Genesis 9:1 - 7, Part 1: Be Fruitful

Be Fruitful

Genesis 9:1 - 7 As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it.

In Psalms, it says that the children you have in your youth are like arrows in a warriors hand and you are blessed if your quiver is full of them (Psalm 127:4 & 5). So, marry young and have lots of children. It is a blessing! The Scriptures do not shy away from having children. We must be wise in knowing our limits for many hardships can arise when we have poor parenting skills or when we lack the funds to raise them. We must not be foolish. We must plan ahead.  Consider, then, what God's plan is. Society in the US says that a good size family averages 3.14 persons. Using that statistic in a 2 parent family, this will only allow for 1 child per household. I doubt that was what God meant when he said to be fruitful.

Let us look at this spiritually. First, a large family of well trained and disciplined children will be very effective in the Kingdom. They will be a great example to those around us of how effective Biblical principles are when lived out. And applied to the verses in Psalms, there will be mighty armies of Christians who effective handle the Sword: the Word of God. And the Kingdom will increase, keeping many soul from destruction.

Second, this command to be fruitful is a call to be his witnesses. 1 Corinthians 5:13 - 20 teaches us that as Christians we die to ourselves and live for Christ and become his ambassadors. Ask anyone with children; this is the life of a parent. No longer do they live for themselves but for the success of their children. (Today, people take this truth to an extreme, making it all about their children) In the early days they get up in the middle of the night to tend to them. Later they give up the easy life and buckle down and work to provide food and clothing and education. After their children leave home, they still continue to provide Godly wisdom, so the family will continue for generation. There are so many spiritual parallels here, from the birth of salvation, through nurturing growth, to deep meaty discipleship. We must increase and multiply Christ's kingdom and help it to mature.

A and K, how will you involve yourself in the Kingdom work. Paul said, it is good not to marry, (1 Cor 7:8) because you can focus stay focused on the kingdom work (vs. 33). (there is also a comment in verse 9 worth reviewing). Look at the two main themes we are discussing: If you marry and have children, train them up to be warriors for the Lord. Teach them by example. If you remain unmarried, focus on expanding the Kingdom for the time is short (vs. 29). Notice that no matter how we see marriage, both choices focus on being fruitful for God. Live to do your part.

~Dad

Genesis 8:22, Never again

Never Again

Genesis 8:22 "As long as earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease."

We need not heed the "wolf" cries of the doomsayers. Like Chicken Little they cry, "The sky is falling. The sky is falling!" But nothing happens. Today, we hear the earth is coming to an end; The planets are aligned like never before and certain doom is evident. The ozone has a hole in it and we'll all burn up. stop using fossil fuels or global warming will cause the ice caps to melt and all will be covered with water. We need not fear. God has promised to never destroy all of earth nor all life on earth until the end of times no matter how wicked man may be. When that time comes, it will happen despite mankind's efforts to save it.

K and A, do you ever fear the destruction of life as we know it? There is no doubt that we can pollute and waste resources to and cause great turmoil, but we cannot destroy the whole earth. Man does not contain the power to do so. Keep your faith in the God of Heaven. He said there is a day coming when the earth and the heaven will be destroyed and replaced. That is a day to look forward to. But, only the Father knows the day and time of that event. The only thing to fear is not being ready for Christ to return. Make sure you are ready then live in the hear and now, rest in his love, and be certain that God will protect and strengthen you until that day comes. Never again, is his promise to you!

~Dad

Genesis 8:21, Pleasing to God

Pleasing to God

Genesis 8:21 The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart, "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.

Noah had sacrificed an offering to the Lord. He and his family had been protected when God destroyed those who were evil. They were grateful to the Lord and wanted to glorify his wonderful act of salvation. They visibly and physically made an effort to let him know. The Lord saw and in this case smelled their loving act. He was greatly pleased and declared an everlasting promise of love in return.

We too are recipients of God's promise of the wonderful act of salvation.. He promises us his hand of protection from the destruction of evil and will carry us through. He deserves our gratitude.

K and A, how will you show your gratitude to our Lord and Savior when you put your faith in his act of salvation? He promised to protect you from destruction. Noah and his family made an offering to him, but your offering will not be a burnt offering. He desires obedience more than sacrifice (1 Sam 15:22). Follow the commands of the Lord, and he will smell the aroma of a job well done and will smile in his heart and be quite pleased.

