These two were the sons of Adam and Eve. Cain's name meant 'to acquire, to get', and Abel's name meant 'breath' or 'temporary'. I believe names say a lot about a person, especially in biblical times. It is interesting that Abel's life was so 'temporary, just like a breath' and Cain's desire was 'to get, to acquire'.
They both brought a sacrifice to the Lord. God was pleased with Abel's sacrifice and displeased with Cain's. Why God was displeased with Cain's sacrifice is a mystery. It is certain that from the time they were born until now in their adult lives that God had told them how to sacrifice. It could have been that Cain did not bring the right sacrifice, or that his sacrifice was given with the wrong attitude. His desire is 'to get, to acquire' and thus, giving it to the Lord may have been a difficult thing for him, because it meant being giving away what he had 'acquired'. I personally believe that he gave with the wrong attitude. That he came to God with his sacrifice in order to give it to God, but really came with arms closed, desiring to keep what he had acquired and to keep it for himself.
God is very gracious in the next few verses. God is gracious to ask Cain 'Why are you angry?' God knows why he is angry, but he desires that Cain talk to him...freely...openly...honestly. Wow, the creator of the world just wants his creation coming to Him with honesty, even though what we might be feeling are feelings against Him. We don't know if Cain said anything to God, it pretty much sounds like he just sulked. God then says, 'If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door, and its desire is for you, but you must master it.' God knows Cain's tendency to give into sin. God desires that Cain rise up an gain mastery over sin. How God words sin here really freeks me out...'sin is crouching at the door and its desire is for you.' eek, 'its desire is for you'. That is a new way to think about sin. Sin wants to have mastery over us, its desire is US. Cain, unfortunately gave into that sin that was crouching at the door, for he killed his brother Abel and disobeyed God.
His curse was to be a wanderer. Cain did not like this, of course, and feared being killed. Even after all his disobedience God is tender and graceful and places on him a mark so that no one will kill him.
I believe I learned a lot about God today. His desire for us to listen to Him. That when He does not accept something of us, it is not for us to sulk, it is for us to get honest before God and then listen to what He wants and then to do it. The commentary I read said this, 'God's Word whether satisfying to us or not, is still the authoritative Word of God and is to be obeyed.' and it said 'Be careful of your reaction to God's blessing on others. Abel's blessing didn't take anything away from Cain. Don't let pride prevent you from obeying God.'
I struggle a lot with seeing others blessed with losing weight. I have struggled with this for a long time and it is really beginning to get me down. I try and I try to lose weight and I have weeks where it comes off and then I have weeks where it comes back. I have not been able to break 140 for 2 years now. I get to 141 and I get so excited and then the next week comes and I am 142, or 143 and I am like, give me a break! Everyone around me seems to be blessed with the losing weight blessing and here I stand getting no where. Today's messsage is really showing me, that I just need to get open and honest before God about my anger, disappointment, frustration. I need to stop looking at others and sulking and I need to just do what God wants me to do: Love Him and trust Him for help.
Be praying for me in this specific area, it has been a thorn in my side for 2 years now and I am ready to start loving myself(even though I only see myself in very negative ways right now) and my body(curves and all). This is going to take a long time, but I don't want to sulk like Cain did and let all that bitterness create a crazy person underneath. No thanks!
How can I be praying for you this weekend??
NChrist, Susan
Friday, May 23, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
BELATED QUESTION DAY
Ask any question you might have. Sorry for not posting this one yesterday!!
Everybody have a great day!! I am going to work and will be home tonight sometime. Will check back then!
Remember Summer Reading begins at the Library today!!
NChrist, Susan
Everybody have a great day!! I am going to work and will be home tonight sometime. Will check back then!
Remember Summer Reading begins at the Library today!!
NChrist, Susan
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Adam and Eve
Dude, those two messed up big time. But, you know what, I can't even judge, because I am no better than them! So, I have started to look at the Bible and read from beginning to end(Lord, what have I started:o.... the stories of the Bible in regards to obedience. What does God tell someone to do and do they follow or disobey. Then what are the rewards and consequences of their behavior.
