear conscience, he renews our spirit and gives us a willing spirit, and the joy of salvation.

God sent Jesus to save us because he was not taking any chances with our salvation. He could not leave us to our own way...
he saw how that did not work too well in the past.
Open your heart into the possibilities of this magnificent covenant with the Lord.
Let Go and Let God
design your heart.