Thinking about Eve

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.  It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.  It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do."  2 Timothy 3:16-17

I hope you are enjoying both the fictional story of Evie and the Biblical analysis of Eve!  I have to admit, Evie captivated me.  I totally identified with her when she was surprised at how she arrived at the forbidden gazebo.  More often than I can count, I have been in her shoes.  I've gotten to a place, (emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually) and wondered, "How did I get here?"  Without realizing it, I had wandered down a path I had hoped to never trod.

Our opening Scripture is exactly why we study God's Word!  It is literally an instruction book for living.  We can learn something, even from 'bad girls'.  Let's see what we can learn together!

After reading the chapter, I took a look at the Study Guide in the back of the book and the questions in the Workbook (you do not need the workbook).  The workbook has great questions and lots of Scripture to add to our understanding, but it's quite extensive.  The Study Guide has a lot fewer questions & Scripture, but leaves out a few of my favorite points.

So, regardless of which book you have, I'd like to give you some things to think about as you read or after you read "All About Evie".  Grab you pen & journal and think in ink!

These questions are paraphrased from Bad Girls of the Bible workbook,  by Liz Curtis Higgs.

Have you ever walked into a trap of doubting God's Word in your own heart (because of what someone else has said) or feeling ill-equipped when you're face to face with someone else who does?

Ms. Higgs gives us a few verses that tell us about God's Word and how we should handle it.
Read Proverbs 30: 5-6, Luke 11:28, and 2 Timothy 3: 16-17.  How do these verses help us when we find ourselves getting tangled up in a discussion about God's Word?

Eve's eyes, her physical eyes and her metaphorical eyes, led her astray.  "The woman was convinced.  The fruit looked so fresh and delicious, and it would make her so wise!"  Genesis 3: 6a, NLT.  Can you relate?  How have your eyes led you down a rocky road?  In this group of questions, the author asks us to re-write a few passages to make them more personal.  We've done this before and it's one of my favorite ways to connect Scripture to my life.  Liz asks us to re-write each statement with "I will..."

    

    Psalm 119:10

    Hebrews 10:25

    2 Timothy 2:22

    2 Timothy 2:23

    Colossians 3:2

    Colossians 3:5

    Colossians 3:8

Now choose one to put into action today!  Underline it, highlight it, *star it*, write it on sticky notes to put on your mirror, in your car, and on your computer.  Write down one specific way you will put this into action.  Will you share your action Scripture with us in the Comments?  I'd love to hear from you and support you on your journey.

These are just a few points to consider; there are many others!

Other issues to examine include Eve's (& our):

  * desire to "do it ourselves", be in control of our lives, be like God; 

  * resisting, or not, the urge to sin; 

  * leading others to sin; 

  * coving up our sin; and 

  * shifting blame for our mistakes.  

What can we learn from Eve on these points? 

I hope that as you read and the story of Eve stays with you, that your eyes will be opened to what can be learned from her experience.  Consider how we modern women aren't all that different from Eve and how each of us faces similar dilemmas in our lives.  Turn to Scripture to learn and to equip yourself to face these challenges.

I look forward to reading your Comments and discussing "the mother of all bad girls", Eve!

Your Partner in Ministry,

Shelly
warrior

"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."  Proverbs 16:24