"For This Reason"

 "But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus." (John 12:10-11 KJV)

  "When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the LORD. Abel also brought a gift - the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The LORD accepted Abel and his gift, but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This man Cain very angry, and he looked dejected. "Why are you so angry?" the LORD asked Cain. "Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master."" (Genesis 4:3-7 NLT)

 Well, how is your year going thus far? Just in case you are feeling a little hesitation, let me help you be more optimistic and confident in your resolutions: If what you are doing is led by God, you will have opposition and push-back, but not from God! If the world pushes back against you, rejoice, knowing that He that is in you, is far more powerful and determined, then any power that is of this world! 

 Just a little encouragement, in case you get discouraged. The devil's most powerful tool is to get us discouraged and feel as though we are all alone: we are never alone! Here is something to think about, as you might know already: When someone points at you, they have three fingers pointing back at them; but you always have Three Persons on your side: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit! 

 Anywho; this is a perfect picture of the forces of evil that can fester and grow, due to envy! Yes, that little four-letter word, which is pretty much the opposite of love. Cain was offering that which he had harvested, which was basically his works; Able was offering the best of his flock, something that God created, which belonged to God.

 If that seems like a it might be a little confusing. it really isn't that confusing to understand where the blood comes from and why the blood is so important. By the way, I had a vision of something the other day, which I thought was rather interesting. I was listening to a message about how we were born to worship God: as I heard the statement, I envisioned a fetus in the womb, poised to worship! 

 Regardless, whether it was jealousy or envy, Cain felt as though Abel had outdone him, and he was offended that his offering did not please God. Instead of changing his mind, he hardened his heart against his brother, making the envy turn to hate; and hate is easily turned into murder. 

 Therefore, things could get crazy, out of control, and you could get easily frustrated, as you try to do what you feel God is telling you to do. But it is just the enemy, the king of envy, who is out to stop you and make whatever you should be doing, fall be the wayside. Prayerfully and patiently trust in the Lord! Don't be quick to react, but quick to prayer! Remember, first and foremost, people are not the enemy, they are people who need Jesus!

 Whether or not you can understand this, my greatest opposition is the fact that my wife is still with us. People who really don't know any better, think that she should be put out of her misery, as if that is something I should do. God gives life and He takes it away, not you or me! When it is her time to go, God will take her; otherwise, I will keep on taking care of her, showing her the love, she deserves...

"Wake up, wake up, O Zion! Clothe yourself with strength. Put on your beautiful clothes, O holy city of Jerusalem, for unclean and godless people will enter your gates no longer. Rise from the dust, O Jerusalem. Sit in a place of honor. Remove the chains of slavery from your neck, O captive daughter of Zion. For this is what the LORD says: "When I sold you into exile, I received no payment. Now I can redeem you without having to pay for you."" (Isaiah 52:1-3 NLT)