Small Bites

In my Bible reading, the Lord has been impressing upon me the importance of taking my time and choosing quality over quantity. I have found this to be very beneficial as it allows me the golden opportunity to take in the small details that I would otherwise overlook.

If I feel pressure to race through my daily reading, in an effort to complete a chapter or two, I will miss many of the simple truths that God wanted to speak to me that day through His Word. God’s Word is so full of the refreshment and nourishment that we so desperately need and I have found that consuming it in small bites has really helped me not to miss what matters most.

I am sure you have experienced those moments in your Bible reading where you have been reading and all of a sudden the words you read, jumped right off the page and captured your heart. And the crazy thing is that it is often something that we have read many times before. I have been finding that to happen more often, as I have been taking my time to hear what the Lord is saying to me by taking small bites of His Word, journaling, repenting and praying about what I have read. 

I have been going through the book of Genesis, and about a week ago, my reading for the day was Genesis 4:13-16. Chapter 4 in Genesis shares the story of Cain and Abel. In the previous verses of that chapter, we learn that Cain killed His brother Abel and the Lord told Cain that when he worked the ground, it would no longer produce crops and that he would be a wanderer. Cain’s response/plea is below in verses 13-14. But God’s astounding response is in verse 15.

Genesis 4:13-16 NIV

13 Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is more than I can bear. 14 Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.”

15 But the Lord said to him, “Not so; anyone who kills Cain will suffer vengeance seven times over.” Then the Lord put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him. 16 So Cain went out from the Lord’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

When I got to verse 15, GOD’S MERCY struck me, it jumped off the page and captured my heart! It was massive and hard to comprehend, but real. There was no way I could miss it and it caused me to examine my own heart, repent of my pride and realize how I, like Cain, have received God’s mercy, not once, not twice but time and time again. Here was a man who committed murder, yet the loving God we serve was willing to spare his life. God marked Cain so that no one would kill him, even though he had killed his brother, Abel. 

Through Christ, we too have been marked by God’s mercy. He often withholds the punishment we deserve and the punishment we think others deserve. Realizing this, gives us the ability to trust Him with justice, after all, He has said that vengeance belongs to Him. 

Romans 12:19 NIV

12 “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.”

When we see others do wrong and it seems that they are getting away with it, justice belongs to the Lord. He has promised to work all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

Vengeance can take on many forms. And in the times we live in, that vengeance often can come through the things that are being posted on social media. Many people often use their social media platforms to speak harsh words, post divisive things, hurt others, or insist upon their own way.

So, it’s even more important to make sure that what we post is coming from a place of love and God’s truth instead of vengeance, since we have a responsibility as Christians to bring glory to God and help expand His kingdom, not divide it. We know that God is not the author of confusion, but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33).

I am thankful God used these verses in Genesis to remind me of the greatness of His mercy. I love how the Word of God brings humility, conviction, and instruction to all who are willing to receive it. 

James 2:13 NIV

13 “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

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Author: Dawn

The love of Jesus will never fail you. Thank you for visiting my blog.

23 thoughts on “Small Bites”

  4. Amen 🙏 Taking God’s Word slow lets it sink deep into the heart. His mercy is greater than we can grasp, and just like Cain, we too are marked by His grace.

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  6. Pingback: Small Bites – QuietMomentsWithGod

  8. Such a great post, Dawn. I really love that you are reading through the Bible slowly. I am often reading through too quickly. I like the idea of savoring the words, and allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to us. And also a great reflection on God’s mercy. I felt something similar this week when reading in Romans 8. The famous verse that we all know – God uses all things to work together for the good of those who love Him. Yet I was struck that even our sin and mistakes He will use for good. This really got me. Only God, full of love and grace and mercy, would be so bold. Oh what a loving Father we have 😭♥️

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    1. Thanks, Bridget. Taking my time as I read has definitely made a difference for me. I love that verse in Romans 8. Glad that it struck you as you were reading. It is wonderful to know that even our sins, God will work out for good. And thank you for sharing that. I don’t think I ever thought of our sins when reading it. I tend to just think of the various circumstances I am in. But praise God, even our sins He will work out for good!! ❤️

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  9. Wow, this was such a great reminder about God’s mercy—so powerful how He offers it even when we least deserve it. Reading this while waiting for my carpet cleaners to finish, and it hit me how much patience and grace we need in everyday life too (even when waiting for clean carpets 😅). Thanks for sharing this!

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    1. Hi Jeanie! I’m glad this was an encouragement while you were waiting for the carpet cleaners to finish! 😁
      And you’re right about how much we need patience and grace in everyday life. I think I’m finding this out more often these days. You’re welcome and thanks so much for reading and commenting.

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  11. God response to Cain is very deep. It tell us that he is a merciful God, but it also shows us that there is a penalty for sin, which we can escape by seeking God’s forgiveness. Did Cain repent? I believe he did not and so the mark was the mark of sin. Hence, people would realized that they would be cursed or receive a greater punishment if they kill him. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. You’re welcome, Beverley! It’s great to hear from you. I don’t get to blog like I used to, due to other obligations. But I always appreciate your insight. I don’t know if Cain repented either but if you discover anything else, let me know. God said he would mark Cain so no one would kill him as Cain requested. And yes, if anyone touched him they would receive greater punishment per Genesis 4:15.

      I was just in awe of God’s mercy to even spare his life when he cried out to God, considering he had murdered his brother. God heard his cries for help! God illuminated that to me as I read, it touched my heart. Especially, since in the current times, mercy is often scarce, even among Christians.

      I am thankful for the mercy God has shown me even when I was in my sinful state, like Cain. So many times I didn’t get the punishment I deserved. God was patient with me, until I repented, as it says in 2 Peter 3:9.

      It’s easy to point a finger at others but reading these stories in the Bible keeps me humble and reminds me I have received God’s mercy over and over again, even when I was in sin. I am thankful people were praying for me, including my mom. God is so faithful, through all stages of our journey to Him. It’s a blessing to look back and see His faithfulness and the power of prayer.

      And as Christians who have repented, we’re marked by God’s mercy and grace, sin no longer prevails. I’m so very thankful for that!

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      1. Well said, Dawn. It is God’s grace and mercy that is keeping us. He gives us far more than we can ask or think. I quite understand. The time goes so fast and blogging is sometimes left behind. But, I am always thinking of you and you are in my prayers. Have a blessed day.

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