"Time passed.  Cain brought an offering to God from the produce of his farm.  Abel also brought an offering, but from the firstborn animals of his herd, choice cuts of meat.  God liked Abel and his offering, but Cain and his offering didn't get his approval.  Cain lost his temper and went into sulk" (Genesis 4:3-5 MSG).

Why was God displeased with Cain's sacrifice?  Was it because Cain didn't sacrifice animals?  He could have easily traded his produce for one of Abel's quality animals.  Yet, the text doesn't specify that animals were the only sacifice God required at this time.  So, his land produce may not have been the issue.  A likely reason God wasn't happy with Cain's offering was because Cain didn't offer the best of his wealth and prosperity?  Perhaps he offered the second-rate produce to God. 

This text, as well as so many others, is dealing with our attitude toward God.  Was Abel "more" perfect than Cain?  No.  But it seems that Abel's worship to God was accepted because he used the best of what he had to offer; thereby, honoring God for who He truly is - the provider of all blessings.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves

My parents were great examples of givers.  They gave to God at their local congregation.  They gave to help the needy and distressed.  They gave to their family and they gave to each other.  So, how come I have found "giving" somewhat of a continual challange. 

I do give.  I give my time and I give my sweat and tears.  But I have struggled, in the past, with planning and preparing the gift of financial support.  But I thank God that living debt free for almost 3 years helps me to be a better if not a more natural giver.  It's natural because I plan to give and I work the plan. (Thanks Dave Ramsey).

Currently, I've been reading through the Bible in a 90 day program.  I am passed 30 days.  One of the things that I have been reminded of is how Isreal was instructed to give God of their "First Fruits" - their material wealth.  I have a personal budget and plan all my spending, saving, and giving.  But I realized that I usually give toward the end of the month in case some "surprise" happens and I need money for something else. 

Well, this month I have resolved to give my budgeted giving its proper place - before all other things; i.e., "first fruits".  First, this shows honor to God in putting him first before all my other wants and needs.  Second, it shows my commitment to budgeting.  Third, it reminds me that I love God.  

Giving doesn't just happen because parents were givers.  Giving happens because you want it to happen.  Giving happens because one's focus is in correct form.   Part of living the Christian life is to keep growing.  One area of my lifestyle in Christ that is growing is my giving.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves

        Over twelve years ago, my wife and I bought a small, two-bedroom house before our first child was born.  It wasn’t top-of-the-line, but, it was special.  The house was white with a big back yard and a fireplace.  We put some sweat equity into it and stayed there until we found a preaching job that offered us living accommodations.  So, as a result of our move we became landlords.  We had a few good years of quality renters until the day when we got tenants who
NEVER paid their rental fee.
            
         To find out more, check out my new article entitled, "Forgiveness". 

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves

If you want to know what type of parent a child has just go to the mall on the weekend. I am saddened that parents let their young girls and boys be "watched" by no one.

In the minutes we were there we saw two girls having a slap fight in the street. We saw boys dancing for the girls. We saw young kids behaving like they were married and in the bedroom. We saw girls wearing clothes that prostitutes would wear. And we saw a lot of kids just waiting to be picked up by the parents who used the mall as a baby sitter.

Does your town or city have this problem? It probably does. Mine did even when I was a young kid.

Check scripture about the importance of teaching godliness to the young and helping others (especially parents) be humble in everything before the Lord.

The Lord's humbled
John A. Reeves

Parents train up your children . . . (Where is this scripture found?)