Bible Reading: Genesis 4 Memory Verse: Genesis 4: 5 But on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. Hello and good evening everyone!! I hope you are all doing well? I hope your day was as awesome as mine was? This message is the 12th Part of The Genesis Story. Are you enjoying the Genesis Story so far? I know I am. I am learning so many things from this book of the Bible already, and it’s just the beginning. Can you imagine how wonderful this journey is going to be as we slowly move from chapter to chapter? I am so excited about it. Are you? Once again, I would like to say thank you to you, yes you reading this message at this time. God bless you for reading and availing yourself for God to speak to you. Today, you and I are going to set out the relationship between our duty and expectation in God. This is something a lot of Christians skip. They believe that because they are children of God, they have the right to expect all sorts of things from God. I am sorry to inform you that this is not the case. We cannot just lazily sit still, with the excuse that we are Christians, and expect God to intercede in our problems or grant us a miracle. Don’t get me wrong, once you are a Christian you are saved. God said that He has given us everything for life and for Godliness, but to be able to enjoy it you must work for it. Why do we have to work for it? Firstly, because the enemy is fighting against you. You will have to work to be at a faster pace than him. Secondly, to show God that you are ready and prepared for Him. As humans, we only put in the hard work for things that we want. God wants us to put in the work to show that we want Him. The relationship between duty and expectation can be found here on earth. Let us take a look at this scenario. You are working in a bank. You work tirelessly to achieve your targets. At the end of the year, you can expect a bonus in your salary. Why? Because you have earned it. You have work hard and the bonus will be the reward for your hard work. When you do not perform, you are not allowed to expect any bonuses at the end of the year. Is this not a fair deal or transaction? It is. This same principle is what we find in our relationship with God. When we work for God or we give back to God bountifully, it is right that we expect Him in our direst situation. Who are you to call on God when you are in a tough time? You can’t expect Him to come to intervene in your situation when you have not fulfilled your duty. I believe there are many duties we have as Christians. I want to highlight two. The first is to go out and spread the word. The second is to give a token to God which is what we spoke about in yesterday’s episode. If we do not do our duties, do you think God would be pleased with us? No. He has given us a mission on earth. He is sad when we are not able to do. Imagine you find out that your best friend is the reason why you lost your job. Then s/he comes to you to write a recommendation for her for work. How would you feel? Will you do it? Imagine how God feels when we don’t do what He asks us to do and yet demand many things from Him. In the Bible reading, we see that Cain expected God to favour him like He did for is brother Abel. He was angry when this did not happen. This is what a lot of Christians do. They get angry with God when He does not do something they expected of Him. When you trace it back, you find out that they were not carrying out their duties to God. You must not just do your duties to God but you must carry them out with a joyful heart. Cain, I am sure did not but as much work and joy to the offering that he gave God. He expected God to favour him but God didn’t because God did was not pleased by His offering. Christians, I am here to encourage you to do your duty to God. Then He will be available to you in your time of need. Is this a request that is too hard? I personally have not seen anyone who has done their work and God did not visit them. So stop complaining about God and start working for Him. You will see the difference. If you read this message and you do not have Christ in your heart, but you feel a strong voice telling you to join God’s family; please repeat this prayer. Dear Lord, I come to you today as a sinner. I admit that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus is your Son and He came on to this earth to die for my sins. Dear Lord, let your Son come and fill me. Lord, I ask that He cleanses me off my sins. I am ready to stand for you and profess your Name. Thank you Lord. Amen. If you said this prayer, congratulations! You are now part of God’s family. Heaven is jubilating by your welcome. Hallelujah! You have been given new life. Hallelujah! To do so, I would encourage you to get yourself a Bible- in a version that you understand. Read it constantly. By doing this, you would be able to know and understand God better; as well as grow Spiritually. I will encourage you to find a Bible- believing church to attend, so that you can fellowship with other Christians. To my fellow Christians, I would like to urge you to start a habit of working for God and fulfilling all the duties that He has asked us to do. It is not easy but it is possible. God is ready to make this journey enjoyable only if you open your hearts to Him. I urge you to open your hearts unto God and be filled with Him. Hallelujah! - Have a wonderful evening and let God inspire you. Dear Lord, I thank you for this day. I pray that you protect me and my family this night. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen. This is the end of the twelfth part of the Genesis Story. How did you find it? Please give us feedback on how this message (and previous messages) have spoken to you. Don’t forget to subscribe to get notifications once we post. Always remember to show love to everyone, as this is one of the most important commandments God left for us – “Love your neighbor as yourself.” In every situation, before you take a decision, remember WWJD (What Would Jesus Do). Shalom. PLEASE NOTE: TO SEND ME A MESSAGE KINDLY ADD YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO THE MESSAGE OR SUBSCRIBE SO THAT I MAY BE ABLE TO RESPOND TO YOUR MESSAGES. GOD BLESS. I write these messages every day with inspiration from the Holy Spirit, please remember me in your prayers so that I can continue to diligently serve God. Amen. Shalom.