To become a follower to Darlene's blog, click on the "follow" tab at the very bottom of the screen.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

SIN IS CROACHING AT YOUR DOOR

I realize that Tuesday is Valentine's Day. But without a significant other, I place no importance on the day. Today would have been my mother's 80th birthday . . . but I refuse to wallow in grief for the next month (until the anniversary of Jolene's death a month from tomorrow). That's my excuse (if one is needed) for not writing on a holiday theme.

In reading the account of Cain and Abel for the umpteenth time, the sequence of events struck me anew.
  1. Cain and Abel brought offerings to God.
  2. God didn't look at Cain's offering with favor.
  3. Cain got angry.
  4. God confronted Cain the first time.
  5. Cain killed Abel.
  6. God confronted Cain the second time.

God saw what was going to happen, and He warned Cain to resist the temptation. Kind of like the apostle Peter, who denied the Lord three times in spite of Jesus's warning.

I'd like to think that I would obey God if He warned me ahead of time like that. But I suspect I wouldn't. In fact, I'm pretty sure I haven't. I've ignored that small voice that says stop! now! before it's too late!

Lord, teach me to listen. . .and obey.

***A reminder to leave a comment each week for a chance to win one of my books. Check out the weekly giveaway in the right hand column.***

9 comments:

Linda Goodnight said...

Hi Darlene,
The story of Cain and Abel has both fascinated and puzzled me for ages. I always wondered why Cain's sacrifice was rejected. On the surface, God seemed to be unfair, playing favorites. But on the deeper level, just as you discussed, it wasn't about the sacrifice. It was about obedience.

Sharon said...

Hi, DArlene. Wonderful lesson. Sometimes it so easy to miss that voice in the hustle and bustle of the world.

Darlene Franklin said...

Linda, Sharon, thanks for stopping by! And right on both lessons, obedience and listening to that quiet voice.

Darlene Franklin said...

Wow! Amazing! How many times have I talked myself out of something I KNEW to be true because it didn't follow logic? And funny . . . each and every time I've regretted not following that still, small voice. Thanks for sharing this with us. Its a good reminder and a great affirmation! God bless you, Darlene!

--From Karla J.

Mary said...

Darlene, every human, for some reason, resists that quiet voice. I learned many years ago to listen and at times, I still fail.

Ausjenny said...

I hadn't thought of that before either and would hope one warning would be enough but I know it doesn't always work that way.
(I dont need a copy of your latest book just finished it.)

Darlene Franklin said...

Jenny, that's good, because I'm giving away an older title this time. (Love's Raid) Thanks for stopping by!

Kameko said...

I just finished reading the Cain and Abel story for my Bible study. I really like your post and can see myself as you did. I know I've ignored that voice from God too many times. I'm praying daily now for the wisdom and strength to listen for that voice and to heed it as I should.

Darlene Franklin said...

It's always exciting to me when I see something new in a story I know so well . . .