Great job, gals, getting the reading done. Didn't it make you smile with a sense of accomplishment to close the Bible, and post your "I did it" comment?
Well, yesterday I could hardly wait to get to today and start discussing Eve. Actually, I did my reading of and writing about Eve last week in prep for starting this project and so I've been waiting for days to talk about Eve with you girls! There is so much we could talk about when it comes to Eve, the very first woman.
She was the first woman to encounter God, the first woman to explore His creation, the first woman to encounter man, the first woman to experience marriage, the first woman to have children, the first woman to lose a child, and of course she is famous for being the first woman to disobey God.
Eve tends to get a bad rap. Yes, I know she earned it by ushering sin into mankind, and that is so very not good. But I'm just not so sure I wouldn't have done the same thing. So I'm leery about throwing stones at Eve.You see, I too would've been tempted by the serpent's promise. I have a compelling desire to be "in the know." I don't like feeling like I'm missing out. Like Eve, I desire wisdom. And I certainly don't want to be intentionally held out on - especially by a God I'd been trusting to tell me the truth.
Satan convinced Eve that God was indeed holding out on her ... He was holding back some deliciously ripe fruit, and lying to her about the consequences of eating it. She wouldn't die, He just didn't want her to attain His status with the ability to know good and evil. Well, that last part is true. You see what Eve knew up until this point was only Good. Everything she saw, experienced, and knew was Good. What she did not know yet was Evil, at least not until she ran into the serpent and sank her teeth into that apple. Then she knew it all too well, as feelings of guilt, shame and fear flooded her. Those feelings drove her to hide from God, for she knew there would be consequences. And there were ... including being booted from the garden of goodness.
You see Eve and her husband in swallowing the fruit, had also swallowed traces of evil sinfulness that would somehow fuse themselves into the first couple's spiritual DNA. God wanted to ensure they didn't also eat from the tree of eternal life while they were in this state. In His sweet mercy, God kept Eve (and you and I) from living forever in a spiritual state of sin.
So its true, God was holding something out on Eve - knowledge of Evil. How I wish I didn't know evil. The only thing God was holding back from Eve was something not worth tasting, not worth knowing, and not worth possessing.
Do you ever wonder if God might be holding good things out on you?
Sometimes I look around and wonder why I don't have this, or why I can't do that. I guess the wise response would be to just trust God that He will provide everything I need and nothing I don't. Why does that feel so hard to settle for? Why does accepting God's ways even feel like settling? I suspect its because I have the same impulse Eve did - to have and know it all.
Do you ever fear that following God's orders fully will cost you more than you care to give up?
In Genesis 3:3, Eve makes God's orders about not eating from the tree (seem) even more restrictive than they actually were by claiming that He said she couldn't even touch the tree or its fruit. Don't we do that sometimes too ... make what God calls us to do or not do seem even more restrictive or unreasonable than it really is?
While reading Eve's adventures in the garden, I decided I want to cement in my soul the truth that I can follow God's orders with complete trust that He has my best interests in mind and at heart.
I also decided that tonight, in honor of Eve who always gets a bad rap, I'm making an apple salad with celery, walnuts and raisins. As I taste the crunchy, fruity salad - that reminds me spring is on the way - I will think: Oh Eve, how I wish you hadn't eaten that apple! But I also understand why you did. Hopefully, we'll all learn from your mistakes.
Actually, it probably wasn't an apple Eve ate in the garden but a fig - but I have no idea how to make figgy pudding!
Now it's your turn ... there is so much that can be said about Eve's story ... tell us what's on your mind. Even if someone else has already posted your thoughts.
The thing I also found interesting about this is that the very tree that they could have eaten from...the tree of life...is now off limits. God goes to great lengths to be sure they never eat from this tree. He doesn't want them to live forever in this sinful state. Hmmm....I had never thought of that before. I know we often don't see God's reasoning in keeping things from us (we think) but I am so thankful He is all wise and has our best interests at heart! I posted a bit about this on passage on my blog this morning.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I realize that there was 2 trees? I have read this many times and been in countless classes where is was taught..and He did it for our good..
ReplyDeleteHaving read this passage several times before, I am amazed how
ReplyDeleteGod reveals new things each time! Today, I thought about how Satan is able to redirect our attentions so easily to the things we are not allowed. Eve told Satan of the fruits they "were" allowed,but then Satan focused her attention on the fruit that "wasn't" allowed.
Instead of focusing on the blessings God has given us, I think we all to often focus on the
"trap" satan has set for us. I am guilty for falling into this "trap"
far too many times... I need your prayers to be alert to these traps.
.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I read this passage I have to think I probably would have done the same thing as Eve. Always trying to learn and understand and know more. I need to just rely on the Lord to give me the knowledge He knows I need. Learning and growing are good as long as they remain in the will of the Lord.
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing. For many years we blamed Eve for the very thing we may have done. God has a way of showing us that we all have a enemy that we must be aware of. Eve is no different than we are, We must follow and obey all of God's warnings, because they are for our good.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to be inherant in our natures to want to be Gods, it is our destiny according to the word of God that states that we are heirs and co-heirs (Roms 8 13-18). I also noticed though that they played the "blame game", Adam was there when the wrong thing was done and actively partook of it but blamed the woman for getting him into trouble, she blamed the snake but both had a will of their own... I noticed that no matter how mad or dissapointed God was, he still showed some compassion and clothed them. Did any one wonder who God was speaking to in verse 22? He said "the people have become as we are...", seems to be (the pre exsisting) Jesus and the Holy Spirit! ..... yeah, I only just noticed 2 trees ...come to think of it ...........
ReplyDeleteAs I read this passage I was struck by how disobedience causes pain. It doesn't matter if what God has told us to do makes sense or we understand it, or if it's hard to do; If we want God's best for our lives, we need to obey. The thought that makes this easier and yes even possible, (because as I reflected on my words they do sound harsh), is that God does everything He does for us, with us, and to us, out of His LOVE for us. Eve received pain in giving birth, and was cursed with the craving to bring life into the world. Adam received pain in working for their food, another way to bring life. After the fall, God has competition for man's attentions. We have to work for our food and our survival, and are distracted from fellowship with our Creator. I think God was sadder than Adam and Eve on the day he banished them from the garden and all that pure goodness. I suspect God missed walking in the garden with Adam and Eve. He desired their undivided attention and intimacy. Thank God we can receive Life in Jesus, salvation, as a free gift.
ReplyDeleteI got so many new and different things from this story that I have heard and read so many times before. I got the most wonderful chill bumps when I read the words "they felt no shame". I have had so many things in my life that i have overcome by God's Grace and am thankful ... but to think of feeling NO SHAME... wow! IT just gave me chill bumps.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was reading I felt some compassion for Eve.... and I seen so many of the very character defects that I too have... that desire to know.... that desire to be independent.... and I am reminded that I was created as a helper and that is why sometimes it is so hard for me to do all the things i try to do all on my own. I am forgetting the support of God and man..that God created me to have. I am just a helper and don't have to do it all on my own. Its at these moments when i try.. that I, JUST LIKE EVE, make catastrophic mistakes.
Great start.
ReplyDeleteEve saw, took and ate.
That was the story of my lfe. I also believed satan's lies and took of the fruit he offered.
Thank God I am not longer a slave but am a child of the King.
In addition, where does it say that the fruit was an apple?
I am looking forward to the next reading.
Thank you!
I agree with you Lisa - disobedience does causes pain, your words are not harsh, they are real.
ReplyDeleteHis compassion and boundryless love also caused him to make the ultimate sacrifice to get us back, and still He gave us free will to make our own choices! ....now that is true love.
Wouldst that i could do likewise without complaint, sacrificial love, getting/expecting nothing in return.....
Good eyes, agape girl, the text does not tell us what kind of fruit it was. Most bible scholars suspect it was actually a fig. But common modern thought calls it an apple - we don't eat many figs do we? Plus, I have no idea how to make figgy pudding so I'm making apple salad.
ReplyDelete:)
I'm thinking that if she would have turned the serpent away and been patient that God would have revealed the tree of life in his own time.
ReplyDeleteReminds me of how inpatient we all can be at times. I know in my own life that I want the Lord to answer my prayers now. I'm learning that with patience and lot's of prayer that God's plan is greater than mine.
If it's worth praying for...It's worth waiting for........
I never noticed the two different trees in this passage either! Adam and Eve eating from the tree of good and evil is a reminder to me of the free will the Lord has given each of us. We all have a choice to make as to whether we will follow God's directions or our own. Today's reading reminds me to not question God's goodness--he knows what he is doing, knows me better than I know myself and so I need to trust him in all things, all decisions that I make.
ReplyDeleteI read this in a book titled "and the Bride Wore White" by Dannah Gresh and thought it was a very interesting way to look at it! "God's word tells us that everything in the Garden of Eden was created by God's own hand. It also tells us that He is incapable of making anything that is not good. So, it is very possible that the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil would have had quite an interesting and noble purpose had Eve simiply WAITED for God to reveal it to her in His time".
ReplyDeleteFor me, I think how many times have I missed out on a blessing that God had for me because I wasn't listening to Him or waiting on His timing for an answer.
I don't know if I wonder so much why God is holding back the good, but rather why it takes so long to get where we know he desires us to be. Does that make sense? So, we get impatient and try to do things our way which usually leads to regret and failure.
ReplyDeleteAlso, it is amazing to see that even they tried to put the blame on the other. We are so guilty of that even if its a circumstance we try to blame not another person. God in his unconditional love for us punishes them but still takes care of them.
