1Pada waktu itu datanglah murid-murid itu kepada Yesus dan bertanya: "Siapakah yang terbesar dalam Kerajaan Sorga?" 2Maka Yesus memanggil seorang anak kecil dan menempatkannya di tengah-tengah mereka3Lalu berkata:"Aku berkata kepadamu, sesungguhnya jika kamu tidak bertobat dan menjadi seperti anak kecil ini, kamu tidak akan masuk ke dalam Kerajaan Sorga. 4Sedangkan barangsiapa merendahkan diri dan menjadi seperti anak kecil ini, dialah yang terbesar dalam Kerajaan Sorga. 5Dan barangsiapa menyambut seorang anak seperti ini dalama nama-Ku, ia menyambut Aku."
Saudaraku yg kekasih dalam Tuhan ada beberapa hal yg menarik yg akan kita pelajari hari ini, bahwa Yesus sedang berkumpul dengan murid-muridNya, tiba-tiba Yesus dikejutkan dengan sebuah pertanyaaan yang mungkin tidak pernah dipikirkan oleh Yesus sebelumnya, karena ternyata murid-murid yg selama ini begitu taat bersama Yesus, dan yang selama ini begitu mengasihi Yesus. Tetapi kali ini tiba-tiba mengajukan pertanyaan yg dalam tanda "petik" ....pertanyaan yg sama sekali tidak rohani.
Murid-muridNya mulai bertanya,"Siapakah yg terbesar dalam Kerajaan Sorga?' Mereka sedang mempersoalkan di dalam diri mereka sendiri, dan bertanya, "Siapa yg kira-kita akan mendapatkan predikat paling hebat nanti dalam Kerajaan Sorga?"
Tiba-tiba Yesus menjawab pertanyaan yg buat murid-muridNya sangat aneh sekali dan mereka juga terkejut sekali, karena tiba-tiba Yesus mengambil anak kecil dan berkata kepada mereka, jika kamu tidak bertobat seperti anak kecil ini, kamu tidak punya tempat dalam Kerajaan Sorga. Jangankan menjadi yg terbesar, jangankan menjadi yg terhebat, jangankan mendapat anugrah dalam Kerajaan Sorga, bahkan tempat saja dalam Kerajaan Sorga tidak mendapat.
Berarti dari ayat-ayat bacaan ini, ada 3 hal menarik tentang terbesar di dalam Kerajaan Sorga:
1. Seorang yang selalu memikirkan untuk menjadi yg terbesar, harus bertobat
Apa maksud dari kalimat ini? Ada banyak orang yg selalu di dalam pikirannya selalu ingin menjadi yg terbesar. Dengan lain kata, apabila ia ada di dalam perusahaan, dia ingin menjadi yg terbesar, dia sikut orang lain, dia injek orang lain kalau perlu, dia rekayasa sesuatu, dan ia halalkan segala cara. Saudaraku yg kekasih dalam Tuhan, bukan hanya dalam dunia rohani, tetapi di dalam dunia jasmani, orang sedang berlomba-lomba menjadi yg terbesar. Yg dikhwatirkan sekarang ini manusia menjadi homo-hominilupus. Manusia akan menjadi mangsa manusia lainnya, karena manusia sudah lupa dengan moral, manusia sudah lupa dengan Tuhannya dan aturan-aturan yg benar.
Tetapi, yg ada sekarang ini hanyalah tujuan. Dan ini terjadi di mana-mana, dalam hal dagang, dunia bisnis, pemerintahan, semua ingin menjadi besar dan menghalalkan segala cara. Tetapi, yg lebih parah lagi, sekarang hal ini sudah merambat di dalam bidang pelayanan rohani. Tidak tahu apapun yg terjadi, gereja ingin menjadi yg terbesar, tidak tahu apakah dengan harus merampas gereja kecil lainnya, atau merampas jemaat dari gereja lain atau tidak tahu dengan mengambil pelayan dari gereja lain, yg terpenting adalah dia menjadi yg terbesar.
Tetapi saudaraku, Kristus mulai mengajar hal yg sangat keras di sini, karena ingat, yg datang kepada Yesus adalah murid-muridNya, dan bukanlah orang yg belum bertobat. Tetapi jawaban Yesus pada ayat yg ke-3 sungguh sangat tajam sekali 3Lalu Yesus berkata:"Aku berkata kepadamu, sesungguhnya jika kamu tidak bertobat". Di sini kita lihat, padahal mereka semua itu murid-murid Yesus, yg sudah bertobat dan mengakui Mesias sebagai anak Allah yang hidup. Tetapi sekarang Yesus berkata,"Jika kamu tidak bertobat dan menjadi seperti salah seorang anak kecil ini, kamu tidak mendapat tempat dalam Kerajaan Sorga." Berarti, seorang yg selalu memikirkan dirinya menjadi yg terbesar, dia harus bertobat.
Saya bukan bilang bahwa orang Kristen harus pasrah, atau Quisera-sera/whatever will be-will be, apapun yg terjadi, terjadilah. Saya bukan bilang orang Kristen harus percaya nasib dan biar takdir yg terjadi, bukan itu! Kita percaya akan penyertaan Allah, kita percaya akan iman, tapi kalau akhirnya kita punya motivasi untuk menjadi yg terbear, kita sedang ada di jalan yg salah. Dan setiap pendengar yg diberkati Tuhan, bagus untuk punya iman, bagus untuk memiliki mimpi akan perkara-perkara besar, tetapi kita harus sadar bahwa tanpa Tuhan, kita tidak dapat berbuat apa-apa.
2. Seorang yg ingin menjadi besar, dia harus berani merendahkan diri
Ayat yg ke-4 dikatakan 4Sedangkan barangsiapa merendahkan diri dan menjadi seperti anak kecil ini, dialah yang terbesar dalam Kerajaan Sorga. Kalau seorang ingin menjadi besar, atau berhasil, atau ingin maju. Apakah saudara seorang muda yg rindu sekali berhasil dalam studi saudara, atau saudara rindu sekali untuk memperoleh suatu keberhasilan, karena mungkin saudara berasal dari keluarga miskin. Tetapi, saudara ingin sekali menjadi anak yg berhasil sehingga dapat mengangkat citra keluarga, dapat menolong papa dan mama. Tetapi kalimat saya sederhana, seorang yg ingin berhasil, harus berani untuk merendahkan diri.
