JNM - THE MIGHTY HAND OF GOD
From: Lauw Eng Tjun THE MIGHTY HAND OF GOD The fivefold ministry can be illustrated by the human hand. Some insight into the interaction between fivefold ministers and the other members of Christ's Body can be gained by looking at the natural example of the human hand and the human body. The Saints are members of the Body of Christ. They desperately need the hand of God to minister to them. Most members of the human body are stationary and limited in their function to the rest of the body. However, the hand can minister to all members from the head to the toe. Most of the hand ministries travel and minister to the Saints throughout the worldwide, corporate Body of Christ. The fully-restored hand of God of fivefold ministers is now ministering to the Saints, preparing them for the coming Saints Movement when Christ will be fully glorified in His Saints. THE APOSTLE = THE THUMB The thumb more properly represents the ministry of the apostle. Notice that the thumb can touch and minister to all four of the fingers. As the hand functions, sometimes it is flat and all fingers are side-by-side. When taking hold of something, the thumb goes to one side of the object and the four fingers encircle from the opposite directions gives power to the hand. The thumb is not in opposition or over the fingers but is designed to complete the hand for its full function and power. The hand of God of the fivefold ministry has been greatly restricted in its powerful purposes. It has had to function with only four fingers. The power and function is limited greatly by the lack of a thumb. Since all elements of the hand of God are being restored fully, the hand of God will be extended in full power and demonstration. THE PROPHET = FOREFINGER The forefinger is referred to as the one that points. The prophet has the ministry of revelation and anointing that points the way for the Body of Christ. The forefinger is also the one most closely related to the thumb. Though the approach their grip on something from opposite directions, it is this opposite approach that gives the hand the power to take a powerful grip on things. The prophets and apostle have the closest working relationship in their hand ministry to the Body of Christ. THE EVANGELIST = MIDDLE FINGER The middle finger extends the farthest on the hand. It is the outreach ministry extended to the evangelization of the world. It is in the middle of all activity of the hand, It is usually the largest of the fingers. The evangelist usually has the largest meetings in evangelistic campaigns. The evangelist is a vital part of the ministry of the hand. THE PASTOR = RING FINGER This is the finger that the wedding ring goes on. The pastor is married to the Saints. He is with them 24 hours a day. Prophets and evangelists come and go, but the pastor is bound to the local Saints by the ring of their shepherding relationship. THE TEACHER = LITTLE FINGER Though the little finger is the smallest, it provides balance to the hand. The teaching of the Word of God line upon line, precept upon precept, is desperately needed within the Church. The teacher is a vital member of the hand ministry of Christ to His Church. The hand is the only outward member of the body that can minister to all parts of the body from back to front and from head to toe. First Peter 5:5-6 says the Saints are to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God and they will be exalted in due time. The fivefold ministry represents the hand of God. It is almost impossible for individuals to humble themselves under God without humbling themselves in submission and relationship to Christ's delegated representatives of Himself to His Church. TEAM MINISTRY No matter how powerful a Saint is in individual ministry, every Saint still needs to be connected to a particular expression of God's corporate Body. Iron sharpens iron. Just as the Day of the Saints is about "average" believers rather than big-name ministers, it is also about team ministry, not operating in isolation. Giftings and