I have trusted in Your mercy. —Psalm 13:5
For instance, your car breaks down right before you are to take a family road trip. But when you take the car to the shop, the mechanic says, “Good thing you didn’t take this out on the road. It could have caught fire.” Is that bad because of the inconvenience, or good because of God’s protection?
Or perhaps your child decides to pursue interests that aren’t all that interesting to you. You wanted her to play basketball and run track in high school. But she wanted to sing and play the oboe. You feel frustrated, but she excels and ends up with a music scholarship. Is that bad because your dreams weren’t fulfilled, or good because God directed her in ways you could not have predicted?
Sometimes it’s hard to see how God is working. His mysteries don’t always reveal their secrets to us, and our journey is often redirected by uncontrollable detours. Perhaps God is showing us a better route.
To make sure we benefit from what might seem bad, we must recognize and trust God’s “unfailing love” (Ps. 13:5 NIV). In the end, we’ll be able to say, “I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me” (v.6 NIV). —Dave Branon
We may not be able to control events, but we can control our attitude toward them.
| Source : Our Daily Bread Technorati Tags: good, trust, bad, incovenience, protection, basketball, oboe, scholarship, predicted, directed, reveal, secrets, better route, uncontrollable, benefit, unfailing love, random, unplanned, attitude, god, journey
MENGHARGAI KEHIDUPAN (Mazmur 88)
Dikirim oleh : Fransisca Adella Kipuw Tetapi siapa yang termasuk orang hidup mempunyai harapan, karena anjing yang hidup lebih baik daripada singa yang mati (Pengkhotbah 9:4) Anak lelaki itu terlahir cacat tanpa dua tangan. Dua kakinya pun tak sempurna, tak cukup kokoh untuk menopangnya berdiri. Apabila "berjalan", ia harus menggulingkan badannya di lantai. Namun, yang membuat saya terkesan tatkala melihatnya melalui tayangan televisi adalah sorot matanya. Tegas. Berani. Gigih. Di panti penampungan itu, ia disayangi dan dilatih untuk mandiri. Dengan jemari kakinya yang mungil, ia mampu memakai dan melepas baju, makan, menggosok gigi, menulis, melukis. Ia dibuang orangtuanya sewaktu bayi. Kini usianya sudah 10 tahun. Kehidupan tidak ramah kepadanya, tetapi ia menjalaninya dengan tangguh. Orang Yahudi di masa Perjanjian Lama sangat menghargai kehidupan. Sebab, hanya ketika hiduplah manusia dapat berkiprah ini dan itu. Di alam maut, semua nihil dan mustahil. Maka, umur panjang dipandang sebagai berkat dan kemuliaan (Amsal 3:16). Hidup lebih baik daripada mati. "Anjing yang hidup lebih baik daripada singa yang mati, " kata Pengkhotbah. Jika Tuhan berkenan, hidup patut dipertahankan dan diperjuangkan. Bahkan ketika penyakit mengancam, doa dan pengharapan untuk hidup tak boleh surut. Pergumulan ini tertuang jelas dalam Mazmur 88. Dalam menghargai hidup, ada perjuangan untuk mempertahankan dan menjalaninya. Apakah kita menghargai kehidupan? Bagaimana dengan kenyataan banyak janin digugurkan? Bom teror diledakkan? Penggunaan narkoba yang mempertaruhkan masa depan dan nyawa? Apalagi kecenderungan bunuh diri? Menghargai kehidupan memang butuh perjuangan. Ketangguhan bocah cacat itu menggugah sekaligus menantang. Hidup karunia Tuhan layak dijalani dengan tangguh --PAD SIAPA SAJA YANG MENGHORMATI TUHAN, IA MENGHARGAI KEHIDUPAN SEBAB TUHANLAH PENCIPTA KEHIDUPAN Sumber : Renungan Harian Technorati Tags: kehidupan, yahudi, tidak berarti, anjing, singa, pengkotbah, umur panjang, berkat, kemuliaan, janin, digugurkan, bom, narkoba, perjuangan, menghormati, menghargai, pencipta, tuhan
When Trouble Comes "The Lord had closed her womb" (1 Samuel 1:5) Today's Scripture (1 Samuel 1:5) is about a lady named Hannah, who was to become the mother of Samuel the Prophet, who would be Judge of Israel. At the time this was written, Hannah had no children, and that was the great problem in her life. She had a husband named "Elkanah" who loved her, as it says, but life became complicated for he also had another wife named Peninnah, who had given him sons and daughters (1 Samuel 1:4). Things were difficult for Hannah, because not only did she personally lack children by Elkanah, but "her rival...would provoke her bitterly to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb" (1 Samuel 1:6). Elkanah's other wife had become really annoying in the way she treated Hannah. Enclosed within both verses 5 and 6 of 1st Samuel are the identical words, "The Lord had closed her womb." This is important because many have believed and taught that our good Lord, if He is good, (and He IS good – utterly good), would never allow us to experience problems in life. If something goes wrong, that philosohy concludes it must be due to some error on our or someone else’s part – We lacked sufficient faith, or there was sin in our lives – something or someone caused it! (But not God, according to that idea). For those who believe that God DOES cause (or allow) some kind of harm to come to "good" people, it’s often in relation to blame (we are a race of people who like to assign blame). The question is asked: "How could a good God allow this to happen to my child – to ME?" Often this is a pretext utilized in order to refrain from receiving our Lord in a personal way. "If God isn’t good, why would we want Him?" they seem to be asking, and reject the One who allowed this to occur. There are very good reasons why God might allow trouble to come into our lives, but first, let’s establish whether or not He ever DOES cause or allow such things. Actually just one such occurrence (like "The Lord had closed her womb") would establish the principle, but there are many more examples, and here are a few: - "The LORD struck Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife" (Genesis 12:17)
- "Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him dumb or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD?" (Exodus 4:11)
- "The hand of the LORD will come with a very severe pestilence on your livestock which are in the field" (Exodus 9:3)
- "The LORD will smite you with consumption and with fever and with inflammation and with fiery heat and with the sword" (etc.) (Deuteronomy 28:22)
- "The LORD will make the rain of your land powder and dust" (Deuteronomy 28:24)
- "The LORD will cause you to be defeated before your enemies" (Deuteronomy 28:25)
- "The LORD will smite you with the boils of Egypt and with hemorrhoids (ouch) and with the scab and with the itch" (Deuteronomy 28:27)
- "The LORD will smite you with madness and with blindness and with bewilderment of heart" (Deuteronomy 28:28)
- "The LORD was against the city with very great confusion, and He smote the men of the city, both young and old, so that hemorrhoids broke out on them" (ouch again) (1st Samuel 5:9)
- "I withheld the rain from you" (Amos 4:7)
- "I sent a plague among you" (Amos 4:10)
- "An angel of the LORD struck him because he did not give God the glory" (Acts 12:23)
- "There was given me a thorn in the flesh…concerning this I entreated the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He has said to me ‘My grace is sufficient for you…’" (2 Corinthians 12:7-9 – essentially the Lord responded with a strong "No" to Paul’s prayer