Ada banyak orang yg sebetulnya tidak mendapat atau tidak mempunyai kerjaan. Tetapi sebenarnya dia tidak setia dengan hal-hal kecil, mungkin dia terlalu sombong dan tidak mau mulai dengan gaji kecil atau hal-hal kecil. Tetapi, sekali lagi saya ingin ulangi, seorang yg ingin berhasil/menjadi besar, seorang yg ingin melihat sukses dalam hidupnya, harus berani merendahkandiri. Saudaraku yg kekasih dalam Tuhan, orang-orang yg dipakai Tuhan adalah orang-orang yg merendahkan diri. Orang-orang yg dipakai Tuhan adalah orang-orang yg tidak selamanya hebat atau sempurna atau tanpa kekurangan apapun. Tetapi, orang-orang yg dipakai Tuhan, adalah orang-orang yg mau merendahkan diri.
Bila kita ingat bagaimana Tuhan memanggil Musa, dan Tuhan berkata,"Musa, tanggalkanlah kasutmu, sebab tempat dimana engkau berpijak itu kudus. Alkitab berkata," Bagaimana musa menanggalkan kasutnya dan bersujud di hadapan Tuhan. Peristiwa dimana Musa menanggalkan kasut dan sujud di hadapan Allah, saya mau beritahu, Musa merendahkan diri. Peristiwa ini mengajar kepada kita bahwa orang yg mau merendahkan diri diberkati untuk perkara-perkara yg besar.
3. Besar/berhasilnya seseorang adalah dari caranya ia menyambut Yesus
Ayat ke-5 dikatakan "Dan barangsiapa menyambut seorang anak seperti ini dalama nama-Ku, ia menyambut Aku." Adakah baginya Yesus adalah seseorang yg penting, sehingga setiap minggu ia harus ke gereja. Apakah Yesus penting, sehingga setiap hari ia berdoa dan membaca Alkitab, karena tanpa Yesus jalannya akan gelap setiap hari. Adakah Yesus penting, sehingga sebelum memulai aktifitasnya, ia membuka dan membaca Alkitab dan mulai dengan Firman Tuhan, karena Firman Tuhan menjadi dasar dan landasan dalam hidupNYA.
Itu yg saya beri nama besar atau berhasilnya seseorang dari cara ia menyambut Yesus. Kalau dia sama sekali tidak punya respect/rasa hormat dan takut terhadap Yesus. Kalau sempet ya, baru pergi ke gereja, kalau tidak sempat berdoa, kemudian berasumsi Tuhan juga ngerti! Jawaban saya sederhana, Tuhan kita ngerti, tapi kita harus menyambut Yesus sebagai Tuhan dan Raja, kita harus menghormatinya sebagai Raja dan menempatkannya pada posisi yg paling penting dalam hidup kita, maka kita akan melihat kemenangan dan keberhasilan di dalam jalan hidup kita.
Saudaraku, Yesus rindu untuk menyambut saudara, Yesus rindu untuk melakukan perkara besar dalam hidup saudara, Yesus rindu sekali untuk mengangkat saudara dan mencurahkan berkatNYA, tapi adakah kita menyambut Yesus sebagai Raja, adakah kita menghormatiNYA sebagai Tuhan yg baginya tidak ada perkara yg mustahil. Dan jika iya, saya percaya, saudara sedang ada di jalan yg benar untuk melihat kemenangan pada diri saudara. Terimalah Yesus sebagai Juru Selamat dan buka hati, sebab IA adalah Tuhan yg siap mengampuni dosa saudara dan mengerjakan perkara besar dalam hidup saudara.
Doa:
Bapa di dalam Nama Yesus, engkau lihat setiap kami sekalian yg saat ini sedang berbeban berat dan ada dalam tekanan. Atau ada dari kami sekalian yg punya ambisi dan menghalalkan segala cara, dan berkompromi dengan dosa. Hamba berdoa saat ini "Dalam Nama Yesus" , mampukan kami untuk kembali ke jalan Tuhan, kami setia dalam perkara kecil, kami mendahulukan Tuhan dalam segala perkara. Dan kami melihat kemenangan dan keberhasilan bukan karena kekuatan kami, tetapi semuanya semata-mata hanya oleh Anugrah dan Kasih Tuhan. Jamah kami yg sakit, yg berbeban berat, jamah kami yg mau terima Tuhan Yesus sebagai Juru Selamat. Lewat program ini, kami melihat Kuasa Yesus terjadi dalam hidup kami, haleluya, dalam Nama Tuhan Yesus kami berdoa dan mengucap syukur, Amin!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
The Blessing of a Godly Rebuke
The Blessing of a Godly Rebuke
He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.
Proverbs 15:31-32, NIV
Some of the most important lessons I’ve ever learned came through making mistakes. I had parents who loved me enough to rebuke and correct me when I got things wrong – especially when I had done something deliberately, knowing it was wrong! I never felt as though I was being punished unfairly when I was ‘told off’ in love. While I didn’t like the experience, I knew it was just and fair and for my own good.
Once, however, at school, I was punished for something I hadn’t done and I felt the deep pain of injustice on the inside. There was nothing I could do to prove my innocence and I had to take my punishment – a compulsory cross-country run, followed by a prefect on a bicycle! But even today, although the person who punished me unfairly has long been forgiven, I can still sense the feelings of injustice I had at the time.
Correct and fair discipline is good for us. We can learn so much through the experience of being rightly corrected. I fear that in our very liberal society, we are growing a generation of children who will not have the privilege of becoming wise through loving rebuke. We are sowing a wind, and in time we will reap a whirlwind of consequence.
God is the very best of fathers. He knows when we need encouragement and also when we need the rebuke of love. He doesn’t want us to miss out on learning the vital lessons of life – and even when He rebukes us, it is a form of encouragement! There may be times when He uses the events of life to bring His discipline into our circumstances. When that happens, let’s not rebel against His love, but thank Him that He really cares for us and carefully note the lesson He has been teaching us, so that the discipline will contribute to our growing in maturity.
Prayer: Thank you Father God, that You love me enough to bring correction into my life when I need it. Help me always to remember the lessons You teach me in love, so that I may grow up into the maturity of really knowing and serving You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Today's Writer : Peter Horrobin Peter Horrobin is the Founder and International Director of Ellel Ministries. His cutting edge teaching and compassion for the hurting have been at the heart of Ellel’s ministry throughout its 23 years of development. He is the author of numerous books, most notably Healing Through Deliverance and Living the Life. At present he is busy writing material for Ellel 365, the new online training School which has now been launched. To find out more go to www.em365.org.
He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.
Proverbs 15:31-32, NIV
Some of the most important lessons I’ve ever learned came through making mistakes. I had parents who loved me enough to rebuke and correct me when I got things wrong – especially when I had done something deliberately, knowing it was wrong! I never felt as though I was being punished unfairly when I was ‘told off’ in love. While I didn’t like the experience, I knew it was just and fair and for my own good.
Once, however, at school, I was punished for something I hadn’t done and I felt the deep pain of injustice on the inside. There was nothing I could do to prove my innocence and I had to take my punishment – a compulsory cross-country run, followed by a prefect on a bicycle! But even today, although the person who punished me unfairly has long been forgiven, I can still sense the feelings of injustice I had at the time.
