What's in a Name?
Baca Efesus 5:1-10
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.
-Proverbs 22:1 (NRSV)
Sewaktu melanjutkan pelajaran ke kolej saya berpindah dari bandar kediaman saya yang didiami oleh tiga ratus orang. Pernah sekali, apabila saya kembali untuk melawat bandar tersebut, saya pergi ke pekan bersebelahan untuk membeli-belah. Apabila saya hendak membayar, saya teringat yang cek saya adalah cek luar negeri.
"Adakah kamu menerima cek dari luar negeri?" saya bertanya kepada jurujual. Saya membuka terlebih dahulu cek saya.
Dia melihat kepada nama keluarga saya, Bothof, yang mana bukanlah nama kebiasaan. "Kamu anak John?" dia bertanya.
"Bukan, saya anak Henry, dari Chandler. John adalah pakcik saya."
"Baiklah. Tiada masalah dengan cek kamu," kata jurujual itu.
Saya menulis cek itu dan membuat pembayaran. Kerana pakcik saya sudah membina reputasi yang baik, maka saya mendapat kepercayaan. Dan cek saya juga tidak bermasalah; saya tidak memalukan pakcik saya dan ayah saya.
Saya mempunyai nama lain: Kristian. Saya adalah milik keluarga Kristus. Kristus membina reputasi, dan saya menuruti jejaknya. Dalam kehidupan harian saya, adakah saya menggambarkan sifat Kristus? Saya ingin agar orang didekatkan kepadad Kristus kerana saya.
Adakah sikap dan sifat seharaian saya membawa malu atau hormat kepada nama Kristian?
oleh Diann Bothof Lopez (Arizona, USA)
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Masa untuk rehat!
Baca Matius 6:25-34
The psalmist said to God, "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"
-Psalm 119:103 (NRSV)
Lebah madu terkenal dengan ketekunannya yang tidak kunjung pudar. Di dalam sarangnya berjalan pesat aktiviti yang pelbagai. Tidak menghairankan. Seekor lebah pekerja mengeluarkan 1/12 sudu teh madu sepanjang hayatnya, dan sarang yang baik menghasilkan 50 ke 60 paun madu untuk bertahan pada musim sejuk. Tugas tersebut tidak pernah berakhir!
Namun, sedikit yang tahu akan kebenaran bahawa lebah madu yang rajin pun akan mencari satu ruang di dalam sarangnya, menghentikan segala aktiviti---langsung tidak melakukan apa-apa untuk seketika! Tiada yang produktif dalam pandangan dunia. Namun masa penyegaran dan pembaharuan ini adalah sangat mustahak. Lebah memerlukan sedikit waktu untuk keluar daripada kesibukan hidup dan ini kelihatannya tidak langsung merosakkan sarang mereka.
Ramai antara kita menyedari yang tahap tekanan dan kebimbangan kita meningkat kerana tugasan harian kita yang tidak pernah berakhir. Kita risau sama ada kita dapat bertahan. Pada waktu-waktu sebegini saya mendapati yang terbaik ialah mengikuti teladan lebah madu dan berhenti sekitika. Lagi pun, Yesus juga melakukan yang serupa. Apabila dia sangat sibuk, dia mendaki ke bukit untuk berdoa -- mengujudkan satu waktu dan ruang buat Tuhan menyegarkan kembali rohnya. Sekiranya Yesus pun memrlukan waktu sebegitu, pastinya kita juga.
Hari ini, sekiranya kita terhimpit oleh tugasan yang bertimbun, ambil waktu walaupun sedikit untuk keluar dari kesibukan itu. Gunakan waktu itu untuk berdoa, melakukan aktiviti yang lain daripada tugasan kita. Pada waktu yang sama, roh kita akan disegarkan. Selepas itu kembalilah kepada tugasan kita dengan kesegaran yang baru!
The psalmist said to God, "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"
-Psalm 119:103 (NRSV)
Lebah madu terkenal dengan ketekunannya yang tidak kunjung pudar. Di dalam sarangnya berjalan pesat aktiviti yang pelbagai. Tidak menghairankan. Seekor lebah pekerja mengeluarkan 1/12 sudu teh madu sepanjang hayatnya, dan sarang yang baik menghasilkan 50 ke 60 paun madu untuk bertahan pada musim sejuk. Tugas tersebut tidak pernah berakhir!
