Day 2

         So why exactly was Abel’s offering accepted by God and not Cain’s offering?  Some have argued that it is because Abel sacrificed an animal while Cain only brought produce of the ground.  However, both grains and animals are used in the sacrificial system of the old covenant. 
         To find out why God accepted one and not the other, we have to go to the New Testament book of Hebrews.  In Hebrews 11:4 we see that it was a matter of faith that made Abel’s offering stand out.  This issue of faith is one that comes up time and again in the scriptures.  God is more concerned with our faith than with the externals of religion and public service. Certainly, Cain brought an offering for the same reason as Abel.  However, for Abel, it was an expression of faith, but for Cain it was religious duty.
         How do you approach the worship of God?  Do you worship God from your heart because you have faith in His promises?  Or do you worship out of duty or obligation or because someone is watching?  May your worship be like that of Abel.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?