Correct and fair discipline is good for us. We can learn so much through the experience of being rightly corrected. I fear that in our very liberal society, we are growing a generation of children who will not have the privilege of becoming wise through loving rebuke. We are sowing a wind, and in time we will reap a whirlwind of consequence.
God is the very best of fathers. He knows when we need encouragement and also when we need the rebuke of love. He doesn’t want us to miss out on learning the vital lessons of life – and even when He rebukes us, it is a form of encouragement! There may be times when He uses the events of life to bring His discipline into our circumstances. When that happens, let’s not rebel against His love, but thank Him that He really cares for us and carefully note the lesson He has been teaching us, so that the discipline will contribute to our growing in maturity.
Prayer: Thank you Father God, that You love me enough to bring correction into my life when I need it. Help me always to remember the lessons You teach me in love, so that I may grow up into the maturity of really knowing and serving You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Today's Writer : Peter Horrobin Peter Horrobin is the Founder and International Director of Ellel Ministries. His cutting edge teaching and compassion for the hurting have been at the heart of Ellel’s ministry throughout its 23 years of development. He is the author of numerous books, most notably Healing Through Deliverance and Living the Life. At present he is busy writing material for Ellel 365, the new online training School which has now been launched. To find out more go to www.em365.org.
Persevere in Service
Persevere in Service
But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
Luke 8:15, NIV
I recently tore my calf muscle whilst playing squash, and although the natural healing of my body had kicked in, getting out of bed in the morning and hobbling around all day at work had suddenly become a very painful and slow process.
I was feeling a little sorry for myself one morning and the thought of staying at home for a week or two, taking it easy, and just waiting for the injury to right itself seemed very attractive to me. But, as I read the familiar words of the parable of the sower, I was suddenly struck by this verse ‘But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.’
Sometimes we need to persevere in our service of Christ, even through difficult and painful circumstances, such as the loss of a loved one or a major disappointment. For me walking around, or even standing on my leg, had become a painful activity. Later that day the doctor confirmed that I needed to persevere in using my leg, and, although painful, this would aid the healing process. Not a welcome message, but it did confirm what God had said to me!
Maybe you, like me, are facing something that is causing you physical or emotional pain and you need God’s help to cope with it. Then let me encourage you that He will never leave you or forsake you. He understands what you’re going through and He will walk each step of the way with you, if you’re willing to invite Him to. Indeed, as this verse says, by persevering in our service of Christ, we will please Him and produce a good crop.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank You that You understand all the circumstances of my life, my sorrow and pain as well as my joy. I invite You to take my hand and walk with me each day. Please bring Your comfort and healing and help me to serve you faithfully all the days of my life. Amen.
Today's Writer : Andy Willis Andy Willis is married and has three sons. He is a qualified Project Manager and IS Auditor. He and his wife were very much led to undertake the Ellel modular training which was both life transforming and preparation for further service in God’s kingdom. Andy recently joined the team at Ellel Grange, and is now responsible for some of the commercial activities of Ellel Ministries.
But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
Luke 8:15, NIV
I recently tore my calf muscle whilst playing squash, and although the natural healing of my body had kicked in, getting out of bed in the morning and hobbling around all day at work had suddenly become a very painful and slow process.
I was feeling a little sorry for myself one morning and the thought of staying at home for a week or two, taking it easy, and just waiting for the injury to right itself seemed very attractive to me. But, as I read the familiar words of the parable of the sower, I was suddenly struck by this verse ‘But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.’
Sometimes we need to persevere in our service of Christ, even through difficult and painful circumstances, such as the loss of a loved one or a major disappointment. For me walking around, or even standing on my leg, had become a painful activity. Later that day the doctor confirmed that I needed to persevere in using my leg, and, although painful, this would aid the healing process. Not a welcome message, but it did confirm what God had said to me!
Maybe you, like me, are facing something that is causing you physical or emotional pain and you need God’s help to cope with it. Then let me encourage you that He will never leave you or forsake you. He understands what you’re going through and He will walk each step of the way with you, if you’re willing to invite Him to. Indeed, as this verse says, by persevering in our service of Christ, we will please Him and produce a good crop.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank You that You understand all the circumstances of my life, my sorrow and pain as well as my joy. I invite You to take my hand and walk with me each day. Please bring Your comfort and healing and help me to serve you faithfully all the days of my life. Amen.
Today's Writer : Andy Willis Andy Willis is married and has three sons. He is a qualified Project Manager and IS Auditor. He and his wife were very much led to undertake the Ellel modular training which was both life transforming and preparation for further service in God’s kingdom. Andy recently joined the team at Ellel Grange, and is now responsible for some of the commercial activities of Ellel Ministries.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Doing things my way or God’s way
Doing things my way or God’s way
Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name.
Psalm 86:11, NIV
The ark, which symbolised the presence of God, was in the process of being moved to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 13). The oxen pulling the cart stumbled and Uzzah, one of David’s men, put his hand on the ark to steady it. As a result of his action he died, and the journey of the ark to Jerusalem was delayed. Why did such a terrible thing happen when Uzzah seemed to act out of instinct and unselfish motives? Why was God displeased?
Firstly, God had clearly said that not one of the holy things had to be touched (Numbers 4:15). However good Uzzah’s action seemed, and whatever his intention, he acted in disobedience. In times of crisis we too can be tempted to act on instinct and do what seems best to save the situation. However, our instinct and even our unselfish motives, may not be God’s way of saving the situation, and will not bring God’s ultimate blessing.
Secondly, did Uzzah think God needed a helping hand and that He could not protect Himself? Did Uzzah believe he had to keep his God from harm? It would have been a tragedy if the ark had fallen from the cart. To lose the ark would signify the loss of the presence of God to the Israelites. However, they forgot the greatness of their God. And so do we! How many times do we try to give God a helping hand to get things done our way? How often do we think that if we don’t feel the presence of God He’s not there? God shares His purposes with us, but He doesn’t need our help. His presence is always with His children. We don’t need to keep asking that we feel it. Rather we need to live day by day in the joy of His presence.
Thirdly, in the moving of the ark, God’s will had not been sought. Looking back on the event David knew the reason for the disaster, “We did not enquire of Him (the Lord our God) about how to do it in the prescribed way” (1 Chronicles 15:13). The ark did arrive safely in Jerusalem, but the second half of the journey was done God’s way. God’s way is always the best. We need to seek it. This pre-supposes the willingness to obey. Obeying God is freedom. It delivers us from the slavery of relying on assumptions, good instincts and good works even in crisis situations.