anointings are given by God and activated by faith. But maturity comes from years of submission to the process of God which are worked out in us by our interactions with other people. God created mankind to need relationship and we will never be fully functional until we are properly relating to others. Jesus said, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." Committed, accountable relationship with Christ's fivefold ministers provides the Saints with accountability, mentoring, opportunities to minister and to exercise flexibility, forgiveness, and love. The greatest mark of a mature minister or Saint is not the ability to prophesy powerfully or do miracles; it's the ability to get along well and work well with others. The Church is both an army and a family, and it is eternal. Don't think you will able to go to Heaven
JNM - daily devotional
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Daily devotions for 06-26-2004: Devotion: Morning and Evening Morning Title: The Back Door Into Hell Evening Title: Escaping the World Do you enjoy this devotional? Send it on to a friend! Morning: The Back Door Into Hell "Art thou become like unto us?" --Isaiah 14:10 What must be the apostate professor's doom when his naked soul appears before God? How will he bear that voice, "Depart, ye cursed; thou hast rejected me, and I reject thee; thou hast played the harlot, and departed from Me: I also have banished thee for ever from my presence, and will not have mercy upon thee." What will be this wretch's shame at the last great day when, before assembled multitudes, the apostate shall be unmasked? See the profane, and sinners who never professed religion, lifting themselves up from their beds of fire to point at him. "There he is," says one, "will he preach the gospel in hell?" "There he is," says another, "he rebuked me for cursing, and was a hypocrite himself!" "Aha!" says another, "here comes a psalm-singing Methodist--one who was always at his meeting; he is the man who boasted of his being sure of everlasting life; and here he is!" No greater eagerness will ever be seen among Satanic tormentors, than in that day when devils drag the hypocrite's soul down to perdition. Bunyan pictures this with massive but awful grandeur of poetry when he speaks of the back-way to hell. Seven devils bound the wretch with nine cords, and dragged him from the road to heaven, in which he had professed to walk, and thrust him through the back-door into hell. Mind that back-way to hell, professors! "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith." Look well to your state; see whether you be in Christ or not. It is the easiest thing in the world to give a lenient verdict when oneself is to be tried; but O, be just and true here. Be just to all, but be rigorous to yourself. Remember if it be not a rock on which you build, when the house shall fall, great will be the fall of it. O may the Lord give you sincerity, constancy, and firmness; and in no day, however evil, may you be led to turn aside. Evening: Escaping the World "Having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." --2 Peter 1:4 Vanish for ever all thought of indulging the flesh if you would live in the power of your risen Lord. It were ill that a man who is alive in Christ should dwell in the corruption of sin. "Why seek ye the living among the dead?" said the angel to Magdalene. Should the living dwell in the sepulchre? Should divine life be immured in the charnel house of fleshly lust? How can we partake of the cup of the Lord and yet drink the cup of Belial? Surely, believer, from open lusts and sins you are delivered: have you also escaped from the more secret and delusive lime-twigs of the Satanic fowler? Have you come forth from the lust of pride? Have you escaped from slothfulness? Have you clean escaped from carnal security? Are you seeking day by day to live above worldliness, the pride of life, and the ensnaring vice of avarice? Remember, it is for this that you have been enriched with the treasures of God. If you be indeed the