Poison or Fruit

I'm accepting the "Read the Bible in a Year" Challenge from Mark Batterson in his book, "Primal." I've always wanted to do this and even have a Bible designed for this purpose. And yet, I do not make it all 365 days. Why my precious Savior isn't worth my time on a daily basis for a daily intimate conversation is truly beyond me. Intimacy requires time and concentration; undivided attention to the details in the words and meanings.

So, in remembrance of my weaknesses, I am getting a headstart! :) Genesis 1-4 shows us God active participation in our lives...the very beginning of our lives. Over and over in chapter 1 it tells us, "God spoke...and there it was." As a result of His voice everything we see, and everything we don't see came into being. His voice produces fruit...and not just actual fruit made during creation! (apple, anyone?)

God spoke goodness over His creation as He contemplated His work. He took pride in His workmanship and teamwork as He called on the Son and Holy Spirit to join Him in creating man. This time, however, He got His hands dirty. He got involved with His entire being in creating man, including His very breath that entered Adam.

With His voice, God invited Adam to participate in His creation by giving him the privilege of naming every living creature. With His voice, He offered Adam an opportunity to keep the Garden of Eden in order and even gave him delicious food to eat. God also gave the first instruction when He told Adam to eat of any tree except one.

Satan also had a voice, in the form of the serpent and he used his voice to deceive and tempt. Eve used her voice in response with inaccurate information. She changed what God had actually instructed to make it seem more confining and restrictive. Eve also used her voice to influence Adam to join her in disobedience. Unfortunately, Adam did not use his voice to tell her, "No!"

Once again, with His voice, God searches for Adam. He wants to have a conversation; to share intimacy with His very creation. Instead, God must use His voice for correction; for discipline. I love Genesis 3:21. In the midst of disciplining His children, God shows compassion by making leather clothing for Adam and Eve. Then, He dresses them Himself. Talk about a designer label and stylist! Vera Wang's got nothing on Him.

In Genesis 4:6-7, God is once again instructing when He talks with Cain and He says, "Sin is lying in wait for you, ready to pounce; it's out to get you, you've got to master it." That same instruction is repeated in II Corinthians 10:5. "Take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ." Remember Ropes. Handcuffs. Duct Tape.

God used His words to give life; to produce fruit in creation and in our lives. Satan used words to kill; to poison a relationship that Adam and Eve had with their Creator.

"Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit - you choose." Proverbs 18:21

What words will you choose today?

Poison? Fruit?