~Dad

Thanksgiving Note, I Thank God

I Thank God

Philippians 1:3 I thank God every time I think of you.

Majestic

It's Thanksgiving day daughters. I do thank God you each of you. God has blessed me because of you.

One a talented, developing singer and worker in his kingdom for many years. You touch the lives of  children through your teaching. You also touch others, both young and old, through your exemplary life. You so kindness and reserve, sharpness and wit. May God continue to bless you and develop you for his work. Yield to his way and walk the path as he directs. Proverbs 3:5 & 6

The other is talented in other ways. Accomplished on the piano and able to touch lives as well. You have begun to reach children and youth as well. Although it is new for you, you put your hand to the task even as you are very busy. To too touch the lives of others. In your work you care for the elderly. They need love and care and you give it. Seek what God has for you. Give to him in time and heart. He will show you how to live and how to love. Luke 10:27

Happy Thanksgiving I love you and thank God for you. Serve and love him always.

Morsih

~Dad

Genesis 8:15 - 20, Come Out

Come Out

Genesis 8:15 & 16 Then God said to Noah, Come out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and their wives.

In the final step of fleeing the evil of the times, God told Noah and his family to come out of the last remnant of the old evil world. When they did, they saw a completely new land made pure by the washing of God's hand. Noah took the right sacrifice and placed it on the altar and offered it to the Lord. What lie ahead for this family was a new beginning, a chance to start over.

A and K, God has given each of us a chance to start over. He calls us to "come out" of the world and its ways and be separate (2 Cor. 6:17). God washes you by the blood of his son, but you have the responsibility to leave the ark, to leave the past behind; those evil connections that keep you from living differently in the new land he has prepared for you on this earth.

Girls, Noah offered a worthy sacrifice. His family was thankful to God for choosing and protecting them from destruction. God will do this for you as well, if you chose righteousness over evil and the narrow road over earthly pleasures. Come out and leave the world behind.

~Dad

Quick Note, Serve with Excellence

Serve with Excellence

Psalm 33:3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

Some like to misuse the verse in Psalms that says make a joyful noise unto the Lord  to say you don't have to try and sing well, just make a noise, God doesn't care. This has always rubber me wrong. We are to serve the Lord with excellence. Strive to please him in all you do, daughters. Don't just sloppily perform your work for him. Do you best. If that means a shrieking noise then fine, but work at it be the most excellent shriek there is. Work to perfect your gift he has given you.

~Dad

Genesis 8:1 - 14, God Will Not Forget you

God Will not Forget You

Genesis 8:1  But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the water receded.

God closed the door on Noah and his family, and all the wild animals and livestock. The storms rose and the ark floated away. The ark was closed up for more than year. Imagine being shut in for that long. I am sure they were busy with the animals and all, but it would be easy to get depressed thinking God had forgotten about you. How long would this go on? Will it ever end?

There are troubles in life that seem to go on forever. Troubles with a boss or co-worker, division in the family, or between husband and wife. When will it ever end? Will life ever get better? Does God even see what I am going through? These questions are common. At your age I couldn't fathom such problems. Grandpa used to talk about the troubles of David in the Psalms and how they related to our lives. When I said I didn't understand, he said you will... I do now.

Daughters, know that God doesn't forget about you. Some of your problems you are in or will get into will be of your own making... I always tried to look at others to see what mistakes they made and worked not to repeat them. But, I have made enough of my own troubles that I hope others will learn from and never repeat.

Then there are troubles that are caused by others. I have had to work along side miserable co-workers, or cringe when demeaning bosses showed up on the job. I'd just wanted to walk the other way and disappear. Some people grow up in horrible family conditions... I hurt when I think of them.

But no matter what stage or trial in life you are experiencing, God has not forgotten you. You may not see why you must go through them or when they will ever end, but never forget... God remembers your situation, knows what you can handle, and is willing to ride out the storm with you!

~Dad

Genesis 7, Shut In

Shut In

Genesis 7:16b ...Then the Lord shut him in.

