June 19th, 2025
Thursday, June 19th
Beating Temptation
By: Pastor Allie Hand
You’ve likely heard the story of Cain and Abel. Both brothers presented offerings to God—Abel’s was accepted, but Cain’s was not. The Bible doesn’t detail why this was the case, but it does reveal God’s response to Cain’s anger:
“Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” Genesis 4:7
Cain’s battle is one we all face.
God, in His goodness, grants us the power of choice, even in the face of temptation. We can either align ourselves with God’s influence—His wisdom, ways, and direction—or follow our own understanding, influenced by the world. Cain made a good choice in offering a gift to God, but then struggled with the temptation of how to handle his anger.
On my own, I know I’m incapable—physically and mentally—of overcoming these temptations. Without help, I’d fail every time, allowing sin to dominate me.
But here’s the good news: we have a superpower, a secret weapon—the Holy Spirit within us.
Overcoming temptation takes intentionality and a willingness to let the Holy Spirit guide our lives and decisions.
How do we do this?
Consider what’s influencing you daily. Is it social media, TV shows, music, or friendships?
If we desire a stronger influence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we must intentionally place ourselves in environments where the Holy Spirit’s presence is evident.
Sin is crouching at the door but the Holy Spirit is already in the room.
Beating Temptation
By: Pastor Allie Hand
You’ve likely heard the story of Cain and Abel. Both brothers presented offerings to God—Abel’s was accepted, but Cain’s was not. The Bible doesn’t detail why this was the case, but it does reveal God’s response to Cain’s anger:
“Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” Genesis 4:7
Cain’s battle is one we all face.
God, in His goodness, grants us the power of choice, even in the face of temptation. We can either align ourselves with God’s influence—His wisdom, ways, and direction—or follow our own understanding, influenced by the world. Cain made a good choice in offering a gift to God, but then struggled with the temptation of how to handle his anger.
On my own, I know I’m incapable—physically and mentally—of overcoming these temptations. Without help, I’d fail every time, allowing sin to dominate me.
But here’s the good news: we have a superpower, a secret weapon—the Holy Spirit within us.
Overcoming temptation takes intentionality and a willingness to let the Holy Spirit guide our lives and decisions.
How do we do this?
Consider what’s influencing you daily. Is it social media, TV shows, music, or friendships?
If we desire a stronger influence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we must intentionally place ourselves in environments where the Holy Spirit’s presence is evident.
Sin is crouching at the door but the Holy Spirit is already in the room.
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