Again, this is just a sampling, and the point is that God DOES either cause or allow trouble to come into the lives of people just like you and me. The question is – Why? Actually, there are several reasons and we will look at just a few of them. It is true, by the way, that much of our trouble is caused by the enemy (Satan). But even his activities have a usefulness in the good and perfect hand of God. As an example, look at Job Chapter 1. It was Satan who did all those terrible things to Job, but we must also look where it started. Satan was before the Throne of God (Job 1:6) and after a few words, the Lord asked Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man…" (Job 1:8). It was like a dare (a challenge) to the evil one, who took the bait and smote Job. This was just like the enemy's response in relation to the Cross of Jesus Christ. The enemy saw his chance and went for it. But it was the Lord who gave him permission to act, and infinite good has come from the cross of Christ. And we certainly CAN cause trouble for ourselves. Often our problems are in relation to something we don’t have, but need, like money, a marriage, success in business, health, etc. James tells that at least SOME of our problems come from a lack of prayer. "You do not have because you do not ask" (James 4:2). He went on to say that some of the failures to receive answers are "because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures" (James 4:3). On the other side of these considerations is the character of God. He is simply – "Love" (1 John 4:8). Everything He does or allows is designed to bring you to the place of true faith (and you will like what He has in store for you). The Lord God uses sickness and trials like a tool (and so does Satan), but in God's Hand, the problem is going to have a good outcome, whereas the enemy just wants to kill and destroy. All will ultimately work for good, however, for God is indeed – good (Romans 8:28). Our God is the one "Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases," and, in Christ, we have the victory, because He "redeems your life from the pit" (Psalm 103:3-4). We have established who He is, but some questions remain as to WHY He does or allows such difficulties in our lives. Some of the answers are in James 4:2-3 – We bring part of it on ourselves. Most (but not all) of the examples earlier in this sermon involved people (Pharaoh, et al) who were functioning against the will of God, and needed to be stopped. And He WILL shape our lives to direct us. As we see in the life of Paul: "It was because of a bodily illness that I preached the Gospel to you the first time" (Galatians 4:13). Paul had what was possibly something like a "cold" or the "flu" and it was not because he lacked faith or was a sinner, but it was in relation to the need of the Galatians. We have trials that are intended to prove our faith (1 Peter 1:6-7). The recipients of Peter’s letter had been "distressed by various trials…that the proof of your faith…may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." He’s going to allow trials in your life that will increase your faith and eventually, you’ll become glad that He did. But the best of all, is that we have troubles so that we might become equipped to help others. We are afflicted "so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God" (2 Corinthians 1:4,6). Who is a person in a wheelchair going to listen to? ANOTHER person who is (or has been) in a wheelchair. And finally, we are afflicted "in order that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead" (2 Corinthians 1:9). Our troubles may not be about us at all, but are allowed in order to help someone we may not have even met. We are being taken into a life where we can and will love and trust in God, no matter WHAT the circumstances are. He intends to fashion us into persons who can "Rejoice always" (1 Thessalonians 5:16), "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and "in everything give thanks" (1 Thessalonians 5:18), for indeed "this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." We thank You, Father, for ALL that has happened in our lives, for You are preparing us in ways we cannot yet comprehend, for Your purposes and the glory of God. We receive and trust in You now. In Jesus Name. Amen. By : Ron Beckham, Pastor, Friday Study Ministries Technorati Tags: trouble, hannah, samuel, judge, peninnah, elkanah, annoying, womb, cause, allow, good people, pharaoh, sarai, egypt, satan, job, cross, jesus christ, pardon, paul, pray, give thanks
David Simmons (Dallas Cowboy Cornerback) In his men’s seminar, David Simmons, a former cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys, tells about his childhood home. His father, a military man, was extremely demanding, rarely saying a kind word, always pushing him with harsh criticism to do better. The father had decided that he would never permit his son to feel any satisfaction from his accomplishments, reminding him there were always new goals ahead. When Dave was a little boy, his dad gave him a bicycle, unassembled, with the command that he put it together. After Dave struggled to the point of tears with the difficult instructions and many parts, his father said, “I knew you couldn’t do it.” Then he assembled it for him. When Dave played football in high school, his father was unrelenting in his criticisms. In the backyard of his home, after every game, his dad would go over every play and point out Dave’s errors. “Most boys got butterflies in the stomach before the game; I got them afterwards. Facing my father was more stressful than facing any opposing team.” By the time he entered college, Dave hated his father and his harsh discipline. He chose to play football at the University of Georgia because its campus was further from home than any school that offered him a scholarship. After college, he became the second round draft pick of the St. Louis cardinal’s professional football club. Joe Namath (who later signed with the New York Jets), was the club’s first round pick that year. “Excited, “I telephoned my father to tell him the good news. He said, ‘How does it feel to be second?’“ Despite the hateful feelings he had for his father, Dave began to build a bridge to his dad. Christ had come into his life during college years, and it was God’s love that made him turn to his father. During visits home he stimulated conversation with him and listened with interest to what his father had to say. He learned for the first time what his grandfather had been like—a tough lumberjack known for his quick temper. Once he destroyed a pickup truck with a sledgehammer because it wouldn’t start, and he often beat his son. This new awareness affected Dave dramatically. “Knowing about my father’s upbringing not only made me more sympathetic for him, but it helped me see that, under the circumstances, he might have done much worse. By the time he died, I can honestly say we were friends.” Source : Unfinished Business, Charles Sell, Multnomah, 1989, pp. 171ff Technorati Tags: criticism, david simmons, dallas cowboys, dave, tears, bicycle, assemble, football, butterflies, stressful, hate, university of georgia, scholarship, joe namath, christ, bridge, grandfather, sledgehammer, sympathetic, worse, friendship, unfinished business, charles sell
