The First Family Feud: Cain and Abel - Bible Study of Genesis Chapter 4

Genesis chapter 4 explores the story of Cain and Abel, their offerings, and the devastating consequences of Cain’s anger and jealousy.

 In this chapter we will learn about the family of Adam & Eve.

Verses 1-8: Cain, a farmer and Abel, a shepherd. They both prepared a sacrificial offering to God. Can sacrificed some of his produce and Abel sacrificed the firstborn sheep. God was not pleased with Cains offering. Cain killed Abel.

Verses 9-15: God asked Cain where his brother had gone. Cain replied, am I my brothers keeper? God knew what happened and placed a curse on Cain. The curse was that he would no longer be able to grow anything as a farmer. He instead became a fugitive and afraid that he would be killed for being a murderer but God placed a mark of protection on him.

Verses 16-26: A genealogy of the family Adam & Eve. Cain settled in the land of Nod and had a son named Enoch. Cains great great grandson is Lamech. He married 2 wives and also killed a man. Lamech had three sons: Jabal who worked with livestock. Jubal who played the lyre and pipe. Tubal-Cain who was a forger of bronze and iron. Adam and Eve had another son named Seth. People around this time began to call upon the name of the Lord. 

Sin then is the same as the sins we all struggle with today. Disobedience, jealousy, anger, etc. The Bible helps us understand that the human heart has always struggled with disobedience (sin) since the beginning. The Bible also gives us a solution to our sin problem through Jesus Christ who was a descendant of Adam and Eves son, Seth. 

Help Wanted: Holy Spirit

One thing I have learned is that I cannot control anyone or anything. When I was younger I believed I had the power to change the world. I'm not sure where I developed that thought process but I really did think I could. After raising my own children, I have certainly been humbled into knowing I can't control even a small child, a teen, or adult child. My children ALL have a mind of their own.

There are times when I want to control what others are thinking, feeling, believing, etc. I give it my best effort in trying to convince them of what I believe is the better way to think, feel, believe, etc. It sounds to me like I may have some control issues but I will write about that on another day. God has given everyone a free-will and we have to honor that in each individual.

Only God can change the heart of any individual. Allow God to change others internally because it's the only possible solution. It seems there are so many of us who try to be the "Holy Spirit" in the lives of others but that just does not work. First of all, when I am consumed with how others behave then I have taken the focus off myself and what needs to change in me. Secondly, if I am concerned over someone's actions then that should just be a reminder to bring them before the Lord and leave them there. It's God's job, not ours ~ so let it go! God may or may not change that individual but I guarantee He will change our own hearts in a way we never dreamed possible. ~

Life would be simpler and more enjoyable when we focus on God and His desire for our lives! Stay focused! 

~ This is the day that the Lord hath made.....I don't want to mess it up! 

This picture was taken of my youngest daughters little one on February 2013.

Love Is Time

 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her Ephesians 5:25

Busy lives cause us to forget what is important. The best expression of LOVE is time. The most valuable thing we can give to anyone is our time. This is an area where I need to improve and has always been more a weakness than one of my strengths.

My husband is very good at giving me his attention. He is also good at giving attention to my children and my grandchildren. He gave more of himself to his family than to his work or any other thing in his life. There was never anything he preferred doing or had any desire to do more than just being around all of us. When the children all left the nest he especially enjoyed our time together. He still reminds me when I get too busy with making plans to be sure to schedule plenty of time for just US!

I used to be at a “Mach IV” with my hair on fire on a daily basis but many things have come into my life to make me change my perspective on time. My priorities have changed for the better and I make plenty of time to do the things that really matter most. I don't always get it right but I do have a great example that I live with who gives me good counsel when I begin to find myself too busy. 

God blessed me with a man who will give me all the time I want or need ~ He shows me that I am his priority and that he values me. Time is a special gift!

Each week after work my husband takes time to have a tea party with each of my sons daughters. They love having him sit at their little tables and sharing their drinks and snacks. He loves it too! This picture was taken February 2014.