Claustrophobia... many people are afraid of closed spaces. Tight and stuffy with no room to move, fear begins to set in and anxiety surmounts. I have crawled under houses or climbed through small openings and have felt that sense of helplessness come on. What was I too do? To go further would be insane, to try and turn around, impossible. You know you are stuck and panic ensues. What I have learned to do when this feeling comes is to lie still, close my eyes, and rest just like you snuggled up in bed for a night sleep. The fear is released and peace settles back in and soon all is well.

When God shut Noah and his family in the ark, they knew everything would be alright. They could rest in the fact that since they obeyed God's word, he would protect them from the storm and the ride that lay ahead. God prepared them for this time, and now they were shut in to be save from coming destruction.

Daughters, I have put restrictions on each of you. In a way you may feel cramped and restricted. It may have caused you to wonder if you should follow my desires for you. Why not turn and go a different way? Why even go in that tight spot, you just feel out of place and uncomfortable. Like Noah, people might think you are crazy. I urge you to go in anyway. In there, you can rest in God knowing he is protecting you from the storms of life. He is trying to save you from many sins. You will be set free when it is all over, but for now allow me to shut you in. Snuggle in and trust me.

~Dad

Genesis 6:14 - 22, Just as God Commanded

Just as God Commanded

Genesis 6:22 Noah did everything just as God commanded him.

What do we know about Noah? He was a righteous man, a man who walked with God. When everyone else around him sought their own way, it turned up evil. Good men sought after ungodly women, because the men were enticed by their beauty. This sin brought evil into the families of the righteous and all mankind became evil, except Noah, he did as the Lord commanded.

God promised through a covenant to protect Noah and his family if he would obey him. Noah carried out the will of the Lord and did everything just as God commanded.

K and A, God, through Jesus, made a covenant with you. This new covenant says that you must trust that Jesus paid for your sin and, like Noah, live to carry out all he asks you to do. Hebrews 11 talks about this. It says, by faith Noah built the ark. You will become righteous through faith and show it by your acts of obedience (James 2:18). Ladies, God loves you and wants you to live free from sin. This is true freedom. He want you to be holy and dedicated to him and his way. Do not join with evil however enticing it may appear and do everything, just as God commanded.

~Dad

Genesis 6:9 - 13, Because of You

Because of You

Genesis 6:13 So God said to Noah, I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy them and the earth.

The world was full of evil. God was ready to destroy man and all beasts of the ground. He had all intentions to do so because of them; but then there was Noah. God spared the world because of one man, Noah. He was righteous and blameless among the people and stood as an example of a man who walked with God. History changed course, and God made a way for life on earth to continue.

Girls, you can make a difference in the world around you. When you walk with God, he is willing to change the course of destruction that is set for mankind and this earth. You can save the souls of many and influence their walk, so they too can walk with God. Solidify you faith, walk with God each day, and because of you, God will not destroy the ones you snatch from the fire which awaits each of us who walks our own path (Jude 1:23). Yes, A and K, this will happen, when you live holy lives, wholly for the Lord.

~Dad

Quick Note: Vying for Position

Vying for Position

I saw a post on Facebook today, and it reminded me of a verse in Proverbs. A man is vying for a position in Trump's government, asking for a particular position. The verse in Proverbs 25:6 & 7  says we should not exalt ourselves. It is better for those in power to tell you to come help than for them to humiliate you before everyone...

Daughters, I say this as an example for you of God's desire or even a requirement for his followers to be servants. We are to be humble, not arrogant or even pushy when filling a position. When writing cover letters for a job position, I taught my student that they need to show confidence not arrogance when promoting themselves. Ladies, don't seek honor, live in such a way that others naturally give it to you. Be a leader by serving those who are under you. That's what Christ did.

~Dad

Quick Note

Quick Note

It is a busy day again. Yesterday I was beginning to write this and Grandpa came over and that was that. Today I just got here and must go into work early, a vendor is taking the shop to Hibachi Grill, so I leave soon. That gives me 5 minutes for you.

I want you to know daughters that just because my time is short to write to you it doesn't mean I don't think about nor pray for you during my day. God is working in your hearts and that pleases me. Love the Lord with all you heart and all your mind and all you soul (Mark 12:30). Give to him your problems and your heartaches. Share with hi your joys. God is there for you and wants to be your closest friend. Know that he loves you dearly just I do. Have a great day in the Lord!

~Dad

Genesis 6:8, But Noah

But Noah

Genesis 6:8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.