Trust “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5) A week ago on Saturday, I visited a new good friend in my life - Tom, at the nearby Federal Prison. We spent about two and one-half hours together, just talking, actually. He calls me his “friend,” and I have come to think of him in the same manner. He told me about many of the problems and frustrations of prison life, and it touched me anew that life can suddenly become confining and stressful. After our visit, I could walk out of the prison with only a minimal delay, but Tom is not allowed to leave at all. Tom and I said, “See you later,” to each other, and then I drove back to Long Beach, where I visited Dennis, our quadriplegic friend, whose life was so devastated by the paralysis that struck him, nine years ago. For the past year and one-half, Dennis has been confined to a bed because of the pain that came every time they attempted to place him into his wheelchair. Now he’s able to be up in his chair for periods of time, but his former caregiver decided she can’t help him and said he couldn’t come back. He went to a hospital, then a smaller acute care facility, and now he’s in a convalescent home; for now, he can’t leave. After leaving Dennis, I came home briefly and looked at my emails while I ate lunch. Included was one from Pastor Dan, in which he asked me to visit Rob at the Long Beach Veterans Hospital. I went over to the VA, located Rob’s room and met not only him, but also his mother, Wilma. They are lovely people. Rob is under hospice care, which means he is not expected to last much longer. His mother told me that Rob’s sister, her daughter, died five years ago from a cancer very similar to the one that has attacked Rob. She cried when I anointed her son with oil and we prayed, not only for him, but also for her loss. From the perspective of someone who has been a “secular” person and then became a pastor, I constantly see that life is not what most of us have expected. There are situations beyond our understanding. Tom is a Christian man – why did the events occur that led up to his incarceration? Dennis has recommitted his life to the Lord as a result of his injury – why has his life not improved as a result of his decision? Rob has recently come to the Lord – why is his cancer not in remission? The answer – we don’t know! There are lots of answers available to us, some from Scripture and others from people who have the reputation of wisdom; but none of those will completely satisfy the grieving heart. From a human perspective, when we find people and situations in life that we truly like, we want, hope and EXPECT things to remain the same and even get better. But a look around the world and into the lives of people tells us that life often doesn’t work like that. Everything is changing, but we try to look in the mirror and pretend nothing has happened. Then we see more clearly and begin to see that our chief need is to trust in our God. Here’s an example of trust, as shared by Monica Dickens, in “Miracles of Courage” --- “David, a 2-year old with leukemia, was taken by his mother, Deborah, to Massachusetts General Hospital, in Boston, to see Dr. John Truman who specializes in treating children with cancer and various blood diseases. Dr. Truman's prognosis was devastating: ‘He has a 50-50 chance.’ The countless clinic visits, the blood tests, the intravenous drugs, the fear and pain - the mother's ordeal can be almost as bad as the child's because she must stand by, unable to bear the pain herself. David never cried in the waiting room and although his friends in the clinic had hurt him and stuck needles in him, he went in ahead of his mother with a smile, sure of the welcome he always got. When he was three, David had to have a spinal tap - a painful procedure at any age. It was explained to him that, because he was sick, Dr. Truman had to do something to make him better. ‘If it hurts, remember it's because he loves you,’ Deborah said. The procedure was horrible. It took three nurses to hold David still, while he yelled and sobbed and struggled. When it was almost over, the tiny boy, soaked in sweat and tears, looked up at the doctor and gasped, ‘Thank you, Dr. Tooman, for my hurting.’” Here’s another one --- Robert W. Sutton wrote about a television program preceding the 1988 Winter Olympics featuring "blind skiers incredibly being trained for slalom skiing. They were paired with sighted skiers and taught on the flats how to make right and left turns. When that was mastered, they were taken to the slalom slope, where their sighted partners skied beside them shouting, ‘Left!’ and ‘Right!’ As the blind skiers obeyed the commands, they were able to negotiate the course and cross the finish line, depending solely on the sighted skiers' word. It was either complete trust or catastrophe." Sutton continued, "What a vivid picture of the Christian life! In this world, we are in reality blind about what course to take. We must rely solely on the Word of the only One who is truly sighted - God Himself." We can only finish the course through trusting our Lord. Our ability to trust another human being is limited, as it should be. None of us is perfect, we make mistakes, and self-interest all too often gets in the way. But God is perfect, He never makes mistakes, and He proved His love for us by sending His Son to die for our sins. He loves you completely, His ability to deliver you from any harm is without limit, He wants to save you, and He will. He has proved His love for you – will you trust in Him? George Boose, in his book, “Around the Table,” reported that “the emu and the kangaroo both appear on the coat of arms of Australia. Not only,” he said, “are the exotic emu and kangaroo natives of the ‘down under’ continent, but they also share an unusual physical characteristic. Neither of these animals is able to take a backwards step. Consequently, we are told that the Australian forefathers chose the emu and the kangaroo as national symbols as a means of reminding the citizens of future generations to always move forward as a country and never fall back.” So it is for us – we continue to go forward through trust in our Lord. Wonderful times can come to us, but like it is for Tom the prisoner, Dennis the quadriplegic, and Rob who is in hospice – difficult times come as well. David, the 2-year old with leukemia, trusted in his doctor and was thankful, even when it hurt. Those blind skiers trusted in their partners, and so should we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Partner we’ve always needed. Like the emu and the kangaroo, let's “move forward… and never fall back.” Our "understanding" is limited, but we can "TRUST in the Lord." Thank You, dear God, that even when we don’t understand, you are with us. Thank You that You have designed us to trust in the Son and not turn back. Increase our faith so we might in all ways and at all times – trust in You. Be with Tom, Dennis & Rob. In Jesus Name. Amen. Source : Friday Study Technorati Tags: trust, lord, heart, understanding, tom, federal prison, dennis, pastor dan, rob, wilma, cancer, monica dickens, miracles of courage, david, deborah, dr. john truman, leukemia, robert w. sutton, winter olympics, blind, george boose, around the table, emu, kangaroo, unusual, backwards, quadriplegic, hospice, christ, faith
