When Gardening Was Easy

03 / Sun –Read Genesis 2:8-9, 16 / Genesis 3:1-13, 17-19, 23-24

Overview: Gardening/farming all began in the garden (of Eden), making it the first (and oldest) profession. It was easy and good. Then sin entered the picture. The result? Now gardening/farming is a lot of hard work.

04 / Mon – Before you plant  |  Read Genesis 1:1-12 / Psalm 23:1-4 / Matthew 7:7-8

Some prerequisites were needed before that first garden could grow. In the beginning, there was only darkness and chaos. So God created and separated…light from darkness, the water below from the sky above and dry land from the sea. All the elements any vegetation would need to thrive: air, soil, sunshine and rain. God will provide what you need to grow too. Is there any chaos in your life right now? Do things look dark or confusing and you need God’s light to shine on it? Is your soul dry and crusty instead of lush and green? Take it to the Lord. He would love to help you thrive.

05 / Tue – Father knows best  |  Read Proverbs 3:5-7

Have you heard the meaning of sin defined for children? Sin is when I tell God NO. Whether He commands us to do something or He says we are to stop doing something, sin answers the same way: I don’t want to. The first sin, sometimes called the original sin, happened when the first man and woman believed they knew better than God did. What a destructive lie. Is there something in your life today that God is directing you to do or to stop doing? How will you answer Him?

06 / Wed – Choices bring consequences  |  Read Genesis 3:5-6 / James 1:13-15

What was so tempting to Eve in v6? What were the benefits the serpent pointed out to her in the action she was contemplating (v5)? Some have said this is God’s fault because He gave her access. Yet isn’t that what He allows for all of us? It boils down to the question of who you will trust …your own understanding of the circumstances before you or God’s. The level of your obedience is rooted in your knowledge of who God is. Is He a killjoy or an understanding Father you will love and obey?

07 / Thu – Fruit, part 1  |  Read Galatians 5:19-21 / Galatians 5:13, 16

Speaking of fruit, read this description. Now look around. Can you spot any of these exhibited in today’s world? In your country? Your state? Your hometown? Have any seeped into your life? It is difficult to remain untainted by what you see and hear but Paul’s warning in v 21b can be an excellent motivator. What is your aim in life? How can you avoid drifting into the wrong thoughts, attitudes or actions? It is possible (v 16). Just like Adam and Eve, you get to choose.

08 / Fri – Fruit, part 2  |  Read Galatians 5:22-26

Here is the good fruit. How do you maintain it? Some may be easier because of the way God has created you. So which are more difficult for you to exhibit? One of the most powerful ways to grow daily is the last fruit mentioned…self-control. Throughout history, the lack of it has ruined many lives and God’s reputation. Especially the things that are allowed in secret. One adage from times past is “be sure your sin will find you out.” It is good to ask what might happen if others discover what you are hiding. Then exert that self-control muscle and do the right thing. God will help you.

09 / Sat – Half-truths deceive  |  Read Genesis 3:4 / John 8:32

The serpent was right about one thing. They didn’t die physically with that first bite but it did cause spiritual death by opening a great chasm between them and their Creator. And it exists right up until this day. No amount of human effort can bridge the gap but the good news? It didn’t stop Him from crossing over to us. Jesus made a way for us to reconnect with the Father who loves us dearly and misses us. Now it’s your turn. Will you choose to accept His offer wholeheartedly? In every area of your life? Hold nothing back. It’s the only way.