Religious systems can often become ways for us to try to earn God's favor. Abraham's encounter with Yahweh, when he is asked to sacrifice Isaac. In this encounter, Abraham learns that Yahweh is fundamentally different from other gods, that Yahweh doesn't need us. When we understand that Yahweh is Yireh - the Provider, then we are free to serve God to know him better, to find the joy of obedience that leads to a deeper knowledge of and love for God.
[/one_half][one_half_last]Why do we love stories about monsters? Vampires, werewolves, zombies and ghosts fascinate us – which is strange. Monster stories aren’t really about monsters – they’re about us. Monster stories externalize our deepest fears about ourselves. If we’re willing to face our monsters head-on, we can find freedom and hope.