9 Preaching Tips That Will Change Lives by : Rick Warren I’ll say it over and over: The purpose of preaching is obedience. Every preacher in the New Testament—including Jesus—emphasized conduct, behavioral change, and obedience. You only really believe the parts of the Bible that you obey. People say, “I believe in tithing.” But do they tithe? No? Then they don’t believe in it. That is why you should always preach for response, aiming for people to act on what is said. John did this: “The world and its desires pass away but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:17, NIV) And in 1 John 2:3 (NIV), “We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.” After about 30 years of preaching, here are nine things I’ve learned about preaching for life change: 1. All behavior is based on a belief. If you get divorced, it’s because you believe that disobeying God will cause you less pain than staying in your marriage. It’s a lie, but you believe it. When somebody comes to you and says, “I’m leaving my husband, and I’m going to marry this other man because I believe God wants me to be happy.” They just told you the belief behind their behavior. It’s wrong, but they believe it. 2. Behind every sin is a lie I believe. At the moment you sin, you’re doing what you think is the best thing for you. You say, “I know God says to do that, but I’m going to do this.” What are you doing? You believe a lie. Behind every sin is a lie. Start looking for the lies behind why people in your church act the way they do. When you start dealing with those, you’ll start seeing change. Titus 3:3 (NIV) declares, “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.” When you live in sin, you’re living in deception and believing a lie. When you look at your congregation, you don’t see the lies they believe, but you do see their behavior. You know they’re unfaithful; you know they’re uncommitted; you know all these things. The tough part is figuring out the lie behind the behavior. The wiser you get in ministry, the quicker you’ll start seeing the lies. You’ll grow and mature in ministry and become more discerning, because you’ll start seeing patterns over and over. 3. Change always starts in the mind. You’ve got to start with the belief—the lie—behind the behavior. Romans 12:2 (NIV) commands, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The way you think determines the way you feel, and the way you feel determines the way you act. If you want to change the way you act, you must determine the way you think. You can’t start with the action. You’ve got to start with the thought. 4. To help people change, we must change their beliefs first. Jesus said, “You will know the truth and it will set you free.” (John 8:32 NIV) Why? Because to help people change, you’ve got to help them see the lie they’re basing their behavior on. That’s why when you know the truth, it sets you free. 5. Trying to change people’s behavior without changing their belief is a waste of time. If you ask a person to change before his mind is renewed, it won’t work. He’s got to internalize God’s Word first. For example: Your belief patterns are in your mind. Every time you think about a belief, it creates an electrical impulse across your brain. Every time you have that thought again, it creates a deeper rut. If you want to see change in your church, you must help people get out of their ruts and change their autopilot. For instance: Let’s say I go out and buy a speedboat with an autopilot feature on it. I set the speedboat to go north on autopilot, so the boat goes north automatically. I don’t even have my hands on the wheel. If I want to turn the boat around, I could manually grab the steering wheel and by sheer willpower and force, turn it around. I can force it to go south, but the whole time I’m under tension because I’m going against the natural inclination of the boat. Pretty soon I get tired and let go of the steering wheel, and it automatically turns around and goes back to the way it’s programmed. This is true in life. When people have learned something over and over, being taught by the world’s way of thinking, they’re programmed to go that way. What if a man is programmed to pick up a cigarette every time he’s under tension? But one day he thinks, “This is killing me! I’m going to get cancer.” So he grabs the steering wheel and turns it around forcibly, throws the pack away and says, “I am going to quit!” He makes it a week without a cigarette, a week and a half, two weeks … but the whole time he’s under tension because he hasn’t changed the programming in his mind. Eventually, he’s going to let go and pick up a cigarette again. If you want to change people radically and permanently, you have to do it the New Testament way. You have to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Just telling people, “You need to stop smoking … You need to stop doing this … You need to stop doing that …” isn’t going to work. You’ve got to help them change their belief pattern. 6. The biblical term for “changing your mind” is “repentance.” What do most people think of when I say the word “repent”? They think of a guy on the street corner with a sandwich sign saying, “Turn or burn. You’re going to die and fry while we go to the sky.” They think of some kook. But the word “repentance” is a wonderful word—metanoia—which means in Greek “to change your mind.” Repentance is just changing the way we think about something by accepting the way God thinks about it. That’s all repentance is. The new words for repentance are “paradigm shift.” Pastors, we are in the paradigm-shifting business. We are in the repentance business. We are about changing peoples’ minds at the deepest level—the level of belief and values. But let me clarify this with the next point. 7. You don’t change people’s minds, the applied Word of God does. 1 Corinthians 2:13 (NLT) helps us keep this in focus: “We speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths.” In real preaching, God is at work in the speaker. 2 Samuel 23:2 (NIV) says, “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me. His word was on my tongue.” Zechariah 4:6 (NIV) says, “‘Not by might nor by power but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” So keep in mind: You don’t change people’s minds, the applied Word of God does. 8. Changing the way I act is the fruit of repentance. Technically, repentance is not behavioral change. Behavior change is the result of repentance. Repentance does not mean forsaking your sin. Repentance simply means to change your mind. John the Baptist said in Matthew 3:8 (NIV), “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” In other words, “OK, you’ve changed your mind about God, about life, about sin, about yourself—now let’s see some fruit as a result of it.” 9. The deepest kind of preaching is preaching for repentance. Because life change happens only after you change somebody’s thinking, then preaching for repentance is preaching for life change. It is the deepest kind of preaching you can preach. Every week I try to communicate God’s Word in such a way that it changes the way people think. The word “repentance” has taken on such a negative image that I rarely use the word. But I preach it every single week. Repentance is the central message of the New Testament. What did the New Testament preachers preach on? - John the Baptist: “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” (Matt. 3:2 NIV)
- Jesus: “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”(Mark 1:15 NIV)
- What did Jesus tell his disciples to preach? “So they went off and preached repentance.” (Mark 6:12 NAB)
- What did Peter preach at Pentecost? “Repent and be baptized every one of you.”(Acts 2:38 NAB)
- What did John preach in Revelation? Repent.