Today's Writer : Margaret Silvester Margaret Silvester had a career as a teacher prior to being called into full time Christian Ministry with her husband, David, in 1986. They were involved in establishing a Healing Ministry in the local church and Margaret has a passion to see lost and wounded people found and restored. She and her husband joined the Ellel Ministries teaching and ministry team in 2000 after a clear call from God.
Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name.
Psalm 86:11, NIV
The ark, which symbolised the presence of God, was in the process of being moved to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 13). The oxen pulling the cart stumbled and Uzzah, one of David’s men, put his hand on the ark to steady it. As a result of his action he died, and the journey of the ark to Jerusalem was delayed. Why did such a terrible thing happen when Uzzah seemed to act out of instinct and unselfish motives? Why was God displeased?
Firstly, God had clearly said that not one of the holy things had to be touched (Numbers 4:15). However good Uzzah’s action seemed, and whatever his intention, he acted in disobedience. In times of crisis we too can be tempted to act on instinct and do what seems best to save the situation. However, our instinct and even our unselfish motives, may not be God’s way of saving the situation, and will not bring God’s ultimate blessing.
Secondly, did Uzzah think God needed a helping hand and that He could not protect Himself? Did Uzzah believe he had to keep his God from harm? It would have been a tragedy if the ark had fallen from the cart. To lose the ark would signify the loss of the presence of God to the Israelites. However, they forgot the greatness of their God. And so do we! How many times do we try to give God a helping hand to get things done our way? How often do we think that if we don’t feel the presence of God He’s not there? God shares His purposes with us, but He doesn’t need our help. His presence is always with His children. We don’t need to keep asking that we feel it. Rather we need to live day by day in the joy of His presence.
Thirdly, in the moving of the ark, God’s will had not been sought. Looking back on the event David knew the reason for the disaster, “We did not enquire of Him (the Lord our God) about how to do it in the prescribed way” (1 Chronicles 15:13). The ark did arrive safely in Jerusalem, but the second half of the journey was done God’s way. God’s way is always the best. We need to seek it. This pre-supposes the willingness to obey. Obeying God is freedom. It delivers us from the slavery of relying on assumptions, good instincts and good works even in crisis situations.
Today's Writer : Margaret Silvester Margaret Silvester had a career as a teacher prior to being called into full time Christian Ministry with her husband, David, in 1986. They were involved in establishing a Healing Ministry in the local church and Margaret has a passion to see lost and wounded people found and restored. She and her husband joined the Ellel Ministries teaching and ministry team in 2000 after a clear call from God.
Monday, October 26, 2009
From Obscurity to Glory
From Obscurity to Glory
Now David said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, to whom I may show the kindness of God?”
2 Sam 9:3, NIV
Life could have been so different for Mephibosheth, King Saul’s grandson, if only Saul had been obedient to God. As it was, Mephibosheth’s young life did not begin well, being hit by the triple tragedy of the death of his father Jonathan, and his grandfather Saul and being dropped by his nurse during their escape to safety, as a result of which Mephibosheth became lame in both feet.
Consequently, the young prince spent many years of his life being totally dependant on the help of others in less than princely circumstances. He could do nothing for himself. But, just when all seemed lost and Mephibosheth had all but given up hope…God intervened and rescued him.
The new King, David, remembered the covenant he had made with Jonathan to show the kindness to Jonathan’s descendants. Suddenly the king’s call came for Mephibosheth, and like a shaft of brilliant light, pierced his darkness. He was plucked from obscurity and hopelessness and seated in the king’s house where he ate at the king’s table for the rest of his life. What a transformation! The call of the king had made all the difference.
The great news is that the call of the King of Kings has done the same for you and me.
Mephibosheth had the choice – he could have politely refused King David’s invitation and allowed pride to keep him in poverty and obscurity – but he wasn’t about to miss the best offer he’d ever had in life!
Know today who you belong to! The King of Kings has prepared the best for you. No matter how bad your start in life, or whatever your circumstances are now, God is calling you by name, Jesus is the lifter of your head and through his sacrificial death on the cross of Calvary, and resurrection power, Jesus has made it possible for you to enjoy ALL the blessings he has in store for you. He loves you with an everlasting love and DELIGHTS in you!
Prayer: Dear Lord thank you for calling me by name and coming to my rescue. Thank you for your favour, love, life and hope. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Today's Writer : Patricia Lake Patricia Lake is the Secretary to Peter Horrobin (the Founder and International Director of Ellel Ministries) having previously trained in business before joining Ellel Ministries International in January 2000. She was also in ministry in her local Pentecostal church before feeling the call of God to serve in the healing and deliverance ministry at Ellel Grange in the northwest of England.
Now David said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, to whom I may show the kindness of God?”
2 Sam 9:3, NIV
Life could have been so different for Mephibosheth, King Saul’s grandson, if only Saul had been obedient to God. As it was, Mephibosheth’s young life did not begin well, being hit by the triple tragedy of the death of his father Jonathan, and his grandfather Saul and being dropped by his nurse during their escape to safety, as a result of which Mephibosheth became lame in both feet.
Consequently, the young prince spent many years of his life being totally dependant on the help of others in less than princely circumstances. He could do nothing for himself. But, just when all seemed lost and Mephibosheth had all but given up hope…God intervened and rescued him.
The new King, David, remembered the covenant he had made with Jonathan to show the kindness to Jonathan’s descendants. Suddenly the king’s call came for Mephibosheth, and like a shaft of brilliant light, pierced his darkness. He was plucked from obscurity and hopelessness and seated in the king’s house where he ate at the king’s table for the rest of his life. What a transformation! The call of the king had made all the difference.
The great news is that the call of the King of Kings has done the same for you and me.
Mephibosheth had the choice – he could have politely refused King David’s invitation and allowed pride to keep him in poverty and obscurity – but he wasn’t about to miss the best offer he’d ever had in life!
Know today who you belong to! The King of Kings has prepared the best for you. No matter how bad your start in life, or whatever your circumstances are now, God is calling you by name, Jesus is the lifter of your head and through his sacrificial death on the cross of Calvary, and resurrection power, Jesus has made it possible for you to enjoy ALL the blessings he has in store for you. He loves you with an everlasting love and DELIGHTS in you!
Prayer: Dear Lord thank you for calling me by name and coming to my rescue. Thank you for your favour, love, life and hope. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Today's Writer : Patricia Lake Patricia Lake is the Secretary to Peter Horrobin (the Founder and International Director of Ellel Ministries) having previously trained in business before joining Ellel Ministries International in January 2000. She was also in ministry in her local Pentecostal church before feeling the call of God to serve in the healing and deliverance ministry at Ellel Grange in the northwest of England.