I took a quick look at Adam and Eve yesterday. Adam was told about that darn tree even before Eve was created. He knew what God's standard was, he knew the rule. God had told him face to face. However, Eve was tempted and then tempted Adam. Now there are so many theories and opinions about where Adam was when Eve was tempted. Some say he was right there with her the whole time, that she came to him later, etc. I could care less where Adam was. What I do care about, is that in either instance, he knew the rule, the standard. He knew where that fruit had come from and chose to ate anyway. Wow, that sounds really familiar to me. I am just as guilty. I know what God's word says, but often I am tempted and pulled away by my own lusts and I give into sin. Knowing all along what God wants of me: To be more like Him.
There were definite consequences for Adam and Eve's actions: Pain in childbirth was greatly multiplied, working the ground would now be very difficult(much sweat would be put into working), plus they were banished from the Garden forever.
Notice though that, the relationship between God and Man is not severed. God is still with Adam and Eve. God is just being a normal parent in this situation, wrong behavior has negative consequences. But, the relationship remains intact no matter what. Nothing can remove our relationship with God as long as we have truly confessed Him as Lord and are willing to follow Him and repent truly when we mess up. I believe the mark of a true Christian is one who loves God and is willing to admit wrong when they have done so and are willing to change. In our 'victim mentality' culture these days I don't see many people taking on the responsibility of their choices. They want to blame others for their bad behavior and become the victim. I want to be a woman of God strong enough to take the hit when I have done something wrong and admit it, ask for forgiveness and repent so that I don't return to that behavior again. Thank goodness for forgiveness, but with forgiveness is also repentance. We must never forget repentance. Because it is that term that keeps us from taking advantage of forgiveness and grace.
CHALLENGE: Whose voice are you listening too? God's, yours, others? Does that voice lead you closer to Christ or away from Christ?
I know that I listen to others way too much, and I desire to learn the voice of my Shepherd. I know that I am supscetible to the same temptation Adam and Eve fell into, but I want to make sure I learn from the story and avoid their pitfall.
NChrist, Susan
I took a quick look at Adam and Eve yesterday. Adam was told about that darn tree even before Eve was created. He knew what God's standard was, he knew the rule. God had told him face to face. However, Eve was tempted and then tempted Adam. Now there are so many theories and opinions about where Adam was when Eve was tempted. Some say he was right there with her the whole time, that she came to him later, etc. I could care less where Adam was. What I do care about, is that in either instance, he knew the rule, the standard. He knew where that fruit had come from and chose to ate anyway. Wow, that sounds really familiar to me. I am just as guilty. I know what God's word says, but often I am tempted and pulled away by my own lusts and I give into sin. Knowing all along what God wants of me: To be more like Him.
There were definite consequences for Adam and Eve's actions: Pain in childbirth was greatly multiplied, working the ground would now be very difficult(much sweat would be put into working), plus they were banished from the Garden forever.
Notice though that, the relationship between God and Man is not severed. God is still with Adam and Eve. God is just being a normal parent in this situation, wrong behavior has negative consequences. But, the relationship remains intact no matter what. Nothing can remove our relationship with God as long as we have truly confessed Him as Lord and are willing to follow Him and repent truly when we mess up. I believe the mark of a true Christian is one who loves God and is willing to admit wrong when they have done so and are willing to change. In our 'victim mentality' culture these days I don't see many people taking on the responsibility of their choices. They want to blame others for their bad behavior and become the victim. I want to be a woman of God strong enough to take the hit when I have done something wrong and admit it, ask for forgiveness and repent so that I don't return to that behavior again. Thank goodness for forgiveness, but with forgiveness is also repentance. We must never forget repentance. Because it is that term that keeps us from taking advantage of forgiveness and grace.
