In the past, my parenting has had to endure particularly difficult seasons of discipline. I remember the days when, usually multiple times a day, I’d dispense consequences for bad behavior. These were then met with responses of total shock and horror.
“I didn’t do anything!”
“I didn’t know!”
“I didn’t hear you!”
“But his face ran into my fist!”
Like generations of children before them—including myself!—my kids are gifted at playing the martyr. Rather than repent and ask forgiveness, they make excuses. And sometimes, they dig in their heels even deeper.
Here in this story of the very first murder, we see that blame-shifting has always been there. And it all started very innocently. Two competitive brothers—one a farmer, one a shepherd—brought offerings to God. Cain brought the fruits of his soil, and Abel brought fat portions from the firstborn of his flock (Genesis 4:3–4). At first glance, it would appear that each brother brought what he had, but God did not see it this way. God looked with favor on Abel’s offering, but he withheld favor from Cain.
Why?
In their commentary on this passage, Tremper Longman and Scot McKnight explain the difference in their gifts: “Cain offered the ordinary and Abel the best, and of course the quality of their offering reflects the condition of their hearts. Abel is enthusiastic about worship, while Cain is basically disinterested.”
Cain was caught doing the bare minimum, but rather than humble himself, admit his spiritual apathy, and ask how he can do better, Cain dug in. He became angry. He threw a pity party. He nursed his bitterness until it culminated in murder, and even after all that he continued to play the victim: “My punishment is too great to bear” (v.13).
In these early chapters of Genesis, we are learning about the ways of God, but we are also learning about the ways of sin. Here we observe a major hallmark. Sin so utterly twists the human heart that it will even deny its brokenness. It will run, hide, make excuses, and lash out before taking responsibility and repenting. But we need to know something important about ourselves. When accountability comes our way, even if it comes harshly or imperfectly, our response determines the course of our lives. How we respond to sin sets our feet on one of two paths: back to God or further away from Him.
But here is what else this story reminds us: sometimes we are the ones being confronted, and sometimes we are the ones doing the confronting. Sometimes, we bring truth to light, and then, just like God does in this story, we have to watch as a heart hardens more. This, we must remember, is not about human finiteness or our basic shortcomings or how we could have said something better. It’s about the sin that separates and what it does to the human heart.
Thankfully, we have something that Cain didn’t have: the Holy Spirit. Through the gift of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, we have a helper and an advocate who is ready to work when repentance feels too hard. That is how good God is—even as He asks us to be faithful, He helps us to do it.
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126 thoughts on "Cain and Abel"
This passage really goes to show us how much God really loves us. However, just because God loves us does not mean that our actions will not have consequences. When you punish a child for doing something they shouldn’t do, does that mean that you don’t love them? No, it actually means that you love them enough to want the best for them. And you know that what they were doing was not going to yield the fruit that you want for their life. This is how God feels towards us. We are His children and He is constantly trying to keep us safe and help us come back to Him. But, we cannot do this by our own way, and must know through consequences when we are doing wrong.
“Sin is crouching at the door” is such a scary but true statement. The devil is always sitting there, waiting for the perfect time to try and pull you away from God. He wants us to think that we have messed up beyond the point of return. “Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” We are a fallen people. This verse is not saying that we will never sin. However, it is saying that we must fight the urge and not let sin consume us and destroy our relationship with God. Cain chose, even after God’s warning about sin, to kill his brother. He heard His voice and ran the completely opposite way. We have all been here (maybe not murder though), in a place where we chose to let sin consume us instead of asking God for help. Even after being confronted about his sin, Cain chose to double down and lie to God. God is all knowing and all powerful. Why do we think that we can outsmart Him??? Satan is the reason. He tries to get into our heads and convince us that we are smarter, better, more fun, and know better than God. He tries to convince us to lie and cheat and steal and kill. Whatever will pull us further from God, he will try and convince us to do. We are called as Christians to fight the pull of sin and run to God with our arms open for him.
Psalm 141:5. Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.