I believe that one of the great weaknesses of preaching today is that there are a lot of folks who are afraid to stand on the Word of God and humbly but forcefully challenge the will of people. It takes courage to do that, because they may reject you. They may reject your message; they may get mad at you and talk about you behind your back. And because so many pastors have been unwilling to challenge people and cause a change in belief resulting in behavior change, our nation is falling apart. Proverbs 29:18 (NCV) warns, “Where there is no word from God, people are uncontrolled.” P.T. Forsythe says, “What the world is looking for is an authoritative Gospel spoken through a humble personality.” An authoritative Gospel spoken not as a hammer, but with humility. So now, I have a personal challenge for you—life application. Are you going to use the Bible the way it was intended or not? Will you repent of preaching in ways that were not focused on application that could change people’s character and conduct? Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., one of America’s largest and best-known churches. In addition, Rick is author of The New York Times best-seller The Purpose Driven Life and The Purpose Driven Church, which was named one of the 100 Christian books that changed the 20th century. Learn more from Rick at the Radicalis Conference, February 22–25, 2011 at Saddleback Church. Source : Sermoncentral Technorati Tags: rick warren, preaching tips, jesus, obidience, live forever, behavior, belief, lie, sin, changes, mind, truth. renewing, repentance, uncontrolled, p.t. forsythe, humble, the purpose driven life, the purpose driven church
Stand Firm in The Gap
Author: Steve Troxel In the final years of the southern kingdom of Israel, during the time of Jeremiah, God warned He was going to use the king of Babylon to discipline the people unless they returned to Him with a heart of worship. The people failed to repent and the invasion of Jerusalem began. Ezekiel was a prophet to those taken captive during the Babylonian attacks. Through Ezekiel, God explained why He was allowing Jerusalem to be destroyed. He said the priests in Jerusalem had failed to uphold His law: "They do not distinguish between the holy and the common; they teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean." (Ezekiel 22:26). In addition, God said the prophets were covering up the sins of the priests: "They whitewash their deeds for them by false visions and lying divinations." (Ezekiel 22:28). God searched, but found no one who was willing to lead the people into a life of pure and holy worship – a life which recognized God as Lord of ALL and prayed without ceasing for His guidance and protection. Ezekiel 22:30-31 "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none. So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger." As in the days of Ezekiel, Spiritual walls are crumbling all around us. We have whitewashed sin and lost our passion for holiness, resulting in many lives filled with Spiritual gaps - areas vulnerable to attack by the enemy. We must repair our own walls through repentance, forgiveness, and daily drawing nearer to the presence of God. But we must also look for "gaps" in the walls of those around us and commit to standing firm with prayer, encouragement, and time (and whatever else it takes!), until their strength returns and their walls are repaired. How long should we "stand?" For as long as it takes! We must stand in the gap for as long as it takes the relationship of a friend to be restored, for the loved one to accept Christ, or for the prodigal child to return. God's words through Ezekiel are harsh; but God didn't give up on the people until ALL the people gave up on each other. It's not too late if we continue in prayer; there is still hope if we will stand firm in the gap. Have a Great Day! Steve Troxel - God's Daily Word
If you would like to receive these devotionals, simply send an e-mail saying, "add" “And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.” -Ezekiel 22:30 Source : Sherry's Inspirational Technorati Tags: israel, jeremiah, babylon, worship, ezekiel, whitewash, false visions, lying divination, guidance, protection, strength, restored, prodigal, steve troxel, christ
BUKAN PEKERJA BIASA (Kejadian 39:1-6,20-23)
Dikirim oleh : Fransisca Adella Kipuw Tetapi Tuhan menyertai Yusuf, sehingga ia menjadi orang yang selalu berhasil dalam pekerjaannya (Kejadian 39:2) Dr. Cai Ming Jie, seorang Ph.D. lulusan Stanford University, memutuskan untuk menjadi seorang sopir taksi setelah kehilangan pekerjaannya. Dr. Cai Ming Jie tidak hanya berani menghadapi hidup dengan melakukan pekerjaan yang mungkin jauh dari impiannya, tetapi juga berusaha melakukan yang terbaik. Ia mencatat pengalamannya sebagai sopir taksi dalam sebuah blog: A Singapore Taxi Driver's Diary. Itu menjadikannya bukan "sopir taksi biasa". Yusuf juga pernah mempunyai pekerjaan yang bukan merupakan impiannya. Menjadi budak, jelas bukan cita-cita Yusuf, si anak orang kaya. Namun apa daya, ia dijual dan harus menjadi budak. Pilihannya hanya dua. Sekadar menjadi budak atau menjadi budak yang baik. Dalam situasi sulit itu, Tuhan menyertai Yusuf (ayat 2, 3). Penyertaan Tuhan menjadikannya budak yang tidak biasa. Ia menjadi budak yang "berkuasa" (ayat 4, 5). Karena difitnah, Yusuf bahkan turun lebih rendah lagi. Ia menjadi narapidana. Namun kali ini pun, Tuhan tetap menyertai Yusuf, sehingga ia kembali menjadi bukan narapidana biasa, tetapi narapidana yang "berkuasa" (ayat 21-23). Andai Anda sedang berada di lingkungan pekerjaan yang bukan pilihan Anda, jangan bekerja sekadarnya. Jangan menjadi pegawai biasa. Guru biasa. Dokter biasa. Percayalah, dunia bisa tidak adil terhadap Anda, tetapi Tuhan selalu adil. Kunci keberhasilan kita ada pada Tuhan, bukan pada dunia. Tanggung jawab kita, bukan menuntut ini dan itu, tetapi berjalan bersama Tuhan dan bekerja sebaik-baiknya. Tuhan akan memampukan kita memberi yang terbaik di tengah kondisi yang tak ideal sekalipun --GS TUHAN DIMULIAKAN DI TEMPAT KITA BERKARYA HINGGA KITA MENJADI BUKAN PEKERJA BIASA Sumber : Renungan Harian Technorati Tags: yusuf, budak, orang kaya, narapidana, cr cai ming jie, taxi, sekadarnya, sebaik-baiknya, tuhan, dimuliakan, berkarya