Margaret
As I read the story of Eve, I saw that she made the same mistake that I often make: she didn't pray for God's mind on the matter. So often, I make snap decisions without asking the Lord about it. I'm sure I would have probably eaten a half dozen of the fruit just to make sure I got a good dose of whatever I thought I was supposed to be getting. I'm greedy like that! :) Rachel, I never thought about the fact that God was trying to protect Adam and Eve from the ravages of evil. Good insight that I'll never forget. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI wonder what life now would be like had Eve not eaten the fruit. Would we even be around? It makes me realize that our ideas/actions have truth or consequenses, and that can also be onto other people or future generations. I'm not a mom but it's the idea that all your decisions will affect your children. And here it clearly reminds me of that. That sometimes I don't think that something will hurt/bother me, but I forget that it can affects others around us, even people just watching us. It's kind-of scary how much weight 1 decision can have sometimes and I tend to forget that.
ReplyDeleteHi I just want to Thank you for starting this study. Having moved to Idaho and not finding a church that taught the Word of God right away then my husband getting sick for the fourth time with cancer I have not had time outside of home to get to a Bible study. This is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteFor me it helped to read some of what the New Testament says about Adam and Eve and that was that she was deceived and he was the one who brought sin into the world. No she is not blameless but I guess that means that Adam was not deceived.
Every time I read this story I wish I could see the Garden of Eden, I doubt we have anything so beautiful now.
Thanks again and GOD Bless you.
I feel very ignorant asking this but where is the 2nd tree?
ReplyDeleteI see where they talk about multiple trees to eat from from and then THE Tree of Life, but is there another significant tree that makes people say 2 trees they'd not noticed before? Thank you for any help.
I honestly don't think I can blame Eve, I was not blessed with the virtue of patience and often struggle with waiting for God's timing. Even though I think that waiting for His timing is the best option, I have often fallen short as Eve did. I have wondered if Eve had waited, how different things would be....and then in appliance to my own life...if I had waited and been more faithful in Him...how different would my life be now? I think that Eve was blind sided by Satan and that is sometimes the case in everyday life.
ReplyDeleteI often don't pray and ask God for his guidance, but instead make quick decision that I regret later. I found it interesting that we like Eve aren't always willing to wait on God and his plan. Just think what this world would be like if we trusted God with every aspect of our life and waited on him to show us what he has planned for us.
ReplyDeleteI just found out about this great idea of studying together. Just in time, and I just read the Scripture.
ReplyDeleteGod ALWAYS knows what He is doing and He doesn't need any help.
Liz
I did it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this opportunity.
I just found out about this great idea of studying together. Just in time, and I just read the Scripture.
ReplyDeleteGod ALWAYS knows what He is doing and He doesn't need any help.
Liz
It makes me think of how I am always asking 'why' in my own circumstances... how I long to stay home with my children and ask God 'why' I have to work? We do have to trust that our Lord God has our best interests at heart, He has a plan for us...
ReplyDeleteYeaa... I figured it out! Eve is so pivotal.... I guess we as women can't help but want to explore more.. but I am learing that knowledge can be gathered from man, but wisdom is only given from God... Can't wait until TMW!
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome that we can study together. I'm excited to read more about the women in the Bible. We can always learn and relate to things about all the women in the Bible. Thanks for studying this with all of us.
ReplyDeleteI too was thinking of the 2 trees and didn't see the 2 in what I had read so I went back and read in earlier passages. I found the 2 trees in Genesis 2 verse 9. Hope this helps.
ReplyDeleteLike others, I noticed that our choices of sin lead to consequences. However, God does out of love in hopes we will learn from our mistakes. I liked to someone pointing out God's compassion towards Adam and Eve even after they sinned. From the beginning we have had no other love like the one God gives us. Thank You Jesus.
ReplyDeletedone!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this wonderful opportunity to study together. I will make time to do this everyday. Studying the women will be very interesting. Even though I know Eve was the first woman, I hadn't thought about her being the first woman to experience everything for the first time. What guilt and shame she must have felt for doing what God told her not to do. But I, too, do not condemn her because there have been sooooo many times that I have not listened to God. I'm so thankful to have a God that forgives and gave us His son Jesus so we can have eternal life.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you Rachel for starting this bible reading time for us all.
This passage speaks directly to my spirit. These past few months I have made some decisions to eat forbidden fruit due to lack of patience and honestly attempting to do what was right for my children and I. Now I have gotten myself into a situation that I need to be rescued from because there is no way out that my eyes can see. I feel like I have chosen my way over God's way and now I don't know how to return to the intimate relationship we once shared, partially due to the fact that I am still in this situation that I know he doesn't want me in and partially because I am so ashamed of myself. I haven't been to church in approx. 3 weeks and I feel like I am sinking into a pattern, I want out, but I feel stuck. I definitely relate with Eve she made a life changing decision, so quickly. Satan can only tempt us with things we desire, that's what makes it so easy to stumble. Keep me in prayer...
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the food for thought. The thought of 2 trees is found in verse 22 "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.
ReplyDeleteI also do not believe that God cursed Adam and Eve as it says he cursed the serpent and the ground. Maybe the pain in childbirth and desiring our husbands and them ruling over us as women and men toiling in the earth by the sweat of their brow till they return to it.
All very good thoughts and inspiration. Thanks
There is so much God tries to protect us from and like Eve, we think we know better. I agree with you that sometimes Eve gets a bad wrap but we have to remember how, like Mary, Jesus mother, Eve was chosen by God, created by God. Like Eve, like Mary, we are chosen by God, created by God!! We may not have been first but we are just as special! It is only living in His redemptive grace that I understand and admire Eve. Like Eve, there is a cost to sin, we have to live in the consequences. It is only in fully relying on God that we can avoid satan and all he throws at us. Eve-first women created. What an honor. What an honor for us to be created and chosen by this same God!!
ReplyDeleteIn His Graces~Pamela
I did it! Thanks for the accountability :)
ReplyDeleteI did it! Thanks for starting this Rachel. I needed a "kick in the pants"!
ReplyDeleteLike one of the previous writers, I too noticed things this time through that story that I hadn't seen before. Two trees, both in the center of the garden.
Another point I found interesting is that God gave the command to not eat from the tree of good and evil to Adam only. Adam must have conveyed it to Eve, but when she offered the fruit to Adam, he took it. Don't we do that sometimes? Knowing something is wrong but for whatever reason we do it anyway? And then he blamed her and she blamed Satan! Again, we do that. Blame the other guy. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share.
This was a wonderful start to the study. It is amazing to me how much God loves us and wants to protect us. This passage made me think of my own life and I had to repent for the times, I go my own way in spite of what the word of God tells me. And like Adam and Eve, I have been very guilty of the blame game and not taking responsibility for my actions. What is so beautiful is that once Adam and Eve were naked and ashamed, God with all of His love and compassion clothed them when He did not have to. God hates the sins in our lives but loves us unconditionally. Obedience is the key ladies. May we lift up one another as we choose to live obedient lives for Christ.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this opportunity. I look forward to jumping in with you all.
ReplyDeleteI too found the fact that God restricted that tree from us so we would not have to live forever in a sinful state SO reassuring. he does want the best for us and loves us more than I can even imagine. WOW!
God did not banish Adam & Eve as punishment, but rather to keep us from living forever in our sinful state. We need to keep a proper perspective when God rebukes or disciplines us... it's usually for our own good!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it interesting that the serpent tempted Eve with the Tree of Knowledge instead of the Tree of Life? Satan still operates that way today... he wants to keep us away from God's forgiveness, saving grace, and eternal life.
We are oversaturated with knowledge - and not all knowledge is truth! Think about where most "knowledge" comes from - TV, newspapers, schools that teach evolution and tolerance, etc. Satan wants people to be in constant conflict between rights and wrongs, beliefs and doubts.
Adam & Eve didn't know how to deal with the knowledge of one thing, much less all we are bombarded with today! They didn't know what to do with the knowledge of their nakedness, and tried to hide in shame. God gave the first blood sacrifice to cover their shame... and He gave the last blood sacrifice on the cross to cover ours.
That's all we need to know.
Sorry, I may not have clarified that the blood sacrifice was the animals used to make Adam & Eve's clothing.
ReplyDeleteI did it! I read the scripture on Eve!
ReplyDeleteI found it very interesting that the consequences (pain in childbirth, desire for our husband, hard labor for food) is now where we find our value. As women/wives, a lot of our worth comes from our children and our husbands. If we do not feel like we're a good mother or a good wife, our self-esteem plummets. The same thing for men -- their main source of value/worth now comes from their work.
ReplyDeleteOh God, remind us that our true value is and always will be in you! We must wait on Your timing and believe Your truth over anything else.
Another thought: The Deceiver comes with "almost truths". He "almost" had it right when he said to Eve "Did God really say you must not eat from any tree in the garden?" What God really said was (Gen 1:16) "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat it of it you will surely die." Just a reminder that we must KNOW what God says. Satan is really good at using "almost truths" to confuse us and deceive us. Search the Word and find the Truth. It's always there.
The part about this story that I really like is when God says that a woman shall desire her husband and that her husband shall rule over her. That part gives me much comfort. I used to be an outrageously independent woman...I needed nothing or no one to assist me along life's busy highway. Then I met my husband. Sigh...the independence melted away (which was totally a God thing mind you) and now I lean on him. I love that. And to think, that kind of relationship started all the way back with Eve. God is so good!
ReplyDeleteI keep being struck by the passage in Gen 3:16 "...Your desire will be for your husband..." Most of the common tranlations use the word desire, but a couple use words like, long for (God's Word translation, NIV Readers,) and want to please (The Message). I don't think I have anywhere specific to go with this thought, I just had never really noted the emphasis before. Does it simply have to do with desire even through the pain of child birth? I know we women were created as a helper and mate to man, but what a caring God to give us the desire and longing for that relationship.
ReplyDeleteI learned WHY God didn't want sinful humans eating from the tree of life. I hadn't thought of that before.
