The scripture for today, February 8 (2/8), is Genesis 2:8 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

“Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed.”

Just think: Mankind’s nursery was a garden. How God wanted to spoil us, his children. And dote on us.

He even visited us sometimes and walked with us through the beautiful home he gave us and walked with us in the cool of the evening. It was the first of many times in the future he would walk with man. It was a beautiful time.

Then jealous Satan came along and lied to us. He claimed God was our enemy. How could he say that with God providing tasty food to eat and sparkling water to drink beautiful flowers and trees and…  Well, we had everything.

Satan knew he couldn’t deny that, so he planted in their minds what they did not have. “See that tree over there? God doesn’t like you or he would let you touch that tree.  See that fruit over there? God doesn’t like you or he would let you eat anything you want.”  Oh, and the biggie. “God doesn’t want you to be as smart as him.  Evil is fun, but he is keeping you from knowing what evil is.  It’s the most wonderful thing in the world. Evil is so much fun. If God hates you that much, then hate him back.”

So, they did. And Satan laughed. They were so gullible. Too late they discovered God had been trying to protect them.

Many people even today still believe those lies about God not wanting them to have any fun. They are not true. God does not hate you. God is not trying to keep you from having a good time. The real good time is in heaven and he is trying to get you there.

Do not listen to Satan. He is the one who hates you.  Do not wait until it is too late. Turn around and try once more listening to God. He loves you beyond comprehension. And wants to spoil you. In heaven.