FAMILY SUMMER SERIES 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL SERMON 3

Day 1: Overcoming Jealousy with God's Love Reading: Genesis 4:1-16, 1 John 4:7-12

Devotional: As we reflect on the story of Cain and Abel, we see how quickly jealousy can lead to devastating consequences. Cain's inability to control his envy resulted in the first murder recorded in Scripture. Yet, God's response shows His enduring love and concern, even for those who sin grievously. Today, consider areas in your life where jealousy might be taking root. How can you combat these feelings with God's love? Remember, as 1 John tells us, God is love, and His perfect love casts out fear. Pray for God to fill your heart with His love, enabling you to celebrate others' successes and blessings rather than resenting them.

Day 2: Offering Our Best to God Reading: Hebrews 11:4, Romans 12:1-2

Devotional: Abel's offering was accepted because it represented his best, given in faith. In contrast, Cain's offering lacked the same devotion. This story challenges us to examine our own offerings to God - not just material gifts, but our time, talents, and devotion. Are we giving God our best, or merely our leftovers? Romans 12 urges us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. Today, reflect on how you can offer your very best to God in every aspect of your life. Consider one specific area where you can improve in giving God your first and best, rather than what's convenient or comfortable.

Day 3: The Power of Choices Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Galatians 6:7-9

Devotional: God's words to Cain, "If you do what is right, won't you be accepted?" highlight the power of our choices. Every day, we face decisions that can lead us closer to or further from God. The passage in Deuteronomy lays out the stark contrast between choosing life and death, blessings and curses. Our choices have consequences, as Galatians reminds us - we reap what we sow. Today, be mindful of the choices you make, big and small. Ask God for wisdom to choose what is right and pleasing to Him. Reflect on a difficult decision you're facing and consider how you can align your choice with God's will.

Day 4: Reconciliation in Relationships Reading: Matthew 5:21-24, Ephesians 4:26-27

Devotional: The tragic outcome of Cain and Abel's conflict reminds us of the importance of addressing relational issues promptly and biblically. Jesus teaches us to reconcile with others before offering our gifts to God, emphasizing the significance of healthy relationships in our spiritual lives. Paul advises us not to let the sun go down on our anger, preventing the devil from gaining a foothold. Is there a relationship in your life that needs reconciliation? Today, take a step towards healing that relationship. It might be a phone call, a letter, or a conversation. Pray for God's guidance and humility as you seek to restore peace.

Day 5: God's Presence in Our Wanderings Reading: Psalm 139:7-12, Hebrews 13:5-6

Devotional: Even after Cain's terrible sin, God showed mercy by placing a mark on him for protection. This act demonstrates God's ongoing presence and care, even when we feel we've wandered far from Him. The Psalmist beautifully expresses the inescapable nature of God's presence - there's nowhere we can go to flee from His Spirit. In Hebrews, we're assured that God will never leave us or forsake us. Today, reflect on times when you've felt far from God. Remember that even in those moments, He was with you. Take comfort in His constant presence and love. How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence in your daily life?