We've been discussing this week the controversy surrounding the Beijing Olympics and the torch.  One lesson we learn from China's continued attempts to control the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism is that governments cannot govern the soul. 

Global controversy over the Beijing Olympics has resulted, as protests have followed the torch on its journey to China.  Much of the storm centers in China's perceived oppression of Tibet and the exiled Dalai Lama.  So, what is a Dalai Lama?

It's always best to let people tell their own story, so I'll summarize the biography on the Dalai Lama's website. 

Who is the Dalai Lama?  Where and what is Tibet?  Why is China so mad at them?  Why are so many nations mad at China?  And why does this controversy matter to you today?

The apostles were honest with their new converts: "We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). Jesus warned us, "In this world you will have trouble." But then he said, "Take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Tough times may come your way today, but don't think that your Father doesn't know or care. Temptations may find your mind or heart this morning, but don't think that your Father isn't watching and waiting to help.

Why does God allow bad things in our past? Most of them are the result of our misused free will, but all of them can be transformed by his providence and grace into future good. What would you change about your past? Give that regret to God right now. Ask him to redeem it, to use it to grow you and make you more effective in his Kingdom.

It seems Oswald Chambers was reading this morning's news when he wrote in today's devotional, "Every time you venture out in the life of faith, you will find something in your common-sense circumstances that flatly contradicts your faith. Faith must be tested, because it can be turned into a personal possession only through conflict.

Matthew 8:1-17

Matthew 5:10-16