The Low Point - OUR DAILY BREAD

You are my help and my deliverer.

Psalm 40:17

C. S. Lewis and his older brother, Warren (Warnie), endured several terms at Wynyard, an English boarding school for boys. The headmaster was a cruel man who made life unbearable for everyone there. Decades later, Warnie wrote in his understated dry wit, “I am now sixty-four and a bit, and have never yet been in a situation in which I have not had the consolation of reflecting that at any rate I was better off than I was at Wynyard.” Most of us can recall a similar dark and difficult time in our lives and be grateful that we’re better off now than we were then.

Psalm 40:1-5 records a low point of David’s life when he cried out to the Lord who rescued him. God brought him up from “the slimy pit” and “the mud and mire” and set his feet on a rock (v. 2). “He put a new song in my mouth,” David says, “a hymn of praise to our God” (v. 3).

God's mercy, loving-kindness, and truth delivers us from sin. 

But deliverance from depression and despair are seldom one-time events. Psalm 40 continues with David’s renewed plea for God’s mercy, lovingkindness, and truth to deliver him from his own sin and the threats of his enemies (vv. 11-14).

Along with David, we can say at every low point, “I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer” (v. 17).

How does recalling a low point in your life encourage you to trust God for His help today?

Share with us in the comments section below or on our Facebook page, facebook.com/ourdailybread

Help From The Outside - OUR DAILY BREAD

God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.

1 John 3:20

On a business trip, my husband had just settled into his hotel room when he heard an unusual noise. He stepped into the hall to investigate and heard someone yelling from a nearby room. With the help of a hotel worker, he discovered that a man had become trapped in the bathroom. The lock on the bathroom door had malfunctioned and the man trapped inside started to panic. He felt like he couldn’t breathe and began yelling for help.

Sometimes in life we feel trapped. We are banging on the door, pulling on the handle, but we can’t get free. We need help from the outside, just like the man in the hotel.

To get that outside assistance, we have to admit that we are helpless on our own. Sometimes we look inward for the answers to our problems, yet the Bible says “the heart is deceitful” (Jer. 17:9). In truth, we are often the source of our problems in life.

Thankfully, “God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything” (1 John 3:20). Because of this, He knows exactly how to help us. Lasting heart-level change and real progress with our problems originate with God. Trusting Him and living to please Him means we can flourish and be truly free.

Heavenly Father, I humble myself before You. I can’t solve my problems on my own. Please help me to seek Your help and perspective.

God helps those who know they are helpless.

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Crumbs Of Time - OUR DAILY BREAD

Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

Daniel 6:10

A friend was coming to town. He is a very busy man and his schedule was tight, but after a difficult day in important meetings, he managed to see my family for half an hour for a quick and late dinner. We enjoyed his visit, but I remember looking at my plate and thinking, “We only got the crumbs of his time.”

Then I remembered how many times God gets the crumbs of my time—sometimes just the last minutes before I fall asleep.

Daniel was a busy man. He held a high government position in the ancient kingdom of Babylon, and I’m sure he had a full schedule. However, he had developed the habit of spending time with God—praying three times a day, praising God, and thanking Him. This routine helped him develop a strong faith that did not waver when he faced persecution (Dan. 6).

God desires a relationship with us. In the morning we can invite Him into our day, and then we can praise Him and ask Him for His help throughout the day. At other times we can treasure some time alone with Him and reflect on His faithfulness. As we spend time with God in prayer and in His Word, we grow in our relationship with Him and learn to become more and more like Him. As time with God becomes a priority, we enjoy His company more and more. 

Dear Father, I want to have an intimate relationship with You. I invite You to be part of my entire day—from the time I awake until I go to sleep.

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. Isaiah 40:31

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Where Is My Focus?

You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.Hebrews 10:34

Early in September 2011, a raging wildfire destroyed 600 homes in and around the city of Bastrop in central Texas. A few weeks later an article in the Austin American-Statesman newspaper carried this headline: “People who lost the most, focus on what wasn’t lost.” The article described the community’s outpouring of generosity and the realization of those who received help that neighbors, friends, and community were worth far more than anything they lost.

