We are in a faith fight that started with original sin in the Garden of Eden. Satan first attacked Eve's hope by questioning God's love for her (Gen 3:1). Next, he challenged her faith by twisting God's Word (Gen 3:4) saying, "You will not surely die." With a foothold, Satan substituted a new belief system (Gen 3:5); if she eats from the tree, she "will be like God, knowing good and evil."

From Abel we learn to put God first. Abel believed in God because he walked with God and talked with God (Genesis 4). So did Cain. Abel brought the first fruits as an offering to the Lord. But, Cain brought his offering over the course of time. Abel put God first. If you want to please God with your faith, God must be first and foremost. It's not just what you do, it’s the order in which you do it. Your priorities matter.

As we remember the attacks on September 11th, we also recognize the parallels to the spiritual attacks that we as Christ followers experience. These attacks come against us as believers, the church of Jesus Christ, and the purposes and plans of Jesus on the earth.

In John 13, Jesus gives us a new command. He establishes his love as the measure for how we should love others. Not just are we to do unto others as we would have them do unto us, we are now called to a higher standard, to love others like Jesus has loved us.