Sin Foundations - Pride

“Now the man had relations with his wife, Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain, and she said, ‘I have gotten a man child with the help of the Lord.’ 

“And again she gave birth to his brother, Abel.  And Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 

“So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground.  And Abel, on his part also brought the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. 

“And the Lord had regard for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard.

“So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell.  Genesis 4:1-6

As we delve a bit deeper into Genesis you will realise the importance of Eve’s first words after the Fall, but for now, look at where she gives credit for the birth of Cain.  Also, this is the very beginning of man trying to “fix” things with their own efforts.  She wanted to fulfil the promise that God had given them about the future victory only His Son could fulfil. 

When Able is born, there are no words from Eve...well second borns are typically not as important and go unnoticed unlike the hope and responsibility placed in the first.

Cain, the competent, set the example, proudly bringing the first fruit of his labour (which was perfectly acceptable as a sacrifice to God) and Able, admiring his big brother, follows suit with what he has (also perfectly acceptable as a sacrifice to God).  

God had watched the boys, as He watches each of us, throughout their lives.  He knew Cain expected recognition and thanks, rather than a lesson.  Rather than being “teachable”, Cain grew angry at God and fixated this anger against his brother as he realised in his heart he could not lash out at God successfully.

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.”  Romans 1:16-19

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene 

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  Please send updates!  For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  Please pray for those in Texas after this incredible explosion, for all the families of the 15 dead and 160 injured and those who will be emotionally scarred from this, and those who are helping. 

Please continue to pray for those in Boston, dealing with this tragic bombing.  That sanity and care will guide those healing and those seeking wisdom at this time.  Please pray for the 3 families who’ve lost a loved one, the 183 injured, 17 of whom are critical suffering in the hospitals and for those who love them.  Pray for those who will remember this day forever and for the surviving young man who lost his way and caused this horror with his brother. 

Please pray for Adrian, that this new T-cell therapy will work against his cancer.   

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Betinna’s husband, Jim, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic lukemia in November 2012.  They just got the news that he’s in remission and that his brother is a match as a bone marrow donor.  A bone marrow transplant is next on the schedule.  Also be with Peter, who just lost his mom.

Be with Hans as he struggles through changes in his understanding of God’s plan for his life – that he will cling quietly to the lord as he goes through this time and that hope will reign in his heart.  For Paul NS & PJ.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  

 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R doing well through complicated health challenges.  Tim (my little brother) with CPRD, needs financial help and satisfying work that he’s able to do.  For Audley and Beverly’s situation.  For Carlton still suffering from horrible infections and pain in his bones.  For Nancy who is growing stronger and for Fred as he cared for her.

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Barbara (sister-in-law) eager to find new work since her project ended. 

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes in surprising and wonderful ways! 

For Kent as he grows through the loss of his mom.  Isaias as his ministry in the Philippines.  Carla & Paul K for good results from their business plans. 

For Tarrega, as his hearts settles and strengthens.  For Linda, that the Lord will show her which doors to open next after she rests a bit.  For Rob as the Lord works in a new way in his life...protect his health. Pray for Annette as she begins some new career adventures. 

Pray for wisdom for my brother as he deals with an important matter.  For David K, in his studies and Matthew K as he grows up.  Elaine and Jim back in Hong Kong.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children there and for the many nations suffering from global financial mismanagement.  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.