Are We Like Cain...?

As I read the story of Cain and Abel,
It hit closer to home for me more than ever before.
It made me think about the way I do life and business and ask,
Do I look more like Cain or Abel?

So here's how the story goes down...

"In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord."

A couple points to notice...

1) It says "In the course of time" which means that Cain started off knowing the "right" way to make an offering to God.

2) Over time Cain got the bright idea that he's going to do things HIS way instead of God's ways. Ultimately, Cain chose HIS method over God's.

Eeeek. Sounds a lot like me when I do things my way! >_<

Then "The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast."

Is it a surprise that the kid who followed instructions gets approval and the kid who didn't doesn't?
Is it a surprise that when we seek God first and obediently follow Him we have a peace that surpasses understanding?
Is it a surprise that when we don't spend time with God and do things OUR way we feel stressed, anxious and chaotic?
And just like Cain, don't we know better?

"Then the Lord said to Cain, 'Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?"

Thank God He is so awesome and patient. If I were God, I'd let Cain stew in his junk and not ask so nicely, but God is God for a reason. Even in our mess, he consoles us and tries to correct us lovingly.

"If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.'"

Have you ever gotten frustrated at God after NOT obeying His instructions?
Have you ever asked God "What do you want me to do?" while NOT doing the thing He already told you to do?

If you feel like your suffocating under stress or anxiety,
If you feel like an elephant is sitting on your chest,
If you feel like you're about to burn out,
SEEK God first DAILY.

Just like breathing is a necessity to live,
So is quiet, alone God time in order to live fully.
God's word is our daily bread,
Our source of wisdom,
Our river of life.

We are DESIGNED to hear God's voice,
And without SEEKING Him we WILL get lost, anxious and crumble.

"Dear Heavenly Father,

Be my number ONE,
Be my king and savior,
Not just my ticket into heaven,
Or an emergency hotline.

Teach me how to be FAITHFUL and OBEDIENT to You.
Keep my eyes on YOUR will, YOUR desires,
Help me control my own ideas and impulses,
Help me lay it down at your feet and ask You FIRST,
Before I take any action on anything.

Thank You for Your faithfulness,
Your unending mercy,
Your unfailing grace,
Blessed be Your name,
I love You,
I thank You,
In Jesus name, Amen."

Cheers to NOT being like Cain.
Let's be obedient and faithful,
Let's not change a good thing JUST because we had a "bright" idea...
Cuz compared to God's idea, it ain't that bright. ^_-

Have a great day!

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