After reading this, I also noticed for the first time the 2 trees and that God was protecting them by not allowing them to eat from the Tree of Life afterward. Also, the coverings that they made for themselves weren't sufficient. God made coverings for them from skin...meaning (to me) that blood was shed for their sin to be covered...wow - doesn't that point to Christ?
ReplyDeleteI have to Ditto all these comments- I to am an inpatient person, I want things in my time, Not God's dont we all. Human Nature calls us to be selfish..... God calls us to wait, wait on him... My favorite Scripture:
ReplyDelete"Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay" Habakkuk 2:3 Be patient. To me this is what this mean, Eve , yes should have waited, should have prayed should have been patient with God. God will always move in his time, and its the best time for us. Thank you
I did it and love the idea!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much.
God Bless
This is a great idea on how to get started. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI learned 2 big things amongst others. Firstly that I am made to be the suitable helper for my hubby. Not what I enjoy everyday in all honesty. But I strive to do better constantly.
Secondly I found it intriguing the process to sin Eve had. Satan planted seeds of doubt and questioning of God's command. Eve chose to disobey. She took a rule and then tried to understand the reasoning behind it. In her imperfect mind, she was able to justify why it couldn't hurt her to try the fruit. She put herself above God in this disobediance. How often do I do this? I see a rule and look for the exceptions. I reason out if, why and how I can bend or break it. Life would be so much easier if I just took it as face-value. Sin is sin is sin. No matter how you look at it. Then I have to thank God for his willingness to always forgive me and continue in his great love for me.
I did it! What a great idea! Thanks for doing this...I am so excited. I promised myself that I would get out of bed this morning and do my quiet time that has been lacking since having my baby girl three months ago. The alarm went off and honestly, the first thing that I thought was "What am I going to do? I don't even know where to start when reading the bible and I don't have a book to read" so i pushed snooze and went back to sleep for an extra half hour. When I woke up I was disappointed in myself for not giving myself a chance at least. Then I read this during naptime and am super excited that God has given me this. Thank you so much I am so excited!
ReplyDeleteSo what did I learn? Well, I didn't realize that God surrounded the gate by angel-cherubim and a revolving sword of fire. Also very neat in the Message to see that God declares war between the serpent and woman and He'll wound our head and We'll wound his heal....Also, did you ever think that we as woman tend to be driven by guilt? How tremendous the amount of guilt Eve must have felt over this? huh? Makes heaping laundry in the living room pretty small huh? :) Love this!
I'm with Claudette. I've always found it quite amusing that Adam was "with her" the whole time Satan was tricking her. Why didn't Adam step in???
ReplyDeleteI also think it's pretty cool that even the first woman proved to be adventurous and curious. Isn't that how we are?
I came by way of the P31 devotional sent out this morning! =)
I have so many random thoughts, like God brought Eve to Adam and Adam was so happy. Then it goes right into the eating of the fruit and being aware of evil and being ashamed. I wanted to know more on them as a married couple how long were they together
ReplyDeletebefore they were taken out of Eden. How was it for her just all of a sudden a wife in a amazing place as the Garden of Eden. Then when she finds out of having a painful child birth does she even know what this is. When she becomes pregnant how does she even know? I would be scared of all of a sudden being in bliss and next finding out all the bad things of the world and being kick out into a land unknown to you. Where does your food come from where will you sleep? And when she gives birth never going throw it and the pain. Eve is quit the Women. How could we even complain after what she went throw with no one to even walk her throw anything not even her changes in her body. I very much admire her. She just had to go throw it and make the best with what she was given. It make me think how lucky we are. but could you imagine what it would of been like if she did not eat of the fruit and child birth would be with out pain. I think of that a lot now since I am having my third child.
I did it. I put aside some other things and don't feel bad at all. This is really great.
ReplyDeleteJust like Eve, it so so easy to focus on what I don't have or what I think I should have. However, I need to thank God for all the blessings he has given to me. He has given me all that I need and he has been so generous! Satan and the world's influence make it difficult for me to see what is truly important sometimes. Just like Eve, I need to realize that God has my best interests in mind.
ReplyDeleteI did it. I actually turned off the TV and decided that some of the other things on my calendar for the day were not as important as I had thought.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great way to study scripture.
Thanks
Eve was where she should not have been. Therefore, in her weakness Satan was able to deceive.We should trust God in all things. Lean not on our own understanding. God knows and desires only the best for us.
ReplyDeleteGem
I completely agree Monica. I am a single mother (hence in my previous statement where I was not being very patient and faithful to God), but my son is where I find my sense of value and accomplishment. This being stated, I know that I will not be able to raise a Godly son without relying on God. I think it was great how you saw that the "punishments" that God used have managed to be filled with value now. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you for offering this study/discussion for all of us!
ReplyDeleteI think the thing that sticks out to me the most is that in Gen 3:11 God asked Adam and Eve "who told you that you are naked?" He needed them to admit to their wrong doing, even though He as an all knowing God already knew. Just as He knows our sins, He waits patiently for us to see our "nakedness" and confess it to Him so that we can move forward and closer to Him.
Something that really hit home with me was the fact that Adam and Eve hid from God in shame after they disobeyed him. They had the new found knowledge that they were naked, but could they possibly have felt some shame from disobeying God? Were they afraid that they had disappointed Him? How many of us may have done the same thing? I know I have. I have done some things in my past that I knew were wrong and I was ashamed. Instead of seeking forgiveness, I "hid" from God for over 20 years. But, luckily, God knew just where to find me. Thank you, God, for your mercy and compassion.
ReplyDeleteWow, after reading Rachel's comment on this and all of the rest I am so amazed that I've read this scripture so many times in my 30 years and never interpreted the fact that Adam and Eve were thrown out of the garden to in fact make sure that they didn't live forever a life of sin. To make sure that we can die some day and live eternally with him in heaven. Wow! I've never gotten that before. So excited for more...
ReplyDeleteThis was definitely a great opportunity and I want to thank you Rachel. What stood out to me was like someone else said, the idea of shame. They felt no shame in the beginning. Adam and Eve were perfect the way they were created. If only we all could view ourselves that way, created perfectly. We often feel shame for our thick hair, curly hair, straight hair, pointy nose, wide nose, etc. I often have to ask myself when ever I get in a mood of shame or dislike of my own body, WHO AM I TO QUESTION GOD'S WORK? He views me as perfectly shaped and molded and I would not have it any other way. This reading showed me that even it (insecurity) has been passed down since the creation of man, and that it is something that I am going to have concsiously battle.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous - I am praying for you!!! I can also relate with your situation as I too have been there and find myself on the end of that pit again often.
ReplyDeleteGod's mercies are new every morning. They are there for the taking. Thank you for the reminder that all we need to do is come to Him, spend time with Him and He is faithful to meet us there.
I enjoyed the passage and the accountability. This season in my life is busy and I have not had opportunity to spend time with other believers in The Word. This is so welcomed until I can.
The biggest thing that struck me was the blame game that they all played. Oh how like us. And God sees right through it. "She said...", "He said...".
Oh God that we would be responsible for our actions, good and bad.
Looking forward to tomorrow!!!
Reading all the comments has been insightful. Especially all the ladies who have said that God has our good in mind. I agree with that from a spiritual perspective. But what about from a physical, everyday perspective? Is everything that happens to us on a daily basis for our good? This may be off the subject a little. I'm not trying to be negative, it's just that we lost our baby boy 1 month ago (he was stillborn) and I'm trying to see the reason "why". I'm trying to find how God loves me through this. I'm trying to see what good could come from this. I've been a Christian for a long time and always knew in my head that God had my best interets in mind and that He works everything for our good. Now, I'm trying to figure this concept out in my heart. It's very difficult. I'm sorry if this comment is way off track. I do agree that God had our spiritual good in mind in the whole saga of the Garden of Eden.
ReplyDeleteI've heard most of how Eve was blamed for putting us in the sinful state. But, when I read more of the Bible (NT), it is clearly stated that Adam is the blame. However, the past is the past and we are to learn from whatever situation is presented to us in the Bible. God is all-knowing, so I believed everthing works according to His plan.
ReplyDeleteSheila,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comment/quote. I struggle to understand the balance between our free will and God's sovereignty and I was caught up on why God put the trees there in the first place...seems like a trap. But that quotation you posted makes a lot of sense. It's something new for me to consider. THANK YOU!
How I too struggle with wanting control of the direction of my life. Too many times, I can get distracted by the old addage "the grass is always greener on the other side"
ReplyDeleteBut thank GOD that I am forgiven and HE still loves me. I found it astounding that before GOD kicked them out of the Garden, he made provisions for their food and their clothing. In fact, in verse 3:21 it states, "the LORD God made garmets of skin for Adam and Eve and clothed them. He continued to show HIS love for them, even after they disobeyed. That unconditionally, never-ending love is something a strive to achieve everyday. Looking forward to the continued study!
i thought it was interesting how Satan makes us forget all the good God has granted us and points out the things that we dont have and the thing is that God has time for everything as it says in Ecclesiastes but the satan makes it seem like we are missing out on something but when really we are not its just not our time for it. and also may i ask what you all mean about the fact that there were two trees?
ReplyDeletewelll I kinda went a different way. The word that struck me was she was Adam's helper. Yet he didn't that at the time God was questioning him about eating from teh tree. HE was quick to pass the buck rather than take responsibility. We are all like that at times. But I often wondered how Eve felt after disobeying God? I was intrigued that God said she was Adam;s helper. There are so many ways we can help our husband. That really made me stop and think how do I help my husband? Not enough I discoverd. So I am working on being a helpmate rather than nagging him so much. It appears Eve has much to teach us.
ReplyDeleteblessings
Tammy
Thanks to the first anonymous posting, I too try too hard and then fall flat on my face. I think that we all struggle with obedience because our enemy is still asking the same question, "Did God really say..."? Whether in reference to a command or a blessing or a promise? The question causes us to doubt God, that He does love us and have our best interest at heart. I know that I struggle with this daily, and am learning to trust God each and every day. I too believe that I would have gone the way Eve did, because I know that too many times I already have. It's easy to say that we trust God has our best interests at heart, but usually much harder to live out.