A Christian's Defense (Psalm 26:1-12) Have you ever been blamed for something you didn't do? Leaders often are blamed falsely. The Israelites blamed Moses for lack of water, bitter water, enemies' attacks and lack of food. In this psalm, David is falsely accused, so he takes four steps to deal with his slanderers. Step 1: An honest examination (v. 1-3). Human nature does not want to admit it is wrong, but we need to examine ourselves. David walked in integrity. Integrity means "wholeness of character." He also walked in faith, without wavering. We find David open before God, walking in the light and letting God examine him. We would save ourselves a lot of trouble if we would let Him examine us. He wants to teach us what we are really like. If we are right before God, it makes no difference what people say. Step 2: A holy separation (v. 4, 5). People accused David of being a hypocrite, even though he did not worship false gods. We must obey the biblical doctrine of holy separation (II Cor. 6:14-18). Step 3: A happy celebration (v. 6-8). David washed his hands in innocence. He was cleansed by water and blood. He was concerned about praising, loving and glorifying God. Just as Jesus sang before His crucifixion, David sang songs of praise around the altar, the place of sacrifice. Do we sing songs of praise when we have to make sacrifices? Step 4: A humble determination? (v. 9-12). David said, "As for me, I will walk in my integrity." When a person has integrity, he has a great defense, a great shield. Character is a marvelous shield against the accusations of men. A good conscience gives us courage in times of difficulty. The Christian's defense is the grace of God, His Word and His truth. Because of this, we're able to walk. David's foot stood in an even place. He was not standing alone--he was in the congregation. Let's take the same steps David took the next time someone slanders us. People can hurt you with false accusations, but you need not let slanderers defeat you. If you walk with integrity, your character will shield you. Keep yourself pure and avoid compromising situations. When someone slanders you, God's grace, His Word and His truth will protect you. Did you enjoy this devotional? Visit the site and register at : Back To The Bible “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” -2 Corinthians 1:4 Source : Sherry's Inspirational Technorati Tags: defense, leaders, blamed, honest, holy, happy, integrity, celebration, david, innocence, praise, love, glorify, defeat, pure, compromise, protect, devotion, tribulation
Strength vs. Weakness
Author: Unknown The following is the story of one 10-year-old boy who decided to study judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident. The boy began lessons with an old Japanese judo master. The boy was doing well, so he couldn't understand why, after three months of training, the master had taught him only one move. “Sensei,” the boy finally said, “Shouldn't I be learning more moves?” “This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you'll ever need to know,” the sensei replied. Not quite understanding, but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training. Several months later, the sensei took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent became impatient and charged; the boy deftly used his one move to win the match. Still amazed by his success, the boy was now in the finals. This time, his opponent was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. For a while, the boy appeared to be overmatched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee called a time out. He was about to stop the match when the sensei intervened. “No,” the sensei insisted, “Let him continue.” Soon after the match resumed, his opponent made a critical mistake; He dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his move to pin him. The boy had won the match and the tournament. He was the champion. On the way home, the boy and the sensei reviewed every move in each and every match. Then the boy summoned the courage to ask what was really on his mind. “Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?” “You won for two reasons,” the sensei answered. “First, you've almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm.” The boy's biggest weakness had become his biggest strength. Now our biggest weakness is that we are human but that can be turned into the biggest strength once we let go and let God. God working through us is the greatest thing in our lives. “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” -2 Corinthians 12:9 Source : Sherry's Inspirational Technorati Tags: strength, weakness, judo, sensei, tournament, pratice, mastered, god, sufficient, glory, grace
HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH? Philippians 4:10-13 INTRODUCTION
Buddy Post is living proof that money cannot buy happiness. He is a 58-year-old former carnival worker and cook. In 1988, he won $16.2 million in the Pennsylvania Lottery. Since his "lucky day," Buddy has been convicted of assault, his sixth wife left him, his brother-in-law is in jail for trying to kill him, and his landlady successfully sued him for one-third of the jackpot. "Money didn’t change me," said Post, "it changed people around me that I knew, that I thought cared a little bit about me. But they only cared about the money." Buddy is trying to auction off the future payments, valued at nearly $5 million, in order to pay off taxes, legal fees, and a number of failed business ventures. He plans to spend his life pursuing lawsuits that he has filed against police, judges, and lawyers who he says conspired to take his money. "I’m just going to stay at home and mind my p’s and q’s," he said. "Money draws flies." Although Buddy Post may not be a philosopher or a theologian, he made a very profound observation. Money not only draws flies, it also has an enormous attraction for people. State-run lotteries have become billion dollar bonanzas. The vast majority of people in this country have purchased lotto tickets, or at least dreamed of what it would be like to win the big jackpot. Perhaps you are waiting for Ed McMahon to knock on your door with a $10 million check. Casinos are packed with people 24 hours a day, all of them hoping to win big so they can fulfill all their dreams. Attention to the stock market is at an unprecedented peak. There are men and women who spend more time with Wall Street numbers than they do with their children. There is even a cable television channel devoted to helping us track our earnings. A recent poll revealed that 75% of Americans believe the American Dream is "harder to attain" than a generation ago. Sixty percent say achieving the dream requires more financial risk than it did for their parents. Americans with household incomes under $25,000 believe it would take $54,000 a year to fulfill the American dream. Those who make $100,000 crave to have an average of $192,000. In other words, the American Dream usually requires twice as much as we have. Money is certainly a major player in our lives. One of the reasons we have such a difficult time with money is that have never answered the question – "How much is enough?" Perhaps we can discover the answer from Paul’s very familiar words. I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:10-13) The Apostle Paul was not only one of the very first missionaries for the church, he was also one of the most effective. He established several strong churches that have had an influence on our thinking for nearly 2,000 years. However, in spite of the fact that he had a close relationship with many churches, only one of those churches ever provided financial support for his work. The Christians at Philippi had given an offering to Paul on more than one occasion. This was in spite of the fact that they were a very poor congregation. This church had a special place in Paul’s heart, which is very apparent from reading the book of Philippians. After he received their gift, he wrote a note at the end of Philippians to thank them for their generosity. As he expresses appreciation, Paul was very quick to add a word about his needs. He was emphatic that he was not rejoicing over the gift but that he was celebrating the giver. As he thanked them for their gift, Paul explained how he is not motivated by financial considerations. In teaching us about contentment, Paul answers the question – "How much is enough?" Therefore, we would be well served to listen to these words about contentment. Contentment is a spiritual, not a material accomplishment. Without learning the secret of contentment, no amount of money is enough. If you ever want to have enough, here is how it is attained. The Process of Contentment (v.11)