CHALLENGE: Whose voice are you listening too? God's, yours, others? Does that voice lead you closer to Christ or away from Christ?
I know that I listen to others way too much, and I desire to learn the voice of my Shepherd. I know that I am supscetible to the same temptation Adam and Eve fell into, but I want to make sure I learn from the story and avoid their pitfall.
NChrist, Susan
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
OBEDIENCE
Websters defines Obedience as "Words or actions denoting submission to authority; dutifulness",
Who is my authority? Well, if I am a follower of Jesus Christ, then my authority is Him. My words and actions should denote submission to His authority. My duty and allegiance is owed to Him, why? Simply put, because of the Cross. He deserves my allegiance no matter what, He is my Creator, but its the Cross deserves my allegiance. Not because the Cross forces us to obey, but because the Cross was something we did not deserve! It was there that Christ paid MY PENALTY with HIS BLOOD. Thus, out of sheer thankfulness for what He did; I serve Him. Or should I put, I need to work harder at serving Him.
The other day I heard something really cool. Serving God can only be done in His Grace, by way of the Holy Spirit. In my flesh, I can't serve Him rightly. I need the daily aid of the Holy Spirit. I am free in Christ, my debt is paid! My slavery to sin is no more. Then why, do I so often return to that slavery! Why would anyone want to return to a yoke of slavery? Especially when we can live free, by grace through Jesus Christ. This is what I want to take a hold of. This journey, much like the last, is not a means to perfection in Christ. It is a means to growth in Christ. Doing these things don't make us perfect like Christ, we will never be perfect like He is perfect. But, we are to strive to be holy like He is holy. I think more than obedience, I am also desiring above all to live a life that is victorious over sin. I want a victorious life in Christ over the shackles of sin. I have been a Christian for a long time and I think we all can say that we all have skeletons in our closet. Mine, too often, reappear and I am in a time of my life where I can firmly say that God wants me as a victorious daughter. He has always wanted that for me, but it's now that I want it too. It started with the anger thing. That thing had been growing and growing into an ugly monster that I couldn't believe! I needed God and His Word to get out of that pit and now that I have seen what power the Word of God has done in that area of my life, then I am assured that God can change all parts of me!
CHALLENGE:
Keep making time for God and His Word DAILY. Ask yourself today "Who is your authority: God, Yourself, Other?" "Is who your authority is, working for you daily as a means to Grow in Christ?"
NChrist, Susan
Who is my authority? Well, if I am a follower of Jesus Christ, then my authority is Him. My words and actions should denote submission to His authority. My duty and allegiance is owed to Him, why? Simply put, because of the Cross. He deserves my allegiance no matter what, He is my Creator, but its the Cross deserves my allegiance. Not because the Cross forces us to obey, but because the Cross was something we did not deserve! It was there that Christ paid MY PENALTY with HIS BLOOD. Thus, out of sheer thankfulness for what He did; I serve Him. Or should I put, I need to work harder at serving Him.
The other day I heard something really cool. Serving God can only be done in His Grace, by way of the Holy Spirit. In my flesh, I can't serve Him rightly. I need the daily aid of the Holy Spirit. I am free in Christ, my debt is paid! My slavery to sin is no more. Then why, do I so often return to that slavery! Why would anyone want to return to a yoke of slavery? Especially when we can live free, by grace through Jesus Christ. This is what I want to take a hold of. This journey, much like the last, is not a means to perfection in Christ. It is a means to growth in Christ. Doing these things don't make us perfect like Christ, we will never be perfect like He is perfect. But, we are to strive to be holy like He is holy. I think more than obedience, I am also desiring above all to live a life that is victorious over sin. I want a victorious life in Christ over the shackles of sin. I have been a Christian for a long time and I think we all can say that we all have skeletons in our closet. Mine, too often, reappear and I am in a time of my life where I can firmly say that God wants me as a victorious daughter. He has always wanted that for me, but it's now that I want it too. It started with the anger thing. That thing had been growing and growing into an ugly monster that I couldn't believe! I needed God and His Word to get out of that pit and now that I have seen what power the Word of God has done in that area of my life, then I am assured that God can change all parts of me!