chosen of God, and beloved by Him, do not suffer all the lavish treasure of grace to be wasted upon you. Follow after holiness; it is the Christian's crown and glory. An unholy church! it is useless to the world, and of no esteem among men. It is an abomination, hell's laughter, heaven's abhorrence. The worst evils which have ever come upon the world have been brought upon her by an unholy church. O Christian, the vows of God are upon you. You are God's priest: act as such. You are God's king: reign over your lusts. You are God's chosen: do not associate with Belial. Heaven is your portion: live like a heavenly spirit, so shall you prove that you have true faith in Jesus, for there cannot be faith in the heart unless there be holiness in the life. "Lord, I desire to live as one Who bears a blood-bought name, As one who fears but grieving Thee, And knows no other shame." [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~--> Yahoo! Domains - Claim yours for only $14.70 http://us.click.yahoo.com/Z1wmxD/DREIAA/yQLSAA/IYOolB/TM ~-> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Mailing List Jesus-Net Ministry Indonesia - JNM - Daftar : [EMAIL PROTECTED] Keluar : [EMAIL PROTECTED] Posting: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Bantuan Moderator : [EMAIL PROTECTED] WebSite: http://jnm.clear-net.com (Webmaster wanted!) -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jesus-net/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [E
JNM - Gods Work Ministry E-Mail
From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Gods Work Ministry Inspirational and Encouragement E-Mail Dear Friend, At all times we are to remember the goodness of the Lord and make a conscious effort to be thankful. It is easy for us to pick and choose what to be thankful for, but if we take a moment and think about the privileges that surround us, we will realize our shortcomings in giving thanks. There are some who look out of their window and see snowflake's and grumble about the cold weather, but that one should be thankful that they have the eyesight to see such beauty that is often taken for granted. There are some who get in their car and drive to work dreading the day ahead of them, but that one should be thankful to have a car to drive in and a job to support their living. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) (Ephesians 1:3-10) We have been given free will to be thankful for all that we have or grumble and complain at the disappointments. I would encourage you to be thankful and simply lift up your eyes to the Lord giving praise to Him for all that He has given you. You will find that having an attitude of appreciation and thanksgiving brings both the joy of the Lord into your life as well as His peace that surpasses all understanding. (Hebrews 13:15) (Philippians 4:6-7) I hope you are encouraged by today's message. THANKS FOR THE MISERY Some stories can stand dusting off. Like the one about a grandmother who took her little grandson to the beach. They were having a good time until a huge wave came in and swept the boy out to sea. She fell down on her knees and pleaded to the heavens, Please return my grandson -- that's all I ask! Please!!! A moment later, lo and behold, a wave swelled from the ocean and deposited the wet, yet unhurt, child at her feet. She checked him over to make sure that he was okay. He was fine. But still she looked up to the heavens angrily and said, When we came he had a hat! We expect her to give thanks for this extraordinary thing which happened. We're taught to show appreciation for that special act of kindness or consideration which is given. Yet, can we also say thanks when all is not so well? And better yet, should we? A few years ago, someone stole my wife's purse. In the hassle of going about the business of helping her to replace lost cards and identification, I recalled the words of author Matthew Henry. Henry, too, was robbed. Yet he found the grace to give thanks about his situation. He said, I give thanks that I have never been robbed before; that