It is easily natural to think of ourselves as better than other people at times: I don’t drink alcohol as much as they do, they don’t even go to church any more but I go every week, I just watch PG films they watch R rated ones, I don’t look down upon anyone like they do, or I at least don’t struggle with those constant sins that they do. We often look at someone else and rationalize our sin in light of what we see when we look at them. This problematic approach of self rationalization is seen and addressed in Deuteronomy chapters 9 and 10. Continue Reading…
Tag Archive - Love
Surely you are not that perfect: Deuteronomy 9 and 10
I think that I’ve fallen for you.
Having an authority figure in life will bring a multitude of thoughts and emotions to different people. The variety of these figures are endless: police officers, parents, teachers, employers, or siblings. What makes us respect someone in authority over us? An ability to administer punishment is one reason we can tolerate authority because it means that our lack of submission results in a loss for us. I remember growing up I respected my father’s authority mostly because of an illogical fear I felt. I would constantly remember my interactions with him and I would always be on the defensive in any conversation. The fear of my father developed because I was afraid of making a wrong move that would result in his anger. Punishment and fear have permeated the essence of what we think about authority. Why has this permeation happened? Is there a better way to attain authority? Continue Reading…
Love, worship, and follow: Leviticus Summary
Leviticus is a continuation of a love story. In this chapter of the story God instructs Israel with an in depth view of the 10 Commandments that He gave to Moses in Exodus 20. My view on the book of Leviticus was challenged and changed through my slow reading of it. My initial perspective was that Leviticus was a book of bloody sacrifice and my only route to get through it was using a ‘blitzkrieg’ method for reading it quickly. There are a lot of laws and sacrifices presented in the book but it is just the opening paragraph to God’s redemption of man. The Israelites were worshiping and following God by obeying Him.
Uncommon Hero
I sit and dream of glory, love, and adventure. Is it the boy in me that wishes he were able to rescue a girl? Is it the hero’s in the books I read that makes me want to be one? Is it the adventure I see in the movies I watch and the video games I play? At first glance I feel stuck where I am and I don’t see any way out of the monotony of my life in to the life I wish for myself. I wonder if this life I live is all that I will ever have? I think it is common that people desire more in their life but I think my problem lies in my perspective. As the saying goes “The grass is greener on the other side of the fence.” but in my life if I hop the fence I will find a barren wasteland. Continue Reading…
A perspective on valentines day
It is interesting to look at how people look at Valentines Day. You have the couples who celebrate their love for each other. The single men and women who are troubled because they do not have someone to celebrate with. Then you have everyone else who tries to make the the day work for everyone whether it is looking at the true meaning of the day or just celebrating it with friends by sharing card and words of encouragement. I admire and love Valentines day but it is not because it is a holiday of love but because of the love I experienced on the 14th of February three years ago. Continue Reading…