The word translated "contentment" has an interesting origin. It literally means "self-sufficient." It was used in some ancient writings to describe a country that was totally independent. In other words, there was no need for trade, supplies, protection or anything from another nation. It means to have everything that you need. By using this word, Paul is not bragging on himself. This is not an arrogant boast that he does not need anything or anyone else, that he is self-sufficient within himself. His claim is that what he has is enough. There is no need for anything else, he is content. It is like a family sitting down for a holiday meal when the table is laden with food. There are enormous quantities of great food, far more than can be consumed in one meal. As Paul surveyed his situation, considered what he had and did not have, he was able to say that it was enough. He was content. There was no need for anyone to give him anything else. The external situation did not effect his contentment because it was there in both hunger and plenty. Paul also tells us how this kind of contentment is attained – "I have learned to be content." Contentment is not a gift from God, nor is it a talent like painting or singing that can only be possessed by a few. It is a skill that can be learned by everyone. The word chosen by Paul is the same word that is used to designate a disciple. A disciple is a learner. The twelve were chosen by Jesus to be with Him so they could learn. That is why they were called disciples. Paul says that he has been discipled in the school of contentment. Contentment can be learned. This fact is good news for all of us. It means that it is available to everyone who is willing to become a student. Contentment is not just for the wealthy but it is obtainable by anyone who is willing to learn. Paul said that he had learned contentment: "… for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." His financial, physical or social situation did not effect his contentment. Therefore, contentment is a condition you choose, regardless of your circumstances. The Power of Contentment (v.12)
Contentment is a very powerful quality to possess. Paul states, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Perhaps the two most difficult times to experience contentment are in poverty and prosperity. Note the prayer for possessions as stated in Proverbs: "Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord.’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." (Proverbs 30:8-9) Obviously Paul had learned the secret of this prayer. He testifies that he has learned how to experience contentment in the midst of plenty or on the verge of depravation. Contentment gives us power over material greed. It means that we are removed from the vicious cycle of accumulating material possessions. One of the primary reasons that families have financial problems is the lack of contentment. Even Christians have bought into the philosophy that more is better. One of the biggest shopping days of the year is not the day before Christmas, but the day after Christmas. Once we have unwrapped our gifts and surrounded ourselves with more stuff than we have ever had, the very next day we go shopping. The adage that defines the American life as buying things we do not need, with money we do not have, in order to impress people we do not like, is quite true. These are simply signs of discontentment. Paul said that contentment is the ability to understand that neither having a lot nor having a little defines sufficiency. All of us would be better off financially if we were content with what we already possess. Most of our financial problems stem from wanting more. Contentment is the first step toward financial freedom. Contentment also provides power over physical dissatisfaction. People in our society are consumed with physical appearance and health. It seems that we always want to look or feel like someone else. We buy clothes based upon how they look on models and movie stars. There is an unhealthy desire to look or feel different. How much money do we spend each year on fad diets, hair replacement, cosmetic surgery and other techniques to change our appearance? Once again, these are symptoms of discontentment. Contentment means that you not only accept your financial situation, but that you also find sufficiency with your appearance. In other words, you are not a better person because you have covered up a bald spot or reduced a dress size. There is nothing wrong with being healthier and striving for self-improvement, but you must approach life with a healthy attitude about yourself. Healthy living choices begin with the realization that who you are is sufficient. A wealthy businessman was disturbed to find a fisherman sitting lazily beside his boat. "Why aren’t you out there fishing?" he asked. "Because I’ve caught enough fish for today," said the fisherman. "Why don’t you catch more fish than you need?" the rich man asked. "Why would I do that?" "You could earn more money," came the impatient reply, "and buy a better boat so you could go deeper and catch more fish. You could purchase nylon nets, catch even more fish, and make more money. Soon you’d have a fleet of boats and be rich like me." The fisherman asked, "Then what would I do?" "You could sit down and enjoy life," said the businessman. The fisherman looked peacefully across the water and replied, "What do you think I’m doing now?" Once you experience contentment, you will be free from the nagging compulsion to always have something else. How much time and energy do you expend worrying about what others think about you? How often are you distracted by things you really do not need? How many hours do you waste rearranging your stuff? Contentment is powerful because it gives you freedom from all these concerns. Contentment means that you do not strive to impress your neighbors and friends; expend your energy trying to accumulate more stuff or improve your appearance; experience discouragement because others seem to have more wealth, health, or prestige. If you want to experience freedom from the tyranny of things, learn the power of contentment. The Possibility of Contentment (v.13)