although he took my wallet, he did not take my life; that although he took everything, it was not much; and finally, that it was I who was robbed and not I who robbed. He may as well have said, Thanks for the misery! Except that Henry was not miserable. After all, it is difficult to feel miserable when we are busy giving thanks. Author Unknown Let us have a Joyous attitude and outlook on life no matter how strong the temptation is to complain. The Lord has done many wonders in our lives and deserves the praises of His people. The Bible declares in Psalm 100:4-5 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations. Be encouraged to be thankful and know that it is God's desire to bless you and increase your happiness. Having an attitude of thanksgiving reinforces God's desire to bless you so that you may be a blessing. (Luke 12:31-32) Read and meditate on these scriptures: Psalm 100:1-3 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Colossians 3:15-17 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. Psalm 103:2-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagleâ?Ts. All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible. Today's Selected Poem: THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem1.htm Today's Selected Testimony: TERRY GABURO'S TESTIMONY Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony134.htm In Christ's Service, Dwayne Savaya Gods Work Ministry Ple
JNM - Tragedi Pesta Anggur
From: "Lesminingtyas" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> "Tragedi Pesta Anggur - Jangan terulang kembali" Cerita ttg Pesta Anggur (Sumber : Ethos 21 by Jansen Sinamo) Ada kebiasaan pesta anggur untuk menandai berakhirnya musim panen anggur di sebua desa di Perancis. Untuk pesta itu, setiap keluarga petani diwajibkan menyumbangkan 5 liter anggur terbaik miliknya, untuk mengisi tong2 anggur yang akan mereka minum bersama2. Pada malam hari, saat pesta dimulai, kepala desa yan juga petani anggur, diminta membuka tutup tong tersebut. Acara selanjutnya, anggur itu akan dibagi-bagikan untuk minum bersama. Saat kepala desa membuka tong dan mengisi gelas pertama, kemudian mencicipinya..ternyata isinya hanya air tawar. Kepala desa tersentak dan teringat akan perilaku seorang warganya yang kikir. Diseretnya petani kikir itu ke depan arena pesta sambil berteriak "Hei, kamu petani kikir , aku tahu engkau menuangkan 5 liter air tawar ke dalam tong ini ! Lihatlah sekarang, perbuatanmu telah membuat seluruh anggur yang sudah kita panen menjadi tawar " Si tertuduh terdiam malu sekali. Dia memang melakukannya. Dalam perjalanan pulang seusai pesta sang kepala desa berpikir keras, "Bagaimana mungkin 5 liter air tawarku ditambah dengan 5 liter air tawar yang dituang petani kikir itu mampu menawarkan seluruh anggur dalam tong sebesar itu ?" Tetapi rupanya setiap warga desa itupun berpikir sama seperti kepala desanya. Setiap warga ternyata hanya membawa 5 liter air tawar dan menahan anggur terbaiknya di rumah masing-masing. Semua orang yakin bahwa dalam tong anggur sebesar itu, sedikit air tawar yang dituangkannya tak akan berpengaruh, apalagi merusaknya. -- -- Tragedi pesta anggur seperti di atas, seringkali terjadi dalam kehidupan kita. -- -- Lima tahun yang lalu, saat saya mau mendaftarkan anak saya ke SD, saya memutuskan untuk tidak memilih SD Penabur karena waktu itu saya pikir SD Penabur di Bogor, bukanlah SD favorit/bonafide, bahkan bisa dibilang "second class". Beberapa teman saya mengingatkan, katanya "Kalau kamu saja yang anggota GKI tidak mau menyekolahkan anak ke sana, bagaimana dengan orang lain ?" Tapi saya berpikir "Pak Pendeta yang senior saja, juga tidak mau menyekolahkan anaknya ke SD Penabur. Berarti sah2 saja kalau saya menyekolahkan anak ke sekolah dimana anak-anak Pak Pendeta bersekolah" Teman-teman saya yang terlibat dalam pengembangan SD Penabur berkata "Kalau kamu dan jemaat lain ikut-ikutan Pak Pendeta (senior), maka tidak sampai 5 tahun, SD Penabur bakal bubar" Tapi saya tetap berkeras "Kalau hanya saya dan Pak Pendeta yang tidak menyekolahkan anaknya ke Penabur, saya yakin masih banyak jemaat lain yan berminat" Teman2 sayapun menjelaskan bahwa ternyata banyak sekali jemaat GKI yang hanya memandang SD Penabur dengan sebelah mata..