Weekend Fun!

We enjoyed the beautiful weather at the park.

To Be Accepted

I have been reading the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4. Cain and Abel offered sacrifices to God. The Lord looked with favour on Abel and his sacrifice while, Cain became very angry, and his face was downcast when God did not look with favour on him and his offering.

While reading this story what really struck me was what the Lord said to Cain.

"Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 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 master it."

Genesis 4:6-7 (NIV)

Firstly, the Lord came to Cain and spoke to him. He saw that Cain was angry and that his face was downcast and wanted to help Cain to realise all he had to do was to do what is right then he too would be accepted. Cain must have known what was wrong with either himself or the sacrifice, it might have been both. God said he could put this right.

Whatever we might or might not have done, we are always able to put it right.

Secondly, the Lord gave him a warning, "if you do not do what is right then sin is crouching at your door, it desires to have you."

It is when we start doing the thing that is not necessarily wrong in itself, but that it is not the right thing, that we find we start to wonder towards sinning. If we concentrate on doing what is right then we are less likely to sin.

Thirdly, the Lord gave him an instruction, "you must master it" How often are we ruled by our emotions. My daughter is a very emotional girl and cries passionately very easily. I am constantly trying to encourage her to control her emotions and that it's Ok to be upset but how we express that can be wrong.

In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and
be silent. Psalm 4:4 (NIV)
"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go
down while you are still angry, Ephesians 4:26 (NIV)

This story of Cain and Abel is a very good example to us of how we should examine ourselves. For example, how do we handle correction? Especially if it is pointing out our mistakes or our failiures. Do we allow it to change us and shape us. Or do we allow it to upset us, anger us, or do we put up our walls of insecurity.

Correction and wisdom come in all shapes and sizes. From those that are obviously older and wiser down to the very young and immature. While interacting with my children I sometimes see areas in my life that need correcting. What's important is that we are quick to make right that which is wrong. And that we master, take control so not to allow ourselves to be entangled by sin. Then our lives will be pleasing and acceptable to our heavenly Father.

In America

It has been about a week now since we arrived back in the UK. I'm experiencing what it's like to suffer from jet lag, which is very new to me. Richard and I went out to Grand Rapids, Michigan. We spent the week ministering to the church. It was a great time. Andrew and Angela Hughes were fantastic hosts.

I had opportunity to speak to the women a couple of times. I was really blessed because I believe God really used me. It was such a step of faith for me to preach, it was a time of being stretched. When opportunities like this come our way, as long as we believe God is a part of bringing them our way we should grab them and make that step.

While we were out there we were able to spend an evening with a lovely family who lived by a lake. They took us out on their speed boat. It was brilliant. After which Richard went out on the lake on a tube which was pulled by the boat. Richard did so well holding on, while being tossed about. It was one of the funniest things I've seen in a long tme. Richard really enjoyed it. While I was watching I wished I'd come prepared to have a go. It looked great fun. Well maybe next time!