My older brother used to tease me with mean comments. When I fought back he would say, The truth hurts.
Capital T Truth does often hurt! That double edged sword slices my high notions of self and ego and it is painful. I’m learning to stand and accept the smite and instead of shooting the messenger, accept and learn from it. What I’ve learned so far is, the more you do this, the easier it gets!
What a great statement: When accountability comes our way, our response determines the course of our lives.
I didn’t see my jealousy or revenge as the sins they are, but justified my actions by what was being done to me (or what i assumed was being done to me). Only with Jesus and holy spirit have I changed my perspective and my attitude toward others. ❤ my new heart, and all those around me.
“How we respond to sin sets the course of our lives.” AMEN!!! I’m so guilty of not responding to sin with humility. I can be selfish and self centered and today’s reading really helped me understand how I’m moving further away from God by behaving that way. Doing what feels right instead of what IS right.
I’m most struck today by the idea that I am sometimes Cain. There are moments in my life when I am simply going through the motions of worship and engagement because it feels like what I am supposed to do. I want to be an Able. I want to always be excited and passionate to worship my almighty God. I pray that God removes any apathy from my heart and gives me a hunger for Him.
❤️
Amen!
So grateful for the Holy Spirt. Couldn’t imagine not having something so good and beautiful.
♥️
Here’s a question I have… chapter 5 verse 32.
It states that Noah was 500 years old when he had Shem, Ham, and Japeth. The way this is worded makes me wonder if those three were triplets?
Kristen here is an answer for you… Search
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Question
Who was Shem in the Bible?
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Shem in the Bible
Answer
Shem was one of the three sons of Noah. Before the great flood that God used to judge the inhabitants of the earth for their great wickedness (Genesis 6:5–7), God instructed the righteous Noah to build a great ark to save Noah and his wife, along with their sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and their wives. The Lord brought two of every kind of unclean animal and seven of every kind of clean animal and shut them up in the ark before the flood waters covered the earth (Genesis 7:14–16). The families and animals were in the ark for about 370 days: 40 days and 40 nights during the rains, and then the remainder of the time waiting for the flood waters to recede (see Genesis 7:1–8:19).
Shem is always mentioned first among the sons of Noah, possibly because he was of primary importance to Moses’ audience, the Hebrews. Shem was their ancestor. In the birth order of Noah’s sons, Shem was the middle child, as calculated below:
• according to Genesis 5:32, Noah began
having children when he was 500 years old.
• according to Genesis 7:11, Noah was 600 years old when the flood began (making his oldest child 100 years old)
• according to Genesis 11:10, Shem had a child when he was 100 years old, two years after the flood (making him 98 years old at the time of the flood)
• since we know that Ham was not the oldest (according to Genesis 9:24), the 100-year-old son at the time of the flood must have been Japheth
I got it from “gotanswers.com” it is a bible research my friend gave to Mr to help me learn more about the Bible when confusing questions come up
In addition to all the meaningful comments all of you have made, I loved the end of Hebrews 11:4 “Even though he (Abel) is dead, he still speaks through his faith.”
I often think my grandparents’ and mother’s faith even though they have been with the Lord many years. I want my faith to continue to speak to those in whom I have invested in this lifetime.
Yes Amen! What a blessing for people to see our faith!
Things that stood out:
1) God asks a question he already knows the answer to- just like when Adam and Eve sinned- yet here we are doing the same thing today.
2) “your brothers blood cries out to me from the ground” – reminded me of the NT (Luke 19:40) verse where even “ the stones will cry out”. Just another sign of the “all-knowing powerful God Almighty”!!
3) sin separates us from the presence of God- Lord help me to be honest with you first- I want that intimacy most; Lord help me to trust you know all and control all and keep me from sinning – teach me to make the right choice everyday to follow you and the “Jesus Way”! Amen
❤️
I want to always turn toward God, even when he convicts me of sin in my life. It is possible for me to be closer to Christ, but I have to make that conscious decision.