We might be tempted to say that Paul had mastered contentment because of the strength of his character. It is easy to say that a man with Paul’s resolve and determination would have contentment. However, the possibility of contentment did not rest in the ability of Paul – it was in Christ. "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Paul was not "self-sufficient," he was "Christ-sufficient." Once again we learn good news. Since our sufficiency is in Christ, then it is available to all who are in Christ. Some have mistakenly lifted this verse out of context and taught that as Christians we can do anything. However, as we read it within context it is clear that this is not a promise to make us some type of spiritual superman. Paul is teaching that Christ is sufficient to make him content, regardless of the circumstances. Christ is enough for every situation. You must not think that contentment is found in something that you do not possess. In reality, contentment is within your possession if you look for it in Christ. It is Christ who makes you sufficient for every situation. When you have a financial need, you must depend on the sufficiency of Christ. When you encounter a health need, you must rest in the sufficiency of Christ. When you find yourself in an impossible situation, you must rely on the sufficiency of Christ. Conclusion
There is a legend of an ancient Persian named Ali Hafed who owned a very large farm, filled with orchards, grain fields and gardens. He was a wealthy, contented man. One day a wise man from the east told the farmer all about diamonds and how wealthy he would be if he owned a diamond mine. Ali Hafed went to bed that night a poor man. He was poor because he was discontent. Craving a mine of diamonds, he sold his farm to search for the rare stones. He traveled the world over, finally becoming so poor, broken, and defeated that he committed suicide. One day the man who purchased Ali Hafed’s farm led his camel into the garden to drink. As his camel put his nose into the brook, the man saw a flash of light from the sands of the stream. He pulled out a stone that reflected all the colors of the rainbow. The man had discovered the diamond mine of Golcanda, the most magnificent mine in all history. Had Ali Hafed remained at home and dug in his own garden, instead of death in a strange land, he would have had the diamonds he searched for. What is it that you are searching for? It may not be a diamond mine like Ali Hafed, but it can be just as destructive. Perhaps it is money. A reporter asked the elder Rockefeller, "How much money is enough?" His reply was very insightful, "Just a little bit more." We might scoff at the rich because we think all they want is more money, but what about you? Remember the last time your income increased and you thought you finally had enough, everything was in good shape. Then you found yourself four or six months later anxiously waiting for the next raise. Until you find contentment in Christ, you will never have enough money. Perhaps your passion is to change the way that you look. You intend to eat better, dress nicer, color your hair or plug in some new hair. If you have not figured it out yet, you cannot stop the aging process. Until you find contentment in Christ, you will never look good enough. It might be that you do not feel loved and appreciated. Perhaps your family has fallen apart or you have never known unconditional love from another person. You may be spending energy trying to get it right so that you will finally be accepted. You think that if you can just say the right words, perform the right deeds, or be the right person, then you will finally be accepted. The truth is that you can never earn unconditional love. If you are searching for contentment from another person you are destined for disappointment. Until you find contentment in Christ, you will never be satisfied. Acquiring more, doing more, or being more is not the road to contentment. The answer to the question – "How much is enough?" is Christ. He is sufficient for all of your needs. Source : Texas Baptists & G. Sweeting, in May, 1988, Moody Monthly, p. 95. Technorati Tags: buddy post, money, happiness, enough, content, apostle paul, self sufficient, situation, learn, quality, posses. prayer, dissatisfaction, distracted, christ, ali hafed, poor, satisfied, your needs, texas baptists, g. sweeting, moody monthly
Yesus Datang Membawa Pemisahan (Matius 10:34)
Kotbah : Pdt. Gilbert Lumoindong
Dirangkum oleh : Deny S Pamudji Pemisahan apakah yang dilakukan Yesus?
1. Cara berpikir yang berbeda (1 Korintus 1:18)
2. Standar hidup yang berbeda (1 Yohanes 2:15)
3. Tujuan hidup yang berbeda (Matius 6:31)
Untuk menjadi berkat, memuliakan Tuhan, dan meluaskan pekerjaan Tuhan.
4. Cara bicara yang berbeda (Maleakhi 3:16-18)
Bicara yang sesuai dengan iman, penuh kasih, dan semangat. Dengar kotbahnya di : Light Generation Technorati Tags: berpikir, pemisahan, standar, tujuan, bicara, iman, kasih, semangat, berkat, memuliakan tuhan, meluaskan pekerjaan tuhan, yesus
Five Bottles of Wine A lady in the north of England said that every time she got down before God to pray, five bottles of wine came up before her mind. She had taken them wrongfully one time when she was a housekeeper, and had not been able to pray since. She was advised to make restitution. “But the person is dead,” she said. “Are not some of the heirs living?” “Yes, a son.” “Then go to that son and pay him back.” “Well,” she said, “I want to see the face of God, but I could not think of doing a thing like that. My reputation is at stake.” She went away, and came back the next day to ask if it would not do just as well to put that money in the treasury of the Lord. “No,” she was told, “God doesn’t want any stolen money. The only thing is to make restitution.” She carried that burden for several days, but finally went into the country, saw that son, made a full confession and offered him a five-pound note. He said he didn’t want the money, but she finally persuaded him to take it, and came back with a joy and peace that made her face radiant. She became a magnificent worker for souls, and led many into the light. My dear friends, get these stumbling stones out of the way. God does not want a man to shout “Hallelujah” who doesn’t pay his debts. Many of our prayer meetings are killed by men trying to pray who cannot pray because their lives are not right. Sin builds up a great wall between us and God. A man may stand high in the community and may be a member of some church “in good standing,” but the question is, how does he stand in the sight of God? If there is anything wrong in you life, make it right. Source : Moody’s Anecdotes, pp. 49-50 Technorati Tags: restitution, stake, burden, confession, joy, peace, magnificent worker, stumbling stone, debt, sin, wall, moody
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