(Tragedi Pesta Anggur-pun terulang kembali !!! Ternyata bukan hanya Pak Pendeta dan saya yang membawa air tawar..tapi kebanyakan jemaat GKI melakukan hal yang sama) Teman-teman sayapun berjuang mati-matian untuk "mempromosikan" SD yang nggak begitu populer itu. Saya turut gembira mendengar kabar bahwa Pak Pendeta yang lebih junior rela menyekolahkan anaknya di SD "second class" itu. Mungkin teladan dari Pak Pendeta junior merupakan salah satu faktor yang turut memotivasi jemaat untuk menyekolahkan anaknya di SD itu. Tragedi Pesta Anggur, kali ini tidak begitu parah !! Pak Pendeta junior telah memberikan teladan untuk membawa "anggur" (bukan air tawar), dan beberapa jemaatpun turut membawa "anggur"...meramaikan "pesta" di SD Penabur Bogor. -- - - Tragedi Pesta Anggur kembali terjadi saat Pemilu tahun 1999. Walaupun saya telah beberapa kali mendengar himbauan/kampanye dari PDKB, saat itu saya berpikir bahwa "Kalau saya dan teman2 saya yang sedikit ini pilih PDKB, nggak bakal berpengaruh/membesarkan PDKB dan hanya akan buang-buang suara saja..maka lebih baik pilih partai besar yang sudah jelas bakal dapat kursi" Ternyata Tragedi Pesta Anggur telah terulang lagi..banyak orang Kristen yang berpikir sama dengan sayamembawa air tawar ke TPS.dan membuat tawar perolehan suara PDKB waktu itu. Saat Pemilu 2004 beberapa bulan yang lalu, saya berpikir : "Haruskah Tragedi Pesta Anggur terulang kembali ? Haruskah saya membawa air tawar ke dalam tong anggur PDS ? Kalaupun saya membawa anggur terbaik, tetapi orang2 kristen yang lain tetap membawa air tawar, apakah anggur saya bisa mewarnai tong anggur PDS? Akhirnya saya putuskan : Biarlah saya membawa anggur yang terbaik, tanpa harus memikirkan apa yang akan dibawa orang lain" Ternyata banyak orang yang berpikir sama dengan saya ! Terbukti dengan perolehan suara yang bisa diperhitungkan. -- Sebentar lagi, kita akan mengikuti Pemilihan Presiden. Banyak di antara umat Kristen yang masih apatis. Mereka berpikir, siapapun yang menjadi presidennya tidak akan bisa memperbaiki keadaan, tidak bisa membela kepentingan orang2 minoritas, paling2 buat KKN model baru, dsb. Pikiran2 yang seperti i
JNM - Mengangkat Raja Pilihan Tuhan
From: "T[O]M[O]N[E]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Mengangkat Raja Pilihan Tuhan Oleh PDT. EM. BUDHIADI HENOCH Maka hanyalah raja yang dipilih Tuhan, Allahmu, yang harus kauangkat atasmu (Ulangan 17:15 a) TIDAK mudah orang menjatuhkan pilihan-pilihannya. Sering orang harus mempertimbang kannya dengan cermat, agar tidak salah pilih. Orang juga perlu berhati-hati dan mencari keterangan tentang sesuatu atau seseorang sebelum menjatuhkan pilihannya, karena memang orang tak mau rugi. Bahkan muncul pemeo, agar orang tidak "membeli kucing dalam karung". Hal ini nyata dalam praktik kehidupan sehari-hari. Jika para ibu pergi ke pasar, mereka berhati-hati dalam memilih sayur atau bahan masakan yang lain sebelum mereka membeli. Para siswa lulusan SMA memilih jurusan yang sesuai dengan cita-cita mereka masing-masing, supaya jangan sampai masuk keluar perguruan tinggi seperti "kereta api yang sedang langsir", pasti menghabiskan biaya, waktu, kesempatan dan tenaga. Jejaka atau gadis dengan hati-hati menentukan calon pasangannya, agar kelak pernikahannya berbahagia dan tidak kandas di tengah jalan. Begitu seterusnya. Prinsipnya, memilih tak boleh sembarangan, mengingat langkah itu akan menentukan perkara-perkara yang amat penting dalam kehidupan di bidangnya masing-masing, baik kehidupan pribadi, karier, kebahagiaan hidup, maupun kehidupan berbangsa dan bernegara. Menjelang hari H, 5 Juli 2004, saat kita mengambil bagian dalam pemilu presiden dan wakil presiden, kita pun harus mempertimbangkan secara cermat saat kita hendak menjatuhkan pilihan kita kepada salah satu pasangan dari lima pasangan calon. Tentu tak mudah kita menjatuhkan pilihan tersebut, mengingat