ReplyDeleteI received the Proverbs 31 devotion this a.m. and read the scripture right away so I'll be ready for tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to learn, and read all the comments!
I always thought the two names were for the same tree. Thanks for bringing clarity. These posts have been incredible. Your insights have really brought to light the incredible LOVE God has for us. He is so patient with us. Even in the midst of our blatent disobedience He still meets our needs, ensuring we have adequate cover and keeps us away from the possibility of living eternally in our sinful state (that was a real eye opener for me...I had never heard it taught like that before). This is a great idea Rachel, and a great forum. I really look forward to learning a lot over the next 6 wks.
ReplyDeleteMaybe a fig newton would be nice!
ReplyDeleteI feel like Eve all too often. I struggle to know if it's truly God's voice I am hearing. I'm sure there are many times that I neglected to do something because I wasn't sure I was hearing from God.
Lord, please help me know your voice!
Sarah P
I'm the "breadwinner" in our marriage and at times I wish he made as much as me or more so I could feel taken care of YET Eve was Adam's helpmate so why can't I accept the fact that I'm my husband's helpmate in a financial way? He is such a wonderful Christian man, and helps me in so many other ways that I'm surprised at myself for thinking this way. Where is it written that we are to be blessed all the time instead of providing the blessing?
ReplyDeleteDo you suppose that Eve was surprised at Adam for not accepting responsibility for his actions?
I have said over and over again that people are becomming to smart for their own good and here is the very first example of it. Eve was just going back and forth on whether or not she wanted this fruit but it seems as soon as satan said she would gain knowledge from it, there was no more hesitation. She wanted her knowledge and she received it and nothing but consequences followed. Don't get me wrong, knowledge is good within the boundaries of God. However, when we start pulling away from God and getting in over our heads with technology knowledge and questioning the very existance of the Bible like science does with evolution, it is a very bad thing. Some knowledge and thoughts need to be based upon the Bible and that's it. If we want to wonder, fine, but the Bible should have the final say and no adventuring out. Just trust HIM!!
ReplyDeleteHaving just read a best seller about a woman's search for spirituality through Eastern religions, I am glad God has reminded me just how real sin and disobedience are. Praise God he has provided us a way back to him through His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
ReplyDeleteGood reading!
ReplyDeleteVery good reading, and it didn't take long at all. I am going to enjoy this!
ReplyDeleteOnly recently had I first heard that Adam and Eve's decision to eat the fruit was made from them not knowing what evil was. Meaning when they made the decision to eat the fruit from that tree they really didn't know what they were in for. Disobedience!? They had never heard of such a thing. They had no clue just how bad things could be since they had never experienced bad things.
ReplyDeleteBut we have and what has always gotten me is the fact that God had given them an ENTIRE GARDEN to explore, eat from, experience, enjoy and only ONE THING they could not have... HUMMM... how many of us are like that? Wanting the one thing we can not have; even though it promises bad things, we still want it.
I'm so excited to do this with you, Girls! :) I agree that Eve often gets a bad rap for being the one that "fell". I am just thankful that I know a God that is willing to pick me back up, brush me off, and encourage me to keep going. I'm encouraged by this site and look forward to the next reading. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's funny to think that God would be hiding something from us. But so many times we think that is what he is doing. We think that he is waiting up there just watching us suffer when really he just wants us to trust him.
ReplyDeletedid it! day 1.
ReplyDeleteI've read this passage many times and this is the first time that I realized that God was keeping them from the tree of life..........and I thought immediately that he didn't want them and us to be sinful forever. WOW!!!!
ReplyDeleteI must remember that when it doesn't feel good, God is still working situations out for my good. Because it must have felt like the end of the world being kicked out of the garden. I just need to only trust Him. And I just had another moment here, even in their sin God still worked it out for their good! What a gracious God we serve!
For anonymous who lost her child who was stillborn:
ReplyDeleteFirst, let me say that, yes, scripture is clear that everything in the lives of Christians works for our good. Romans 8:28
But, second, dear sister, I want you to know that it is Ok to be hurt and confused when very difficult and painful things happen. When my first child was born with complications, the last thing I wanted was to hear about how it was somehow "good" for me. I just wanted permission to grieve and be in pain. God gives us that permission, but He also wants us to run to Him and cry it out on His shoulder. Don't worry about finding the good outcome right now, God will take care of that in His time. You just stay close to Him in the midst of your need for comfort.
I'm sorry, I know this is off-topic, but my heart was very touched by the anonymous posting asking for direction. Whoever you are, you are welcome to come over to my blog and continue with me there, or not!
Psalm 18:6
In my distress I called to the LORD;
I cried to my God for help.
The thing that stood out to me the most in this passage is the legacy Eve left behind, what she is known for:
ReplyDeleteHer inability to resist the allurement of sin by her thirst to gain experience and expanded knowledge through partial truth and deception, did not help but hindered her. (3:6 & 3:22)
The loss of innocence through disobedience, the disturbing knowledge of sin and evil, entrance of guilt and shame, the entrance of deception and dishonesty in desiring to cover up or conceal. (3:7)
Separation from God, His very presence being so real that it was as if she heard His footsteps as He walked in the garden, calling to her in the cool of the day. (3:8)
The sorrow of raising children in a sin tainted world. (3:16)
The struggle of being submissive under the authority of Adam, her mate, and God, her Father. (3:16)
Eve's example shows is just how easily a person can be led into temptation and sin, with disastrous consequences. Like Eve, our hearts and minds can also be easily led astray from our sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
This made me really stop and think what kind of legacy I wanted to leave behind and what did I want to known for.
The other thing that stood out was that this was also the beginning of the history of redemption. This account records that with the plague, being banished from the garden, a severed and separated relationship with God because of sin, etc., came a promise, a Redeemer would be provided, they were not left without hope. (3:15)
He would send a Redeemer to destroy the work of the enemy and to restore a right relationship with Him.
I often think I would not have done as Eve, but truthfully know I would. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have the innocence that young children have? They have no shame or guilt. It would be a different world if adults could be as innocent as children.
ReplyDeleteOk, I also have read this many times and have had many of the same thoughts that have been posted. The new thing that was revealed to me and it makes sense to me being in the season I am in is.... That when God created Eve He did something unique compared to every other creature He created including Adam. All creatures and man were created from dust, as for Eve, she was created as part of Adam thus creating such a special relationship/bond for man and woman to share. My marriage has weathered a stormy winter and thins was so refreshing and reassuring for me. Also WOW for God to do something unique when it came to creating Eve. I thank God for showing me this today!!
ReplyDeleteNicole
Thanks, Rachel. I've never been to your site before, but came from the P31 devotional. I love this "accountability" idea, and plan to stick with it! Thank you also, for the great insight into Eve, and how we all are so much like her!
ReplyDelete2 Things: to the sweet sister who lost her baby to stillbirth: I've been in your shoes. I, too, lost a child (our 1st) to stillbirth 5 years ago. I am so sorry for your pain and i know there is so much confusion surrounding you right now. I agree with Hadassah...stick close to Jesus. Even if you don't feel like it (I didn't). I was depressed, angry, confused, and a whole host of other things and it took everything I had to simply hold on to Jesus. But do hold on. He WILL NOT fail you. You may feel alone, but YOU ARE NOT! He will bring you through, but in the meantime, lean into your pain. Do not run from it. Bring it to Jesus, every day, and He will hold you and get you through. When it's time for you to learn the lessons, you will. But right now it's just about sticking close to Him. If you want, please come over to my blog and we can talk more. My e-mail is up in the right corner. Not even knowing you I feel like I love you, girl. Hold on...Your God will not fail you.
ReplyDelete2nd...about Eve. I see so much of myself in her...listening to the enemy as he's whispering in my ear. I've had to learn to acknowledge that voice as Satan's, combat the lie with a truth from God's word, and figuratively walk away from the conversation. We must learn to not even give consideration to the enemy's words to us. He is the father of lies, and therefore, all he speaks is lies. Why listen? Rebuke, turn, walk away.
sorry, anonymous, I forgot to leave my blog address for you...
ReplyDeletewallsdown.blogspot.com
What jumps out at me is that we, us women, were created to be helpers to men. This is God's ultimate design for us; not subservient but as an equal who were created to help.
ReplyDeleteWhy didn't Adam intervene in Eve's conversation with the snake? Wasn't he with Eve? To me, this is proof that if a man doesn't step up and fulfill his role as the head of the relationship, it's harder to live the best life that God wants us to live.
Our sermons the last 2 weeks have been on "being a 'fan' or a 'follower'" and "the danger of drifting". I needed the accountability of keeping from drifting and got on today and found this in my P31 email. How cool is God?!
ReplyDeleteI did read and although I've been a Christian for over 30 years and have read this passage over and over I found something new today. 3:22 "And the Lord God said, 'The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out and take also form the tree of life and eat, and live forever." WOW!!! God simply did't want us to know evil. Not that we would become these ultra humans if we ate from the tree. And now that I know evil, I can't live forever. Need to ponder that verse some more to really know how it relates to my life.
Thanks for the accountability!!
I'm so glad to have found this site!
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this passage I thought that God must have known Eve would eat the fruit since He is all knowing...I guess that was His plan/test for Eve? It's the beginning of "human nature"...being distracted & tempted & acting upon those temptations. Also, being impatient and acting quickly rather than praying about something & trusting in God's timing.
I'm very new to "studying the Word", but love that I'm learning to look at it more deeply!
Just last week it was impressed upon my heart how God sometimes holds out on us to protect us,even though we do not understand his reasons at the time. I wrote a devotional for my ladies group, on a topic that was very close to what you have discussed. I hadn't really thought about using Eve as an example, but I think I will. This was very interesting and I look forward to more of these discussions.