Friday, October 23, 2009
112. Menjadi batu sandungan - Matius 17:22-27
22Pada waktu Yesus dan murid-murid-Nya bersama-sama di Galilea, Ia berkata kepada mereka:"Anak manusia akan diserahkan ke dalam tangan manusia. 23dan mereka akan membunuh Dia dan pada hari ketiga Ia akan dibangkitkan. Maka hati murid-murid-Nya itupun sedih sekali. 24Ketika Yesus dan murid-muridNya tiba di Kapernaum datanglah pemungut bea Bait Allah kepada Petrus dan berkata:"Apakah gurumu tidak membayar bea dua dirham itu? 25Jawabnya:"Memang membayar." Dan ketika Petrus masuk rumah, Yesus mendahuluinya dengan pertanyaan: "Apakah pendapatmu, Simon? Dari siapakah raja-raja dunia ini memungut bea dan pajak? Dari rakyatnya atau dari orang asing? 26Jawab Petrus: "Dari orang asing!" Maka kata Yesus kepadanya: "Jadi bebaslah rakyatnya. 27Tetapi supaya jangan kita menjadi batu sandungan bagi mereka, pergilah memancing ke danau. Dan ikan pertama yang kau pancing, tangkaplah dan bukalah mulutnya, maka engkau akan menemukan mata uang empat dirham di dalamnya. Ambillah itu dan bayarkanlah kepada mereka bagi-Ku dan bagimu juga.
Saudaraku yg kekasih di dalam Tuhan, kita lihat satu permasalahan di dalam Alkitab tentang membayar pajak. Yesus membuktian kepada Petrus, sambil berkata,"Petrus, sebetulnya pajak diambil dari orang asing atau dari rakyat? Petrus jawab,"dari orang asing." Lalu Yesus jawab,"Petrus sebetulnya agar kita tidak menjadi batu sandungan, kita akan buktikan bahwa kita membayar pajak.
Itu sebabnya Yesus berkata,:pergilah memancing ke danau. Dan ikan pertama yang kau pancing, tangkaplah dan bukalah mulutnya, maka engkau akan menemukan mata uang empat dirham di dalamnya. Ambillah itu dan bayarkanlah kepada mereka 2 dirham dan bayar kepada aku 2 dirham. Kita melihat suatu cerita yang bagi sebagian orang, betul engga ini pernah terjadi. Kita melihat suatu cerita yg sulit sekali untuk dibayangkan. Kita melihat bahwa Yesus menyuruh Petrus untuk memancing ikan, dan Yesus tahu ikan mana yang harus ditangkap dan Yesus sudah tahu di dalam mulut ikan itu ada 4 dirham. Ini membuktikan kepada kita bahwa Yesus adalah Allah yg tahu mengenai segala perkara.
Yesus adalah Allah yg mengerti segala sesuatu bahkan sebelum segala sesuatu terjadi. Karena itu, mengiring Kristus adalah hidup dalam kepastian. Mengikut Yesus adalah jalan yg ditempuh dengan sukacita. Secara khusus hari ini, saya tertarik dengan kalimat pada ayat yg ke-27Tetapi supaya jangan kita menjadi batu sandungan bagi mereka. Nah, Kekristenan dipanggil agar kita tidak menjadi batu sandungan. Kekristenan dipanggil supaya hidup kita menjadi terang bagi banyak orang.
Ada 3 hal penting di dalam Alkitab agar kita tidak menjadi batu sandungan bagi orang:
1. Kristus menjaga diriNYA dan murid-muridNya agar jangan menjadi batu sandungan.
Meskipun Yesus sendiri diperlakukan secara tidak adil. Tetapi Yesus bukanlah tipe orang yg berjuang untuk membela haknya. Tetapi Yesus justru berjuang untuk menyelamatkan banyak orang. Dunia ini penuh dengan kekacauan, kenapa? Karena orang sedang berjuang untuk membela haknya. Kenapa penjara penuh, kenapa pengadilan penuh, kenapa kasus-kasus baik di pengadilan negri maupun di Mahkamah Agung, kenapa kasus-kasus seperti itu terjadi? Karena orang-orang sedang berjuang untuk membela haknya. Nah, di tengah kita sedang mempertahankan hak kita, tanpa kita sadari kita sedang menekan dan merampas hak orang. Kadang kala kita tidak menganggap penting hak orang.
Kadang kala kita mengabaikan hak orang. Kristus adalah Tuhan yg menjaga diriNYA dan murid-muridNya agar jangan menjadi batu sandungan. Kristus bisa saja memperjuangkan hakNya pada waktu itu, tetapi Kristus datang ke muka bumi ini, bukan untuk memperjuangkan hakNya. Tetapi, Kristus datang ke muka bumi ini untuk menyelamatkan saudara dan saya. Saudaraku yg kekasih dalam Tuhan, saya mengerti, ada saudara-saudara yg mendengarkan dan berkata,"Pak Pendeta, hak saya sepertinya diinjak-injak, atau ada yg berkata,"hak saya sepertinya diabaikan, martabat saya diinjak-injak."
Bukan saya bilang bahwa Kekristenan adalah orang yg mengabaikan haknya, tetapi yg saya mau beritahu adalah: Hak saya dijamin oleh Allah. Kita tahu bahwa keadilan bukan datang dari manusia, keadilan bukan terjadi di pengadilan, tetapi pengadilan ada di tangan Tuhan. Ada saudara-saudara yg bilang, saya kecewa dengan pengadilan dan semuanya direkayasa sedemikian rupa, yg akhirnya saya dipojokkan.
Dan saudara yg mengikuti program ini, saya mau beritahu bahwa saudara tidak perlu kecil hati, sakit hati dan kecewa menghadapi segalanya. Bangkitkanlah imanmu dan bilang,"Pada Allah ada Keadilan yg pasti." Mungkin di dalam rumah tangga anda diperlakukan secara tidak adil, mungkin saudara merasa kakak lebih disayang daripada saudara, mungkin saudara merasa adik anda lebih disayang papa daripada saudara. Jawaban saya adalah manusia bisa diperlakukan secara tidak adil. Tetapi, kita hidup bukan untuk memperjuangkan hak kita, tetapi kita hidup untuk menjadi terang dan jangan jadi batu sandungan bagi orang lain.
2. Kita dapat menjadi batu sandungan, kadang kala lewat perkara-perkara sederhana.
Kita lihat di ayatnya yg ke-24 Ketika Yesus dan murid-muridNya tiba di Kapernaum datanglah pemungut bea Bait Allah kepada Petrus dan berkata:"Apakah gurumu tidak membayar bea dua dirham itu? Kadang kala betul, saudara sudah aktif di gereja, kadang kala betul saudara telah terlibat di lembaga-lembaga pelayanan. Betul mungkin saudara sudah menjadi guru sekolah minggu, betul saudara sudah terlibat di anggota koor di gereja. Tetapi, kita dapat menjadi batu sandungan lewat perkara-perkara sederhana. Kadang kala lewat cerita-cerita yg tidak berkenan kepada Tuhan, kadang kala lewat tontonan-tontonan yg tidak berkenan kepada Tuhan, kadang kala lewat bacaan-bacaan najis, bacaan-bacaan porno yg menurut kita itu kan hanya bacaan-bacaan biasa. Betul, tapi tanpa kita sadari kita bukan hanya bercanda, tetapi kita menyakiti hati orang. Kita bukan bercerita-cerita sesuatu yg lucu, tetapi kita sedang bercerita sesuatu yg najis.