Very good comments. I’m so guilty. Guilty as a kid of justifying my sins. Guilty today of judging others. And how do I receive correction? Sometimes well, and other times I become stubborn. God help me see where the Holy Spirit is offering me gentle correction. Let my heart be open to You.
Being deceived it a dangerous thing, because one denies their own limitations, faults, brokenness. That’s why the daily mirroring ourselves with the Word of God is so important and vital to our soul condition. Being on both ends of confronting and being confronted- what is our reactions? Repent or cover up? Geez …can you relate? It’s a slippery slope, and pride is the hindrance. I pray for a humble heart. Humility is the only way one can grow in the face of correction, out of the smooth deception of satan. “”He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise” (Proverbs 15:31). “Discipline is harsh for him who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die” (Proverbs 15:10). “No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it”(Hebrews 12:11). “My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD”(Proverbs 3:11). “A rod of correction imparts wisdom” (Proverbs 29:15). Praise God for His words. I have been so busy with work and household obligations, so I have been behind. Hoping the stress and the overdrive mode to ease soon by God’s grace. The Lord is so so good despite the season! So many things that He has done to rescue me in the midst of what could be worse. Hallelujah. Be blessed dear sisters.
God uses a donkey to humble a corrupted prophet in the Old testament. Correction is a humbling experience, and a donkey is beneath common tools to correct. As humans we often think, oh if God corrects me, He will use a senior someone with degrees, experiences, titles to shed wisdom, but nope nope, He will use a humbling “donkey” to call us out. I was once that donkey to go to a senior person to give the message of God, and also was struck down. Just a great revelation worth sharing from the Holy Spirit while I was warming up my coffee for the 5th time this morning, and the Lord brought this to my mind lol. May we realize our “donkey” when one comes to wake us up from our high places of pride that leads to the wrong path of destruction. Don’t embrace flatteries. Have a good day shes.
So beautifully said, thank you. ❤️
Great points and Scriptures, Mercy! So good to see you, sister! ❤
So true! Thank you for this beautiful wisdom with scripture!! Definitely need to not let my pride and stubbornness get in the way of correction—By WHOEVER God uses to do it!!
Love your thoughts and truth about correction.
Susie, I agree. I couldn’t help but related it to us today (me). In the beginning God began with love and throughout the course of time, our wrongs and rights, He has never wavered in his desire and love for us. As a mother, when providing guidance and/or corrections to my children – my prayer is that I do it as God has modeled it for us in His Word
Morning, She’s!
I feel like I am always learning here while studying OT. Cain and Abel’s story is a powerful one. It reminds us that God knows our heart and our hearts intent. I know that the Lord is here working on us all.. so grateful for the Lord who convicts us and guides us.
I am trying to slowly read through these days since I have read this so many times. Wow! Like today, I learned Nod means wandering! So he lived in the land of “wandering” on the East of Eden.
Gee, Shes
Caught in the act! Just last week I was juggling over whether to keep the best sack (free with coupon!!) of mandarin oranges for myself, or gift them to my lonely, elderly neighbor coming back from a sickness. Talk about “first fruits” indeed! I like to consider myself generous, but I see where I actually measure tightly. This may be a small example, but I don’t downplay the significance. I held onto the best sack for myself. Christ Jesus, I thank You. You have held nothing, not a life giving thing, back from me. May I give my best to others in return. Called by the Spirit. In concert with God.
Sharon said,
“Sin so utterly twists the human heart that it will even deny its brokenness.” I know KELLY NEO already shared this, but this statement and the rest of that paragraph reminded me of the verse I share often:
Ezekiel 36:26 –
And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. NLT.
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Another SHE also mentioned another great passage:
Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
.
He Who created our ‘delicate, inner parts’ knows our heart like only He can.