The writer of Hebrews reminded first-century followers of Jesus to recall how they had bravely endured persecution early in their life of faith. They stood their ground in the face of insults and oppression, standing side by side with other believers (Heb. 10:32-33). “You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions” (v. 34). Their focus was not on what they had lost but on eternal things that could not be taken from them.

Jesus told His followers, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21). As we focus on the Lord and all that we have in Him, even our most precious possessions can be held lightly.

Lord, open our eyes to see You and to embrace what is most important each day. 

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Where is your focus today?

Behind The Scenes - OUR DAILY BREAD

He must become greater; I must become less.John 3:30

The outreach activities of our church culminated with a city-wide service. As the team that had organized and led the events—comprised of our youth music group, counselors, and church leaders—walked onto the stage, we all excitedly applauded and poured out our appreciation for their hard work.

One man, however, was hardly noticeable, yet he was the leader of the team. When I saw him a few days later, I thanked and congratulated him for his work and said, “We hardly noticed you during the program.”

“I like to work in the background,” he said. He was not concerned with getting recognition for himself. It was time for those who did the work to receive appreciation.

His quiet demeanor was an entire sermon to me. It was a reminder that when serving the Lord, I need not seek to be recognized. I can give honor to God whether or not I’m openly appreciated by others. A Christ-first attitude can subdue any petty jealousies or unhealthy competition.

Jesus, who is “above all” (John 3:31), “must become greater; I must become less” (v.30). When we have this attitude, we will seek the progress of God’s work. It is Christ, not us, who should be the focus of all we do.

Jesus, be the center of my thoughts, desires, and actions. Control me and use me.

The spotlight is the place for Christ.

The Cross and the Crown - OUR DAILY BREAD

I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.John 11:25

Westminster Abbey in London has a rich historical background. In the 10th century, Benedictine monks began a tradition of daily worship there that still continues today. The Abbey is also the burial place of many famous people, and every English monarch since ad 1066 has been crowned at the Abbey. In fact, 17 of those monarchs are also buried there—their rule ending where it began.

No matter how grandiose their burial, world rulers rise and fall; they live and die. But another king, Jesus, though once dead, is no longer buried. In His first coming, Jesus was crowned with thorns and crucified as the “king of the Jews” (John 19:3,19). Because Jesus rose from the dead in victory, we who are believers in Christ have hope beyond the grave and the assurance that we will live with Him forever. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” (11:25-26).

We serve a risen King! May we gladly yield to His rule in our lives now as we look forward to the day when the “Lord God Almighty” will reign for all eternity (Rev. 19:6).

Thank You, Jesus, for rising from the dead and that You are alive forever.

To learn more about the crown and cross Christ bore, check out The Mockery and Majesty of the Cross at discoveryseries.org/hp081

The Rugged Road - OUR DAILY BREAD

Ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16

A fishing buddy of mine told me about an alpine lake located high on the north flank of Jughandle Mountain here in Idaho. Rumor had it that large cutthroat trout lurked up there. My friend got a pencil and scrap of napkin and drew a map for me. Several weeks later I gassed up my truck and set out to follow his directions.

His map put me on one of the worst roads I’ve ever driven! It was an old logging road that had been bulldozed through the forest and never regraded. Washouts, fallen timber, deep ruts, and large rocks battered my spine and bent the undercarriage of my truck. It took half a morning to reach my destination, and when I finally arrived I asked myself, “Why would a friend send me up a road like this?”

But the lake was magnificent and the fish were indeed large and scrappy! My friend had put me on the right road—one I would have chosen myself and patiently endured had I known what I knew at the end.

There is a faithful saying: “All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant” (Ps. 25:10). Some of God’s paths for us are rough and rugged, others tedious and boring, but all are filled with His love and faithfulness. When we come to the end of our journey and know what we then will know, we will say, “God’s path was best for me.”

Father, we don’t see the end of the road, but You do. We trust You for what we can’t see. We know that You are bringing us through it.

Our path may have obstacles, but God will lead us.