Yang menurut Alkitab, hal-hal yg sia-sia yg harus kita pertanggungjawabkan pada akhirnya. Berarti harus kita ingat lewat hal-hal sederhana kita dapat menjadi batu sandungan. Kalau kita tidak berkenan kepada Tuhan, maka kita dapat menjadi batu sandungan. Mungkin saudara-saudara yg duduk di bangku kuliah/studi. Saudara berkata,"saya cinta Yesus, tapi mama tidak senang melihat saya ikut Kristus." Karena, mungkin orang tua saudara sedang melihat sesuatu yg tidak beres dari diri saudara. Engkau aktif di dalam gereja, tapi nilai-nilaimu semakin merosot. Orang Kristen, di dalam studinya merosot nilainya, dan tidak baik studinya, itu dapat menjadi batu sandungan.
Orang lain bisa melihat, koq orang Kristen males, koq orang Kristen gagal terus, bodoh dan tidak maju. Nah, saudaraku yg kekasih dalam Tuhan bila ada suami yg tidak mengasihi istrinya dengan sungguh-sungguh, ini dapat menjadi batu sandungan. Tetangga di sebelah bisa melihat, koq orang Kristen rumah tangganya penuh dengan amarah, kebencian dan perkelahian. Lewat hal-hal yg sederhana ini, kita dapat menjadi kesaksian yg hidup. Bila saudara melakukan hal-hal yg sederhana, saudara mengasihi istri saudara dengan sungguh-sungguh. Saudara mengasihi anak-anak saudara dengan sungguh-sungguh dan mendidik anak-anak anda untuk takut akan Tuhan.
Maka, orang di sekitar saudara, akan melihat semuanya itu. Dan hal ini sungguh memuliakan nama Bapa di Sorga. Kita ingat Ratu dari Selatan yg datang untuk menemui Salomo. Ketika ratu ini datang dan melihat cara duduk dari pegawai-pegawainya, cara dari mereka mempersiapkan makanan, cara mereka menyambut tamu. Langsung ratu ini berkata,"Terpujilah AllahNya Salomo. Berarti Ratu ini memuji Tuhan lewat perkara-perkara sederhana.
3. Tuhan akan selalu buka jalan bagi orang-orang yg rindu menjadi berkat
Mungkin, saat itu di kasnya Petrus, tidak ada uang sama sekali. Tapi, karena ada kerinduan untuk menjadi berkat, meskipun Petrus harus pergi ke danau, pancing ikan dan ambil uang. Cara yg buat sebagian orang adalah cara yg mustahil, tapi dengan suatu kepastian, bahwa Allah akan membuka jalan bagi orang-orang yg rindu untuk menjadi berkat bagi orang lain. Saudara mungkin bilang, saya ingin menjadi berkat, tetapi masa lalu saya buruk. Tetapi saya mau bilang, "Tuhan akan selalu buka jalan bagi orang-orang yg rindu menjadi berkat!" Ingat, orang Kristen harus menjadi berkat dan jangan menjadi batu sandungan.
Doa:
Bapa, dalam Nama Yesus hamba berdoa: Agar kami sebagai orang percaya jangan menjadi batu sandungan. Kadang kala kita dapat menjadi batu sandungan lewat perkara-perkara sederhana, Tuhan jamin, Tuhan janji, kalau kita mau menjadi berkat, Tuhan akan buka jalan. Tolong kami ya Tuhan, yang mungkin sedang sakit , tapi tetap ingin menjadi berkat. Tolong kami yg sedang dalam goncangan, tetapi tetap ingin menjadi berkat, tolong kami yg sedang ada dalam masalah, tetapi rindu untuk menjadi berkat. Karena Tuhan berjanji akan menolong orang-orang yg rindu untuk menjadi berkat, dan pertolongan bagi banyak orang. Hamba berdoa agar Kuasa dan mujijat Kristus turun atas mereka yg percaya, haleluya, Amin!
Saudaraku yg kekasih di dalam Tuhan, kita lihat satu permasalahan di dalam Alkitab tentang membayar pajak. Yesus membuktian kepada Petrus, sambil berkata,"Petrus, sebetulnya pajak diambil dari orang asing atau dari rakyat? Petrus jawab,"dari orang asing." Lalu Yesus jawab,"Petrus sebetulnya agar kita tidak menjadi batu sandungan, kita akan buktikan bahwa kita membayar pajak.
Itu sebabnya Yesus berkata,:pergilah memancing ke danau. Dan ikan pertama yang kau pancing, tangkaplah dan bukalah mulutnya, maka engkau akan menemukan mata uang empat dirham di dalamnya. Ambillah itu dan bayarkanlah kepada mereka 2 dirham dan bayar kepada aku 2 dirham. Kita melihat suatu cerita yang bagi sebagian orang, betul engga ini pernah terjadi. Kita melihat suatu cerita yg sulit sekali untuk dibayangkan. Kita melihat bahwa Yesus menyuruh Petrus untuk memancing ikan, dan Yesus tahu ikan mana yang harus ditangkap dan Yesus sudah tahu di dalam mulut ikan itu ada 4 dirham. Ini membuktikan kepada kita bahwa Yesus adalah Allah yg tahu mengenai segala perkara.
Yesus adalah Allah yg mengerti segala sesuatu bahkan sebelum segala sesuatu terjadi. Karena itu, mengiring Kristus adalah hidup dalam kepastian. Mengikut Yesus adalah jalan yg ditempuh dengan sukacita. Secara khusus hari ini, saya tertarik dengan kalimat pada ayat yg ke-27Tetapi supaya jangan kita menjadi batu sandungan bagi mereka. Nah, Kekristenan dipanggil agar kita tidak menjadi batu sandungan. Kekristenan dipanggil supaya hidup kita menjadi terang bagi banyak orang.