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He is the only one Who has the power to change what needs to be changed. So thankful for the Holy Spirit, as Sharon mentioned, Who convicts us when we are in the wrong so that we can yield to that power of correction. As she said, and Kelly shared again, the path we take is our choice/free will. May I always seek His will, not mine, no matter the discomfort it may bring knowing that the glory that lies ahead in eternity will outshine the momentary suffering. ❤
❤ Beautifully said, Ceegee! And I love that verse from Ezekiel.
amen dear CEE GEE “He is the only one Who has the power to change what needs to be changed”.
❤
“When accountability comes our way, even if it comes harshly or imperfectly our response determines the course of our lives. How we respond to sin sets our feet on one of two paths: back to God or further away from him.”
Yes, that is so powerful! CHOICE!
Linda, I was typing my comment when yours posted and saw later that we had a similar thought. :)
I’m confused… it looks to me in Genesis 4:17-18 Cains family line has an Enoch, a Methushael, and a Lamech.
Then in Genesis 5:6-31 Seth’s family line has an Enoch, a Methuselah and a Lamech then Noah.
I curious if they are different lineages why the names are so similar….
Thanks for any insights or resources I can use to learn more about this.
Have a great day She’s!
Interesting note! There are two Enoch’s from the Bible. The first one (from Cain) is the rebellious one. The second Enoch is the one that pleases God and is taken up in a rapture and no one can find his body- no witnesses. How interesting that this echoes of Jesus – the second Adam and also taken up in the air, but this time in front of all disciples, all first hand witnesses to write about for us now to know.
So sorry, Mercy! I had left my Kindle open earlier and didn’t refresh before posting, so I didn’t realize you had answered. ❤
The Hebrew word that is used for our English word taken….means transport. The Bible Project was on a SRT podcast once and explained it as….he could have been transported back to the garden of Eden so he could walk closely with God. ❤️
Wouldn’t that have been amazing to walk with God the way he planned in the first place.
Has anyone read the book of Enoch? I haven’t but I have always wanted to, I need to order it.
Heather, it is confusing! This is from got questions dot org. I use that site often. Our pastor uses it, too. It has come in handy a few times!
“The Bible mentions two different men by the name of Lamech, both in the book of Genesis. The first Lamech was the son of Methushael, and the second Lamech was the son of Methuselah. Although the men shared a name and had fathers with names that sound very much alike, that is where their similarities end. …
The first Lamech was a wicked descendant of Cain. …
The other Lamech was a descendant of Seth. After Cain’s banishment Eve bore another son and named him Seth. In contrast to Cain’s sinful line, Seth’s descendants were known for righteousness. Enoch, Seth’s great-great-great grandson, walked so closely with God that God took him directly to heaven when Enoch was 365 years old (Genesis 5:22–24). Enoch’s son Methusaleh (the oldest man recorded in the Bible) continued the righteous line and fathered Lamech (verse 25).
When Lamech was 182 years old, he fathered his own son and named him Noah, a name that sounds like the Hebrew word for “comfort.” Lamech said, “He will comfort us in the labor and painful toil of our hands caused by the ground the Lord has cursed” (Genesis 5:29). Lamech looked forward to the day when the curse on the ground would be ended by God’s promised Savior (cf. Genesis 3:15). After Lamech died, his son Noah was known as a righteous man in a world filled with great sin and perversion (Genesis 6:90). …”
More on the site. ❤
Holy Spirit lead and guide me.
Coming here late today. Such a good devotion!
This is not a chapter of the Bible I like to dwell in – the call to search my own heart can be too uncomfortable.
But I’m reminded of what our pastor says: keep a short account with God.
Father, help me not to feed my anger, justify my wrongdoing, or try to minimize it, but to come to you each day in humility and with repentance. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51) Amen
Thanks for sharing Vicki M- definitely needed to hear this today!
A pastor many years ago urged us to do the same and that always stuck with me! I don’t hear that phrase quoted much anymore. Thanks for putting it out there today! ❤
This passage spoke to me was how we approach God. Do we approach Him on our terms or God’s terms? I am speaking in relation to Cain and Abel. Man made religion or doing what God requires. Is the posture of my heart right when I worship or am I just going through the motions or am I worshipping in spirit or truth?
