Egyptism Changed My Life

Akhenaten, previously known as Amenhotep IV, was one of the most controversial Pharaohs to rule Egypt. As pharaoh, Akhenaten changed the polytheistic religion of Egypt to a monotheistic religion devoted to the Aten, which was depicted as a sun disk. The Egyptians despised this radical idea, but were forced to change their religion, art and their overall way of life. His reign began at around 1353 BC in the 18th Dynasty, following the death of his father Amenhotep III, and lasted until 1336 BC. His father’s reign was peaceful and prosperous, leaving Akhenaten with an Egypt of immense power and wealth.

Akhenaten’s reign from 1352BC-1336BC is one of those studies in Ancient History that can be excruciatingly frustrating, due to sheer lack of evidence, Akhenaten just so happened to almost be erased from history. Thus accumulating contradicting interpretations of his reign and effect on Egyptian society. Eberhard Otto stating that “Akhenaten destroyed much, he created little… whatever else he may have been, was no intellectual heavyweight”. Others claim he was “the worlds first idealist… and individual”. Accentuated by his iconoclastic religious reformation and relocation of Egypt’s capital city.

In 1375 B.C.E. a young Pharaoh ascended the throne named Amenhotep IV, but just five years into his rule he changed his name to Akhenaten and with this change he went against tradition and the culture of his people, moving his capital, and declaring a new religion. This change affected every aspect of the Egyptians life, how they worshiped, lived and even the art that was so important to the culture. Though Egypt had a long history of tradition and respect of the past, Akhenaten’s radical behavior did not last, it was just ten short years after his death, that his city was demolished and his name almost obliterated from history, and the old ways brought back. During his rule he opened up a renewal and renaissance of culture and beliefs,

My family is good friends with a man in India, Nashod, who, though his experiences were very different, was also chased by Jesus and hounded by Him throughout his entire life. This man experienced miracles, visions, and strange coincidences multiple times, and they eventually led him to my father, who could explain the Christian faith to him. Uncle Nashod’s story, as well as other miracles my family has experienced, has strengthened my faith whenever I experience a moment of doubt. Not only do they prove to me that the Lord is living and active, they also are a reminder that, though he is all powerful and greater than we can imagine, He is also has love for us that is greater than we can dream.

After we were done for the night, I couldn't wait to tell Lisa what had happened. I didn't know it was called being saved, I just knew that something amazing had happened. We spent the rest of my time at college house that night praying, thanking him for his glory, and for finding me when I needed him most. The rest of my night, I spent calling my family and friends and telling them the amazing news. From that moment on I have been fully devoted to my faith.

He helped me grow to the person I 'am today. I 'm forever thankful to God for allowing me to become a

When it comes to marking the “moment” you became an adult or when you find your ultimate life’s purpose, usually there isn’t one crucial second where your life shifts in an unforeseen direction, there isn’t a sudden epiphany that immediately hits you, generally it’s an assortment of moments contributing to the gradual progression towards adulthood. However, I can, with relative certainty, recall an event that did alter my entire outlook. Two years ago, I was preparing for a simple, unremarkable interview.

In this tape called Remade, the speaker, Mark Hart, discusses “being made new in Christ”, and how to change yourself in the best way possible. He talks mainly about his past, and his problems that he was able to overcome through love of God. He gave a lot of helpful advice that I will discuss later. He really inspired me, and probably many others who have listened to him, too. One spiritual insight that stood out to me that Hart said was: “The fact that you desire a happiness that this world cannot give you is proof that there is something more.”

I remember how I felt when God delivered me from alcohol, drugs, and living a life that did not revere Him. God showed His grace and mercy to me by doing for me what I could not do for myself. Alcohol and drugs became a way of life for me, and as a slave to them, I could not break the yoke it had on me.

I had asked God to show me His love for me like if He needed to prove it. In my questioning and in my doubts, I made it seem as if I didn't trust Him. He took my hand and led me to a crowded street. I could barely see through all the crowd.

While I was typing this to my aunt through Facebook, it got me thinking and realizing where I actually stood when it came to my religion. I was confused, worried, and curious. All those years at church in elementary school became unimportant. Everything I learned there was gone. I felt like I entered into a new world with much curiosity.

I depended on my works for God to be pleased with me and actually love me. I feared His rejection and I became dependent on my self-righteousness. However, God stayed with me and proved His unconditional love over and over. He healed my mind and brought me back into a trusting love relationship with Him. Even though I still struggle with the repercussions of that view, God is working in me and helping me trust Him more each day.

One day, I went to my friend’s house, who was a member of the church I was ignoring, and I felt at home, but I was alone. I then stuck around and got baptized. I was happy, I was on a spiritual high, sort of like when Pictor first became the tree, he thought he was happy. Then I realized I was not necessarily alone, but I was still missing something.

Most transformative moments in life can be caused by the smallest of occurrences in life. Often people do not even realize that a pivotal moment in their life is happening. Someone may realize when they are mature enough that there was one special moment during their childhood that ultimately determined their lifelong goal. For others, they probably realized an “aha” moment right when it happened and from then on decided that they knew what they want to accomplish later on. I actually have taken from both sides of the spectrum from realizing that one special transformative moment but also not even knowing that it would end up steering me towards my current career choice.

You are your strength, every thank you receive from others is your strength, every dream you inspire is your strength, each person’s knowledge you build is your strength, each time you lose it, and