God's Direction - OUR DAILY BREAD

God’s Direction

Oct 15, 2015

Read: Proverbs 3:1–8 | Bible in a Year: Isaiah 45–46; 1 Thessalonians 3

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In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. —nkjv Proverbs 3:6

A century ago, 41-year-old Oswald Chambers arrived in Egypt to serve as a YMCA chaplain to British Commonwealth troops during World War I. He was assigned to a camp at Zeitoun, six miles north of Cairo. On his first night there, October 27, 1915, Chambers wrote in his diary, “This [area] is absolutely desert in the very heart of the troops and a glorious opportunity for men. It is all immensely unlike anything I have been used to, and I am watching with interest the new things God will do and engineer.”

Chambers believed and practiced the words of Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5-6 nkjv).

Wherever God puts us, our one great aim is to pour out a whole-hearted devotion to Him.

This is both a comfort and a challenge. There is security in knowing that the Lord will lead us each day, but we must not become so attached to our plans that we resist God’s redirection or His timing.

“We have no right to judge where we should be put, or to have preconceived notions as to what God is fitting us for,” said Chambers. “God engineers everything. Wherever He puts us, our one great aim is to pour out a whole-hearted devotion to Him in that particular work.”

Lord, may I love and serve You with all my heart where You have placed me today.

Read more of Oswald Chambers’ work at utmost.org

As we trust in God, He directs our steps.

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Love Comes First - OUR DAILY BREAD

We love [God] because he first loved us.1 John 4:19

One evening my friend showed me one of the three decorative plaques that would be part of a wall arrangement in her living room. “See, I’ve already got Love,” she said, holding up the plaque with the word written on it. “Faith andHope are on order.”

So Love comes first, I thought. Faith and Hope soon follow!

Love did come first. In fact, it originated with God. First John 4:19 reminds us that “We love [God] because he first loved us.” God’s love, described in 1 Corinthians 13 (known as the “love chapter”), explains a characteristic of real love when it says, “Love never fails” (v. 8).

Faith and hope are essential to the believer. It is only because we are justified by faiththat “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1). And hope is described in Hebrews 6 as “an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (v. 19).

One day we will have no need of faith and hope. Faith will become sight and our hope will be realized when we see our Savior face to face. But love is eternal, for love is ofGod and God is love (1 John 4:7-8). “Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love”—it’s first and last (1 Cor. 13:13).

Thank You, Lord, for Your faithful love and for the love of family and friends. Please help me find ways to show Your love to others today.

We love because God first loved us.

Unclear Vision - OUR DAILY BREAD

My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Job 42:5

My friend Meaghan is an accomplished equestrian, and I’ve been learning some interesting things about horses from her. For instance, despite having the largest eyes of all land mammals, horses have poor eyesight and can see fewer colors than humans. Because of this, they can’t always identify objects on the ground. When they see a pole, they don’t know if it’s a pole they can easily step over or a large snake that might harm them. For this reason, until they are properly trained horses are easily frightened and quick to run away.

We too may want to run from alarming circumstances. We may feel like Job who misunderstood his troubles and wished he’d never been born. Since he couldn’t see that it was Satan who was trying to break him down, he feared that the Lord, in whom he had trusted, was trying to destroy him. Overwhelmed, he cried out, “God has wronged me and drawn his net around me” (Job 19:6).

Like Job’s vision, ours is limited. We want to run away from the difficult situations that scare us. From God’s perspective, we are not alone. He understands what confuses and frightens us. He knows we are safe with Him by our side. This is our opportunity to trust His understanding rather than our own.

In what ways have you doubted God’s goodness? How have you seen Him working in your life during a difficult time?

Trusting God’s faithfulness dispels our fearfulness.

Being beautiful is nothing if u heart ugly!

SEBUAH JANJI YANG PASTI

Keselamatan Kekal

Yang Harus Saya Lakukan Selanjutnya adalah Mengetahui tentang Keselamatan Kekal dan Tujuan Hidup Saya

Apakah itu Keselamatan Kekal? Apakah Berlaku untuk Saya?