Yes, that’s good!
When accountability comes our way, even if it comes harshly or imperfectly, our response determines the course of our lives. How we respond to sin sets our feet on one of two paths: back to God or further away from Him.
So true !!! ❤️ praying for you ladies
“” forgot to quote– reposting Sharon’s words ❤️
I appreciate Sharon’s devotional and insight. I did her Free to Be Me study a few years ago and enjoyed it:)
If you haven’t listened to the podcast this week, I would encourage you to find the time to do so. As always, it’s very good.
When I read about Cain and Abel it’s easy, in my prideful inner self to think, “well, at least I haven’t done that”…shame on me. No, I have not but what I should be thinking is, “forgive me Lord for the countless ways my sin, my prideful heart, my selfish ways, my harsh words, my judgmental thoughts, my, my, my has caused a separation from you, Lord. Taking responsibility and recognizing my sin, being in tune with the Holy Spirit to acknowledge and recognize it for what it is/needs to be my first stop. Heavenly Father thank you made a way for the gap of separation to be bridged. Bind my heart to put a stop to the fleshy desires, the choices and decisions that do not reflect a life bringing honor and glory to you and teach, guide and show me how to walk in humility, Truth and in step with and in tune to Holy Spirit. I need you Lord and so thank you that you made a way to be in right relationship and fellowship with you. ❤️
❤ Amen, amen!
Yes, AMEN indeed! Wise words!
“Cain offered the ordinary and Abel the best, and of course the quality of their offering reflects the condition of their hearts. Abel is enthusiastic about worship, while Cain is basically disinterested.” I pray that I would be intentional about offering God my best.
So, did you notice how lovingly God deals with Cain in his sin? Yes, there was a punishment, but God’s side of the dialogue is just dripping in love.
Yes Susie! I noticed this too. God tries to make Cain understand his wrongdoing
and what he must do to overcome his wrong desires in verse 7. But Cain refuses to be taught. Lord may I always be willing to hear your loving instruction.
thank you, important to see!
❤️
“Cain offered the ordinary and Abel the best, and of course the quality of their offering reflects the condition of their hearts…”
What are my gifts saying about my heart?
Lord, let me always humble myself admit my spiritual apathy and ask how I can do better. Let me not let my bitterness culminate, and continually play the victim.
Good morning! I heard a podcast this week talking about the part where Cain defiantly says “am I my brothers guardian?” They suggested that in a society that is so self focused that this was a reminder that yes, sometimes we are responsible for being our brother’s guardian. Sometimes a person needs help just to move forward in this life. Life is hard and we were not made to do it on our own. As we are commanded to love one another, I thought that was a beautiful way of looking at that verse.
That’s interesting Heather! Thanks for sharing. Cain’s heart wasn’t righteous and loving toward God or his brother/ family and no remorse just worrying about himself.
You’re very welcome. Yes, Cain was a very self focused individual and wasn’t very loving towards anyone.
GOOD morning beautiful She’s. This time I did not sleep in and had TWO alarms set! GREAT devo. What spoke to me this morning was the same thing Kelly mentioned. How we respond….. I’m out of time though. Have a wonderful day beautiful She’s.
When I see the author’s name of the devotions Sharon Hoode Miller, I’m reminded of the Fabulous Bible study we did of her’s called “Free of Me!” It is a great book if interested! Putting God first and getting yourself out of the way!
Yes! ♥️
Even when God asks us to follow Him, to listen, to obey, He helps us!
GM She’s!
It’s funny In the beginning…We are barely breaking into the first pages and Bam- sin, bam- more sin. After each-harsh punishment! It brings to mind how many people (non-Christians, but many Christians as well) will say the God of the Bible is harsh, mean, rigid. I put some Christians in this category because they like the new testament with the loving Jesus, and rarely break into the OT. But, that’s like skipping to the end of a story. Or trying to know the why’s without the how’s and who’s and what’s. You can’t know the good without the bad.