ReplyDeleteI guess Eve was the first to "sin", but without it we would not know what a gift God has given us. We know that only through him we can have goodness and mercy.
ReplyDeleteRachel, I did it! I read "All about Eve" and I'm excited about reading through the women of the Bible with all of you.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I have trouble trusting in God's plan for my life. I see now that Eve had the same problem. This story reminds me to trust that God always wants the best for us.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading the study as well as the thoughts of the ladies participating. There were a couple of new things I had not considered. Thanks for the wonderful opportunity and the accountability.
ReplyDeleteWhat is amazing is the pattern the enemy used to deceive Eve is the same one he still uses on us today: Make something look attractive, introduce a seed of doubt, we fall for it, and immediately there is regret, guilt, condemnation!! I am so glad that God has provided a way off that ride!!!
ReplyDeleteI just found all this information
ReplyDeletetoday so I did read "All About Eve"
Thank you Rachel, for taking the
time to create this for us all.
It's an ideal way for me to study the bible.
This is my first time doing this but I am glad I am doing the reading with someone to help guide me.
ReplyDeleteReading this passage affirmed to me that I am not alone in wanting to hide my sin from God...as if he can't see it. I think it's a normal, fleshy reaction to want to hide from God out of guilt over something we've done. I know Satan whispers in my ear that I've gone too far and that I've done too many bad things to be forgiven so it's not even worth it to confess these sins and ask for forgiveness. Nothing could be further from the truth. Satan doesn't want you to go to God, he wants you to wallow in your guilt and self-pity. If you want proof that God loves you in spite of your sin, refer to Genesis 3:20. God in his infinite grace did not turn his back on Adam and Eve, but rather cared for them by making clothes out of animal skin. It's amazing to realize how loving our Father is.
ReplyDeleteWhat I always thought was VERY interesting is this: when Eve ate of the apple, nothing happened. NOTHING. Only when she hands the apple to Adam and HE takes a bite, that is when God notices them.
ReplyDeleteSo if Eve took a bite of the apple and kept it for herself would God have noticed? Did God noticed because Eve gave something to Adam, which was out of creation order? Did Satan already figure Eve was the weaker of the two?
Hmmmm.....
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhat I always thought was VERY interesting is this: when Eve ate of the apple, nothing happened. NOTHING. Only when she hands the apple to Adam and HE takes a bite, that is when God notices them.
ReplyDeleteSo if Eve took a bite of the apple and kept it for herself would God have noticed? Did God noticed because Eve gave something to Adam, which was out of creation order? Did Satan already figure Eve was the weaker of the two?
Hmmmm.....
I find this passage very interesting I like Eve have spent most of my life choosing my will instead of that of the Lord. I was raised Catholic as a child with no real understanding of the Lord before I was allowed to make a choice to no longer attend Church. I was saved as an adult on 6/26/07 and I thank you so much for starting this blog as I myself have been struggling with trying to build a better relationship with God and working at staying in his word. I truly enjoyed reading this passage and look forward to the many others over the next six weeks.
ReplyDeleteHere's a thought to the question "why did Adam take the bite of the apple?" Why didn't he stop Eve?
ReplyDeleteCould it be that when Eve took the first bite nothing happened, everything appeared to stay the same. Adam may had thought "Now that's odd" so he figured,why not.
Thier eyes weren't opened until Adam took a bite of the fruit, it was then that they knew that they were naked and hid. Could it be that Adam was made accountable to God and was to be head of the family unit? That it was Adam's seed that would bring sin upon mankind.
Here's another thought...
It was brought to my attention the part where God was looking for Adam (like He didn't no were he was, but it was confession time) and said to Adam "Where are you?"
God also has asked me that question ever now and then.
"Where are you?" in obedience to My Word, "Where are you?" It's time to pray or "Where are you?" I've missed you
My teenage daughter and I read about Eve. I reminded her too that as a teenager that one's curosity is piqued when told to "stay away" from something. As a parent I know that that something is evil and want to protect her from it and its consequences. But we need to trust, just like Eve should have done. Thanks for this opportunity.
ReplyDeleteEve had no one to look back to and say well, she did this so I can...
ReplyDeleteShe was the first woman on earth and she had no idea what the results were going to be. But we do and we still are much like Eve. We don't mean to get mad, or cause others to fall down, but I know I have in my lifetime, and I am more fortunate then Eve becasue I have the Word as my guide, and Jesus who died for my sins, and because He lives, I have His forgivness and am able to say one day I will live in my heavenly home with Him.
I did it! I pray for the discipline to stick with it. This is an awesome idea!
ReplyDeleteEve is a true reflection of me, maybe she felt Adam was a bit to lax and took matters into her own hands, unfortunately. Thank God for His forgiveness, mercy and grace.
i wonder how eve reacted. did she and adam cry? were they in agony from being separated from GOD? how long were they living there before they ate of that tree? why did eve eat of it first? why did the serpent talk to her instead of him?
ReplyDeletehow interesting that they were unashamed. i cannot imagine being naked and being unashamed, of course i'm not married and am a virgin.... and they could eat of ANY tree but that one tree! but that one tree would reveal more than they could even imagine. did they eat of the tree of life? if they did, would they have had to continue eating of it forever to live forever? ...i have TOO MANY questions!!!!!
I liked the part where you said that Eve was the first to encounter God, first in marriage, first to have a child and first to lose one. I don't know how many times, I've read about Eve but never put it in that perspective. Thank you for your insight!!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to more. If this is what we're in for, we better hang on!!
You know, there is the whole good/evil, obedience/disobedience, and knowledge/shame theme going on in this page, but another part of the passage that struck me (probably because of where I am in my life) is how God loved us SO much that he provided a mate for us, right from the start.
ReplyDeleteAdam and Eve were the original couple, because God knows that even when he is with us, we have a hole in our heart shaped like a mate. So, he took Adam's rib and created Eve so that Adam would have someone with whom he could share life.
Eve completed Adam, and I think that makes a powerful statement on how couples should be in today's world. If you look at the relationship that Adam and Eve had, it tells a lot about how relationships between a man and a woman should take place today.
I could go on and on...but I won't. Just thought I would bring another element to the discussion. :)
Jae
I did it!!! This is great, just what I(?) was looking for. Talk about God's timing!! I also pray for the discipline to stay with it!
ReplyDeleteThis is to the mother that is mourning her son..Thank you for giving us the chance to lift you and your family up to the Lord to ease your pain and wipe away your tears. The "why" may not be revealed until you are face to face with God. As hard as it is...please trust in the Lord.
Lorri
My email is twspeelman@msn.com please write to me.
I too did not realize that there were to trees. All the times that I have read or have been taught, I never put two and two together until just now. In verse 22 of chapter 3, ever wonder if the Lord was talking with His angels? It is so neat how God will open your heart, eyes and mind to the things He wants you to see, when you are willing to read His word and receive His blessings.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I read this passage and realized that I can't give Eve a bad rap - I would probably have done the same thing. I find it so hard to obey sometimes, even when I know it is for the best. I think if I can just do it my way, on my time, I would be happier. I know though, how amazing it feels to completely trust God. I know He will give me everything I need. Still, some days I try to make plans for myself on my schedule - or thinking that as soon as I finish school, get married, then I will be in an easier place to trust God. I am going to work more today on trusting God and knowing that He will give me everything I need.
ReplyDeleteIt is a pleasure visiting your sight. I read the verses about about Eve. Thank you for your thoughts. I have just gotten into the habit of spending time doing my daily devotions and I find that I wanted more. I thank God for leading me to your sight. I look forward to visiting tomorrow. I will now do research on Sarah.
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading everyones comments and I can't believe how much I have learned. I look forward to hearing what everyone has to say tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThis is for Anoymous who had the stillborn child last month. My heart goes out to you as I to lost a child 18 years ago. I know the pain and questions you are feeling. If you would like to talk further please e-mail me anytime.
cpiehowski@yahoo.com
Take care of yourself and take comfort in knowing that god is watching over you.
I also noticed that Eve had a battlefield in the mind, she was thinking of all the things that God warned her and then the things that the serpent provoked. Eve had known the warning and could have told the serpent No. However, we all have the battlefield in our minds, and if we noticed the bad/negative things in our minds we also can banish the negativity (giving it to Jesus)and put the Word of God into our minds and we can think of good things then we'll be on the right track!
ReplyDeleteRachel did you know it was going to be such a sucess? I'm sure God is smiling, knowing that all these women are comming together to get to know Him better. And I also have learned more, the two trees and who is He talking to in verse 22, and wow I hadn't considered the fact that the clothing for Adam and Eve was the first Blood sacrifice. It really is so important to stay under God's protection. Because it is so easy to get led astray by Satan's partial truths. He gives us just enough to wonder and wander with... Thanks and looking forward to more. Lynn
ReplyDeleteI did it!~ I've completed my first day and it feels "Fabulous!"
ReplyDeleteI did it! Thanks for the motivation!
ReplyDeleteWeekends are terrible for me. I miss the whole reading deal thing. But I'm loving what I'm reading- both Rachel's and the comments. What a whole bunch of insightful ladies. Hmmmm!
ReplyDeleteThank you all. You have encouraged me greatly today. God bless.
I did it!! I thank you all so much for the wonderful insight. I to as many others have been struggling with making the time to get in the word daily. It has been a real blessing to find this site.....Thank you Rachel.
ReplyDeleteWell, I guess I'm not as insightful as you guys are. Honestly, as I read this I was sad. I was sad because Eve is me. Her impulsive decision to eat the fruit just because Satan was convincing is so something I would do. Go ahead, Lorie...eat that spider and for some unknown reason I would actually consider doing it. (clarification...I would not eat a spider...just an example!)