Namun, sedikit yang tahu akan kebenaran bahawa lebah madu yang rajin pun akan mencari satu ruang di dalam sarangnya, menghentikan segala aktiviti---langsung tidak melakukan apa-apa untuk seketika! Tiada yang produktif dalam pandangan dunia. Namun masa penyegaran dan pembaharuan ini adalah sangat mustahak. Lebah memerlukan sedikit waktu untuk keluar daripada kesibukan hidup dan ini kelihatannya tidak langsung merosakkan sarang mereka.
Ramai antara kita menyedari yang tahap tekanan dan kebimbangan kita meningkat kerana tugasan harian kita yang tidak pernah berakhir. Kita risau sama ada kita dapat bertahan. Pada waktu-waktu sebegini saya mendapati yang terbaik ialah mengikuti teladan lebah madu dan berhenti sekitika. Lagi pun, Yesus juga melakukan yang serupa. Apabila dia sangat sibuk, dia mendaki ke bukit untuk berdoa -- mengujudkan satu waktu dan ruang buat Tuhan menyegarkan kembali rohnya. Sekiranya Yesus pun memrlukan waktu sebegitu, pastinya kita juga.
Hari ini, sekiranya kita terhimpit oleh tugasan yang bertimbun, ambil waktu walaupun sedikit untuk keluar dari kesibukan itu. Gunakan waktu itu untuk berdoa, melakukan aktiviti yang lain daripada tugasan kita. Pada waktu yang sama, roh kita akan disegarkan. Selepas itu kembalilah kepada tugasan kita dengan kesegaran yang baru!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Strong Again
Read Hebrews 3:12-14
Jesus said, "I have told you this so that you will have peace by being united to me. The world will make you suffer. But be brave! I have defeated the world!"
-John 16:33 (TEV)
AFTER 32 years of marriage, my husband wanted a divorce. I felt defeated, rejected, and unloved, wondering if I was even important to God anymore.
In this troubled time, my faith was crucial. I needed and wanted to stay in touch with God through reading scripture and praying. My friends and family encouraged me and reminded me how important I am to God -- so important that Jesus died for me. How much more important could I be? One of my friends even phoned me and read scripture to me. When I lay down at night, wiping away tears, I felt God's arms around me. I thanked God for caring and for giving me faithful Christian friends.
Isaiah 40:31 tells us that those who trust the Lord will become strong again. God has made me strong again and given me a desire to help others in their troubled times. Knowing that God would never betray me is my source of strength. No one will ever have a problem-free life. But faith in God and in our worth as beloved children of God will give us the hope and encouragement we need to remain strong and to witness to others for Christ.
by Debbie Gillis (South Carolina, USA)
Jesus said, "I have told you this so that you will have peace by being united to me. The world will make you suffer. But be brave! I have defeated the world!"
-John 16:33 (TEV)
AFTER 32 years of marriage, my husband wanted a divorce. I felt defeated, rejected, and unloved, wondering if I was even important to God anymore.
In this troubled time, my faith was crucial. I needed and wanted to stay in touch with God through reading scripture and praying. My friends and family encouraged me and reminded me how important I am to God -- so important that Jesus died for me. How much more important could I be? One of my friends even phoned me and read scripture to me. When I lay down at night, wiping away tears, I felt God's arms around me. I thanked God for caring and for giving me faithful Christian friends.
Isaiah 40:31 tells us that those who trust the Lord will become strong again. God has made me strong again and given me a desire to help others in their troubled times. Knowing that God would never betray me is my source of strength. No one will ever have a problem-free life. But faith in God and in our worth as beloved children of God will give us the hope and encouragement we need to remain strong and to witness to others for Christ.
by Debbie Gillis (South Carolina, USA)
Monday, July 27, 2009
God's Lifeline
Read Romans 10:8-17 and 1 Corinthians 1:18-30
Moses said to the Israelites, "I have set before you life and death. ... Now choose life, so that you and your children may live."
-Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV)
A documentary on television showed a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter rescuing two people who had been lost at sea for three torturous days and nights. Their commercial fishing boat had capsized in a violent storm that killed the rest of the crew. As the two survivors were pulled to safety, I could not only see but also feel their gratefulness and jubilation. They were saved from the threat of death.
After watching this dramatic event, I began to think of how God seeks to rescue the lost. Rescue workers cast lifelines to victims in distress. In a spiritual sense, God does the same for each of us, offering us eternal life. Can you imagine anyone who would refuse to be rescued from death?
