Then the eyes of both of them were opened and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. (Genesis 3: 7)

It all started with an apple. God had told Adam and Eve that they could pick and eat any of the fruit in the garden, but this one lone tree was to be left alone. They were not to touch the fruit of that particular tree. It was, as scripture tells us, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Without the discernment of good or evil, they did not understand their nakedness and there was nothing to be ashamed of.

The knowledge of good and evil, the differences in each human being, the variances in instilled value systems, all these combined serve to create judgmental-ism within each of us, and this judgmental-ism and comparisons between ourselves and those around us creates the “I want – me first” attitude that seems to rule the world today.

Each time we cry out, “I want, I want,” or “what about me? – what’s in it for me?”, we are plucking another apple from the same tree that Adam and Eve were told not to touch. The world is so busy picking the apples from that tree that most people cannot see the truths Jesus came to teach us. The tree of knowledge of good and evil did not disappear from the garden when Adam and Eve were driven out. It still exists today and is constantly being harvested by those who seek personal recognition, honor and a distinguished place above others. It is the self-seeking human beings on their own pedestals that are picking the fruit of that very same tree.

John spoke of the lamb “who takes away the sin of the world.” Note that he speaks of a single “sin,” not a multitude of sins. That sin is “self”! Jesus taught us to serve others, to wash feet and to be compassionate toward all. It’s time to get outside of ourselves and stop picking the apple. Leave the apple alone!

God of all creation, may we see through Your Son the opportunities that will lead us away from the apple tree and into the service of others!

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your sibling; then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5: 23, 24)

In the congregation of Corinth there were some tense times at the fellowship meals. The church was made up of people who were very diverse in nature. Some were rich and some were poor. Part of the church celebration in this community was a combination potluck and communion service. When the rich folks came to the service, they ate heartily of what they and their friends had brought. When the workers showed up later, with less food, they felt left out and rightly so. Paul wrote his letter to them in part to point out that what was intended and “communing,” or coming together, was not really what was happening. Paul pointed out that if they were unable to show Christian fellowship in a “communion” service, they should forget the potluck and eat at home.

Communion means together whether it is in the solemn, reflective observance of the Lord’s supper or in the bubbly atmosphere of a church gathering. It is still communion.

We need to remember that Christ knew no class structures. We need to be able to leave our degrees, our company positions, our IQ’s and overall agendas at the door and meet everyone in “communion” on a level plane, a plane of mutual respect and dignity as equals in the eyes of the heavenly Parent.

Father-Mother-Parent God, look down with mercy upon Your children and the sibling rivalry that the world engages in. Help us to love and respect one another as equals in Your unerring sight!

And be kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)

An old legend tells of a covey of quail that lived in a forest. They would have been happy except for their enemy, the quail catcher. He would imitate their call, and then when they gathered together, he would throw a net over them, stuff them into his hunting basket, and carry them off to market.

One wise quail said, “Brothers and sisters, I have a plan. When the fouler puts his net over us, we each should put our heads through a section of the net and flap our wings in unison. We can lift the net and fly away with it.” All were in agreement. The next day, they did just that, making a successful escape. After several days, the fowler’s wife asked him, “Where are the quail to take to market?” He replied, “The trouble is that all the birds work together and help one another escape.”

Awhile later, one quail began to fight with another. “I lifted all the weight on the net. You didn’t help at all!” he complained. The other quail became angry and before long, the entire covey was quarreling. The fouler saw his chance. He imitated the cry of the quail and cast his net over them. Preoccupied with the quarreling, they didn’t help one another and lift the net in flight.

If we concentrate on the faults of others, we lose sight of our togetherness and helpfulness, and that can be the undoing of all concerned.

Holy God of Justice and Love, guide us in our interactions with one another that we might uplift and help and keep us from the snare of the evil one that can happen when our focus is on the negative things!

Martha said to Jesus, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God.” (John 11:27)

I watched one afternoon as a squirrel scampered down the tree outside my house. It saw me and, for a moment, stopped and hung upside down, studying me carefully. Its bright eyes darted from side to side. I sighed. I felt that life had just turned upside down for me and I was envious of the little creature who could cling so effortlessly upside down and wished I could manage the same thing.