ReplyDeleteI was also reminded, though, of just how good God is to us! Adam and Eve did the wrong thing yet God clothed and sent them on their way...albeit with some new luggage but ya know...He could have just destroyed them and started again. How much more patient is he with me when he is trying to teach me the same lesson for the 1 millionth time?
Oh it is good to be covered by the blood of Jesus!
And, by the way...if you'd like to contact me all you have to do is click on my name...it will take you to my blog (I believe) then you can click on my profile to find my e-mail address. I'm happy to hear your comments! :O)
Have a great day ladies!
Oh, and click on my name and it goes directly to my profile where you will see a link to my e-mail address.
ReplyDeleteIt is very hard to see what God has in store or why he makes the decisions he does for us. I focused on the "sin" nature we were all given...but like Rachel said, I too would most definately have followed suit! I cannot say I would have told that slimey serpent NO! AND..that goes to say I don't always listen to God when He is saying NO. WOW! That's an OUCH!! What great insights here...
ReplyDeleteI did it, Thank You for helping me to find a way to spend time with God each day! A very interesting topic, and also reading everyone elses comments is so informative and fun!
ReplyDeleteTo the one that lost her baby just a month ago, I too share in your suffering. My husband and I lost our twin boys (born premature 25 weeks). We claimed 2 Samuel 12:23. You will see your baby again and that is a precious promise. God has a way of bringing small blessings in our lives unexpectedly. Be encouraged!!
ReplyDeleteGod is always looking out for us, isn't he?!??! He knew what would happen when she ate that fruit and He knew that He had to keep them from the tree of life, now that they had sinned. I do the same thing that Eve did all the time. I think that I know better and I second guess God. When I do that, I fall into temptation and it's so much easier to sin.
ReplyDeleteI have been getting the Encouragement for Today daily devotional emails for quite some time now. Most days, I find I'm just too busy to read them, I keep them in my inbox for a couple of days and then delete them without a second thought. For some reason I felt a strong urge to read today's devotional. Now I know why! The need to spend some time in the bible has become very strong lately, and I knew that I really needed to re-evaluate my priorities and make time for God. I just didn't know how!! Thank you for making this available. I'm especially thankful to our God who knew what I needed right when I needed it.
ReplyDeleteHello! I am all new to this-not Christianity or Bible reading, but the blogger thing and posting comments and everything that goes along with it, but here goes. I read Rachel's P31 devotion and that is how I ended up here. With 3 small children, not finding time for Bible reading was becoming more a part of my life than i wanted it to, but yet need it more than ever. And I totally understand the having to "make the time," so was very excited about this opportunity. Now then, about Eve! Speaking of feeling guilty, Satan likes to try and tell us we are not everything God wants us to be. I don't read my Bible enough, I am not serving enough, I am not giving enough...
ReplyDeleteI too had not though much about the Tree of Life and that God didn't let them partake in it because he didn't want them to live in the sinful state forever. There is hope, grace and mercy coming. Praise God!!
Thanks Rachel for offering this opportunity. I heard about this, this morning in P31 daily devotions. What strikes me like so many others is the love God shows for his disobedient children and how I need to do the same for my own children. Mine are teens at this time and irresponsibility and disobedience happen. This passage was a great reminder of how God is so faithful and loving when we think we know better and choose to disobey. My children act the same way and so do I. There are consequences but the love still remains. God is so Good all the time!
ReplyDeleteI did it. I am so greatful to be able to participate!
ReplyDeleteEveryone's insights are a blessing to read. Rachel, God is doing a great work with this idea of yours. A thought not mentioned is the influence that Eve had over Adam. We too, need to be aware of how much we influnece our husbands and children for good or for bad. We need to make sure that it is for good. One other thought, God shed the blood to make the coverings for thier nakedness, just as He shed the precious blood of Jesus that covers our "nakeness". What a mighty God we serve. To the sweet sister who lost her baby a month ago, God will meet you, just keep searching for Him. He will help you. You have a lot of sisters in Christ who have prayed for you as they read your comments and will be happy to keep doing so. Email different ones that have said to do so and they will be able to point you to Him who will help you every day.
ReplyDeleteI've always just taken for granted that God wanted to prevent Adam and Eve from eating the tree of good and evil. But, I didn't notice that God really just wanted to protect them from evil because good WAS all they knew. This just confirms again how important it is for me and my husband to continually remind ourselves to trust in God's goodness, even when it doesn't always look that way.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it interesting that Eve's reaction of shame and guilt made her want to hide from God - a feeling so familiar to all of us today. I'd never really thought about that before. What a blessing (and relief) to know that God has such amazing plans for our protection and redemption,
ReplyDeleteIn my reading, just yesterday, a quote was presented, "It is very easy to forgive others their mistakes; it takes more grit and gumption to forgive them for having witnessed your own." -- Jessamyn West ...
ReplyDeleteWOW!! Don't you know this has to be how Eve felt?? ... I know that anytime the Lord, or someone near and dear to me, reveals to me how I've stepped outside of His will for my life, that I truly do feel sorrowful and remorseful and, yes, forgiveness for Him [them] having to witness such sinful behavior.
Thank You, Jesus, for being my Savior, Redeemer, Counselor, Lover of my soul, and Friend! :D I've lived my life without You; knowing what that looks like, I'll never go back, so making time with You, being in God's Word is a gift, a blessing, and the least I can do for what You've done, and continue to do, for ME! :D
I LOVE YOU!! -ja <><
Thank you for the invitation to join this study group. I need this built-in discipline to make that time to spend in the Word.
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
SuzyQue
I too agree that we all can relate to how easily Eve was tempted and sinned. Isn't it wonderful we have such a loving and forgiving God? I am very thankful to have this wonderful opportunity to learn more about the bible. Thank you Rachel & God bless you!
ReplyDeleteWhat struck me the most from this reading is why is it so easy for Eve and us to believe the doubts rather than trust in God, especially when we do not know the reasons behind his ways? It was great to read all the comments.
ReplyDeleteWhat I actually find interesting from this passage is that God did not tell Eve, God told Adam, and even after she ate, their eyes were not open until Adam did. Well I am not blaming Adam, it doesn't say what he was doing or if he was actually there, it says that she ofered it to him. Now we know what God told Adam but not what Adam told Eve, we know she knew something about not eating but what she learned she learned from her husband. There are two things here, exageration in one of them and lack of submission to the husband. As would God have figured it if only Eve had eaten from the fruit? Of course, He is God, would the consequences be different, I don't know but God had commanded it directly to Adam, Adam realized nothing happened to Eve and he ate. One of the things that I have lived in my marriage is how we are one. I can feel my husband as part of me so my theory is that since Adam and Eve were one it was not until the whole (both) ate from the tree that consequences would start, I know that we are individually responsible for our actions but Adam and Eve had a different relationship with God, THey walked in the garden with Him and they talked to Him face to face. When they were expelled from the garden their separation from God began, God is omnipresent but they had to look and pursue Him, which aparently didn't happen. THrough the centuries the separation between God and mankind has been increasing even when God has provided us with ways to go back to Him our hectic schedules like Rachel mentioned make it very difficult to go back to the fellowship Adam & Eve had with God in the garden, Jesus is the second Adam we are not in the garden because we are not pursuing it. He bought us back, we should be looking for that place. Oh I could keep writing but ypu will get bored. Rachel thank you. I love this
ReplyDeleteI did it! Thanks for starting this Rachel. I do read my Bible, but don't always understand everything I read. I'm sure this will help. I'm looking forward to this study with you.
ReplyDeleteJo Ann
I did it. I'm so excited for this opportunity.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rachel--for saying yes to the Lord when He suggested this idea to you. I have a lot of difficulty staying in the Word unless I am doing a Bible study. So, this is absolutely perfect.
ReplyDeleteI am so looking forward to what all you gals have to say about these biblical women; there is nothing like another woman's opinion about a woman to give you greater insight...
In Joy!
I did it! Just what I needed! I came VIA Proverbs 31, todays devotional. God does answer prayers!
ReplyDelete~ Christi
I am just joining the reading group, but I am so excited about the idea of women studying the women of the bible together. I have read several commentaries, and I have enjoyed them, but I believe that as always, we will find something that we've never seen before. I look forward to what God has to teach me about these women and myself.
ReplyDeleteThis study will be such a blessing to me. Today's study shouted "trust and obey." Isn't it amazing how we will readily give our trust to man-made things and processes. But to the Creator, we question, hesitate or just remain downright stubborn and refuse to obey.
ReplyDeleteThank God for Mercy..
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ReplyDeleteThank you for starting this, it right line with the pastor's sermon last night on spending more time in the Word and let His Spirit live more in us. It is easier to undestand how Eve was deceived by Satan, and how innocent he makes things that are wrong seem. It reinforces my awareness to be on guard against the wiles of satan.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to know that someone else feels Eve got a bad rap. I think if I had been her I would have done the same thing. The serpent was very devious (he still is, isn't he?) and probably made it look okay to Eve. I, too, had never thought of why God kept us from the Tree of Life. That He did it to save us from an eternity of living in a sinful state (even after disobeying Him) just shows His great love and mercy towards us. I am so honored to be a part of this study. I have a daily devotional journal here at home, but I don't do it every day like it is planned. I do many days at a time instead. I will be glad to be in a great habit and can't wait to see how my soul feels. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYour Sister in Christ!
I think that I would have done the same thing as Eve. I often realize that I trust people and look for the good in others far to easy. In this trust and hope for trust, I end up hurt and cast out just like Eve. It is amazing how a story that begins time can be relevant to our lives today.
ReplyDeleteI did it.....
ReplyDeleteWhat caught my attention was that Eve was Warned! But like myself, even though I am warned, I have to see for myself then having to deal with the consequences. If those of us that have to experience the warnings would just trust to obey them,then our lives would not be so bruised because disobedience.