Tuhan mengasihi Anda dan tidak menginginkan Anda binasa untuk selama-lamanya. Setiap manusia, termasuk Anda telah berbuat dosa, dan manusia tidak dapat menyelamatkan dirinya sendiri, bahkan dengan perbuatan baik sekalipun.

Roma 3:23-24 "Karena semua orang telah berbuat dosa dan telah kehilangan kemuliaan Allah, dan oleh kasih karunia telah dibenarkan dengan cuma-cuma karena penebusan dalam Kristus Yesus."

Sejak jaman Adam, manusia telah terputus hubungannya dengan Allah, karena dosa yang diperbuatnya. Allah itu Maha Suci sehingga Ia tidak dapat menerima manusia yang berdosa, dan manusia tidak akan tahan berdiri di depan hadirat Allah.

Roma 5:22 " Sebab itu, sama seperti dosa telah masuk ke dalam dunia oleh satu orang (Adam), dan oleh dosa itu juga maut, demikianlah maut itu telah menjalar kepada semua orang, karena semua orang telah berbuat dosa." 

Namun, karena demikian besar kasih Allah atas manusia ciptaan-Nya itu, maka Ia mengutus AnakNya yang Tunggal, yaitu Yesus Kristus untuk menjadi pengantara manusia dan Allah.

Roma 3:25-26 "Kristus Yesus telah ditentukan Allah menjadi jalan pendamaian karena iman, dalam darah-Nya. Hal ini dibuat-Nya untuk menunjukkan keadilan-Nya, karena Ia telah membiarkan dosa-dosa yang telah terjadi dahulu pada masa kesabaran-Nya. Maksud-Nya ialah untuk menunjukkan keadilan-Nya pada masa ini, supaya nyata, bahwa Ia benar dan juga membenarkan orang yang percaya kepada Yesus."

Roma 6:23 "Sebab upah dosa ialah maut, tetapi karunia Allah ialah hidup yang kekal dalam Kristus Yesus, Tuhan kita."

Hanya dengan PERCAYA kepada Yesus sebagai Juruslamat, yaitu penebus dosa dan pengantara Anda dan saya, maka keselamatan cuma-cuma akan diberikan oleh-Nya. Semudah itukah? Ya, sebuah kepastian di dalam kehidupan Anda atas kehidupan kekal sesudah kematian. Hanya di dalam Nama Yesus.

Yesaya  1:18 "Marilah, baiklah kita beperkara! -- firman TUHAN -- Sekalipun dosamu merah seperti kirmizi, akan menjadi putih seperti salju; sekalipun berwarna merah seperti kain kesumba, akan menjadi putih seperti bulu domba."

Wahyu 3:20 "Lihat, Aku berdiri di muka pintu dan mengetok, jikalau ada orang yang mendengar suaraKu dan membukakan pintu, Aku akan masuk mendapatkannya dan Aku makan bersama-sama dengan dia, dan ia bersama-sama dengan Aku."

Tidak ada perbuatan baik (amal) yang dapat menyelamatkan Anda. Sebab, seberapa banyak amal yang dapat kita lakukan, tidak ada yang dapat mengetahuinya.

Roma 3:27-28 "Jika demikian, apakah dasarnya untuk bermegah? Tidak ada! Berdasarkan apa? Berdasarkan perbuatan? Tidak, melainkan berdasarkan iman! Karena kami yakin, bahwa manusia dibenarkan karena iman, dan bukan karena ia melakukan hukum Taurat."

Ucapkanlah doa di bawah ini: 
Tuhan Yesus, saya tahu saya seorang berdosa yang terhilang. 
Saya mohon agar dosa saya diampuni. 
Masuklah ke dalam hati saya dan jadilah Tuhan dan Juruselamat saya.
Dalam nama Tuhan Yesus Kristus. Amin.

Baca juga: Dasar-dasar Kekristenan >>

 

Apakah Tujuan Hidup Saya?