Every day millions of people remain lost, cast adrift or separated from relationship with our loving Savior, Christ Jesus. As believers, as those who have been rescued, we have the privilege and responsibility to offer God's lifeline to those in danger of drowning in life's turbulent seas. For them it is a matter of life or death.
by Donald L. Maly (Texas, USA)
Moses said to the Israelites, "I have set before you life and death. ... Now choose life, so that you and your children may live."
-Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV)
A documentary on television showed a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter rescuing two people who had been lost at sea for three torturous days and nights. Their commercial fishing boat had capsized in a violent storm that killed the rest of the crew. As the two survivors were pulled to safety, I could not only see but also feel their gratefulness and jubilation. They were saved from the threat of death.
After watching this dramatic event, I began to think of how God seeks to rescue the lost. Rescue workers cast lifelines to victims in distress. In a spiritual sense, God does the same for each of us, offering us eternal life. Can you imagine anyone who would refuse to be rescued from death?
Every day millions of people remain lost, cast adrift or separated from relationship with our loving Savior, Christ Jesus. As believers, as those who have been rescued, we have the privilege and responsibility to offer God's lifeline to those in danger of drowning in life's turbulent seas. For them it is a matter of life or death.
by Donald L. Maly (Texas, USA)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Praying Always
Read Ephesians 6:10-20
Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication.
-0Ephesians 6:18 (NRSV)
AT a busy city intersection, my wife and I waited to cross the road. I pressed the button for the pedestrian walk sign once, twice, half a dozen times.
"Why did you do that?" asked my wife. "Once is enough. You are not going to speed anything up by doing it again and again."
"I know," I replied, "but it makes me feel better."
Her question made me think of one of my own "whys." The Bible encourages us to pray with confidence, knowing that our requests are heard. But it also tells us to pray constantly. I have wondered why, but I have concluded that prayer is so much in the realm of mystery that I cannot expect to understand. Nevertheless I try.
Prayer is as much for me as it is for God. Though I would like to think that the world is different because I pray, I know that all I can do is rely on God and simply pray in faith. But regardless of what happens in the world outside me, when I pray, something happens within me. Not only do I feel better, but I am also changed by the experience. Sometimes I don't want to pray about a problem that is troubling me, and I resist. When I pray, God sorts out my motives. Then the world seems different because I am different, and I am more confident in leaving the final answers to God.
Bill Adams (Queensland, Australia)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Expecting the Best
Read Ephesians 3:14-21
Now unto [God] that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory.
-Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)
A few years back, I injured the rotator cuff in my shoulder. Suffering great pain, I decided to see an orthopedic surgeon. He gave me a shot of steroids and prescribed physical therapy. Frankly, I was not expecting much relief. But to my surprise, within a few weeks the pain was virtually gone.
This led me to think about my spiritual life. Sometimes I pray, then pray again; but whether I pray about finances, relationships, or peace of mind, I do not really expect the Lord to answer. So I decided to start praying expectantly. I did not imagine that God would say "yes" to all of my prayers, but I prayed with a new attitude and new hope regarding God's response to my petitions. And I have not been disappointed.
by Edward Sarp (Pennsylvania, USA)
Dear God, however you answer our prayers, let us be at peace with your response, knowing that you have our best interests in mind. As Jesus taught us, we pray, "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil."* Amen.
Now unto [God] that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory.
-Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)
A few years back, I injured the rotator cuff in my shoulder. Suffering great pain, I decided to see an orthopedic surgeon. He gave me a shot of steroids and prescribed physical therapy. Frankly, I was not expecting much relief. But to my surprise, within a few weeks the pain was virtually gone.
This led me to think about my spiritual life. Sometimes I pray, then pray again; but whether I pray about finances, relationships, or peace of mind, I do not really expect the Lord to answer. So I decided to start praying expectantly. I did not imagine that God would say "yes" to all of my prayers, but I prayed with a new attitude and new hope regarding God's response to my petitions. And I have not been disappointed.
by Edward Sarp (Pennsylvania, USA)
Dear God, however you answer our prayers, let us be at peace with your response, knowing that you have our best interests in mind. As Jesus taught us, we pray, "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil."* Amen.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Hidden Fruit
Read Psalm 119:7-20
All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
-2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NRSV)
ONE of my favorite summer activities is picking wild raspberries. I love to stand in one spot and pick as many raspberries as I can find before moving on to the next patch. Often when I think I have exhausted the supply of berries before me, I prepare to move on, only to spy the ripest, biggest, most luscious berry yet. How did I miss this one? I wonder. The answer is simple: Changing my stance and my line of sight lets me see what had been there all along, waiting for me to claim it.