The world was full of wickedness. It was bad; every inclination of the heart was evil all the time. It grieved the Lord so much he was sadden that he had made man. He was ready to destroy man and beast from the face of the earth. But then there was Noah!

Noah was different than everyone else. He didn't have evil ruling in his heart. He was a righteous man, blameless among all the evil that reigned around him. Instead of walking in evil ways, Noah walked with God. That is why it was said that Noah found favor in God's eyes.

A & K, if an account of your time on earth is written, will it be said that you walked with God? Will it be said that while the people around you were involved in evil practices, you stood so tall that God could see your righteousness above all the corruption around you?

I pray that you will consider Noah's life and how he lived different than the world around him. He chose to follow God, to be kind and considerate, to help those in need, to lift the fallen, and heal the brokenhearted (Ps 147:3). I implore you to consider this. Live as Christ lived. This is my desire for you. I want it said of my daughters that when all the others were caught in sin and destructive behavior, my girls walked with God and found favor in the eyes of the Lord!

~Dad

Quick Note

Quick Note

I just thought I'd share a quick thought from Mike Holland, Uncle Steve's brother. He spoke well and the message was clear. The sermon title was Ambassadors for Life and Love out of 2 Cor. 5:13 - 21

We have been changed by Christ, the old has gone, then new has come. Being changed, we become ambassadors offering to those around us the message that God will not hold our sins against us. He did this so we could become the righteousness of God. The message of hope we give, we have experienced, so we can give it out with confidence. Therefor, we no longer live for ourselves but for him who died for us.

Daughters, this is you... not striving to please yourself or others,but striving to please God. This might seem insane to those around you for they don't know the purpose for which God calls you. Never mind their comments, just be faithful to your call for the sake of Jesus.

~Dad

Quick Note

Quick Note

Psalm 69:6 talks about not putting God to shame because of the way you live. This is so important daughters. And, make sure you live in such a way that there is no hint of sexuality immorality as Paul says in Ephesians 5:3. You don't want to be a obstacle to someone's faith, causing them to miss Heaven. Think about it. and live in a way that draws others to Christ!

~Dad

Genesis 6:1 - 8, Filled with Pain

Filled with Pain

Genesis 6:1-8 The Lord was grieved that he had made man on earth, and his heart was filled with pain.

This part of Scripture is strange to read, but after looking at it and reading what others say, it makes much more sense. First of all, God doesn't have sons, plural. He only has one son, his name is Jesus. So, there are no sons of God to marry women of earth. Second, some say that angels are marrying women and having children. This cannot be because Jesus said that angels are not male or female, they do not marry (Mk 12:25). The last thought is that those who follow God are son's of God and those that follow Satan, or in the case in Genesis, follow Cain, are daughters of men. Simply said, the righteous were marrying the unrighteous.

Here's is my view of this scripture
As the population grew, the descendants of Cain and of Seth began to intermingle. The men of Seth's descendants began to desire the women of Cain's descendants. They were enticed by their beauty and  began to intermarry with them. They produced what seemed to be great offspring, heroes and men of renown. This confirmed in their minds that intermarriage wasn't evil, so the practice continued and became acceptable.

But God called them Nephilim or Fallen Ones. They had broken the curse God had placed on Cain and his descendants. God had driven Cain away, but now man tried to reverse God's judgement by intermarrying with them. This greatly hurt the Lord. He was grieved in his heart. He was sad to the point of regretting he had made man. His heart was filled with pain. He planned on wiping man from the face of the earth and the animals as well.

From the beginning of time, God had a plan. He knew if the righteous had close relations with the unrighteous, the sinners would lead his followers away. God would not allow his people Israel to intermarry with those in Canaan nor with anyone outside of the Jewish religion. Paul confirms this in the New Testament when he tells those in Corinth, Do not be unequally yoked... what do the believers and unbelievers have in common... Come out from them, be separate... and I will receive you... and you will be my sons and daughters (2 Cor 6:14 - 18).

Daughters, be careful who you become close friends with. Be very wary of who you plan on marrying and A, be very careful who you look at to be in a relationship with. They will either bring you closer to God or pull you away from him. Never allow looks to entice your desire for choice of a husband. Their heart for God should be the first consideration, then their character of integrity, then their love and treatment of others; placing others before themselves, then they must have a heart of a servant. Then you can go for good looking. I am sure there are other characteristics as in the attributes of love mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13, but please, if you have any desire to please God or your father, if you do not want to tear their heart out, then do not be intimate with anyone who is not a follower of Christ. From the beginning of time, this has been God's heart, and it is mine for you as well. If you choose not to, our hearts will be filled with pain.