(1) Ini Bukan Mengenai Anda. Ini Mengenai Hidup untuk Allah

Tujuan hidup Anda jauh lebih besar daripada prestasi pribadi Anda, ketenangan pikiran Anda, atau bahkan kebahagiaan Anda. Ini jauh lebih besar daripada keluarga Anda, karier Anda, atau bahkan mimpi-mimpi terdalam dari ambisi Anda. Jika Anda ingin tahu mengapa Anda ditempatkan di dunia, Anda harus memulainya dengan Allah. Anda dilahirkan oleh tujuan-Nya dan untuk tujuan-Nya.

 

(2) Anda Ada Bukan Karena Kebetulan

Kelahiran Anda bukanlah suatu kesalahan atau kesialan. Orang tua Anda mungkin tidak menginginkan Anda, tetapi Allah merencanakan Anda. Dia tidak terkejut sama sekali dengan kelahiran Anda. Sesungguhnya, Dia mengharapkan Anda.

Jauh sebelum Anda ada dalam benak orang-tua Anda, Anda sudah ada dalam pikiran Allah. Dia memikirkan Anda terlebih dahulu. Bukan karena nasib, bukan karena kesempatan, bukan karena keberuntungan, juga bukan karena kebetulan, Anda bernafas saat ini. Anda hidup karena Allah ingin menciptakan Anda.

“Akulah TUHAN yang menjadikan engkau, yang membentuk engkau sejak dari kandungan dan yang menolong engkau” (Yesaya 44:2 BIS)

 

(3) Anda Ditempatkan di Dunia untuk Bersiap-siap Menghadapi Kekekalan

Banyak orang menghabiskan hidupnya dengan berupaya menciptakan warisan yang tanpa akhir di bumi. Mereka ingin dikenang ketika mereka meninggal. Namun, apa yang akhirnya paling penting bukanlah apa yang orang lain katakan tentang kehidupan Anda, tetapi apa yang Allah katakan.

Apa yang gagal disadari oleh orang-orang adalah bahwa segala pencapaian pada akhirnya lewat, catatan-catatan rusak, reputasi memudar, dan pujian dilupakan.

Hidup untuk menghasilkan warisan dunia adalah sasaran yang sia-sia. Seharusnya orang menggunakan waktunya untuk membangun warisan yang kekal, karena Anda ditempatkan di dunia untuk bersiap-siap menghadapi kekekalan.

Suatu kali nanti, Anda akan berdiri di hadapan Allah, dan Dia akan memeriksa kehidupan Anda, sebelum memasuki kekekalan.

“Sebab kita semua harus menghadap takhta pengadilan Allah… Demikianlah setiap orang di antara kita akan memberi pertanggungan jawab tentang dirinya sendiri kepada Allah” (Roma 14:10b,12)

Ucapkanlah doa di bawah ini:

“Ya Tuhan Yesus, terima kasih karena saya tahu sekarang bahwa saya ada bukan karena kebetulan, dan hidup berdasarkan tujuan adalah jalan menuju damai sejahtera. Walaupun tidak ada yang menginginkan saya di dunia ini, sekalipun orang tua saya sendiri, atau orang terdekat saya sekalipun telah menolak saya, namun Engkau telah menerima saya dan merencanakan saya sejak semula. Untuk itu, saya mau hidup bagi-Mu, Tuhan. Siapkan saya, ya Tuhan, untuk menghadapi kekekalan. Amin.”

Apabila Anda sudah mengerti tentang rencana keselamatan dan tujuan hidup dari Allah kepada diri Anda, maka Anda dapat melangkah kepada Pilar kehidupan Kristen dan meraih kemenangan.

Semua wanita Kristian harus baca! 10 Lelaki Yang Wanita Kristian Tidak Harus Kahwini

Oleh J. Lee Grady:

Saya dan isteri saya telah membesarkan empat orang anak perempuan - dan tiga daripada mereka sudah pun berkahwin. Kami menyayangi anak-anak menantu kami, dan jelas sekali Tuhan sendiri yang telah memilih setiap mereka sehingga sepadan dengan sifat-sifat dan personaliti anak-anak perempuan kami.

Saya selalu percaya bahawa Tuhan terlibat dalam hal menjodohkan. Kalau Dia boleh lakukannya untuk anak-anak perempuan saya, Dia boleh melakukannya untuk anda.

