Knock Knock

In the beginning... Okay, name that intro! I'm sure you've heard those words many times in the story of creation, but I recently decided to read through Genesis. As usual, God used the Word to teach me about life through a story I've heard a thousand times.

"“Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”

One day Cain suggested to his brother, “Let’s go out into the fields.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother, Abel, and killed him.

Afterward the Lord asked Cain, “Where is your brother? Where is Abel?”
“I don’t know,” Cain responded. “Am I my brother’s guardian?”

But the Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground! Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has swallowed your brother’s blood. No longer will the ground yield good crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless wanderer on the earth.” (NLT)

In Genesis 4:6-12, God warns Cane (Adam and Eves first son, brother to Abel) that he needs to get control over his sinful desires or it will take over. And sure enough his rage/jealousy/resentment caused him to kill his own brother even after God warned him to get control over his anger. Then he is sent away by God and condemned to be alone and without. What a consquence for acting out his anguish in sin!

Just like Cain's, sin is constantly knocking at the door of our lives, trying to tempt us to open up. We have to make a choice to between shutting sin out or allowing it to invade and take over. It's a hard task to "become sins master."

With God's guiding hand, it is possible! Even though Cain was unable to overcome his sinful nature, we can learn from his mistake and turn to God for help when life's stresses bring us to the brink of sinning.

Next time sin is knocking at your life's door, call on God, he can put a lock on that door and keep sin out if we give him control.

Prayer:

Thank you Lord for showing me through Cain, the consequences of not actively pursuing you. Please help me to not let sin creep too closely. Let me resist temptation. Be my keeper and my light. I love you and honor you. Thank you for using your Word to inspire my everyday life. Amen.

Pray What You Need to Say

I was listening to my itunes library on shuffle and came across and song that although not Christian, began to speak to my heart. I had planned to write this whole blog on prayer and talking to God about the good, the bad, anything and everything because He is listening. Even when you feel so alone and lost in this world you can always confide in the God who hears your every thought.

I think Psalm 17 illustrates how we some feel when life's problems are threatening us. And just as David does, we must cry out and turn to God for help... for answers. So tell the Lord what's on your heart, pray what you need to say.

"I'm not trying to get my way in the world's way.
I'm trying to get your way, your Word's way.
I'm staying on your trail; I'm putting one foot In front of the other.
I'm not giving up.
I call to you, God, because I'm sure of an answer. So—answer! bend your ear! listen sharp! Paint grace-graffiti on the fences; take in your frightened children who are running from the neighborhood bullies, straight to you." -Psalm 17:4-7 (MSG)

He's listening. Say what you need to say...

Be a Life Saver

Today I've really been thinking about why God put me where I am. Meaning, really putting thought into the purpose of God's hand in my life -- every aspect of it. Like with my new job, it may not be ideal but I think it's God's way of saying prove to me you can exemplify me no matter what the situation.

Every day life should be our mission field.

The day you give your heart to God you are a missionary. Your mission is serving God with all your heart, soul and mind and showing him in your actions.

Often it can feel like a test when life's "little things" take over. I have to remember God's in control and it is not about me. I know God, I talk to Him, He gives me strength, but how selfish of me if I don't spread that amazing love. Jesus can be shown in a kind act or a positive attitude.

The point is taking God's call on our lives seriously and expressing Him in all of life's situations. Whether it's a job, a bad day, or a life-changing event, it may not be ideal or fun, or even easy but it's an opportunity to shine, stand out and glorify God.

In Colossians 3:23 the Bible says, "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people."

I loved the way The Message put it, "And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ." (23-24)

Our mission shouldn't be to save ourselves, it should be to save others. By having confidence in our Savior, we not only receive the benefits of faith in Christ but we give light and hope to others who might just need a rescuer.

So don't just "do the minimum", take action! Love and live Jesus every single day -- be a life saver.