January 2 Genesis 3-4 & Mark 1:14-28

The first twelve chapters of Genesis are not meant to be simply a literal source of how the world and human realities came about. They contain a much more profound reality. Not only do we know that sin came into the world, but that it is something we choose to grasp. Genesis says, “So she took some of its fruit...” “Took,” being the operative word. May we open our hands to God and allow him to place in them what is best for us. May we not hide from God, but be open to seeing and be seen by Him in whatever way he comes to us today. May the truth come from us, not excuses if we make a mistake may we honestly own it. Remember that God will NEVER stop caring for us and about us. He is God, and we are not. Cain did not hear with his heart the words of God, “Then the LORD said to Cain: Why are you angry? Why are you dejected? If you act rightly, you will be accepted; but if not, sin lies in wait at the door: its urge is for you, yet you can rule over it.” God is life and love in himself, and Satan is a created being. In God and with God we find strength. "At that time people began to invoke the LORD by name," this is the most important line. Is it time for you to start praying? To call on the name of the Lord? It is time to believe in the Gospel. To believe from a Hebrew understanding is not simply the assent of the mind. To believe is to give to God all, your mind, heart, soul, and body. We see how committed the first followers of Jesus were, no if's, but's or and's, they followed unreservedly and unconditionally. How are you following the way of Jesus?