God writes instructions and the way he loves us dearly, to obey and learn to listen to his voice. It is my desire to trust him, and follow. It’s hard through the thick and thin, but it is the secret of life. It is beautiful. It is flourishing even when it doesn’t look like it (look at Paul’s life!)! It’s not a comfort zone, but it is a calling to his perfect will for you! He calls us to something better than we can imagine!
Do you know though the more you do for the Lord, the more the devil attacks you? Which means sin traps, snares, thorns! But don’t be dismayed- let that insure you that you are doing God’s work! Yes, we sin, but if our heart is right we are convicted quickly by the Holy Spirit. The word says that God gives us a way out. Choice. We must align our steps with the Holy Spirit. I want my heart to want to give God my best offerings!
I hear you Rhonda. I was once one of those who strayed away from OT.. maybe it was because I was new to Christianity. But to be honest I was a bit intimidated of OT. Now I enjoy it, it challenges me and my concepts of what I think I may know. It’s encouraging to always learn more about our God.
Yes! Exactly! We learn so much and grow in the Awe of God and reverence! He IS a judging God, but full of Mercy, Love, and Grace with a ALWAYS a way of Restoration!
Mercy (heart you!)
❤️ I always love your reflections.
Amen
I’m grateful for a devotional that I can relate with so closely today. I’m in this same hard season of dispensing discipline and consequences with my teen and preteen. Lord, I can easily see Cain’s disposition in my children, but it’s often harder to see in myself. Open my eyes to see where I tend to choose the path that leads further away from You. Where I tend to look for excuses or justification rather than responsibility and repentance. Search me and know me, see if there is any wicked way within me and lead me in the way everlasting. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for helping me be faithful.
Love your prayer.
The worst punishment for Cain…..to be separated from God’s presence.
Thank you God for Jesus!
Something I’d never noticed before in today’s verses: at this point in time, presumably the only humans on earth are Adam, Eve, and their sons. After Cain murders Abel, he tells God that he’s doomed to become a restless wanderer, and whoever finds him will kill him. Who are these other people he’s worried about? The only explanation I can come up with is that he knows he’ll have a long life and the world will gradually become more populated … anyone else have thoughts on this?
Liz, you got me curious and I tried to find info. What I found was God had told Adam and Eve to go out and multiply. They had many other children, but we only read about 3. It’s believed even several daughters. The time span of events was great. In that time it would not have been unusual for him to take a sister for a wife. So others would reflect extended family. This was what I could find.
I think this is so interesting as well! I wonder if God also established other tribes of people but doesn’t mention them because they aren’t a part of Jesus’ lineage. In verse 16, it says Cain settled in the land of Nod & found a wife which seems to point to other people in existence. Definitely something I’m going to research this week.
That’s how I have always understood it.
Susan, it says that Cain lived in the land of Nod. It doesn’t state he took his wife from there. Enduring Truth states that “Cain obviously married his sister.” From MacArthur Study Bible: “By Moses’ time, this kind of close marriage was forbidden.” Many resources I checked all point to Cain marrying his sister. Hope this helps.
“Adam and Eve were told to multiply and fill the earth, so they had numerous children. Cain’s guilt and fear over killing his brother were heavy, and probably feared repercussions from his family. If he was capable of killing, so were they. Cain had set an example of disobedience, hatred, and anger. Vengeance would’ve been the likely outcome.” This is in my Life Application Study Bible for that question
“Even as he asks us to be faithful, he helps us to do it.” Thank you, God, for sending the Holy Spirit to help us. Help us to receive His work, more and more, so that we can be more like Christ.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, help me be faithful. Amen!
We have a son that displays all the characteristics of Cain, and it breaks my heart. Just last evening my husband and I had a conversation about how, instead of acknowledging wrong and apologizing, he digs in, plays the victim, and causes more hurt. We have been praying consistently for his heart to be softened and his life to be transformed by God. Today’s devotional just hit really close to home.