CHALLENGE:
Keep making time for God and His Word DAILY. Ask yourself today "Who is your authority: God, Yourself, Other?" "Is who your authority is, working for you daily as a means to Grow in Christ?"
NChrist, Susan
Monday, May 19, 2008
AND THE WINNER IS.....
CONGRATULATIONS TO JACKIE MARRS, THE WINNER OF THE 'GET YO FIVE IN' CONTEST!! THANKS TO EVERBODY WHO PARTICIPATED. I HOPE YOU HAVE LEARNED TO GET FIVE VERSES IN A DAY AND TO READ MY BLOG ONCE IN A WHILE:)
I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing from everybody and have especially loved the accountability and the privilege to see all of us grow up into the image of Christ! We are free in Christ, and may that freedom lead us to desire growth in Christ above all!
How was everyone's weekend?? Ashleigh, how did your test go? Michelle how is the tendinitis doing??
Our weekend was good, busy, but good! We had two graduations and I remained strong and did not cry like a baby. Yesterday we had some guys from the youth group over to play video games and some Ultimate Frisbee. Then I ate at a great restaurant with some friends of mine from work. The name of the restaurant is 'Havana Rumba' it is a cuban joint and it was awesome! So, over all it was a great weekend!
I wanted to announce that I think I am going to move on from the anger issue stuff and onto a new thing. God really laid on my heart during Brandon's graduation that I need to work on obedience. Learning the voice of my Shepherd and obeying the movements and inklings of the Holy Spirit. I am going to keep re-reading my anger stuff, but I really feel the Lord leading me on to know His voice and to do what he tells me to do. Beacause, God knows, I am stubborn. I really want to be a woman led by the Holy Spirit, being used in God moments for His glory! I am excited and nervous about this new journey, much like I felt at the beginning of the anger journey, but that journey has been so worth it, refining and all!
Again, congrats to Jackie Marrs, the winner of the contest. To my readers, my friend Michelle is starting a fitness challenge. I encourage you to check out her blog and to get involved in that contest. It will be well worth the effort! Her link is at the right on my Link List: healthierchelle.blogspot.com
Love to you all and please keep reading and growing in Christ!
NChrist, Susan
I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing from everybody and have especially loved the accountability and the privilege to see all of us grow up into the image of Christ! We are free in Christ, and may that freedom lead us to desire growth in Christ above all!
How was everyone's weekend?? Ashleigh, how did your test go? Michelle how is the tendinitis doing??
Our weekend was good, busy, but good! We had two graduations and I remained strong and did not cry like a baby. Yesterday we had some guys from the youth group over to play video games and some Ultimate Frisbee. Then I ate at a great restaurant with some friends of mine from work. The name of the restaurant is 'Havana Rumba' it is a cuban joint and it was awesome! So, over all it was a great weekend!
I wanted to announce that I think I am going to move on from the anger issue stuff and onto a new thing. God really laid on my heart during Brandon's graduation that I need to work on obedience. Learning the voice of my Shepherd and obeying the movements and inklings of the Holy Spirit. I am going to keep re-reading my anger stuff, but I really feel the Lord leading me on to know His voice and to do what he tells me to do. Beacause, God knows, I am stubborn. I really want to be a woman led by the Holy Spirit, being used in God moments for His glory! I am excited and nervous about this new journey, much like I felt at the beginning of the anger journey, but that journey has been so worth it, refining and all!
Again, congrats to Jackie Marrs, the winner of the contest. To my readers, my friend Michelle is starting a fitness challenge. I encourage you to check out her blog and to get involved in that contest. It will be well worth the effort! Her link is at the right on my Link List: healthierchelle.blogspot.com
Love to you all and please keep reading and growing in Christ!
NChrist, Susan
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