kelima pasangan itu adalah pasangan calon presiden dan wakil presiden yang baik-baik, karena jika tidak baik, masakan diajukan oleh partai-partai kepada rakyat untuk dipilih. Bagaimana pesan firman Tuhan mengenai hal tersebut? Penggalan ayat di atas mengemukakan pesan bagi kita. Kendati sebutannya adalah "raja", hendaknya kita samakan sebagai pemimpin tertinggi dalam kehidupan sebuah negara pada umumnya. Penggalan ayat tersebut mengemukakan syarat-syarat apa yang perlu ada dalam diri seorang calon raja, agar ia dapat memimpin bangsa dan negara dengan baik. Inilah yang antara lain dikemukakan, ia bersandar kepada Tuhan dan tidak bersandar kepada kuda, karena kuda adalah simbol kekuasaan pada zaman dahulu ia tidak mengumbar praktik seksual, agar tidak mengalihkan perhatiannya dari tugas resmi pemerintahannya; ia tidak mengutamakan emas dan perak yakni harta benda duniawi sebagai pusat perhatiannya; ia membacakan kitab Taurat, agar selalu belajar takut kepada Tuhan; ia melakukan isi hukum Tuhan dan ketetapan-Nya tanpa membelokkan atau memanipulasinya; ia tidak tinggi hati, sebaliknya memiliki hati yang rendah untuk melayani, agar dengan demikian ia menggenapi kata pepatah "raja alim raja disembah, raja lalim raja disanggah". Begitulah syarat-syarat itu kita jumpai dalam ayat-ayat lanjutannya (Ulangan 17:16-20). Jika ada calon pemimpin bangsa yang memenuhi syarat-syarat tersebut, ia pun tidak menyimpang dari perintah Tuhan, sehingga ia akan lama dan awet dalam memerintah bangsanya. Ia akan diterima oleh rakyatnya dengan hati terbuka. Ia dicintai oleh rakyatnya dan tidak didemo untuk dijatuhkan. Rakyat justru menangis saat ia lengser dan bukan sebaliknya bersorak kegirangan. Nyata, bahwa kebesaran seorang pemimpin tidak berada pada saat pelantikannya, melainkan setelah sekian tahun memerintah dengan hasil yang baik saat masa tugasnya telah selesai. Mudah-mudahan mereka yang mencalonkan diri sebagai pemimpin bangsa berpikir demikian, sehingga mereka selalu bersedia mawas diri dan menerima kritik dari siapa pun. Sayangnya untuk perkara yang satu ini, sering para pemimpin tak siap, karena mereka menganggap diri telah sempurna, pada hal penuh dengan bopeng dan koreng. Berkaitan dengan pemilihan calon pemimpin bangsa, Tuhan pun memprosesnya lewat pilihan oleh segenap rakyat. Karenanya kita mengenal pepatah vox populi vox Dei (suara rakyat suara Tuhan), yang kita pahami, bahwa Tuhan menggerakkan hati rakyat untuk menjatuhkan pilihannya masing-masing dan berdasarkan suara terbanyak Tuhan mengizinkan ia atau mereka untuk menjadi pemimpin bangsa. Berdasarkan proses yang kita harapkan berlangsung secara jujur dan benar itu, seluruh bangsa diminta untuk menghormati hasil akhir dan jangan menggugatnya dengan pelbagai macam alasan. Dengan demikian ia atau mereka memikul tanggung jawab tak hanya dari rakyat melainkan juga dari Tuhan. Itulah makna dipercaya oleh rakyat dan oleh Tuhan. Kendati demikian, ia atau mereka tetap saja tak boleh bersikap "kalau sudah duduk lupa berdiri" mengingat jabatan itu senantiasa ada dalam pengawasan. Ia harus waspada terhadap godaan untuk bertindak sewenang-wenang, misalnya menindas atau membodohi rakyat, sebab tak mustahil di tengah jalan ia atau mereka dapat saja diturunkan dari jabatannya y
JNM - Christian One Liners & BITTERNESS vs FORGIVENESS
From: "suyento" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Christian One Liners "Don't let your worries get the best of you, remember, Moses started out as a basket case". Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited - until you try to sit in their pews. Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers. It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one. The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close. When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there. People are funny, they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church. Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever. Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong. If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has. God Himself! does not propose to judge a man until he is dead . . . so why should you? Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set. Peace starts with a smile. I don't know why some people change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from? A lot of church members who are singing "Standing on the Promises" are just sitting on the premises. We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges. Be ye fishers of men ... you catch them ... He'll clean them. Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous. Don't put a question mark where God put a period. Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church. Forbidden fruits create many jams. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called. God grades on the cross, not the curve. God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts!" God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. He who angers you, controls you! If God is your Co-pilot . . . swap seats! Prayer: Don't give God instructions . . . just report for duty! The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us. We don't change the message, the message changes us. You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to ... discourage him. The best mathematical equation I have ever seen is: 1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given. The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you. "Father, bless the person reading this in whatever it is that You know. - From: "Siregar Berliana" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> BITTERNESS vs FORGIVENESS Forgiveness is not forgetting Forgiveness is a choice By forgiving, you let the person off your hook, but they're not off God's hook. You forgive others for your sake so that you can be free. Forgiveness is agreeing to live with the consequences of other person's sin. You have no choice but to live with the consequences so the choice is weather to do so in the bondage of bitterness or the freedom of forgiveness. Do not wait for the other person to ask for your forgiveness before forgiving them. They may never do so. How do you forgive from the heart? You allow God to bring to the surface the painful emotions you feel towards those who've hurt you. Forgiveness is choosing not to hold someone's sin against him or her anymore. Don't wait to forgive until you feel like forgiving. You will never get there. Freedom is what you gain right now, not necessarily an immediate change in feelings. Adapted from Neil Anderson's 7 steps to Freedom in Christ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~--> Yahoo! Domains - Claim yours for only $14.70 http://us.click.yahoo.com/Z1wmxD/DREIAA/yQLSAA/IYOolB/TM ~-> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Mailing List Jesus-Net Ministry Indonesia - JNM - Daftar : [EMAIL PROTECTED] Keluar : [EMAIL PROTECTED] Posting: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Bantuan Moderator : [EMAIL PROTECTED] WebSite: http://jnm.clear-net.com (Webmaster wanted!) -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jesus-net/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
JNM - Mengapa Kita Tidak Kaya
From: "Lesminingtyas" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Mengapa Kita Tidak Kaya ? Sabtu minggu lalu ribuan siswa di Bogor menerima raport kenaikan kelas. Sebagian siswa dari keluarga yang cukup berada bersama orang tuanya mengendarai mobil mereka menuju ke sekolah. Ratusan atau bahkan ribuan siswa bersama orang tuanya membanjiri jalan-jalan raya. Saya dan anak saya bagaikan ikan kecil di tengah-tengah lautan manusia yang berebut naik angkot. Suasana jalan menjadi macet. Kemacetan semakin parah ketika kami berdua sampai di dekat Istana Bogor. Angkot-angkot yang penuh penumpang harus berebut jalan dengan mobil-mobil mewah yang hendak masuk ke halaman sekolah Regina Pacis dan Sekolah Budi Mulia yang ada di kawasan tersebut. Karena SD Budi Mulia, tempat anak saya bersekolah cukup bonafide, banyak teman sekelas anak saya yang diantar oleh orang tuanya