“Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? 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.’
“And Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Where is Abel your brother?’
“And he said, ‘I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?’ And He said, ‘What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to Me from the ground.’” Selected from Genesis 4:1-16
“…and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.” Hebrews 12:24
“Chapter 4 describes the first murder. Furious that His brother’s sacrifice and not his own is considered acceptable to God, Cain kills Abel. Like the blood of Abel, the blood of Jesus also cries out from the ground. But here is the amazing thing, and here is the great difference between the age of promise and the age of fulfilment: the blood of Jesus cries out, not only for justice, but for mercy and forgiveness.
“The blood of Jesus shed on the cross does something else that the blood of Abel could never do: Jesus blood brings about the reconciliation of enemies. – The well-known song says, ‘There’s wonderful power in the blood’. Jesus’ blood still cries out today and its voice is heard, as many find forgiveness, cleansing, peace and reconciliation.”
“Prayer: Father, forgive us when we fail to forgive others. We’re sorry that too often our first thought is vengeance and not mercy. Thank You for the blood of Christ which has saved us. May it empower us to love others and draw them to the cross. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen”[1]
Take care with love, especially His! Your servant and friend in Christ, who still prays for you each morning. Darlene
PS: We are walking through a special Lenten devotional by Michael Raiter, Shadows of the Cross, Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament. I hope you will enjoy this special time of consideration.
Also, please send me any updates for the prayer list.
PPS: Find my statement of faith by clicking or cut and paste this link into your Web browser: https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com You can find the WeakDay Devotion online. Do a Google Search for “WeakDay Devotion.” (Also, there is a “Google Blogger” App you can download to read them on your phone.)
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS?
· URGENT: Raging bush fires – some of the worst experienced in Victoria. Please pray for protection of the people in danger, the fire service workers, support groups working through this disaster and all the animals (we have many animals in that area that are endangered as it is).
· URGENT – A massive tropical storm/ typhoon is racing to the Philippines. Please pray for Isaias, his family and the Ambassadors for Christ ministry and seminary. Isaias and several of the seminary students are travelling through dangerous, mountainous passes. Also, continue to pray for Edna.
· UPDATE: Scott, just started a new job. Praise the Lord. Thank you for praying for him. Please continue your prayers for him to seek a relationship with the Lord for himself and his children.
· UPDATE - Sue Furbee and husband, Sam – They both thank you for your faithful prayers. The procedure has not shown any positive affect yet from the stem cell treatment. They remain hopeful as they were told it could take up to six months. Please keep praying for her recovery and for Sam’s care and devotion. For more information and to contribute to the high costs of the procedures visit their GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/sue-furbee
· UPDATE - Barbara – the results of her PET scan showed that the spot on her lung was no longer there. Thank you so much for praying for her and for Tim who supports her daily. They are my only family left and I’ve not seen them since 2006 and I miss them terribly.
· USA – that the Lord would demonstrate His power in an unexpected and uniting way during these times of unrest and confusion. Help hearts settle and rest on You alone.
· Sergio – lost his job and now looking again. He was recently diagnosed with adult-onset diabetes. Was living with his brother, but has been asked to move out, leaving him homeless.
· Claudio – Has had a disappointing setback and needs prayers for encouragement in his battle with liver cancer. Pray for his health carers to be compassionate and wise and for Elea, his wife, that she has the extra strength and hope to hold his hand through this.
· Toron – finishing his high school studies and needing strength, focus and confidence, especially with maths.
[1] © 2017, Michael Raiter, Shadows of the Cross, Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament, Anglican Youthworks.
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