In fact, during Jesus’ ministry, he told the disciples, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34) That doesn’t sound very peaceful, does it? The controversy over Christmas that remains today is that Jesus divides people over opinions of who He is and what He did and can do for the world.
It always seems to me that when a celebrity is involved in scandal even Christians forget the frailty of man or the power of redemption for God. I’m personally praying Tiger Woods seeks wise counsel, changes his life direction, restores his family, and even returns to golf. I will miss watching his game. More than anything, however, I’m praying Tiger Woods falls on his knees before a holy God and receives mercy, grace and forgiveness. It is as available to him as it is to me (or you).
We spend too much time in life trying to decide who and what we should be and which decision is best for us? Should I vote Democrat or Republican? Should I go to a state school or a private university? Should I be Baptist or Nazarene? Should I go to that movie or not? Do I trust that pastor (or blogger) or some other who seems to contradict?
Has 2009 been a difficult year for you? I continue to hear from people what a stressful year 2009 has been for them. I know it has been in my life.
Let me try to explain. Throughout the 16th chapter of Exodus, Moses recounts the story of the Israelites gathering manna, which were thin flakes of bread. Every morning, each person gathered the manna by a measure called an omer. For 35 verses in chapter 16, if you are inquisitive like me, you are wondering, “Moses, what is an omer? How much is that?”
In our series “Hot Topics”, where our people were able to text in their greatest questions about God, the Bible, life, etc., one of the biggest areas of questions centered around the issue of the afterlife. Apparently people want to know what’s next….imagine that. In this message I tried to address some of the most repeated questions we received.
Now, I really think there is more to this than just a good trivia stumper. I think the fact that David, the one who “killed the lion and the bear” could be afraid, means that I too will have times that I am afraid. The fact that the one who “approached Goliath” could become terrified means that surely times will shake my confidence. The reality that the one who was “anointed to be king”, could become so afraid that he would act like an idiot to avoid being found out, means that you and I, who may be of lesser stature in our faith, should not be surprised when we have fear and doubts.
* Why is God blessing your efforts?
* Who should most get the credit?
* What if no one recognizes your efforts, would you still be glad you did as much as you did?
I have always found it interesting that Rahab continued to be known as a harlot…a prostitute…a hooker… (Sorry for the crude word, but that probably best captures how she must have been viewed at one point in her life.)