My daughter too was like this before she went off to college and to be honest, I was not unhappy to have her out of the house. She had a terrible first year and the kid who couldn’t wait to leave now can’t wait to come home. I really feel like God humbled her last year which she needed. Now she is so much more appreciative of us, more respectful, really a complete turn around. My husband and I were just talking about how far she has come and how amazing to see what God is doing in her. Just keep praying… God will see you through.
I have to admit, I was a lot like this as a teenager. I did go through a lot growing up, which made me angry, bitter, and resentful towards my parents and God. Just as God is humbling Tami’s daughter, so was I humbled… year after year… But also, so many ways God showed up for me and honored me, too. I am believing the Lord will touch your son’s heart. Just as Tami said, believe those prayers are heard and God is working ❤️ God bless you.. may you see the seeds you are sowing one day will take root. ❤️
Asking for prayers as we are going through a particularly difficult season with our youngest son. His anger and lack of emotional regulation interferes with his and our daily life and we are all worn down. He is a great kid and I just want to help him but feel helpless when he lashes out. I know there so many bigger issues out there that others are going through and we have so many blessings to be thankful for, this just seems to be consuming our life right now. Thank you <3
Praying for your son and family!
Jess… has your son had any therapy to explore the root of his anger?? Our son also had a “short fuse”… we only found out when he was 38… that not once, but twice when he was 7 or 8 he was abused by a 15-16 year old cousin… strong Christian family they were staying with while we were busy serving the Lord… therapy had helped his anger. Praying for you and your dear son…!
We have tried therapy but it’s always ended with them feeling like he does not need it. Thank you so much for this advice!
Jess – I had similar struggles with my daughter but she refused therapy. I found an amazing parenting coach who I have been working with for the past 6 months and it has been life changing. I was at my wits end last year at this time and calling out to God for help and guidance and that same day, I stumbled on her blog. When reading it, I felt like someone finally got me and the situation with our daughter. You can message me on FB if you want the link to her blog. Tami Auer-Cutler. Praying now!
I will also pray for renewed strength and patience for you and your family. We are going through something similar with our 6yo daughter as well. Our kiddos are good kids having a hard time. I hope it gets better for you ❤️
Definitely not easy to face our sins and yet the reality is it is there. We all sin and we all need Jesus to redeem us. Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice. I’m thankful God sent the Spirit to be our guide to prompt us and encourage. Lord may my eyes and heart be open to His leading.
I’m reminded as I read this that sin separates us not only from God but one another. And that is convicting this morning as I think about all the ways we can let our sins or the sins of others have power over us. But I love that Sharon reminds us “that is how good God is, even as he asks us to be faithful, he helps us to do it”. May He soften our hearts and help us to be more like Jesus.
Father thank You for sending the Holy Spirit as my helper, guide, comforter. Holy Spirit I need you. Show me the way today and always. Amen
First – thank you sisters, for yesterday’s comments, questions and insights! Love seeing the names of our new sisters here.
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And thank you, Sharon, for your words in today’s devo. I initially read the first sentence as “my parents had to endure particularly difficult seasons …” and thought, they certainly did and it was all on me :/
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Our all-knowing God knew Cain’s heart before the offerings were presented to Him, and Cain’s offering of the fruits rather than the firstfruits is telling, I think. These offerings appear to voluntary, so what does giving less than my best (my firstfruits) or giving reluctantly say about the state of my heart?
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Lord, help me to be honest with myself about my actions and offerings.
So good! I echo your prayer!!
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Your question is so good. ❤
Oh how I am thankful that my intentions tend to be better than the what actually happens! Lord, my sinful nature is here daily. Lead me, through your Word and Spirit to live life out loud and not just have good intentions. Help me to show Your love inwardly and outwardly. To put my good intentions to action. In Jesus Name, Amen
Amen! I am right there with you!!
Tara B.
Thank you!
You’re on in!
You said best what I felt.
Daily, God help me to improve.
