I Kings 10:1-29
1. List some of the "hard questions" you'd bring to the wisest man on earth.
On my own I am not a natural deep thinker, though when I was young I did ask my mom what it meant to be alive and she thought I was a bit crazy, but I do struggle with God. I think of it a lot like Jacob's wrestling match. Most of the question I ask are the same as this atheist blog and I feel very weak in my faith when I look these over from time to time. One of my BIGGEST is the question- do people who never hear the gospel, can they be saved and if not, why not? It doesn't seem at all fair. Why does the Bible have so many contradictions? (I don't understand how Christians can say there aren't any.) Why didn't God literally write the Bible? Why is the Bible so hard to understand? Why is there so much violence in the Bible- what does that even mean or teach us? If Satan is so bad why did God create him and why doesn't he get a like twist reward in the end for being the one who caused Jesus to have to save the world in the first place? Just a few questions any way.
2. As you've grown in your faith, have some of your hard questions or seeming contradictions grown less important to you? Why or why not?
They have become less important to me because I just trust that it will all be explained in the end and even if it isn't explained and this was all for nothing- then at least I tried and at least I lived for someone and something and not just for myself. If I were brave enough to become an atheist or agnostic (which I don't believe I ever could be) I don't understand how you can logically care for people without God unless caring for them caused me to get my way most of the time. To me, it would be illogical.
3. Spend some time telling God all that you have on your mind. Then listen to what he has on his.
God, You cause me to think of a bundle of contradictions. You know I want to give my heart, life, and mind to you. I love you and I wish I could be this special person others claim I am, but your word doesn't give me as much comfort as I could hope for. A lot doesn't make sense exactly. But I like to think of myself as a baby or maybe a young toddler and you are my parent. I may not understand the bigger picture of why mommy or daddy told me not to touch the stove or what it means to be married but I will trust YOU God that what you are telling me will make sense- some day. Okay, I am ready to listen.
2 Chronicles 8:1-11 (this passage wasn't my reading today but it was in the middle of my 2 Chronicles 9 reading- I thought might as well if I have the time)
1. How do your unbelieving friends and family affect your attitude toward God?
They make me wish I could be so brave sometimes. I question. But to be honest I don't have many unbelieving friends.
2. What are some concrete ways you can keep holy what is holy, while still honoring and respecting the unbelievers you love?
Honestly I don't really know. I just be kind. I don't ever want to pressure someone into believing. I honestly don't care if you believe or not, I just want to be your friend and hear your thoughts. Let's just try really hard not to hurt each other either physically or emotionally.
3. Think about the burden you feel toward a spouse or loved one who wants nothing to do with the Lord. Spend time in prayer, giving your anxieties and grief about them to God.
OK
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