The historical account of Cain and Abel is short, but full of important truths. In Hebrews 11:4 we learn about the faith of Abel, how awesome it is that thousands of years after his death that his faith in God is still a great example of heart sacrifice.  Abel brought his sacrifice to the Lord with a right heart, a heart that loved the Lord and did what God wanted.  Anyone can bring a sacrifice to the Lord, but if your heart is not in the right place, it has no quality.  It means nothing.  What have you brought to the Lord but did it with the wrong intentions?  God loves a cheerful giver, keep your sacrifice at home until your heart is ready.  Like Jesus said, leave your sacrifice at the altar and make things right with your brother first, then go back to the altar and give your sacrifice to God.

Like the blood of Abel, innocent blood speaks a powerful word in the ear of the Lord; it grieves Him to see lives murdered in so many ways–from abortion to wars to those killed by accident–all of them impact God’s heart.  God has a special plan for your life; you are important to Him.  Your family is important to Him; trust in the Lord, let Him be your shield against the storms of this world.  Let Him be the focus in your family’s lives.  He cares about His people.