RESPOND
Today's reading: Genesis 4-6

"Why are you so angry? the Lord asked him. Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you respond in the right way. But if you refuse to respond correctly, then watch out! Sin is waiting to attack and destroy you, and you must subdue it." Genesis 4:6-7 NLT

Respond-(verb) to say something in return; to react in response.

Did you also know that 'respond' is a noun?

Respond-(noun) an engaged pillar supporting an arch or closing a colonnade or arcade.

God is speaking to Cain, heart to heart, about Cain's responses. He's warning Cain about an area of his life where the enemy is likely to attack. He's asking Cain to become very aware of those 'chinks in his armor', to shore them up, to make some changes.

He's telling Cain that this area is a weak spot that will cause his character to crumble--bit by bit.

Like the respond built out of bricks forming the archway over a doorway, a window or a entrance. If one brick is out of place, missing or faulty, the entire structure can crumble. It may not happen all at once, it may not even start with a huge collapse, but eventually it will lead to problems--big problems.

I'm taking this to heart!

If I always watch my responses, to unkind words, to slander, to being disrespected, to flippant remarks, my 'temple' will remain solidly intact. Others can say what they will, fueled by our enemy, in an attempt to make me stumble, desiring that I fail my Lord--but all they can do it try. I give them their victory, or the defeat, in how I respond.

That's a tall order this second day of the new year...I'm so thankful God loved me enough to show it to me this morning, in preparation for my day ahead.