Service for August 25, 2024

‭‭Genesis 4:1-9 CEV

Adam and Eve had a son. Then Eve said, “I’ll name him Cain because I got him with the help of the Lord.”Later she had another son and named him Abel. Abel became a sheep farmer, but Cain farmed the land. 

One day, Cain gave part of his harvest to the Lord, and Abel also gave an offering to the Lord. He killed the first-born lamb from one of his sheep and gave the Lord the best parts of it. The Lord was pleased with Abel and his offering,but not with Cain and his offering. This made Cain so angry that he could not hide his feelings.
The Lord said to Cain: What’s wrong with you? Why do you look so angry? If you had done the right thing, you would be smiling. But you did the wrong thing, and now sin is waiting to attack you like a lion. Sin wants to destroy you, but don’t let it!

Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go for a walk.” And when they were out in a field, Cain attacked and killed him.Afterwards the Lord asked Cain, “Where is Abel?” “How should I know?” he answered. “Am I supposed to look after my brother?”
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James 1:19-20 NIV

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this:
Everyone should be quick to listen,
slow to speak and slow to become angry, 
because human anger does not produce
the righteousness that God desires.

Heavenly Father, Jesus our Saviour, Holy Spirit, we come to you. 
We ask that You make our hearts Your home.
As You come into our lives, let us begin to bear the fruit of the Spirit
– love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Let everyone who crosses our paths receive a healthy dose of
Your abundant fruit in us, and may they always remember us for good and not anger.

Amen.