Unmasked Faces: Going into Hiding - Living Free - August 31

Unmasked Faces: Going into Hiding

Monday, August 31, 2020

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Today's Scripture
"So she [Eve] took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment, their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So, they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.

 "When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So, they hid from the Lord God among the trees. Then the Lord God called to the man, 'Where are you?'

"He replied, 'I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.'" Genesis 3:6-10 NLT

Thoughts for Today
Adam and Eve lived in a perfect world. They had an open relationship with God. This perfection could have gone on forever, the way God intended, but sin entered the picture. Today's scripture describes that first sin and what immediately followed. 

Adam and Eve went into hiding. They hid behind fig leaves. They hid from God among the trees. And we have been hiding ever since.

Most of us wear a mask. Sometimes for short periods of time ... sometimes continuously. Wearing a mask enables us to be seen as we want to be seen. We become performers, acting out a part in specific situations or perhaps for our entire life.

Consider this …
Common masks people use to conceal their real identity or feelings include these:

• I am a victim.
• I am better than you.
• I am happy.
• I do not need your help.
• You cannot hurt me.
• I am an expert.

Our masks often hide bitterness, anger, sadness, and fear. With time, the masks may become hardened.

Have you ever hidden behind a mask? Are you hiding right now?

This week we will look at what the Bible says about how to live with unmasked faces.

Prayer
Father, show me if I am hiding from you. From others. Even from myself. Afraid for anyone to see the real me. Help me overcome the fears and the pride that keep me from becoming all you have designed me to be. In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from … Free to Grow: Overcoming Setbacks and Disappointments by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. The purpose of this group study is to help people overcome disappointments and setbacks that have arrested or are presently hindering their emotional and spiritual development. The group study will help participants understand how to be set free so that they can grow and become all that God has designed them to be. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

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