In a way, the same is true with God's word. At times I become complacent, even bored, with a passage of scripture, thinking I have exhausted its meaning and relevance to my life. When time and experience have changed my outlook on life, however, I find myself re-reading the passage and thinking, Wow, how did I miss that? Surprised I didn't see some message sooner, but grateful to have the newfound insight, I am enriched. The wisdom is fresh and new every morning. (See Lam. 3:23). Thanks be to God!
by Kristine Liknes (Ohio, USA)
All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
-2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NRSV)
ONE of my favorite summer activities is picking wild raspberries. I love to stand in one spot and pick as many raspberries as I can find before moving on to the next patch. Often when I think I have exhausted the supply of berries before me, I prepare to move on, only to spy the ripest, biggest, most luscious berry yet. How did I miss this one? I wonder. The answer is simple: Changing my stance and my line of sight lets me see what had been there all along, waiting for me to claim it.
In a way, the same is true with God's word. At times I become complacent, even bored, with a passage of scripture, thinking I have exhausted its meaning and relevance to my life. When time and experience have changed my outlook on life, however, I find myself re-reading the passage and thinking, Wow, how did I miss that? Surprised I didn't see some message sooner, but grateful to have the newfound insight, I am enriched. The wisdom is fresh and new every morning. (See Lam. 3:23). Thanks be to God!
by Kristine Liknes (Ohio, USA)
Friday, July 10, 2009
My Hope
Read 1 Peter 5:6-10
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts.
-2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NRSV)
MY life has been filled with hard trials. When I was just two or three days old, I almost died because of the midwife's carelessness. Ever since then, I have suffered from various illnesses. Then, when I was a teenager, I had a kidney operation that left me unable to have children.
When I got married, I decided to adopt a child, Iva. Although I loved her unconditionally, I was upset because she too was ill. I struggled alone with her illnesses, without the support of my husband, an alcoholic. While I was taking care of Iva, my mother-in-law tried to take her away from me. Eventually, Iva died in my arms at the age of 13. I felt absolutely helpless but managed to find strength for the next trial -- my husband divorcing me.
I wouldn't be alive right now if I didn't know Christ. Fortunately, during all those long years of suffering I was a Christian. When my daughter died and I couldn't see a direction in my life, God showed me the right way and gave me a message of comfort. Through my struggles I learned an important lesson: We cannot blame God when we suffer. We live in a sinful world filled with imperfect people, but God is perfect and merciful. God is our hope.
by Anna Georgieva Georgieva (Pleven, Bulgaria)
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts.
-2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NRSV)
MY life has been filled with hard trials. When I was just two or three days old, I almost died because of the midwife's carelessness. Ever since then, I have suffered from various illnesses. Then, when I was a teenager, I had a kidney operation that left me unable to have children.
When I got married, I decided to adopt a child, Iva. Although I loved her unconditionally, I was upset because she too was ill. I struggled alone with her illnesses, without the support of my husband, an alcoholic. While I was taking care of Iva, my mother-in-law tried to take her away from me. Eventually, Iva died in my arms at the age of 13. I felt absolutely helpless but managed to find strength for the next trial -- my husband divorcing me.
I wouldn't be alive right now if I didn't know Christ. Fortunately, during all those long years of suffering I was a Christian. When my daughter died and I couldn't see a direction in my life, God showed me the right way and gave me a message of comfort. Through my struggles I learned an important lesson: We cannot blame God when we suffer. We live in a sinful world filled with imperfect people, but God is perfect and merciful. God is our hope.
by Anna Georgieva Georgieva (Pleven, Bulgaria)
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Spiritual Balance
Read Isaiah 40:28-31
Because so many people were coming and going that [the apostles] did not even have a chance to eat, [Jesus] said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
-Mark 6:31 (NIV)
IN retirement I found myself becoming a full-time volunteer. While volunteering is personally rewarding, at times it can also lead to stress and frustration. One day a friend shared her concern that I was on overload. This led me to stop and think: Why am I volunteering? Is it because I can't say "no?" Or is it something deeper inside, such as the need to be needed and noticed? Have I been serving just to receive the affirmation of others?
I've since learned to pull back some and to spend more time in prayer and reflection. In neglecting my inner being, I was becoming spiritually unbalanced. In serving and doing for others, I wasn't waiting on the Lord for strength and direction. I'd forgotten what Jesus said: "Apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).