So, thank you Rachel for this opportunity and I pray that I grow in the process.
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ReplyDeleteI feel so blessed to have this opportunity to participate in this bible study. This is something that I have been looking for. I am new at this, but am so eager to learn. In May 2007, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I went through chemo and currently undergoing radiation. God has blessed me with a wonderful surgeon who is a very religious and spiritual man. He has held my hand through the entire process. He even invited me to his church and gave me an open invitation to come back anytime. I told him that God is using him, and I have been back many times. It feels so good and natural; like church is where I am supposed to be and worship is what I'm supposed to do. I believe that God is speaking to me through him. I thank God that my ears were open to hear and listen.
ReplyDeleteI think that Eve is no different than any of us. We must always keep in mind that God knows what's best for us. Thinking back on things, I've come to realize this. God already has plans for us. Satan is constantly working overtime to discourage us of this. That is why we must stay in prayer and ask God to help us live by his Word. I thank God for his blessings, mercy and grace.....
I often wonder what it would be like if Eve had never eaten that fruit. I can't even imagine how wonderful it would have been to live in a garden of Eden where there were no worries or hardships. Of course how wonderful it would be if there were no sin. I know that this was all a part of God's plan, but I still wonder.
ReplyDeleteIt did it!! I am very excited about this opportunity. Similar to Christine, I have been getting Encouragement for Today emails for a long time. I used to read them daily, but since I got more busy, I let them pile up, and read about a week's worth at a time. (not ideal) Anyway, I just caught up, so normally I would have let today's go, but for some reason, I clicked on it, and have been on this blog for over an hour now.
ReplyDeleteI think first of all, that this blog Bible study is an EXCELLENT idea!!! Thank you Rachel!
Second, I am truly amazed by all the insights I have gained in reading everyone's responses. For some reason, I don't catch a lot of these things on my own. I have pondered so many things, based on your responses, and don't even feel done.
Anyway, I never noticed the 2 trees before, and I was truly struck by the thought that they were separated from the tree of life so that they/we would not live forever in their/our sinful state! It's easy to see God's amazing love for us when we think of what Jesus has done for us, but I had never seen the magnitude of God's love for us through this passage of Adam and Eve. I never looked past the "sin" and "punishment". I am just so amazed.
She and husband ate from the wrong tree and now the good tree is not there for them. God drove them out of the Garden of Eden.
ReplyDeleteI'm like that too at times. I want to know what is going on to much. Sometimes it gets me in trouble. I don't understand God not letting us know things, but He has our best interest in mind.
Maybe if we knew, we would worry all the time about it. What we would do once that got here. I believe the worry would be to great for us to handle.
Praise God He is so Good.
Debbie
It seemed that Eve got a little distracted and got a tad bit too curious. God restricting her from this tree taught me that all HE wanted her to know, he revealed and that all HE wants me to know, HE will reveal to me. What looks good is not always good for you.
ReplyDeleteI also just felt an indescribable feeling as I read the passage about how GOD built Woman (Eve) from Adam's rib...
I agree this is a great idea hope i can keep it up. Thanksfor all the insight on Eve. What also stood out for me that satan didn't take her to the Tree of Life. Glory to God that AHe took Adam and eve out of the Garden so that we wouldn't live in a state of sin and out of Fellowship with God. Thanks for the insight on the blood being shed that foreshadow Christ I had not thought of that before. Eve has gotten a bad rep but many of us identified with her moving ahead of God, blaming others for our mistakes, refusing to see the part we played. It is a fact of life that there is a consequence to every decision we make good or bad. Each time I look closer at a woman in the Bible it is amazing how much I see in women today. Things change very little no matter how much we advance in knownledge and understanding and how much more we have than Eve had. AS I was reading the comments it occurs to me that the type of fruit it was matters little but I need to look at how often I eat forbidden fruit today vs bearing good fruits.
ReplyDeleteTo the woman that stated she had gotten herself in a situation that she knows God does not want her in I pray that you will see the way that God has provided for you to move out of this situation.
What convicted me was what God said to Eve....that "your husband will rule over you". I am at a point right now where I am struggling with that. Bad decisions that have affected our relationship has caused me to take an upper hand in financial matters, and it makes me feel like I am not letting him 'rule over me', even though I know it will save bad situations in our lives.
ReplyDeleteJust like Eve, we can all mess up, but God is always there to help us learn our lesson and to teach us to be aware of satan. unfortunatelly satan always finds a way attack, so we have to keep our walk wih God strong to fight him and don't fall for his lies.
ReplyDeleteI DID IT!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteSuch great insights on an extraordinary woman. I've been in church my entire life and learned so much from these comments. What an awesome GOD to protect us from living a life forever in sin! I've always believed that everything happens for a reason...and these insights on why Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden just prove that a little more for me.
ReplyDeleteBTW...I came by reading P31...if you're not a member, I strongly recommend it.
Such an awesome idea, Rachel! I look forward to the next 6 weeks of studying with you ladies!!!
I mentioned this earlier, but I am stills ruck by the fact that the first thing Eve did was blame someone else (the snake) and second change the subject (we are naked). The scripture does not mention any attempts at apologizing or asking for forgiveness of their sin. That reminds me of my son, blaming some one else...changing the subject. I know I sin ...but I freely admit it and ask for God's forgiveness
ReplyDeleteThis devotional series came at a perfect time for me -- I was just wondering what I would do 'next' in my devotional life as I have been convicted that I need to seek the Lord more earnestly and more often. So, thanks!
ReplyDeletei have gained much insight from not only reading all the commments on eve but from reading this part of scripture which i have read many time before we tend to take what is said in the passage about eve as fact when you read what they said and many time don't really question what we are reading. each time i read this i think did i really read what was being told to us and not only that but i always have woundered how since Eve could have all she ever wanted how could she so easily fall for the tricks of satan and ruin all that was so peaceful and great in the garden that God have given to them and let the shalom or peace be so easily destroyed. then i think if that eve was able to let satan tricks get her she must be guilliable and so how different she is really from the rest of us. these are just some thoughts i had this reading this . if satan could tempt eve that easily then we too also need be on the look out for his tricks and the ways he gets to take our eyes off God in our own lives
ReplyDeletei have gained much insight from not only reading all the commments on eve but from reading this part of scripture which i have read many time before we tend to take what is said in the passage about eve as fact when you read what they said and many time don't really question what we are reading. each time i read this i think did i really read what was being told to us and not only that but i always have woundered how since Eve could have all she ever wanted how could she so easily fall for the tricks of satan and ruin all that was so peaceful and great in the garden that God have given to them and let the shalom or peace be so easily destroyed. then i think if that eve was able to let satan tricks get her she must be guilliable and so how different she is really from the rest of us. these are just some thoughts i had this reading this . if satan could tempt eve that easily then we too also need be on the look out for his tricks and the ways he gets to take our eyes off God in our own lives
ReplyDeleteOk so I never caught this before but I thought it was interesting that God is the one who made Adam and Eve's clothes. I wonder why that is because they went and hid, but did they know how to make clothes for themselves or was this something new? Just wondered what other thoughts would be on this. I find it amazing that no matter how many times I can read the same scriptures, something new comes about. I'm in awe.
ReplyDeleteWhat stuck out to me the most in in Genesis 3:16 it says that the woman will want to control her husband but he will rule over he. And it stuck out to me because as a stay at home with a special needs boy, I am very controling of the happening of my house and that really said to me that I need to be less controling.
ReplyDeleteI have always been curious about this story. Why did Eve feel compelled to taste the fruit? I am such a rule follower that I probably wouldn't have taken the fruit, but then again, I might have because as a woman I want to be in control. If I can have more knowledge, a better understanding then I feel like a better person.
ReplyDeleteWhat really jumped out at me was that they didn't know about EVIL only GOOD... so was the serpent possible tempting them with the idea that EVIL was better than GOOD... since they had no conception of the word yet???? Never looked at that possiblity before now.
ReplyDeleteGod did tell Adam not to eat from the tree, but Eve obviously knew - she told the serpent that.
ReplyDeleteI really gained a lot of perspective from all of you ladies. Thank you for sharing, and thanks, Rachel, for doing this.
I am happy to join in on this six weeks session. What i got from the reading was that we are aware of good and bad and its a choice to be taken which road to follow despite any influences and there are consequences to face as a result of our choices.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this study. Being impulsive is something I have been struggling with and find it is something I have in common with Eve.
ReplyDeleteHow much pain would we avoid if we would Be Still and Know that He is God...if we would seek Him in all we do...if we would trust Him. Praise God for His Mercy Endures Forever.
I have always wondered why Eve even spoke to the serpent.He must have been very different looking.We know that Satan was the most beautiful Angel in heaven befor he fell,he must have chosen the most beautiful creacher to use to speak to her.God knew that the fruit looked good to the eye,but also contained evil within it and if eaten it would alter the one who ate of it.Thus they would die spiritully.Hence the leaving of the garden befor they could eat of the tree of life and live in that state for eternity.
ReplyDeleteA pastor once told me that women don't realize how much power they really do possess. When I read about Eve, I'm reminded of that power. We have the power to speak life or death. If you don't pray, then you won't stay. If you won't fast, then you won't last. Be encouraged my sisters! To God be the glory!
ReplyDeleteIsnt it amazing how we just cant believe and depend on our creator and trust Him. Adam and Eve had all that they needed and then some...They basically said "God, its not enough!" Yet we see what love God has for us...right after Adam and Eve sinned...God started taking care of them by providing coverings for their nakedness. He is so forgiving and faithful...even when we don't ask!
ReplyDeleteLike Eve, I always want to know as well. I want to reason everything. And as humans, we can't reason God. But we can trust God. I must remember that...and remember that...and remember that.
ReplyDeleteWow! I learned a lot just reading what everyone else had to say. I am so glad to be a part of this.