Ada 3 hal penting di dalam Alkitab agar kita tidak menjadi batu sandungan bagi orang:
1. Kristus menjaga diriNYA dan murid-muridNya agar jangan menjadi batu sandungan.
Meskipun Yesus sendiri diperlakukan secara tidak adil. Tetapi Yesus bukanlah tipe orang yg berjuang untuk membela haknya. Tetapi Yesus justru berjuang untuk menyelamatkan banyak orang. Dunia ini penuh dengan kekacauan, kenapa? Karena orang sedang berjuang untuk membela haknya. Kenapa penjara penuh, kenapa pengadilan penuh, kenapa kasus-kasus baik di pengadilan negri maupun di Mahkamah Agung, kenapa kasus-kasus seperti itu terjadi? Karena orang-orang sedang berjuang untuk membela haknya. Nah, di tengah kita sedang mempertahankan hak kita, tanpa kita sadari kita sedang menekan dan merampas hak orang. Kadang kala kita tidak menganggap penting hak orang.
Kadang kala kita mengabaikan hak orang. Kristus adalah Tuhan yg menjaga diriNYA dan murid-muridNya agar jangan menjadi batu sandungan. Kristus bisa saja memperjuangkan hakNya pada waktu itu, tetapi Kristus datang ke muka bumi ini, bukan untuk memperjuangkan hakNya. Tetapi, Kristus datang ke muka bumi ini untuk menyelamatkan saudara dan saya. Saudaraku yg kekasih dalam Tuhan, saya mengerti, ada saudara-saudara yg mendengarkan dan berkata,"Pak Pendeta, hak saya sepertinya diinjak-injak, atau ada yg berkata,"hak saya sepertinya diabaikan, martabat saya diinjak-injak."
Bukan saya bilang bahwa Kekristenan adalah orang yg mengabaikan haknya, tetapi yg saya mau beritahu adalah: Hak saya dijamin oleh Allah. Kita tahu bahwa keadilan bukan datang dari manusia, keadilan bukan terjadi di pengadilan, tetapi pengadilan ada di tangan Tuhan. Ada saudara-saudara yg bilang, saya kecewa dengan pengadilan dan semuanya direkayasa sedemikian rupa, yg akhirnya saya dipojokkan.
Dan saudara yg mengikuti program ini, saya mau beritahu bahwa saudara tidak perlu kecil hati, sakit hati dan kecewa menghadapi segalanya. Bangkitkanlah imanmu dan bilang,"Pada Allah ada Keadilan yg pasti." Mungkin di dalam rumah tangga anda diperlakukan secara tidak adil, mungkin saudara merasa kakak lebih disayang daripada saudara, mungkin saudara merasa adik anda lebih disayang papa daripada saudara. Jawaban saya adalah manusia bisa diperlakukan secara tidak adil. Tetapi, kita hidup bukan untuk memperjuangkan hak kita, tetapi kita hidup untuk menjadi terang dan jangan jadi batu sandungan bagi orang lain.
2. Kita dapat menjadi batu sandungan, kadang kala lewat perkara-perkara sederhana.
Kita lihat di ayatnya yg ke-24 Ketika Yesus dan murid-muridNya tiba di Kapernaum datanglah pemungut bea Bait Allah kepada Petrus dan berkata:"Apakah gurumu tidak membayar bea dua dirham itu? Kadang kala betul, saudara sudah aktif di gereja, kadang kala betul saudara telah terlibat di lembaga-lembaga pelayanan. Betul mungkin saudara sudah menjadi guru sekolah minggu, betul saudara sudah terlibat di anggota koor di gereja. Tetapi, kita dapat menjadi batu sandungan lewat perkara-perkara sederhana. Kadang kala lewat cerita-cerita yg tidak berkenan kepada Tuhan, kadang kala lewat tontonan-tontonan yg tidak berkenan kepada Tuhan, kadang kala lewat bacaan-bacaan najis, bacaan-bacaan porno yg menurut kita itu kan hanya bacaan-bacaan biasa. Betul, tapi tanpa kita sadari kita bukan hanya bercanda, tetapi kita menyakiti hati orang. Kita bukan bercerita-cerita sesuatu yg lucu, tetapi kita sedang bercerita sesuatu yg najis.
Yang menurut Alkitab, hal-hal yg sia-sia yg harus kita pertanggungjawabkan pada akhirnya. Berarti harus kita ingat lewat hal-hal sederhana kita dapat menjadi batu sandungan. Kalau kita tidak berkenan kepada Tuhan, maka kita dapat menjadi batu sandungan. Mungkin saudara-saudara yg duduk di bangku kuliah/studi. Saudara berkata,"saya cinta Yesus, tapi mama tidak senang melihat saya ikut Kristus." Karena, mungkin orang tua saudara sedang melihat sesuatu yg tidak beres dari diri saudara. Engkau aktif di dalam gereja, tapi nilai-nilaimu semakin merosot. Orang Kristen, di dalam studinya merosot nilainya, dan tidak baik studinya, itu dapat menjadi batu sandungan.
Orang lain bisa melihat, koq orang Kristen males, koq orang Kristen gagal terus, bodoh dan tidak maju. Nah, saudaraku yg kekasih dalam Tuhan bila ada suami yg tidak mengasihi istrinya dengan sungguh-sungguh, ini dapat menjadi batu sandungan. Tetangga di sebelah bisa melihat, koq orang Kristen rumah tangganya penuh dengan amarah, kebencian dan perkelahian. Lewat hal-hal yg sederhana ini, kita dapat menjadi kesaksian yg hidup. Bila saudara melakukan hal-hal yg sederhana, saudara mengasihi istri saudara dengan sungguh-sungguh. Saudara mengasihi anak-anak saudara dengan sungguh-sungguh dan mendidik anak-anak anda untuk takut akan Tuhan.
Maka, orang di sekitar saudara, akan melihat semuanya itu. Dan hal ini sungguh memuliakan nama Bapa di Sorga. Kita ingat Ratu dari Selatan yg datang untuk menemui Salomo. Ketika ratu ini datang dan melihat cara duduk dari pegawai-pegawainya, cara dari mereka mempersiapkan makanan, cara mereka menyambut tamu. Langsung ratu ini berkata,"Terpujilah AllahNya Salomo. Berarti Ratu ini memuji Tuhan lewat perkara-perkara sederhana.
3. Tuhan akan selalu buka jalan bagi orang-orang yg rindu menjadi berkat
Mungkin, saat itu di kasnya Petrus, tidak ada uang sama sekali. Tapi, karena ada kerinduan untuk menjadi berkat, meskipun Petrus harus pergi ke danau, pancing ikan dan ambil uang. Cara yg buat sebagian orang adalah cara yg mustahil, tapi dengan suatu kepastian, bahwa Allah akan membuka jalan bagi orang-orang yg rindu untuk menjadi berkat bagi orang lain. Saudara mungkin bilang, saya ingin menjadi berkat, tetapi masa lalu saya buruk. Tetapi saya mau bilang, "Tuhan akan selalu buka jalan bagi orang-orang yg rindu menjadi berkat!" Ingat, orang Kristen harus menjadi berkat dan jangan menjadi batu sandungan.
