Coffee consumption: 1 cup, Satisfaction with Civ grade: Grateful, Headache level: high
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Why is closing your eyes during prayer such a big deal? It isn’t scriptural, is it? And why is it not permissible to lift your hands during prayer? These were the non-mathematical discussions we had during my El Stats class this morning. The mathematical discussions consisted of the probabilities of certain hands of 10 in Rook…as you tell, a very productive class hour. Dr. Guthrie rocks.
“It is not enough to watch our circumstances to detect the times of temptation. We must also watch our heart to know when temptation might approach us.
We need to know our own heart, our natural disposition, and the lusts, corruptions, and spiritual weaknesses that beset us. Our Savior told the disciples, “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of” (Luke 9:55). They had ambition and the desire for revenge. Had they known it, they would have watched themselves. David tells us he considered his ways and kept himself from the iniquity to which he was prone (Psalm 18:23).
Just as people have differing and distinctive personalities, so they are also affected by distinctive temptations. These relate to their nature, education, and other factors. Unless we are conscious of these propensities, relationships, and dynamic possibilities, temptation will constantly entangle us. This is why it is so important to know ourselves- our temperaments and our attitudes.
If people did not remain strangers to themselves, they would not maintain all their lives in the same paralyzed state. But they give flattering names to their own natural weaknesses. They try to justify, palliate, or excuse the evils of their own hearts, rather than uproot and destroy them ruthlessly. They never gain a realistic view of themselves. Ineffective lives and scandal grow like branches out of this root of self-ignorance. How few truly seek to know themselves, or possess the courage to do so.”
– John Owen
“We are half-hearted creatures,” says Lewis in The Weight of Glory, “fooling around with drink and sex and ambition [and religious effort] when infinite joys is offered to us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”
“We are half-hearted creatures,” says Lewis in The Weight of Glory, “fooling around with drink and sex and ambition [and religious effort] when infinite joys is offered to us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”
A few weeks ago, I stumbled across A Walk to Remember while browsing in Poor Richards Bookstore on Main St. I am an admirer of Nicholas Sparks so I bought it. The story was really sweet and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Subsequently, I decided to buy the movie. I watched it this afternoon and bawled my eyes out.
Most are going to view this movie merely as a weepy teen romance story. However, I was surprised to see faith, belief, and redemption intertwined so well. It made me think about my own views of love.
You can last on passion for just a while. Something stronger is needed to weather the hard times. Whether it is your friendships that die, death that comes knocking, or temptation thrown in your face, every couple will find themselves in the darkest of days. Christ must be absolutely preeminent in a relationship. Only then will you feel that utter joy and happiness.
I am somewhat floundering right now. I hunger for that love again and yet I must realize that the Lord has placed me where am I for a reason. Whenever he comes my way, I hope that I will be ready for him.