[eben-network] FW: [goodnews4BI] Our Daily Bread

[Sonny Tutuarima]

March 16, 2006 True Sacrifice Read: Philippians 2:17-30 For the work of Christ [Epaphroditus] came close to death, not regarding his life. —Philippians 2:30 Bible In One Year: Deuteronomy 28-29; Mark 14:54-72 Teenagers amaze me. So many of them love life with grand passion and face it with unrelenting optimism. Sometimes they demonstrate the Christian life in ways adults can only hope to emulate. Such is the case with Carissa, a teen who loves soccer, basketball, friends, family, and Jesus. In 2000, her mother was diagnosed with cancer. Carissa was just 12 years old, but she began helping to care for her mom. During the next few years, Carissa often fed her mom, dressed her, and helped her do anything she couldn't do for herself. "It was so hard to learn," she said. "Can you imagine, a mother and daughter literally changing roles? I truly learned to be a humble servant." Sometimes, while her friends were out having fun, Carissa was helping her dad to take care of her mom. She continued to do so until the summer of 2004, when Carissa and her family said goodbye to Mom for the last time. As Carissa puts it, "God took her home and made her perfect." Carissa reminds me of Epaphroditus, who sacrificially cared for Paul's needs (Philippians 2:25-30). What examples of caring, love, and compassion! Not all of us, of course, could set aside our lives to give as they did. But their sacrifice can teach us all about the value of servanthood. —Dave Branon True greatness does not come to those Who strive for worldly fame; It lies instead with those who choose To serve in Jesus' name. —D. De Haan When you do little things for others, you do big things for Jesus. Kamis, 16 Maret PENGORBANAN SEJATI Sebab ia [Epafroditus] nyaris mati karena pekerjaan Kristus dan ia mempertaruhkan nyawanya (Filipi 2:30) Bacaan: Filipi 2:17-30 Setahun: Ulangan 28-29; Markus 14:54-72 Saya takjub dengan para remaja. Banyak dari mereka yang mencintai hidup dengan hasrat yang menggebu dan menjalaninya dengan optimisme yang tiada henti. Kadang mereka menunjukkan cara hidup kristiani yang hanya dapat diimpikan orang dewasa. Begitu pun dengan Carissa, seorang remaja yang gemar sepakbola, bola basket, dan menyayangi sahabat, keluarga, serta Yesus. Di tahun 2000 ibunya dinyatakan mengidap kanker. Ketika itu Carissa baru berusia 12 tahun, tetapi ia mulai membantu merawat ibunya. Selama beberapa tahun kemudian, Carissa sering menyuapi, mengganti pakaian, dan menolong ibunya melakukan segala sesuatu yang tidak dapat dilakukan ibunya sendiri. “Memang sangat sulit untuk belajar melakukan semua ini,” katanya. “Dapatkah Anda bayangkan, seorang ibu dan anak perempuannya saling berganti peran? Saya benar-benar telah belajar menjadi pelayan yang rendah hati.” Kadang kala, saat teman-temannya sedang berekreasi, Carissa membantu ayahnya merawat sang ibu. Carissa terus melakukan hal itu hingga musim panas 2004, saat ia dan keluarganya harus kehilangan sang ibu untuk selamanya. Carissa berkata, “Allah telah memanggil Ibu pulang dan menjadikannya sempurna.” Carissa mengingatkan saya pada Epafroditus, yang memerhatikan keperluan Paulus dengan penuh pengorbanan (Filipi 2:25-30). Sungguh ini teladan hebat tentang bagaimana memerhatikan, mengasihi, dan berbelas kasih! Tentu tidak semua dari kita dapat mempertaruhkan hidup untuk meniru mereka. Namun, pengorbanan mereka dapat mengajarkan nilai pelayanan kepada kita —JDB       ================================================ Sampai disini Tuhan menolong kita (1 Sam 7:12) ================================================ SPONSORED LINKS Gpib Gpib card Gpib interface Religion Gpib board Christianity YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS  Visit your group "eben-net" on the web.    To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:  [EMAIL PROTECTED]    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.