Doa:
Bapa, dalam Nama Yesus hamba berdoa: Agar kami sebagai orang percaya jangan menjadi batu sandungan. Kadang kala kita dapat menjadi batu sandungan lewat perkara-perkara sederhana, Tuhan jamin, Tuhan janji, kalau kita mau menjadi berkat, Tuhan akan buka jalan. Tolong kami ya Tuhan, yang mungkin sedang sakit , tapi tetap ingin menjadi berkat. Tolong kami yg sedang dalam goncangan, tetapi tetap ingin menjadi berkat, tolong kami yg sedang ada dalam masalah, tetapi rindu untuk menjadi berkat. Karena Tuhan berjanji akan menolong orang-orang yg rindu untuk menjadi berkat, dan pertolongan bagi banyak orang. Hamba berdoa agar Kuasa dan mujijat Kristus turun atas mereka yg percaya, haleluya, Amin!
A Different Message
A Different Message
See to it that no-one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
Colossians 2: 8, NIV
In this letter Paul is telling us that the Christian is complete in Christ rather than lacking anything or having deficiencies, as the Gnostics of the day were teaching. We are complete in Christ Jesus and we would be better to consider ourselves as ‘no longer sinners but as saints who have the potential to sin!’ This completeness we have in Jesus includes the putting off the sinful nature, resurrection from spiritual death, forgiveness of sin, and deliverance from legalism and evil spirits (Colossians 2:11-15).
What I have noticed recently is that so many people are taking on the world’s standards and they seem to be totally unaware of the fact. The challenge to us as Christians is ‘Can we be identified as different from the rest of the world? Or are we just trying to conform like everyone else?’ The spies who came back with their reports explained what they had seen. The difference was that they were ‘men of a different spirit’. Shouldn’t we stand out from the crowd? Or are our fears and inhibitions holding us back from being the people God created us to be?
God calls us to be a holy people. But the world is seeking happiness! Are we seeking a life of ease and pleasure or are we seeking to move into our God-given destiny, work and calling? Many Christians have taken on the current eating fads and are following diets to control their weight. Lisa Bevere explains in her book ‘You are not What you Weigh’ that dieting is the devil’s counterfeit to fasting! How many seek position and status rather than a servant heart? God has not called us to success, but faithfulness, fuelled by compassion.
The world is gripped by fear but, as believers, we can know freedom and what it means to be loved by a Father who is a Covenant keeping God. We are loved and accepted. And that means we don’t need to live in the fear of being rejected by anyone, because our security is in Him.
We’re constantly bombarded in the media with the realms of unreality. Films, TV programmes and Soaps, all lead away from the truth and reality of our lives. But it’s only as we encounter the truth with ‘the Truth’ that our lives are going to be transformed. Pushing away or dissociating from reality won’t resolve our problems. It just leaves them to come up another day!
Jesus came to set the captives free, heal the broken hearted, and take all our pain on the tree. The world we live in today would tell us that we have to live with our sicknesses and manage our pain. But didn’t Jesus say that He’d come that we might have life, and have it more abundantly?
We do have a different message to bring to the world, not just a theory or theology but a life transforming experience in Jesus. Let’s lay hold of all that He’s won for us on the cross and experience ‘the finished work of the cross’ .We sell the cross short and make God less than He really is if we don’t keep Him as our Covenant keeping God who has made every provision for us in Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, that in You I can be made complete. Help me to come into a deeper and closer relationship with our Father and to experience all the blessing that You have won for me on the Cross. I choose to put away old habits of behaviour and choose to face the reality of my life knowing that You can bring about the changes that are going to glorify your name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Today's Writer : Ian Coates Ian Coates Ian has served with Ellel Ministries since its inception. He is part of the Executive Leadership team and is Centre Director at Ellel Grange, where the team will soon be hosting the nine week Flagship School. His sensitive but direct teaching helps people to face the real issues in their lives without feeling they are being pressurised or condemned.
See to it that no-one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
Colossians 2: 8, NIV
In this letter Paul is telling us that the Christian is complete in Christ rather than lacking anything or having deficiencies, as the Gnostics of the day were teaching. We are complete in Christ Jesus and we would be better to consider ourselves as ‘no longer sinners but as saints who have the potential to sin!’ This completeness we have in Jesus includes the putting off the sinful nature, resurrection from spiritual death, forgiveness of sin, and deliverance from legalism and evil spirits (Colossians 2:11-15).
What I have noticed recently is that so many people are taking on the world’s standards and they seem to be totally unaware of the fact. The challenge to us as Christians is ‘Can we be identified as different from the rest of the world? Or are we just trying to conform like everyone else?’ The spies who came back with their reports explained what they had seen. The difference was that they were ‘men of a different spirit’. Shouldn’t we stand out from the crowd? Or are our fears and inhibitions holding us back from being the people God created us to be?
God calls us to be a holy people. But the world is seeking happiness! Are we seeking a life of ease and pleasure or are we seeking to move into our God-given destiny, work and calling? Many Christians have taken on the current eating fads and are following diets to control their weight. Lisa Bevere explains in her book ‘You are not What you Weigh’ that dieting is the devil’s counterfeit to fasting! How many seek position and status rather than a servant heart? God has not called us to success, but faithfulness, fuelled by compassion.
The world is gripped by fear but, as believers, we can know freedom and what it means to be loved by a Father who is a Covenant keeping God. We are loved and accepted. And that means we don’t need to live in the fear of being rejected by anyone, because our security is in Him.
We’re constantly bombarded in the media with the realms of unreality. Films, TV programmes and Soaps, all lead away from the truth and reality of our lives. But it’s only as we encounter the truth with ‘the Truth’ that our lives are going to be transformed. Pushing away or dissociating from reality won’t resolve our problems. It just leaves them to come up another day!
Jesus came to set the captives free, heal the broken hearted, and take all our pain on the tree. The world we live in today would tell us that we have to live with our sicknesses and manage our pain. But didn’t Jesus say that He’d come that we might have life, and have it more abundantly?
We do have a different message to bring to the world, not just a theory or theology but a life transforming experience in Jesus. Let’s lay hold of all that He’s won for us on the cross and experience ‘the finished work of the cross’ .We sell the cross short and make God less than He really is if we don’t keep Him as our Covenant keeping God who has made every provision for us in Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, that in You I can be made complete. Help me to come into a deeper and closer relationship with our Father and to experience all the blessing that You have won for me on the Cross. I choose to put away old habits of behaviour and choose to face the reality of my life knowing that You can bring about the changes that are going to glorify your name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Today's Writer : Ian Coates Ian Coates Ian has served with Ellel Ministries since its inception. He is part of the Executive Leadership team and is Centre Director at Ellel Grange, where the team will soon be hosting the nine week Flagship School. His sensitive but direct teaching helps people to face the real issues in their lives without feeling they are being pressurised or condemned.
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