Sin Crouches At The Door

Sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it. - Genesis 4:7

The award-winning author John Steinbeck often used biblical themes in his novels. In his book East of Eden, he

describe characters who illustrate the conflict of jealousy and revenge reflected in the story of Cain and Abel. Steinbeck shows how an angry heart burning with revenge doesn't have to act a certain way. There's always a choice.

When Abel's animal sacrifice received divine favor and Cain's offering of fruit was rejected, Cain burned with anger (Gen. 4: 1-6). But the Lord admonished him, "Sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it" (Gen. 4:7). The original Hebrew words paint the picture of an animal crouching, ready to devour its prey. Cain's anger and jealousy, if not brought under control, would "eat him up" and spill out in destructive behaviour. Tragically, Cain gave in to his evil desires. It resulted in the first homicide and his departure from the presence of the Lord (Gen. 4: 8-16).

Do you have feeling of jealousy or anger toward someone? If so, you have a choice. If you ignore the internal struggle, it will only get worse and control you. But if you bring your anger to the Lord and ask for His help, in His strength you will have victory. - Dennis

When faced with trials from without

Or tempted from within,

Rely upon the Lord for strength

To turn away from sin. - Sper

Control your anger, or it will control you.

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I used to be jealous toward someone... I thought I can get something... but someone got it and I get nothing... I really envy those people for getting something that I wish to have...

When I started my Form 6, I thought I will have the chance to become prefect... Just because I am ex- student of the school... However, teacher giving chance to those "out-sider"... although I acted like nothing, but deep in heart, I know I got the feeling of "Jealous"...

Before that, someone told me my school have a Christian Fellowship... so I found it and I joined... I am the first one to join the activity among the other Form 6 students... I thought I will get a higher position in the club... but I failed... My name is not even there when teacher preparing the name list...

I am not really care for it afterward... well... I am person like... if you give me, I accept... You don't, it's still fine for me... But there is one person, makes me really can't find a reason to convince myself why she can get it but I can't...

She told us she was a girl that used to be a "gangster"... not really sure with that, but she mentioned she got "gantung sekolah" for three times... a normal student won't get such a record... and there she is...

Now she is a prefect... vice president for the Christian Fellowship's club... both I wished to get... and she got it... T.T ... I really can't accept it... too hard... but what can I do?... I tried to look for reason later and I finally got it...

She is a very nice girl... that's why everyone was surprised with her "record"... she do her best in order to finish the work given... when there is something happen... she try to solve it without hurting anyone... she will think for others... and she have a very nice voice... ( she is also the song leader in worship team)

And I found that I don't have the leadership that needs for being the 'head'... I was too simple-minded... I just think of I want to become a prefect... I want to be the president... but, I never ask myself am I able to carry to job?... Being a prefect or president is not easy... and yet I don't have any characteristic that match the qualification...

Another extra lesson from here is... Father Lord wants to tell me that He wants to makes all those who think they are wise be shameful... no one can be saying he is wise in front of God... He wants to use the worse to show His glory... and also rise up those who really love Him, humble to Him... Clear enough, I am not there yet...

Now... I am learning how to be humble all the time... I am just a sinner... If it is not Jesus, I will be facing judgement and could not be able to go heaven... Everything is given... nothing is belongs to me... so, nothing to be proud of... well... maybe there is one... I am proud of I am a Christian... daughter of Father Lord... :)