Ouch. There are so many times when I am confronted with my own sin that I make excuses or dig in my heels…even as an adult. I do no like to admit my wrong. Lord, forgive me! Holy Spirit convict me when I do not humble myself immediately when confronted with my own sins.
Convicting for my heart too! Praying for changes that only come with walking with Him daily.
❤️
“Sin so utterly twists the human heart that it will even deny its brokenness. It will run, hide, make excuses, and lash out before taking responsibility and repenting. But we need to know something important about ourselves. When accountability comes our way, even if it comes harshly or imperfectly, our response determines the course of our lives. How we respond to sin sets our feet on one of two paths: back to God or further away from Him.”
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O Lord, may I hear Your voice of correction and turn toward You in repentance!
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Continuing to pray for your requests ❤️
Amen Kelly!
“How we respond…” This is vital, and thank you, KELLY, for reminding us. ❤️
Kelly thank you for highlighting this part. It is how we respond to our sin. Holy Spirit guide and help us!
Kelly….the above was exactly what spoke to me this morning! How we respond…. I’m going to write that down!
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Just before Christmas break, one of our guests at the King’s Table, a ministry for helping the disadvantaged in our community, called me over to the counter. I approached and he told me he was leaving, moving on.. Because in earlier conversations, I had discovered, by his accent that he was from Ireland, I asked if he was going back..
He told me he couldn’t go back because he had murdered someone and that he had done his time and would never go back. My reply was that he was very welcome at King’s Table and that we were family, and that there was no judgement in this place.
His response was a tirad of abuse and accusations. I stood firm and made no comment. One thing he said that I am reminded of today as I read the devotional was this…
” I bet you think your sin is not as large as mine and that you are better than me”
I have no idea where thst came from, but this I do know..
I am a sinner, I sin daily, I do wrong constantly, there is absolutely no denying that!
I can say I have never murdered anyone. I can say I have never sold or used drugs. I can say I have never defrauded anyone. I can say I am not a bad person..
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BUT GOD..
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Our dear wonderful, none judgemental Father God, would not have needed to send Jesus to take my/our sins if I/we were the ‘angels’ I/we tell ourselves we are! And i/we would not have needed the Holy Spirit to walk with us through some trying, conflicting, oftentimes hard choices or decisions within..
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(I had to down tools for 20minutes to drop my grandson to work, 20 minutes! I sinned. We were talking about his boss, who whizzed past us, and I made a flippant comment about “.. for such a flashy guy, he doesn’t drive a flashy car.. ” is it my business? Why was I judging someone at 7.20 am.. )
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Thank you Father God for Jesus and for the gift of the Holy Spirit He has left us to guide and direct, but also to correct and remind us that this life can only be done with the belief that without Jesus, no matter how our lives may look, we are ‘stinkers’ mediocre ‘hand on hearters’
Lord, in the mercy that you have always shown, since the beginning, hear our prayer for more of you..in Jesus’s name, I pray..
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AMEN.
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Happy Wednesday you beauties, covered in love and extra warm hugs as the temperature drops here..!❤️❤️❤️
Wow, Tina, what a difficult situation with the man. Praying your response (or lack there of) speaks to his heart and softens it to surrender to God.
Agree with Kelly, what a tough situation and joining her in praying for the softening of this man’s heart toward God. First question that popped into my mind, regardless of his sin- what has he been through, what has been said to him, how has he been treated that would bring such a tirade in response to your kind words.
Tina thank you for the reminder in your story sin is sin in the eyes of God whether it be murder or gossip. As you said we all need Jesus to cover our sin.
Haha, I had to laugh at your..gone for a minute and already sinned! Isn’t that the truth…I can be singing praise songs in one minute, and then say something to my husband that is not so nice in the next! Oh..it is a constant work! Somewhat “lighter” but nonetheless, sinful natures!
Sweet Tina…thank you for being so “real” and also praying for that man and praying he will remember your kind words.
BUT GOD!
lol judging someone at 7:20 am. You made me chuckle sweet Tina ❤️
Hi!
Good morning!
Good morning Danielle! So glad you’re here!