Test The Lord And See...

Test the Lord today. See how stepping out in trust with the best of your gifts, gold, and talents opens the doors to the treasures of heaven. 

“In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering.”

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 rule over it.”” Genesis‬ ‭4‬:‭3‬-‭4‬, ‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭

What was it about the offering of Abel that pleased the Lord? God made everything, does He even need anything from us? Abel’s offering was a declaration of his heart and how he sees the Father. It takes trust to give your first fruits as it requires that God will provide later. 

Cain gave his worst, last. An after thought of an offering after he had used what he wanted. God loves a cheerful giver. He does not want someone giving out of obligation or reluctance. What does your giving say about your view of God? 

“Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬ ‭‬‬

There is always blessing on the other side of sacrifice. Love God and others has a cost. The best part of the blessing you receive later is realizing you can never outgive God. You were made to participate and understand the depths of God’s love for you as He provides more than you need after you trust Him. Remember God is the one who gives first, we are returning to God from what He gave us.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23 

I am amazed at how careless people are with their hearts. We live in a time where the graphic nature of media streams inundate our minds.  What gets into your head gets into your heart.  Solomon is writing this to the people he loves most and he says more than anything else guard your heart.  How well are you guarding your heart? Has what you have listened to, watched, read, focused on filled your cup and drawn you closer to God?

“In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious” Isaiah 4:2Jesus came that we might have abundant life. He came to help bring the beauty and glory of heaven to the Earth through you. God wants to use you to create beauty in the world by using the gifts you have been given.

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil...The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread…Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God…Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

Matthew 4 Jesus came and proclaimed the good news. The enemy wants nothing more than to tempt you, turn you, and take away your identity.  It was the first attack he made on Jesus. Jesus says you are needed and have gifts to give. The enemy says you are not worthy or enough. He wants you distract you from the eternal mindset to focus on immediate needs.  What voice are you going to listen to today? 

Following Jesus means learning to think like him. He put the eternal ahead of the immediate and gave all of the best of himself to God in order that we all could have peace with God.  What are you willing to sacrifice or give back to fulfill your destiny as a dearly loved chosen child of God? Will you choose to be like Abel or Cain in how you trust God with who you are and what you have today?