No one was more pressed into doing for others than Jesus. The crowds gave him no relief. So it was necessary -- even for Jesus -- to draw apart and pray for strength and wisdom in serving others. Should we seek anything less?
by Donald Joiner (North Carolina, USA)
Because so many people were coming and going that [the apostles] did not even have a chance to eat, [Jesus] said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
-Mark 6:31 (NIV)
IN retirement I found myself becoming a full-time volunteer. While volunteering is personally rewarding, at times it can also lead to stress and frustration. One day a friend shared her concern that I was on overload. This led me to stop and think: Why am I volunteering? Is it because I can't say "no?" Or is it something deeper inside, such as the need to be needed and noticed? Have I been serving just to receive the affirmation of others?
I've since learned to pull back some and to spend more time in prayer and reflection. In neglecting my inner being, I was becoming spiritually unbalanced. In serving and doing for others, I wasn't waiting on the Lord for strength and direction. I'd forgotten what Jesus said: "Apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).
No one was more pressed into doing for others than Jesus. The crowds gave him no relief. So it was necessary -- even for Jesus -- to draw apart and pray for strength and wisdom in serving others. Should we seek anything less?
by Donald Joiner (North Carolina, USA)
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Faith Under Crisis
Read Psalm 56 and Deuteronomy 20:1-4
The psalmist wrote, "In the shadow of your wings [O God] I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by."
-Psalm 57:1 (NRSV)
I picked up the magazine, eager to be inspired by its cover story about military chaplains striving to live the word of God under fire in Iraq. To my dismay, the article began with the story of one young chaplain whose faith had been so shattered by what he saw in war that he wanted nothing to do with God; he had become sick of religion and had come to hate God.
It hurt to read this account of faith in crisis. But I had to ask myself: What would it take to turn me away from God? A bitter divorce? The death of one of my children? Incurable cancer? I understood how that chaplain's inner struggles had caused him to become bitter, angry, and alienated.
I read on to discover that the chaplain, now counseling wounded military personnel at a government hospital, had recovered his faith. After agonizing months of adjustment back home, he found and described a new relationship with God brought about by what he had experienced. After enduring a life-changing and belief-eroding time, this soldier/pastor returned to God, a different person but still a believer.
As his story showed me, times of doubt can become a doorway to renewed faith.
by Prudence Schofield (Maine, USA)
The psalmist wrote, "In the shadow of your wings [O God] I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by."
-Psalm 57:1 (NRSV)
I picked up the magazine, eager to be inspired by its cover story about military chaplains striving to live the word of God under fire in Iraq. To my dismay, the article began with the story of one young chaplain whose faith had been so shattered by what he saw in war that he wanted nothing to do with God; he had become sick of religion and had come to hate God.
It hurt to read this account of faith in crisis. But I had to ask myself: What would it take to turn me away from God? A bitter divorce? The death of one of my children? Incurable cancer? I understood how that chaplain's inner struggles had caused him to become bitter, angry, and alienated.
I read on to discover that the chaplain, now counseling wounded military personnel at a government hospital, had recovered his faith. After agonizing months of adjustment back home, he found and described a new relationship with God brought about by what he had experienced. After enduring a life-changing and belief-eroding time, this soldier/pastor returned to God, a different person but still a believer.
As his story showed me, times of doubt can become a doorway to renewed faith.
by Prudence Schofield (Maine, USA)
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
A Root of Bitterness
Read Genesis 27:30-41
Pursue peace with everyone. . . . See to it . . . that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble.
-Hebrews 12:1415 (NRSV)
THE company I have worked for over the last 21 years recently reorganized. When the dust settled, I found myself in a new position. A younger engineer with much less experience was given the job that I loved. The injustice I felt created bitterness within me.
Today's scripture reading tells of "a root of bitterness" that sprouts within Esau after Jacob steals his birthright and blessing. The bitterness grows into such hatred that Esau plans to kill Jacob, his own flesh and blood. Bitterness can work that way - consuming us as a briar consumes a garden. Left unchecked, it grows stronger and stronger and chokes out the fruit in our lives. And like a briar, its root must be removed entirely or it will sprout up again.
I discovered this painful truth: Bitterness hurts the one who harbors it more than the one to whom it is directed. I came to realize that my bitterness was stealing my joy, breaking my fellowship with God, and contradicting God's will. But when we discover briars of bitterness, God can help us to forgive and so uproot them.
by Terry Thomas Bowman (North Carolina, USA)
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