Great message. Let me add a supplemental: For a moment, equate the discomforts mentioned with sacrifice. Ask the question: Is this sacrifice acceptable to God? The story of Cain and Able suggest that we can make sacrifices that are acceptable and not acceptable. When you are about to do your metaphorical "cold plundge" ask the Lord, "Is this an acceptable sacrifice? Is there a better one that I can make?" The options of sacrifices are many and varied, and the potential to make unacceptable sacrifice is real. Here's a good test of sacrifice. Did the sacrifice make me bitter, angry or resentful? Does is bring sin to my door to tempt me? Cain's unacceptable sacrifice did both. If the answer is yes to one or both of these questions, your sacrifice was incorrect and you need to reevaluate how to determine which sacrifices you should be making.
Great message. Let me add a supplemental: For a moment, equate the discomforts mentioned with sacrifice. Ask the question: Is this sacrifice acceptable to God? The story of Cain and Able suggest that we can make sacrifices that are acceptable and not acceptable. When you are about to do your metaphorical "cold plundge" ask the Lord, "Is this an acceptable sacrifice? Is there a better one that I can make?" The options of sacrifices are many and varied, and the potential to make unacceptable sacrifice is real. Here's a good test of sacrifice. Did the sacrifice make me bitter, angry or resentful? Does is bring sin to my door to tempt me? Cain's unacceptable sacrifice did both. If the answer is yes to one or both of these questions, your sacrifice was incorrect and you need to reevaluate how to determine which sacrifices you should be making.
Ouch!