Good Morning Girls!  So lets just dive in this morning with a confession- you all like my confessions don't you?  There are stories in the Bible that I do not like.  They are usually the ones that I feel make God seem harsh and unfair.  Years ago I didn't like them because they messed with my head and I would end up questioning Gods goodness, grace, and mercy. 

Now over the years I have learned and experienced enough of Gods grace, love, and mercy that I no longer get tripped up with every "negative" story I read.  I still don't like them though.  Now I don't like them because I know there is a greater meaning (since God is not unfair, and harsh) and I do not get it!  I hate it when I know there is an explanation, but I do not know what that explanation is!

So these days, when I read one of those stories, I think to myself "I am sure there is a reason God responded that way, and I choose to believe that God is fair, and full of grace".....then I often move on, figuring that if it's important I will hear about it's true meaning somewhere, sometime -after I half heartedly pray for revelation of course (that's a bonus confession for you!)

Well I came across one of those stories this weekend.  It is one that irritates me every time.  At first I chose to shrug my shoulders and move on like I often do.....but it kept nagging at me.  I went back to the story determined to figure out the "why" in this.  I received an answer.  I would like to share it with you today.

Now there are two parts to this "story".  There are also two "revelations" I had.  I am excited about them because they are the revelations that stirred up my determination to start writing again.  On Friday I was "hopeful" that I would write.  On Saturday, I became determined to make it a priority.

  And that, my Girls, is what happens when the Word takes hold in your heart and means something to you!  You suddenly have the determination to do something "you have kind of sort of wanted to do but would only do if it fit in easily to your current life".  It suddenly takes priority and then you know what happens?  Gods grace makes this desire flow freely and somehow at the end of the day you have got all your stuff done even though you added in something new!  AND if something does get "weeded out", you realize you did not really need, want, or miss that thing in the first place! (that was just a bonus lesson from the Holy Spirit for you this morning....2 bonuses already......wow!  I am like an "as seen on tv" infomercial today!)

Here's where it all started.  I was reading the "Faith Hall of Fame" Chapter (Hebrews 11).  For those of you who have never read this chapter it is basically where the author (most like the Apostle Paul) lists all of these accounts of Old Testament  people that show us great examples of faith.  People like, Moses, Abraham, Noah, Joseph, Abel......WAIT!  Abel?  How is Abel's story a great example of faith?!  

According to this chapter Abel is among the hall of famers.  It says in Hebrews 11:4 It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did.  Abel's offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed approval of his gifts.  Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith. 

That is where I shrugged, thought "whatever" and moved on.  Until it kept bugging me.  Kind of like how it's going to bug some of you that I am going to end here for the day.......

Love, patience, and hall of fame faith to you all-
Jen