~Dad

Quick Note

Quick Note

Just need to tell you how much we can be thankful to God that he spared the United States destruction. We would be on a quick downward, Godless slide had Trump not won. Now is the time to be vigilant in prayer. The forming of the Trump cabinet and transition team is crucial. Daughters,  God is giving us time to right wrongs of the past. Pray that we begin to do so. Your future depends on it.

~Dad

Romans 13:1, Established by God

Established by God

Romans 13:1 Everyone must submit themselves to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Today is election day in America. Our country is in moral decline. The leadership has turned from God, and it has turn the people of the United states from seeking God. Even the day we vote has been maligned as much voting has taken place before the day of voting, insane. We vote today for one of the candidates. Of those who can win, neither is set morally. One despises the way of God, and the other doesn't much care about a personal God. What is a Christian to do? We vote for the one whose plans most closely aligns with Scripture. Will God make that person win? Since God establishes authorities, shouldn't the "most righteous" person always win? No, that is not how God works.

First of all, God sees the bigger picture. He knows what is best for his people, for the church. There are many reasons why a wicked person may be better suited for God's plan. Second, we know that God not only blesses, but he also disciplines, and he punishes as well. We cannot mock God by living against him then expect him to bless us with a righteous leader. We seek our own way then want his blessing when election day comes. That is doubtful. We must be contrite in heart and seeking for and pleading with God for righteousness between elections not just the day of.

A and K, plead with me that God will be merciful to us today. That we do not get what we deserve, but that we will receive a leader that desires help from him to guide our country toward him. When our country puts God first we will succeed. Today God will establish a leader for our country. Do your part in voting in a person that will guide us to the Lord. This is through voting, talking to others, and through prayer. Then, we can relax knowing God will see us through.

~Dad

Genesis 4:25 & 26, Call on the Name of the Lord

Call on the Name of the Lord

Genesis 4:26b ...At that time men began to call on the name of the Lord

Eve bore another son, and they named him Seth. They had other children as well and Seth also married and bore a son, and he named him Enosh. Life was in full swing in the creation God had made.

Some of the following is conjecture on my part...
At that time, the Scripture says that man began to call on the name of the Lord. Adam and Eve could relate the story directly to their offspring, and all knew how important it was to have a relationship with the Lord. They sought him out and lived as he desired them to. They understood sin and the trouble it caused and sought the Lord for direction. God was a crucial part of their lives. No more do we hear of problems until generations later when Noah is on the scene and men had increased in number and wickedness was rampant.

K and A, it is obvious that when we care about doing life God's way, we will call on his name. You cannot serve the Lord by just doing good things or trying to do right. You must call on him to help you live the life he desires. The Bible is a crucial part of Christian living, but knowing it is only part of the solution of holy living. You must call on his name to guide and strengthen your resolve to follow him. He will teach you the way, make you receptive to the way, help you walk in the way if you but call on him to help you. Living for the Lord is a choice. You can go it alone, but you will fail. You can even gather others around you to try and follow him, but if you do not call on the name of the Lord and entreat his help you will fall.

Daughters, I believe you desire to walk in the ways of the Lord. Do so by calling on his name everyday, throughout the day. You will find him faithful.

~Dad

Quick Note

Quick Note

Here is a good thought gleaned from the first chapter of Daniel...

Trust God, and do what is right even when it seems like you will be penalized for it. God will provide a way for you to faithfully serve him.

So true daughters. Daniel always pulled through for God. Verse 8 of chapter 1 is a crucial guide for us... Daniel resolved not to defile himself! Ladies, choose to follow God no matter what others do. He will help you just like he helped Daniel .

~Dad

Genesis 4:10 - 24, What Have You Done

What Have You Done

Genesis 4:10 The Lord said, "What have you done? Listen! Your brothers blood cries out to me from the ground.

God condemns Cain to a life of wandering and misery. He drives him from the area and curses his future. Yet, God protects him and enables Cain to live out is life. Cain has children and grandchildren and life goes on...