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome. Love seeing so many women coming together online!
ReplyDeleteI've read this passage countless times and also somehow didn't realize that there were two trees. And with most other things that don't seem to make sense to me, God has a reason and I have faith that it was with all good intentions. Can't wait to see what our reading is for tomorrow. Rachel, thank you for putting this together!
I'm sorry but we talk about God's plan. I've been told that God knows all that he's had a plan from the beginning, that he gave us free will. Someone please explain why he put the snake in the garden. He must have known what was to happen, was it part of the plan? I get that Satan was the fallen angel who wanted to be better than God but God had/has the power he could have sent Satan to hell right from the get/go why put him in the garden clothed as a snake that could tempt a new young woman into sin? I stumble over this all the time and I'm not seeing it in anyone elses' comments. Maybe I missed some. Am I the only one? I'm a new Christian, less than a year old. I wonder can I really be a Christian and have this question unanswered?
ReplyDeleteI don't know about the knowing good thing. I believe Adam and Eve knew Life as that is the tree they were eating from. When we begin to choose good or evil or 'life' then that is when we can begin to get into trouble.
ReplyDeleteJust because something is good doesn't mean it's God.
Just a thought.
Completed the reading. God suprised me one day when I was reading about the fall of man with the ideal that it was not the action of eating the forbidden fruit, but sin of pride that got Eve. She wanted something that she didn't have, spent time hanging around the desired item and her comments to the serpent revealed that she had been thinking about what God had said, maybe even looking for a loop hole. Now that's something that I am guilt of.
ReplyDeleteSorry.. I wrote the post about good and evil vs. life. What I meant to say is that when we choose good or evil 'over' life then we can get into trouble. Next time I'll proof read before I post.
ReplyDeleteOne thing i found interesting, is that so many of us have admitted that we have a characteristic of "wanting to know"- as it appears that Eve did as well. Thought- God made her that way, but perhaps Eve wasn't using her "talents" or "gifts" as God had intended her to use them. I know that the Bible says that we are 'wonderfully made', but we must be so careful to use our talents, gifts and qualities to glorify the Lord! Having the desire to "know more" or perhaps even "posess more"(fruit from the forbidden tree) could be our downfall, but just as easily - it could be used to know more about HIM, and let's be sure to keep it pointed in the right direction- UPWARD!
ReplyDeleteAnother thought- i just wonder what Eve's first reaction or thought was after she tasted that forbidden fruit? Do you even think that it tasted as good as she hoped or expected?
Thanks for the opportunity to begin this study in such a creative and interesting way!
I DID IT!! Thank you Rachel! I am looking forward to the next 6 weeks.
ReplyDeletekerry..
ReplyDeleteI believe that God wants us to be obedient and love him not because he can coerce us to do so but because we choose to. Think about your children if you have them....you want them to love you because they choose to...not because you make them. To me that is real love!!The trees were put there to test their obedience...they failed to choose to just love God and obey His commands. God created all of us with free choice...Satan included....he chose to be disobedient and then now he is trying to take the rest of the world to hell with him. God doesnt create all of the negative circumstances...but he permits them. we choose how we respond to them. He is always in control and we can learn from our mistakes...and believe me...we all make them. The great thing is that when we fall in love with Him and then choose to obey him...we still arent sinless...but we sin less. Our hearts respond to His love and we are under His wings of protection. This is why I am so happy we are doing this study together. Spending time in the Word and with the Word gives us strength to obey Him. The busyness of life has taken a toll on me and I find myself distracted from spending time with God daily. What is funny is that most of the busyness is my serving Him!! Thanks Rachel for having this daily study...I know it will take effort...it sure is exciting to know that I am on my way back to His arms again! Thanks
Hi I just wanted to come back when I had time to post after getting a google account set up.
ReplyDeleteI am the one who posted about my husband having cancer for the forth time in the last 16 years and I just wanted to say thank you again for having this study.
Not being able to get involved right now at church because of my husbands illness and work makes this such a wonderful thing. I have study on my own but always wish I could get some feed back.
Thanks again and see you tomorrow.
Thanks Rachel
ReplyDeleteI did it!!
This is awesome.
I have to say this was the first time I realized as well that there were two trees, and that God kept Adam and Eve from eating of the tree of life so they did not live forever in sin. In that case it makes me happy to know that I will eventually meet the end of my days. Honestly I am not scared to die because I know exactly where I am going, but I can't say there is not a part of me that is leery of just wanting a direct and immediate one way ticket to heaven. I just feel like although this is a wretched world that my work is not done and I don't want to leave until it is. I am so thankful for God's love and compassion and for the fact that he sent his one and only son to die on a cross for the sins that I committ every day. That is definitely one special type of love and I am so glad someone cares for me in that way. I just already am really enjoying this study and I am so thankful I have found it in time to start. I can't see what God has prepared for me and I am anxious for more to come. God is wonderful....no honestly, he's magical!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis passage from the bible reminds me of how intuitively we know what is right and wrong, or sometimes like in Eve's case it's spelled out for us, this is because it's actually keeping us from harm or from trouble. Yet, often still we persist in going down that road.
ReplyDeletePlant lady I think you're right. We focus on all the things we're not supposed to do instead of all the things we can do. Hmm... that's a bit negative. Glass half empty, half full.I want to be more positive and surrond myself with positive people.
Thanks so much for providing this opportunity! It has been way too long since I have studied on a daily basis. Looking forward to tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your insight. The passage we read is very significant for women. I loved your reference to all the "firsts" Eve experienced. This shows clearly that we are not alone in our sufferings. I'm not sure how we determined the type of fruit Eve ate (fig vs apple). I missed something. Can you provide some direction?
ReplyDeleteI did it...
ReplyDeleteIn fact I have never participated in a Bible study before, even though I have been thinking about trying one. The Lord sent me right here through your devotional that I almost deleted by accident today. I hope this will help me feel comfortable and motivated to try a Bible study in the future...
Thank you, Rachel.
I found it interesting the powerful struggle of good & evil and how prevalent it is in today's world. If we are not careful, Satan will trap us just as he did Eve. We need to keep our eyes focused on God at all times.
ReplyDeleteFrom RL
ReplyDeleteAmazing that this is where we started...though why I continue to be surprised by God is still a mystery to me!!! I'm reading "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" by Joanna Weaver - amazing book!!! She relates the "curse of anxiety" - the ongoing burden of worry and fear that plagues mankind back to Eve and the forbidden fruit. She says that perhaps Eve saw it as "power play" on God's part to forbid the fruit-that maybe God was withholding something good - but instead of receiving "godlike power, they were terrified but instead of running back to Him, they hid from Him!"
(How often in our own lives do we do that when we try to take control, it blows up in our face and yet we run from Him instead of back to Him...)
Joanna continues on to say that she "thinks it was more than simple frear of God's wrath that sent Adam and Eve diving for cover. For the first time, the man and the woman saw themselves apart from God. Like two children lost and alone, they suddenly saw Eden as a frightening place rather than a beautiful paradise. Suddenly, with the knowledge of good and evil, came shadows and dark corners, strange sounds and frightening noises. No longer were they safe under God's protection. With the bite of the apple came the stark, terrible truth: Adam and Eve were on their own. So like naughty litttle kids, they ran and hid, trying to buy enough time to figure a way out of this snake-induced mess. Cut off by their own disobedience from the very God they needed, they grew chronically fearful and anxious."
This really got me thinking - I know God reveals things in His time and we have to listen. HE HAS MY ATTENTION and I know I need to give my worry and fear to Him and TRUST Him and His timing in ALL things...can I do it...I'm trying!!!
I did it!!!!
ReplyDeleteI did it!!! And Julie - your comment "The great thing is that when we fall in love with Him and then choose to obey him...we still aren't sinless...but we sin less." is right on!!! Thank you for sharing it
ReplyDeleteLia
Questions flooded my mind as I read this... why did God put that serpent there? why did God put curiousity in Eve's mind? How and when did Adam and Eve learn to sew fig leaves? and when God clothed them, what kind of outfits did he create? ha ha yes all of those actually did pop into my head. But on a serious note, this had to be the perfect lesson for this time in my life. My desire to know and have it all is reflected in so many aspects of my life. Work- I've got a new job and get irritated when I do not know how to perform a task or I don't perform as well as my co-workers. Social- I want to be everywhere at once and my mood drops dramatically when conversations move to a subject I know nothing about (the intelligent ones). Family- I believe I know more than my mother and have always experienced things for myself after much warning from her. Also I have had this indying jealousy for my beautiful blonde bombshell of a cousin-- I want all she has and knows and have recently been questioning why she has gotten the life she has and I have the one I have. I love my life... untill I look at hers. Tonight I have been able to begin (becuase it doesn't happen in a split second) to come in acceptance of God's plan for me and rejoice in it... for I know it will be spectacular. Sorry so long friends... alot to say about this one =)
ReplyDeleteIf both Adam and Eve were naked from creation, then who/what made them realize they now needed to hide some body parts? What makes us hide some body parts and not others? What should be hidden seems to be more culturally determined than innate, and more often by men?
ReplyDeleteThe serpent got punished/disciplined by God first, then Eve, and finally Adam.
How Eve’s fall impacts me: childbearing pain, desire for male that makes me subservient to man. See 3:16 "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you."
Before the Fall, did the battle of sexes exist? Man and woman were open towards each other; she was from his side, not his head nor his feet; man listened to woman’s entreaty, but made his own choice.
Because Eve had not eaten of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, how was she to know that she was being deceived by the serpent’s suggestion until after the eating? Is challenging and disobeying God’s order innate to humans and animals? And now that results in the ultimate reality — death?
Was this the first slaughtering of animals? And by God Himself? It seems God did not accept the “fig leaf coverings” that Adam and Eve had made. See 3:21“The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.”
Help me to know you, Lord, and what you require of me.