Lessons from Adam and Eve's Mistakes

I am hoping that as we do the The Story we can extract a few lessons and principles and truths that will help us all grow spiritually and become great leaders and disciple makers together. Here are few (of the potentially many) that I will share from this week's lesson.
Remember Who is in control.
In the beginning ...God.  He created everything.  He created you and I.  He loves us so much and knows the plans that He has for us.  He knows everything about You and knows the influence you will have on others. If we choose well and obey Him and trust Him he will direct our paths because He wants you to live a blessed life ... a life that others will want to have too.  If we sin there are consequences but we don't have to remain in sin.  We can be thankful that we know the end of the story and that we have a redeemer who is Jesus Christ, who is able to forgive all our sins and who cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

Remember to Walk and Talk with Him Before Adam and Eve committed the original sin in the garden, God came down to have fellowship with His kids daily.  He loved to talk with them, play with them, listen to them, teach them.  Everyday God would set aside time to have "quality" time with His kids.  Someday this kind of relationship with God will be perfectly restored.  In the meantime, we should still take time to spend time with Him each and every day.  By His Holy Spirit and as we read His Word, He speaks to us very plainly.  We can rest in Him and simply listen to His voice as His Holy Spirit speaks to our spirit.  As sheep of our Shepherd (Jesus), we will know His voice.  And of course we can talk to Him the same way that you and I can talk with one another.  We can be honest with Him and tell Him anything.  He hears our prayers.  He listens. He understands.  And as required and at just the right time He acts, He answers, He makes things happen on our behalf so that He can receive all the glory as He works things out.  Spend time daily with Him!
Remember we all mess up and make mistakes Some of you remember PBPGIFWMY (Please Be Patient God Isn't Finished With Me Yet). That is so true!  Don't be like Adam and Eve and Cain ... blaming someone else for their mistake or sin or bad attitude.  We need to be honest, be genuine, be humble, be willing to confess our sin, say we are sorry and make things right when necessary. Let's not hide and be ashamed and become hypocrites (pretending to be someone we are not).  We can be washed clean and continually seek to become like Him.  O To Be Like Thee!
Don't Take "Short Cuts"  As you lead make sure you take enough time to prepare for the weekly study and don't leave it to the last minute.  Spend time with Him.  Pray.  Study to show yourself approved.  And then let Him have control over what happens in your small group as you let Him take the lead..  You do your part and He will do His part in your life and the lives of others. Pray for those who are in your group, pray for one another (leaders) and if time permits, pray for me.