In God's question to Cain, What have you done, we can sense the indignation God has for his sin of murder. Abel was hurting no one, yet Cain, in his anger, because of God's rejection of his offering, took out his problems with God on Abel. His sin brought on the wrath of God. Somehow, within the one generation sin grew to its maximum level, and death ruled in the heart of man. But God, despite man rejection of him, delivers compassion in the midst of his curse and allows Cain to live.

A and K, how do you handle sin your life? Do you run and hide like Eve? Do you walk around like it never happened like Cain and say, Whachu talkin about... Hopefully you do neither of those. Hopefully, you, instead, plead the mercies of God. God is willing to forgive and make a way of restoration. Take his offer and live differently, or as Jesus said to the invalid... stop sinning or something worse may happen to you (Jn 5:14).

As you look forward and think about motherhood, and how to discipline your children, remember that God effectively uses disciplines; emotional, physical, and spiritual. But, he doesn't cut you off from returning. (God is not always able to be found though. Isa 55:6, 2 Cor 6:2). He gives you ample opportunity. Therefore, remember to extend to your children that same opportunity. Give them a way to find restoration and sense your love for them. Discipline is effective when you do... otherwise it is just punishment and will cause separation in your relationship with your children. So, it is necessary to ask them from time to time... What have you done! and then discipline them.

~Dad

Quick Note

Quick Note

I want to always send a verse but I am not always able due to the time needed to think and write something intelligent and Biblically sound. So I decided some das I will just need to say a quick word for you. Today is one of those days...

Daughters, I want to encourage you today to seek someone out who is hurting. Ask God to show you someone today that needs encouraged. Remember those you meet are brought to you by God himself for you to minister to. It may just be a smile, it may be a kind word. Whatever it is... honor God by faithfully helping that person out by sharing Christ to them.

~Dad

Genesis 4:10, My Brothers Keeper

My Brothers Keeper

Genesis 4:10 "I don't know," he replied. "Am I my brother's keeper?"

Sometimes for fun, other times as an excuse, and still others as an inspiration for good, the phrase Am I my brother's keeper is still being repeated more than 5000 years later. Cain was in protection mode. He had to save his reputation. God had warned him that Satan was trying to capture him and that he had to master the temptation to act on his anger, but he didn't. He let anger fume inside him, and now Cain was guilty of the first murder, the death of Abel.

Lying seems to be the next step after sinning. Cain, being questioned by God, sought to throw God off saying it wasn't his responsibility to know where his brother was. Why should he care what his brother was up to? But, God knew where Abel was, and he also knew that Cain did as well. He knew what Cain had done. Brothers should be looking out for each other, but jealousy brought division and separated these brothers and now that relationship could not be restored. Hatred brought death, and death, permanent separation.

A and K, do you love each other? Do you love your brothers? Are the brothers you have been given worth caring about. Do you look out for them. When your brothers can do things better than you, do you get jealous? Don't get angry. Don't let anger turn into hate. Be a blessing to them and care for their needs. Know where they are, and keep them close to your heart.

This not only is true for your family, but it is true for you spiritual brothers and sisters as well. I have always liked our church name, Brethren in Christ. That is how we should be. Proverbs 18 says that there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. That needs to be you. Keep close to your family. Keep them in your prayers. Keep them in your care. Be your brother's keeper.

~Dad

Genesis 4:9, God Knows

God Knows

Genesis 4:9 Then the Lord said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?"

Cain killed his brother because he was angry that God accepted Abel's sacrifice and rejected his. He felt the rejection of God and he burned with hatred. Jesus said that hating your brother is like murder. I believe this is so, because hatred must be possessed in the heart before a murder is committed. Or said differently, murder takes place in the heart before it is carried out.

God warned Cain when he became angry that sin was crouching at his heart's door. Cain failed to heed the warning and succumbed to the pressure and killed his brother. Who knows if he hid the body or just left him there? Yet, we know God knew everything and he asked Cain where his brother was. God was testing the heart of Cain and he was soon about to fail.

K and A, do not think God is blind. You may lie to your parents, your friends, or others and convince them your story is real, but God cannot be fooled. God sees not only what you have done but what you are thinking of doing before you do it. Never fool yourself by trying to fool God, for God knows it all.

~Dad