dengan mobil-mobil bermerek keluaran tahun terakhir. Sedangkan saya yang berpenghasilan sedang-sedang saja, cukup naik angkot saja. Saya tidak tahu apa yang dipikirkan anak saya. Walaupun ia naik ke kelas 6 dengan nilai raport yang meningkat, tapi ia tampak murung. Setelah menerima raport dan menyelesaikan beberapa urusan administrasi, kami berdua keluar dari komplek sekolah elit itu. Kami berdua naik becak menyusuri Taman Topi, ke arah Pasar Anyar, tempat angkot 08 ngetem menunggu penumpang. Anak saya bersungut-sungut, katanya "Uh..sebel, kenapa sih kita nggak beli mobil saja, biar nggak susah-susah naik becak" Saya menjadi sedikit tahu apa yang sedang dipikirkan anak saya. "Supaya kamu dapat bersyukur, kamu jangan membayangkan sedang berada di dalam mobil empuk yang ber AC. Coba bayangkan, seandainya kamu yang ada di bagian belakang becak ini, harus menggenjot becak di tengah terik matahari demi mendapatkan uang 2.000 perak. Kita seharusnya bersyukur, karena kita bisa naik becak tanpa harus bersusah payah menggenjot, apalagi menggenjot untuk orang lain, seperti yang dilakukan tukang becak itu " jawab saya. Sebelum naik angkot 08 Jurusan Pasar Anyar - Cibinong, saya mengeluarkan selembar uang ribuan untuk membeli dua gelas air kemasan dari merek yang tidak terkenal yang dijajakan oleh pedagang cilik. Rasanya cess...dingin dan segar. Dan sayapun bersyukur karena masih bisa menikmati kesegaran air seharga gopek itu. "Kamu harus bersyukur, karena saat panas-panas seperti ini, kamu dapat menikmati air dengan cuma-cuma, tanpa harus berjualan seperti anak itu" saya berusaha menasehati walaupun anak saya tak menaruh minat pada pembicaraan saya. Selama dalam perjalanan, anak saya terus berdiam diri. Ketika angkot yang kami tumpangi menyusuri Jl. Raya Bogor, jalanan menjadi begitu macet. Anak saya semakin menunjukkan kekesalan. "Maap Mas, bukannya saya pengin tahu. Tapi ini maap, sekali lagi maap, kalau dimaapkan saya mau bertanya kira-kira Mas ini sedang memikirkan apa ya ?" tanya saya menirukan gaya mpok Minah yang ada di serial Bajaj Bajuri, berusaha menggoda anak saya supaya tidak manyun. "Ah, sebel ! Nggak enak naik angkot, macet lagi ! Enak dong kayak teman-teman, ke sekolah diantar pakai mobil" jawab anak saya ketus. Dalam keadaan lelah, lapar dan haus seperti itu alangkah tidak bijaksananya kalau saya berceramah tentang pentingnya bersyukur. Apa lagi suasana panas dan macet sehingga angkot yang kami tumpangi hampir tak bergerak, terhalang oleh puluhan angkot yang ngetem menunggu ratusan buruh perempuan keluar dari pabrik konveksi. Jadi saya memutuskan untuk diam. Sejenak kemudian terdengar bunyi "ecek-ecek" dari beberapa tutup softdrink yang terpaku di kayu kecil, di tangan seorang pengamen kecil. Pengamen amatiran yang masih mengenakan celana merah; seragam SD dan sepotong kaos kumal dan tanpa alas kaki itu berusaha masuk dan jongkok di angkot yang kami tumpangi. Tangannya yang kurus berusaha menggerak-gerakkan "alat musik"nya sekedar untuk mengiringi nyanyian sumbangnya. Suara "ecek-ecek" yang tidak pas dengan tempo lagu yang dia bawakan, ditambah lagi dengan suara parau dan intonasi yang tidak jelas, serta pitch control yang ancur-ancuran membuat kami berdua terganggu. Tapi karena pengamen kecil yang hampir buta nada itu berusaha mati-matian membawakan lagu "Menuju Puncak" yang biasa dinyanyikan oleh Tia, Haikal dan teman-temannya di Indosiar, maka kami balik tersenyum dan mungkin lebih tepat disebut mentertawakan. "Bagaimana komentar Mas Hari Rusli ?" saya meniru gaya Adi Nugroho, berusaha menggoda anak saya yang mulai tersenyum-senyum juga. "Pemirsa di angkot, jangan sampai lupa ya.., ketik AFI spasi Ujang. U je a en ge dan kirim sms sebanyak-banyaknya !" saya terus berusaha menggoda anak saya. "Itu mah, akademia yang dieleminasi tanpa koper ! " jawab anak saya dalam logat Sunda yang kental. Tapi biar bagaimanapun performance siang itu, saya memberikan beberapa keping uang recehan ke dalam kantong bekas pewangi pakaian yang baunya sudah tak wangi lagi sebagai tanda belas kasihan saya untu