I’m not alone when it comes to feeling the upheaval of the world. Events had turned Martha’s life upside down. Her beloved brother, Lazarus, had died. And the one person who could have made a difference had, inexplicably, shown up four days too late. Martha could have asked “Why?” but chose instead to say, “I believe.”

When we do not understand the turmoil around us, our natural inclination is to panic rather than trust. But Martha’s example teaches us that Christ always knows timing. Our trust in God can keep us stable in the most tumultuous of times.

Most Holy God, Your timing is always right. Help us to hold on when our world is topsy-turvy, knowing that You will be there!

The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers. (1 Peter 3:12)

Many years ago, prior to the building of the Interstate Highways, many northern motorists learned of a speed trap on the road to Florida. The sign was plain: 35 mph. But the road was clear and local motorists were zipping along at 50. However, if a Michigan license plate just moved with the flow of traffic, the driver went to court and paid a heavy fine.

Christians are out-of-state drivers on this earth. Peter calls us “strangers and sojourners.” It is no surprise that people of the earth, the worldly majority, are setting up “speed traps” for the believers in hopes of catching us doing or saying something wrong as we pass through on our way to heaven.

Around us non-Christians are “speeding” and driving recklessly with obscene language, lying, pushing selfish agendas and indulging in all sorts of behavior that they would immediately confront in another if they saw it. A double standard exists if one is known to be a Christian.

So what should we do? Peter suggests that we follow the “Speed limit.” In other words, if Christian behavior is defined a certain way, we need to live that way and give no cause or credence to those who watch for some spiritual infraction.

Anyone out there got a better idea than that?

Holy God of Justice, may we walk in Your light and walk a right path as the world waits to ensnare us in its own behavior!

Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God doth go with thee, Who will not fail thee nor forsake thee. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

On a summer morning as he was fixing his breakfast, Ray Blankenship looked out his window to see a young girl being swept along in the rain-flooded drainage beside his Ohio home. Blankenship knew that farther downstream, the ditch disappeared with a roar underneath the road and emptied into a main culvert.

Ray dashed from his home and raced along the ditch, trying to get ahead of the flailing child. Finally, he hurled himself into the deep, churning water. When he surfaced, he was able to grab the girl’s arm. The two tumbled end over end and then, within about three feet of the yawning culvert, Ray’s free hand felt something protrude from the bank. He clung to it desperately, the tremendous force of the water trying to tear him and the child away.

By the time fire department rescuers arrived, Blankenship amazingly had pulled the girl to safety. Both were treated for shock. In that heroic moment, Ray Blankenship was at even greater risk than most people realized–he could not swim.

Today, let your response to the needs of others be made out of courage and trust in God, not out of personal fear.

Holy Creator, in our dealings with one another, may Your Holy Spirit fill us with courage that we do not have. May You guide us and strengthen us to do things that we cannot or will not do on our own!

This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise of Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 3:6)

Some great gifts come into our lives quietly, even without awareness. They may not come because of our effort or planning; they simply happen and show up. Consider the gift of God’s love. This great gift may come to us in unexpected places or times, by surprising means.

I think of my neighbor, who enjoys gardening and grows lovely flowers in his backyard. Though a tall fence separates our yards, through a small hole a vine of dark green leaves has now overflowed into my side, bringing unexpected beauty to my own yard.

This vine has caused me to consider the sometimes subtle ways God comes into our lives. Though we may attempt to fence God out, the Spirit of God in Jesus Christ comes in through even the tiniest openings. Small tendrils of love come into our minds and souls, sharing God’s greatness and grace until we recognize God’s presence. Whether this love comes quietly or openly, it brings beauty and healing to make us whole on the inside, as much as we will allow.

Loving God, may the vines of Your love invade my space through every tiny opening that I am unaware of until I can stand in Your presence and know with all certainty that You are walking with me!