Irene Wintermyer: Apple Appeal
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate.
~Genesis 3:6 NKJV
No one knows what type of edible produce grew on the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, but many are familiar with how the serpent successfully tempted Eve to eat the fruit before feeding it to her husband.
The couple lived in paradise and had everything they could ever want, including a close relationship with God. So why did they eat the forbidden fruit? If I had what they had, I wouldn’t have given in to temptation and eaten from the tree. Or would I?
There were many times when I spoke the words, if I had (fill in the blank) I would be fulfilled, or I’ll never ask for anything again. The satisfaction received from these emotional fillers only lasted for a short time before the process was repeated. Thankfully, we were given power to overcome this generational sin through the Holy Spirit. Jesus overcame the temptations of the world and tells us we can do even greater.
Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
~John 14:12 NKJV
Don’t let Satan whisper lies, telling you “it’s okay,” or “just this once.” Instead, commit each matter to prayer and allow Jesus to strengthen you. God always provides an escape route. But in order to find His path, we need to pause.
The goal is not perfection, but perseverance. When you strive to put this into practice, the more it will become second nature.
Irene Wintermyer, contributing author to Whispers of Grace
Are there physical, emotional, or spiritual consequences to my choice? Would God say yes if I asked for permission?
Father God, I am equally convicted by these questions and don’t always get it right. Please give me Your strength and guidance against unhealthy desires. Help me long for what You desire for my life.
Amen
Genre: Non-fiction
Copyright 2021: Apple Appeal: Irene Wintermyer: All Rights Reserved
Meet Our Contributor
IRENE WINTERMYER
Irene Wintermyer has a diverse background in medicine and business leadership which gives her a foundation of experience to broach many matters of life. With a zeal for writing, her aspirations are to encourage and ignite others to climb that mountain, reach the summit, and bathe in the blessings of God.
After retiring from her medical career, Irene joined the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild where she learned the art of writing and editing. Irene is also an active online member of Word Weavers. In addition to devotional writing, she is currently working on a Christian fiction novel entitled, Prophecy of The Key.
She is a devotion writer for VineWords: Devotions and More.
Irene’s devotion, Just Joy, won the EA Books Publishing contest at the 2020 Florida’s Writer’s Conference, and will be published in the book, Whispers of Grace, in 2021.
She currently lives in the sunshine state of Florida with her daughter, son-in-law, and father. Irene’s daughter will attest that her mother is addicted to education. After completing her medical degree, she worked full time while earning an MBA. After retiring as a hospital administrator, Irene attended a Christian college obtaining a degree in Theology. With her passion for writing and a skill for editing, her next goal is to pursue certification as an editor.
CONNECT WITH IRENE WINTERMYER AT
The Faithful Pen Irene Wintermyer
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(to be added)
“God always provides an escape route. But in order to find His path, we need to pause.” That is excellent practical advice. Patience is of great value.
“Would God say yes if I asked for permission?” What a great way to keep our focus on God!
Thank you!
Great word! Thank you so much. Your message reminded my conscience to be careful. Thank you for the encouraging nudge. God bless you!
Thank you, Julie. I agree, reminders are always needed.
Irene, thank you for reminding us to pause and ask for God’s help. He’s always available. I like the way you started with the apple idea. There’s always something that looks appealing.
Thank you, Jeannie. I know I’m always in need of reminders.
Enjoyed this devotion, Irene. Thanks for sharing it.
Thank you, Evelyn
What a great devotion Irene
Love the confrontation of satan and his lies!
Powerful prayer also! Very transparent!
Keep up the good work!
Kevin Radlein
Thank you, Kevin
Irene, what a great reminder to remember what to do when temptation comes, because it will come. Even though it may not come disguised as fruit but it will come. I too loved the thought, “If I had what they had [Adam and Eve] had, I wouldn’t have given into temptation and eaten from the tree. Or would I have?” The reflection of that thought keeps me alert for the future. Thank you again.
Thank you, Charles. I know, I need to keep these constant reminders on my heart.
Thank you, Irene, for penning this thoughtful devotion. I loved the line, “If I had what they [Adam and Eve] had, I wouldn’t have given into temptation and eaten from the tree. Or would I?” This challenges us to live for God at all times, and to put aside fleshly desires. May we take up this challenge, and with Christ’s help, abide in Him rather than yield to the temptations of the world. Thank you sister!
Thank you, Diane.
Great post, Irene! I love this line: “God always provides an escape route. But in order to find His path, we need to pause.”
So true! Thank you for sharing this truth.
Thank you, Stephanie