Selected Chapters: 3, 6, 11, 12, and 27 Chapter 3: Adam and Eve disobey. When
viewing this chapter and reflecting on my own life, I see that sin, individually
and collectively, is a choice. The choices I have made to sin are all to
embarrassing as well as shameful to put on a paper such as this but relating to
the way each sin was proposed, indulges me to believe that Satan is not very
creative. Both in the garden and in my life the first thing I often see
happening is that Satan takes my focus off the blessings I have and redirects my
thinking about what is prohibited. Ever increasingly every sin I have committed
looked as enticing as the fruit was to Eve. Although the text does not address
the full detail of how Adam was influenced to take part in the sin, it is
evidently clear that Satan has not changed his tactics much in using peer
pressure to his advantage. The choice made in the garden has been nothing more
than a mirror image of how sin operates today. Satan continually uses
half-truths and indulges our desires for something more. With all of this said,
I will continue to try and make the right choices.  Chapter 6:
Wickedness brings sorrow to God Unfortunately, when reflecting on what I have
both experienced and observed, wickedness is an issue that often I must address
with those whom I associate with. While I was in the Navy it was common to find
myself in with the wrong crowd. I knew that the sexual immorality they were
involved in was wrong but did not care to indulge in the same activities. I have
seen marriages destroyed, even death result from such immoral behavior.
Wickedness brings sorrow not only to God but also to everyone involved. Richard
Erwin Page 2 OT Book Study (Genesis) Reader’s Reflection Paper 
Chapter 11: The Tower of Babel One of the most frustrating things I believe I
have experienced is the difficulty of communicating in a foreign land. I, being
in the Navy, traveled to many countries where English was not the primary
language. Communication is a key factor in everything we do. Relationship of any
sort starts with communication. The lesson I walk away with as I read this
chapter is the distance God demonstrates that can occur when things are not as
they should be.  Chapter 12: God calls Abram When God calls, how should
I answer? This question arose in my mind as a seventh grader at a Christian
school. I felt maybe there was more God wanted out of me. Well, as a seventh
grader, leaving my country was not a feasible option, but it did relate that
listening and communing daily with God was a key to relationship and this new
concept of covenant. To be like Abraham, what an aspiration.  Chapter
27: Esau and Jacob What happens when something we are expecting is taken from
us? I can relate so well to what Esau felt as something he rightfully deserved
was taken. Without going into great detail, a certain item was promised to me by
my grandmother. After she died One of my sisters claimed it. I was hurt, bitter,
and resentful. I was not so angry as to plot to kill her like Esau, but angry. I
soon learned that a bitter pill is better if it is just swallowed.