JANUARY 3 - MURDER
READ Genesis 4
The first murder: Cain kills his brother Abel and is condemned to wander the earth.
INSIGHT
"Am I my brother's keeper?" Cain asks. God's answer is unequivocal: Yes. God intended for His people to be social beings—to love, care for, and protect each other. The mark of any society is how well it cares for those who cannot care for themselves. Elevated societies do well with this; debased societies do not. The mark of a selfish society is that it cares well for those it likes and does not care well for those it does not like. This kind of thinking leads to brutality. The Christian is called to have the mind of Christ in this matter. We are to do good to all people, regardless of race, gender, or social position. Indeed, we are our brother's keeper.
PRAYER
Thank the Lord and praise Him that He wants to demonstrate His compassion through His children:
Sing a new song to the Lord; let the whole earth sing to the Lord.
Sing to the Lord, bless his name; proclaim his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
His wondrous works among all peoples (Psalm 96:1-3).
Now pray this confession to the Lord to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him:
David’s conscience troubled him after he had taken a census of the troops.
He said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I’ve done.
Now, Lord, because I’ve been very foolish,
Please take away your servant’s guilt.”(2 Samuel 24:10).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
As you agree with God's will, voice your affirmation of His Word by reflecting on the words of Jesus:
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.
The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live.
Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.
Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
•Greater wisdom for daily living
•The needs of your immediate family
•The needs of the people in your community
•Your prayer list
Now offer this prayer of worship to the Lord:
Blessed be the Lord forever.
Amen and amen (Psalm 89:52).
The first murder: Cain kills his brother Abel and is condemned to wander the earth.
INSIGHT
"Am I my brother's keeper?" Cain asks. God's answer is unequivocal: Yes. God intended for His people to be social beings—to love, care for, and protect each other. The mark of any society is how well it cares for those who cannot care for themselves. Elevated societies do well with this; debased societies do not. The mark of a selfish society is that it cares well for those it likes and does not care well for those it does not like. This kind of thinking leads to brutality. The Christian is called to have the mind of Christ in this matter. We are to do good to all people, regardless of race, gender, or social position. Indeed, we are our brother's keeper.
PRAYER
Thank the Lord and praise Him that He wants to demonstrate His compassion through His children:
Sing a new song to the Lord; let the whole earth sing to the Lord.
Sing to the Lord, bless his name; proclaim his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
His wondrous works among all peoples (Psalm 96:1-3).
Now pray this confession to the Lord to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him:
David’s conscience troubled him after he had taken a census of the troops.
He said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I’ve done.
Now, Lord, because I’ve been very foolish,
Please take away your servant’s guilt.”(2 Samuel 24:10).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
As you agree with God's will, voice your affirmation of His Word by reflecting on the words of Jesus:
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.
The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live.
Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.
Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
•Greater wisdom for daily living
•The needs of your immediate family
•The needs of the people in your community
•Your prayer list
Now offer this prayer of worship to the Lord:
Blessed be the Lord forever.
Amen and amen (Psalm 89:52).
A Dogwood Church Discipleship Ministry Resource. © Walk Thru the Bible 2023.