Today's Reading: Genesis 4-6; Matthew 2

Today's Thoughts: Master Your Anger

So the Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? And why has your countenance
fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies
at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it." Genesis 4:6-7

The classic story of Cain and Abel unfolds in Genesis chapter four. Two brothers (from
the real first family) each presented the Lord with their offerings. Cain offered the Lord
fruit and Abel offered a first-born from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel's offering but
rejected Cain's. Cain became angry and jealous of his brother's favor with the Lord.
Today's verses give us insight as to how the Lord responded to Cain's anger. In
essence, He warned Cain to be careful because sin was lying in wait for him. The Lord
was giving Cain a choice to let it go, try again and be accepted, or to give in and allow
sin to control him. Cain chose the latter option, which resulted in him killing his brother
Abel and running from the Lord for the rest of his life. Sin did come to control him as the
Lord warned!

Has anger ever led you to do things you would later regret? Has jealousy or envy stirred
you to the point of sinning against someone close to you? These sins will eventually
lead to destruction, unless we stop them from taking control of us. We must all take
notice of the Lord's advice and beware of the sin that lies at our door. Sin leads to death
if left to its own desires. If we allow sin to rule over us, then our actions will result in
serious consequences. The Lord gives us this warning as a reminder that we "should
rule over it." As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit who will make us aware of these
dangers and will lead us away from dangerous temptations. He will help us to "rule over
sin."

No one is immune to the emotions involving jealousy, envy or covetousness. But even if
we are tempted with them, we do not have to be ruled or mastered by them. When we
find ourselves in a situation that stirs these types of feelings or thoughts, we must start
praying immediately. We must confess our thoughts to the Lord and be honest with
Him, then ask Him to help us to let go of them. When we turn those things over to the
Lord, He will give us the strength through His Spirit to turn the tables and rule over
them. Left on its own, sin destroys. Do not give in to its desires. Listen to the Lord and
let Him be your Master.

Our mission is to evangelize the lost and awaken the saved to live empowered lives by
the Work of God and His Holy Spirit. Daily Disciples Ministries makes a difference for
the kingdom of God by teaching and training believers how to be in God's Word, how to
pray and how to walk with Jesus every day, as His daily disciple.