Just as He does today, the Lord God was providing Cain the way of escape from the trap that the enemy of his soul had laid for h
im. The spirit of offense can ensnare even the most sainted believer.
James 1:13-15 provides an illustration of how sin is conceived and the result when it is not dealt with swiftly. Sin begins in the human heart when we are: (1) drawn away from God, and (2) enticed by our own ungodly desires. The passage goes on to say that: (3) desire conceives and gives birth to sin, and (3) when sin is full-grown it brings forth death.
The Lord expects His people to rule over their negative feelings and to do so swiftly. Such negative emotions as anger, lust, bitterness, jealousy and hatred (to name a few) are not to rule over us. It's our choice. We choose to follow self-centered emotions (i.e., our flesh) or the Spirit of the Living God! Following the Holy Spirit always leads to the positive fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and self-control.
What temptation are you facing today? Will you rule over the ungodly feelings that tempt you to disobey the Lord, or will you allow those ungodly feelings to rule over you?
At the root of Cain's problem was "pride". Pride is the key that opens the door for the enemy to "sift us as wheat". Are you given over to feelings of pride? Do you believe that you can do whatever you want without depending upon God? If so, be prepared for a fall.
1 Peter 4:8-9 warns us to "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary, the devil, walks about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him..." If we do not resist the evil thoughts and desires that are within us it is certain that the evil one will rule over those emotions, making us captive to him and adversaries of our Lord and God.
James 1:13-15 provides an illustration of how sin is conceived and the result when it is not dealt with swiftly. Sin begins in the human heart when we are: (1) drawn away from God, and (2) enticed by our own ungodly desires. The passage goes on to say that: (3) desire conceives and gives birth to sin, and (3) when sin is full-grown it brings forth death.
The Lord expects His people to rule over their negative feelings and to do so swiftly. Such negative emotions as anger, lust, bitterness, jealousy and hatred (to name a few) are not to rule over us. It's our choice. We choose to follow self-centered emotions (i.e., our flesh) or the Spirit of the Living God! Following the Holy Spirit always leads to the positive fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and self-control.
What temptation are you facing today? Will you rule over the ungodly feelings that tempt you to disobey the Lord, or will you allow those ungodly feelings to rule over you?
At the root of Cain's problem was "pride". Pride is the key that opens the door for the enemy to "sift us as wheat". Are you given over to feelings of pride? Do you believe that you can do whatever you want without depending upon God? If so, be prepared for a fall.
1 Peter 4:8-9 warns us to "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary, the devil, walks about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him..." If we do not resist the evil thoughts and desires that are within us it is certain that the evil one will rule over those emotions, making us captive to him and adversaries of our Lord and God.
There are many ways that we "murder" people, knowingly and unknowingly. We can murder (destroy) a person's character, or reputation, with gossip. We can destroy an individual's self-worth by by acting as if their thoughts, words or deeds
are inconsequential to our lives. We murder our brothers and sisters with venomous words intended to inflict wounds to their hearts that only the Lord can heal.
It is important to note that any destructive actions that we take against another will have reverberations in our own lives, including lost blessings and/or the Father's chastening. We always "reap what we sow". This is why it is so important that we make amends to those we have offended before we ever attempt to offer a sacrifice to the Lord.
How have your words and/or deeds diminished or devastated the people in your life? Have you sought forgiveness for your actions? Have you attempted to make amends to those you may have offended through your ignorance or malice?
Cain slew his brother because the Lord did not accept his sacrifice, but accepted Abel's sacrifice instead. The most pleasing sacrifice that we can offer our Lord is confession that leads to repentance (i.e., an inner change in our mind and hearts)!
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