19 Sep, 2007
Do the bad guys always get away with it?
Simpson faces 7 felonies, including kidnapping
LOS ANGELES - 
The Ex-football star could get life in prison if convicted. Prosecutors filed formal charges Tuesday against O.J. Simpson, alleging the fallen football star committed seven felonies, including kidnapping, in the armed robbery of sports memorabilia collectors in a casino-hotel room.
Simpson was arrested Sunday after a collector reported a group of armed men charged into his hotel room and took several items Simpson claimed belonged to him.
Simpson, 60, was booked on suspicion of assault and robbery with a deadly weapon. District Attorney David Roger filed those charges and added kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping, according to court documents.
The judge may set the bail at a hearing Wednesday in excess of $1 million because of the kidnapping charges, a local expert told NBC News.
photo & story courtesy msnbc.com, 9/18/07
Psalm 10:2-5
2 In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor;
let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised.
3 For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul,
and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord.
4 In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him;
all his thoughts are, “There is no God.”
5 His ways prosper at all times;
your judgments are on high, out of his sight;
as for all his foes, he puffs at them.
Psalm 10:11-14
11 He says in his heart, “God has forgotten,
he has hidden his face, he will never see it.”
12 Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand;
forget not the afflicted.
13 Why does the wicked renounce God
and say in his heart, “You will not call to account”?
14 But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation,
that you may take it into your hands;
to you the helpless commits himself;
you have been the helper of the fatherless. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about God's response to arrogance and injustice?
The writer of this part of scripture (believed to be David) was struggling with the same concern that we often have - why does it seem that evil people "get away with it" all the time? Why do the bad guys seem to be winning? Not only that, but they brag about it!
The answer in today's scripture is very clear - although God may seem to be "looking the other way" at times, we can be assurred that He is aware of every injustice. God is Holy and just. According to His Word, God hates the evil actions of the wicked and they will be punished, in spite of the fact that they usually believe they can "get away with it".
As everyone knows, O.J. was acquitted of murder years ago, even though the evidence against O.J. was overwhelming. His arrogance since the trial and his current actions cry out for God's justice.
That's why today's scripture is so important for us to remember and apply. God listen to the cries of the helpless. Eventually, because God knows every evil deed, His justice will be served. In God's time...
Be encouraged. God takes care of His followers. We can face the wicked and "bad guys" when we abide in the strength and grace of Christ.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Talk to God right now. Are you feeling overwhelmed by the evil in our world? Are you experiencing some evil actions or attitudes directed toward you? Let your loving Heavenly Father listen to your cries.....His Spirit will encourage you and lift you up....
- Whenever you read or see the news on television or the internet and it seems that evil is running rampant, take a deep breath and remember that every breath that every living being takes is a gift from God. He is in complete control. He loves you. He is just.
How can you connect today's story and God's Story scripture and your story to others?
- If you are a teenager, O.J. 's murder trial took place when you were just a little kid. Keep in mind that the reason our nation remembers it so well, is because it is a story of a celebrity, incredible horror, and a great injustice. So, be ready to use the Truth of today's scripture. This new trouble for O.J. will be a hot topic in the news for a few weeks and it will probably come up in conversations at home, at school and in the work place. See it as another opportunity to learn the stories of others (as they express their opinions), share your own story and connect it to the Truth of God's Story.
- Pray for O.J. to recognize his sinfulness and come to God for forgiveness. Yes, this is part of God's Story. Though the Holy, just God punishes the wicked, His grace and mercy mean that He would forgive O.J. if he received Jesus Christ as His Savior. Amazing!
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