Traci Michele Photography

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Is Sin Crouching At Your Doorstep?

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There is something so profound and intimate about morning devotions.  With young children running around, it can be challenging (although not impossible) to find time to sit and read God’s Word.  I fight with myself more often than I’d like regarding this one discipline.  Yes, it takes discipline to stop and read God’s Word.  

My Heavenly Father’s ways aren’t burdensome.  I make His ways burdensome by feeding my rebellious spirit.  I am quick to pamper this flesh of mine and give it what it craves.  

Sad to say, I often have a fast-food Christian perspective.  I want God to pour out His blessings on my life, without the effort and the work required of me.  

God, in His bountiful grace is long-suffering and patient with me.  Isn’t He with you?

But He showed me something very profound in my reading this morning.  I was reading in Genesis chapter 4 and verse 6 and 7 really stuck out to me.

Genesis 4:6-7

New Living Translation (NLT)
6 “Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? 7 You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”

If I’m not willing to listen and obey to God, and discipline myself in the very basic and life-giving reading of His Word, then I need to watch out!  Sin is crouching at my door and it is eager to control me!  Cain’s willful disobedience and pride led to murder!    

The only way to subdue it and be its master is to not give sin a place in my heart and home.  

How do I do this?  

1) Take sin seriously.
If I pamper my flesh, and feed my pet-sins, I’m giving place to the enemy to have his way in my life.   

2) Make God’s Word of number one importance.
If God’s Word isn’t of utmost importance, I will easily find substitutes to feed my fleshly desires.  I am naturally bent towards sin, so I must feed myself with the truth of God’s Word.

3) Be willing to listen, with a heart to obey.
Have a heart ready to hear and follow in obedience.  

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Comments

  1. Thank you so much Traci! I struggle with this myself. It truly is a discipline. We teach are kids to brush their teeth…isn’t God’s Word more important than that? Why can’t we get up and take time to read. I find myself so tired that i give that excuse, or i’m running late. I listen to Christian Music all day and wish i had an Audio Bible to listen too to keep my thoughts towards Him. I find that at times, I use Scripture verses on notecards and place them in front of me. I’ve also read, that if you are a SAHM, open your Bible and keep it open to the passage you are studying for your devotions. Put it in a place you go to often through out the day…such as the kitchen. Everytime you go in there, stop, and read the verses or chapter you are meditating on throughout the day! Have the attitude of meditation! Thanks for the encouragement! ~ Rachel K.

  2. Wow! I love that verse! This last Sunday I posted about sin as well… You said it more eloquently. Sin should be taken seriously! No doubt! (I actually posted about why Mercy makes us uncomfortable – but it was about sin… ) Great post, good reminders!