Hoping for discussion on my reading from lastnight:)

[Oregongrown]

God never fails to amaze me:) I always learn more, every time I read His Word. He knows, like some books or say movies, I would never watch them again, not because they were bad but because they never make me hungry for more. The bible is the only book that makes me hungry for more:) (Ok ok, there might be a couple recipe books:rolleyes:)

Just a couple comments on what I read in Genesis, and I hope any interested will add to the topic:) Love to all, a sister in Christ, denise:spin:

Two things offhand, that stood out were, one, how the account of Creation almost seems like 2 accounts. Genesis 1:1-31. Then again, the account in Genesis 2. I have heard it discussed before and some do see it as 2 separate happenings meaning there was "man" on Earth before Adam and Eve. I don't see this at all but the following is how I believe the HS is interpreting to me. Genesis 2 is the same account, just in more detail on the creation of man/woman. I do wonder why God wrote it that way and again, I hope I get some feedback here:)

The other part I read really was just comforting to me. It's the part about Cain and Abel coming to God with their "gifts", "fruits". I had an idea after reading that in the past, that God was being just "mean" to Cain because Cains gift didn't find favor with the Lord. I saw lastnight though, that God was very loving really. I mean He disciplined Cain and was teaching him that he needed to think of God and others more than himself. Give God the best of his fruits. I had never gotten that before lastnight. Just more affirmation on the fact that God truly doesn't change and neither does man, LOL:) I for one want to keep the best for me but I am learning the true reward is giving it away:)

PS love to attach a fave tune. Heres "You Reign" by MercyMe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dN8v2Y30pc

Even before there was a drop in the ocean even before there was a star in the sky even before
the world was put in motion You were on Your throne You were on Your throne.

[chorus]
You reign glory in the highest You reign let creation testify by Your name every knee will bow
and every tongue proclaim that Jesus reigns.

Even before Your hand made the heavens even before the breath of all mankind even before we
had to be forgiven You were on Your throne You were on Your throne. [back to chorus]

Yesterday, today and forever Your are God who was, and is and is to come. [back to chorus]

[Sold Out]

Most people (including me) overlooked the significance of Cain's offering being rejected over Abel's. I never really KNEW why...just that something wasn't as pleasing to God from Cain's.

Well I had it explained to me and it was like - WOW....I can't believe I never saw this!

Cain brought produce (fruits/vegetables) that he had grown from the ground with his own effort. If you back up to Gen 3, God tells Adam & Eve that the ground is cursed:

"And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;" Gen 3:17

Since the ground is cursed, God cannot bless what He has cursed! Not only that, Cain was trying to earn God's favor by his works, whereas Abel simply slit the throat of an animal - which pictured Christ's sacrifice (John 1:29). Abel demonstrated that there was nothing HE could do to earn God's favor, and that he trusted in the coming Messiah. It is the neverending saga of grace -vs- works. It has been in play since the beginning!

[Partaker of Christ]

Hi Sold Out!

That is exactly correct!

Cain offered his own works, and Abel offered what God had provided.

I have come to see to things here; Dependence vs. Independence

Before God created man, He first provided all that man would need.
Man's first day was rest, and we are to work from out of our rest, and not (as in the world) work to our rest. As Christians, the first thing we need to learn to do is rest in Him, and in His finished work. He has provided all things for us, and He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing.

God is our Heavenly Father; Jehovah-jireh [the Lord will provide]
It is (if you will) His duty as a Father to provide for His children, and we are to come to Him as His little children, dependant on Him for all things and in all things. Independence is a rebellion against His provision.

I remember as a child, that my parents would give me the finance to buy them gifts, for birthdays and Christmas etc:

He is:

Jehovah [self-subsisting]

Jehovah-jireh [the Lord will provide]

Jehovah-nissi [the Lord my banner]

Jehovah-shalom [the Lord send peace]

Jehovah-shammah [the Lord is there]

Jehovah-tsidkenu [the Lord our righteousness]

[SFASH]

One of my favorite places in scripture also. I see Cain offering our Lord something akin to a chef's salad (human works), while Abel, understanding the fall of man in no uncertain terms, and mindful of the sacrificial gift of God, lifts a bloodied lamb toward His presence.

"By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh." He 11:4

[Oregongrown]

One of my favorite places in scripture also. I see Cain offering our Lord something akin to a chef's salad (human works), while Abel, understanding the fall of man in no uncertain terms, and mindful of the sacrificial gift of God, lifts a bloodied lamb toward His presence.

"By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh." He 11:4

Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others.

Thoughts on today's verse Do you remember one of the earliest questions in the Bible? "Where is your brother Abel?" To which Cain responded: "Am I my brother's keeper?" Paul's answer is a clear and undeniable yes! We must look to the interest of others and not just our own.
Prayer: Father, teach me to love your family as you do. I get so caught up and distracted with my own world and my own problems that I forget to notice those who are hurting. Help me to grow more aware and more attune to those needs so you may minister through me. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others.

Thoughts on today's verse Do you remember one of the earliest questions in the Bible? "Where is your brother Abel?" To which Cain responded: "Am I my brother's keeper?" Paul's answer is a clear and undeniable yes! We must look to the interest of others and not just our own.
Prayer: Father, teach me to love your family as you do. I get so caught up and distracted with my own world and my own problems that I forget to notice those who are hurting. Help me to grow more aware and more attune to those needs so you may minister through me. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.l

[Oregongrown]

I just heard another way of describing Gen 1 & 2 that I really like. I also belong to another forum and this person said that "Gen. 1 is the account of Creation" and "Gen 2 is the account of the beginning of God and man's relationship". God bless, see you all later, ysic, denise:)

[dale1257]

Actually, I hadn't seen that until now!! Thank You for your insight!!