The Ground Cries Out at the Shame of Men’s Hatred
The ground cries out at the shame of men’s hatred for their brothers. Since Cain killed Abel, men turn away from their loving Creator. When men hate, bitter roots grow around and around their souls, cutting off the flow of God’s love.
The Ground Cries Out at the Shame of Men’s Hatred
2MefromHim Devotionals
See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15
The ground cries out at the shame of men’s hatred for their brothers. Since Cain killed Abel, men turn away from their loving Creator. When men hate, bitter roots grow around and around their souls, cutting off the flow of God’s love.
Like stones thrown into a sea of blood, man’s animosity and anger spiral in ever-widening circles through the centuries, drowning out all hope. Pain will curse the hearts of men as long as the sin of Cain turns brother against brother in hatred.
See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15 #devotional #anger #hate Share on XGod Weeps for His World
Cain’s jealousy raged when God accepted his brother Abel’s offering but rejected his. It was not a matter of Cain’s offering being inferior but his heart attitude. He brought “some fruits” while Abel brought the best, “fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flocks.”
God warned Cain about his unbridled anger: “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 4:6) But Cain ignored God’s offer of hope and lured Abel into the field where he and attacked and killed him. And the blood of Abel cried out to God from the ground for justice.
Deuteronomy 29:18 says, “Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the Lord our God to go and worship the gods of those nations; make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison.” When man’s god becomes anything other than his Creator, it poisons his soul with hate.
When man’s god becomes anything other than his Creator, it poisons his soul with hate. #Godisgood #violence #worship Share on XThe Ground Cries Out for Mercy and Justice
How applicable to our day when bitter men demand what others have, rather than working to achieve the same for themselves. Above all, God’s message to Cain was for man to deal with his anger by doing what is right in the eyes of God. Hate is conquered when men submit to God and allow His love to overcome their anger.
Who understands better than God’s own Son, Jesus, the victim of an angry mob? As His enemies nailed Him to the Cross, He offered forgiveness to all who accept His sacrifice by faith through grace.
The ground cries out for mercy and justice. And Jesus beckons, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)
Respond to hate with God’s love.
Hate is conquered when men submit to God and allow His love to overcome their anger. #inspiraton #hope #Godislove Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, June 26, 2020
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.
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Sweet Surrender: Learning to Trust God
Surrender becomes sweet when we recognize that God’s ways are higher and better than ours. How much time I waste in worry and concern, only to discover I was wrong.
Sweet Surrender: Learning to Trust God
A 2MefromHim Devotional
As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9
Surrender becomes sweet when I recognize that God’s ways are higher and better than mine. How much time I waste in worry and concern, only to discover I was wrong. God always has a better plan.
As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9 #Godisgood #wisdom #faith Share on XJesus’ Surrender vs. My Failure
Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane that if it was possible, the cup be removed from him. However, he said, “Yet not as I will, but as you will,” and then surrendered peacefully to his enemies—and to the will of God.
Many recent situations have sent me to my knees. However, my prayers are often based on personal desires. I shoulder the same burdens I should have left at the foot of the throne as I leave my quiet time. And I have no peace. Every aspect of my life is affected. Worries haunt me like ghosts.
Surrender from God’s Perspective
When Joseph’s brothers sold him into captivity, he didn’t worry and whine. He demonstrated acceptance and surrender, living to glorify God in one difficult circumstance after another. His story ends in blessing.
By the same token, one of the sadder accounts is that of Samson, who satisfied his own desires despite the call put on his life from before birth. We’ll never know what might have happened had he surrendered to God.
Elisabeth Elliot, widow of the martyred missionary, Jim Elliot, writes, “To pray, ‘thy will be done.’ I must be willing, if the answer requires it, that my will be undone.”
Charles H. Spurgeon wrote, “My situation is urgent, and I cannot see how I will ever be delivered. Yet this is not my concern, for He who made the promise will find a way to keep it. My part is simply to obey His commands, not to direct His ways. I am His servant, not His advisor. I call upon Him and He will deliver me.”
What blessings might God grant if I surrendered totally to him? #surrender #blessings #self-denial Share on XAnswering the Call to Surrender
I attempt to advise God when I pray for a situation to resolve my way. In Philippians, Paul wrote from prison, “what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.” What might God might accomplish in me, through me, or in someone near me if I surrender my will to his?
When I pray “not as I will, but as you will,” my burden is lifted. The surrender is sweet. May I learn to surrender rather than advise.
The way to peace is complete surrender to the will of God. #trust #obedience #peace Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, May 4, 2020
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.
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Autumn Transformation – A 2MefromHim Devotional
Autumn transforms the world into jewel-like colors, but they are a harbinger of winter to come. In the same way we prepare for winter, we need to prepare for the life to come. God’s word offers us the opportunity to do just that. But how faithful are we to share those truths with those around us? I’d love to hear your comments!
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The Northkill Amish Series drew me in from page one. You will be enthralled by the fact-based fictional story of the Hochstetler family, as related by their descendants, Joan M. Hochstetler and Bob Hostetler. Leave a comment and sign in on the Rafflecopter for a chance to win your choice of Joan’s award-winning historical fiction books.
Read MoreWaves of Uncertainty – A 2MefromHim Devotional
Waves of doubt and fear render us powerless against attacks from our own minds and that great enemy, Satan. When doubt threatens, where do you run for help and safety? I only know of one haven of protection and if I falter before I reach it, I am overwhelmed. If you struggle with uncertainty and doubt, I would love to hear from you!
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