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In this generation with social media we all have an opinion. Strong opinions. We know what others say and think, because they seem to hold nothing back. They post their strong feelings and beliefs, often shaming others for not believing what they believe.

Why is society unraveling? Because they don’t really know what God said.

We know what others say, but do we know what God said? We need to turn down the voice of the world and turn up the voice of God.

Did you know that in the very beginning shame didn’t exist? God didn’t create us to carry shame. If you read the Genesis account, shamedidn’t enter into the picture until after the man and woman sinned against God.Do I mean by eating the fruit from the tree of good and evil? Yes, and no. Theywere disobedient in that action for sure, yet their sin against God was morethan that. They actually placed the word of someone else (the serpent ordeceiver) above the word of God. They knewwhat God said, and even quoted Him to the serpent, but then took the bait ofthe “father of lies.” The word of God is of no effect if you don’t do it.

It was only then that the felt ashamed. God returns to the garden to walk among them – and make no mistake – God already knew what had happened – but the man and woman were hiding from God. Hiding in shame. Aware of their disobedience.

The Bible says in John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I (Jesus) came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

When we belong to God, when we do what He tells us ensures our eternity with Him – asking Jesus into our hearts and inviting Him to be the LORD and Savior of our lives, we are guaranteed salvation. We are part of God’s family. Our salvation cannot be taken from us by the deceiver. However, the deceiver tries to take the things God does to help us, dignify us, and guide us to live a fruitful life and spin a different story in our minds. He tries to convince us that God is actually wanting to rip us off, attempting to convince us that God’s ways keep us from what is better or more enjoyable. He knows that if he can’t get our souls, he can still steal our fruitfulness. And so he does.Heaping on shame, and stealing our testimony or witness.

The question really is: Do you and I trust the character ofGod? Do we actually believe that God is good and always does good? If we do trust and believe that God is good, and His character can be trusted we are called to do as He says – to live in obedience to His commands. Obedience is not legalism. We might be pressured to believe so by our culture, but it isn’t. Obedience is what leads to a flourishing life – a life that bears much fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control). God isn’t trying to restrict us. God is trying to launch us in to our destiny and purpose!

We need to stop falling for the same tactics meant to cripple us, and remember who we are. We are children of the King. We need to become really familiar with what God says, and stop listening to the same old garden tactic of the deceiver “Did God really say…” Friends, he did this with Adam and Eve – yes, but remember this was the same tactic he was using with Jesus in the wilderness! It is the same tactic that is being used today! “Did God really say…?”

The Word was not meant to be twisted. It was meant to be known. Followed. To be used as a tool to guide us. God wants us to be obedient because He loves us and knows what blessings and protection come from living a life that aligns with what He says. And whenever we believe the lie and elevate someone else’s word above God’s it comes at a cost.

Friend, my prayer for each of us is that we come to know of God’s great love and plans for us. May we each be made aware of His purpose for our lives. May we be aware of the attempts to destroy our fruitfulness whenever we are presented with the lies, “Did God really say…” or other attempts atputting anything before God and His word.

God wants us to live lives that bear much fruit. He wants the best for us. His word can be trusted.

Blessings!