Gen 4 - Before the established practice of tithing as seen by Abraham giving a tenth to Melchizedek, we see Cain and Abel bringing an offering to the Lord. It doesn't say "how much", just that Abel brought the FIRST FRUITS or firstborn - the first and best he had to offer and God accepted it as an offering. Cain brought an offering too. It doesn't specify, but it obviously wasn't the FIRST, or God would have accepted it. Or possibly, it wasn't with the RIGHT HEART? Something to think about in our own lives.
Verse 7, God gives Cain excellent advice, but it's also a DIRECTIVE for a great life. He tells him that sin is crouching at the door of his heart. God not only warns Cain of danger, but He tells him what to do about it! God tells Cain to "master" it. Obedience would have resulted in good things occurring in Cains life. This is great advice for us, too. Born again or seeking to know Jesus the Lord - sin continues to attempt to trip us up. We can't avoid it, but we can "master" it through Christ! God doesn't withhold the needed knowledge but tells us exactly HOW to master sin. SUBMIT to God, RESIST the devil, MASTER sin in our own lives!
Job has so much to offer I could spend YEARS on it! Keep these things in mind as you read and perhaps you'll find yourself with a new perspective that will be useful to you.
Job did not know that God had allowed satan access to his life. He did not understand what was happening but he stuck with what he did know, that God is FOR HIM and not against him!
Jesus paid the price of sin for us, so when we mess up, confession and repentance result in forgiveness, not punishment from God.
Chastening of the Lord is like disciplining a child - loving encouragement and instruction to do the right things that will bring blessing and joy to our lives.
Happy reading! Please let us know if there is anything we can pray for you about specifically!
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