Pada waktu ini, saya ada beberapa kawan perempuan yang sangat ingin bertemu dengan lelaki yang tepat. Ada yang memberitahu saya bahawa calon pilihan tidak banyak di gereja mereka, jadi mereka mencuba di alam maya dengan online dating. Ada yang mengangkat tangan dengan hampa, dan tertanya-tanya samada masih ada lelaki Kristian yang baik untuk mereka. Mereka mula memikirkan samada mereka harus merendahkan standard pilihan mereka untuk mencari seorang pasangan.

Inilah nasihat saya: Jangan sesekali menerima yang bukan terbaik daripada Tuhan! Ramai wanita-wanita Kristian telah berkahwin dengan yang bukan pilihan Tuhan kerana ketidaksabaran telah mendorong mereka ke dalam perkahwinan yang tidak bahagia. Saya harap anda menerima nasihat saya sebagai seorang bapa: Anda lebih baik tidak berkahwin daripada bernikah dengan orang yang salah!

Mengenai "lelaki yang salah," berikut ini ialah 10 lelaki yang paling anda harus jauhi apabila mencari pasangan hidup; 

1. Orang yang tidak percaya. Sila tuliskan 2 Korintus 6:14 di atas sekeping kertas nota dan lekatkannya pada komputer di tempat kerja anda. Katanya, "Janganlah kamu merupakan pasangan yang tidak seimbang dengan orang-orang yang tak percaya. Sebab persamaan apakah terdapat antara kebenaran dan kedurhakaan? Atau bagaimanakah terang dapat bersatu dengan gelap?" Ini bukan suatu peraturan agama yang ketinggalan zaman. Itu adalah Firman Tuhan untuk anda hari ini.

Jangan izinkan daya tarikan, ketampanan, dan kejayaan kewangan seseorang lelaki (atau pun kerelaannya pergi ke gereja bersama anda) menyebabkan anda berkompromi dengan kebenaran yang anda tahu. "Dating penginjilan" tak pernah menjadi strategi yang bijak. Jika lelaki itu bukan seorang Kristian yang sudah dilahirkan kembali, keluarkan dia daripada senarai anda. Dia bukan yang sesuai untuk anda. Saya belum pernah lagi bertemu dengan seorang wanita Kristian yang tidak menyesali berkahwin dengan seorang yang tidak percaya. 

2. Orang  yang penipu. Jika anda mendapati lelaki yang anda sedang berdating telah membohongi anda mengenai masa silamnya ataupun dia selalu membuat helah menutupi kegiatannya untuk menyimpan rahsianya daripada anda, cepat-cepat lari dari dia. Perkahwinan harus dibina atas dasar saling mempercayai. Jika dia tidak boleh bercakap benar, putuskanlah hubungan sekarang sebelum dia mengejutkan anda dengan penipuan yang lebih besar. 

3. Orang yang playboy. Saya ingin untuk mengatakan bahawa jika anda bertemu dengan seorang lelaki yang kelihatan baik di gereja, anda boleh menganggap bahawa dia menjaga kesuciannya dalam hal seks. Tetapi itu bukan hakikatnya pada hari ini. Saya pernah mendengar cerita-cerita seram mengenai lelaki-lelaki bujang yang melayani dalam tim pujian dan penyembahan pada hari Ahad tetapi bertindak seperti Kasanova pada hari-hari lainnya. Jika anda berkahwin dengan seorang lelaki yang kaki perempuan sebelum hari perkahwinan, dia juga akan melakukan yang sama selepas perkahwinan.

4. Orang yang tidak bertanggungjawab.Terdapat ramai lelaki Kristian yang baik yang telah mengalami kegagalan dalam pernikahan bertahun yang lalu. Sejak penceraian mereka, mereka telah mengalami pemulihan daripada Roh Kudus, dan kini mereka mahu berkahwin lagi. Perkahwinan yang kedua boleh menjadi sangat berbahagia. Tetapi jika anda mendapati bahawa orang yang anda sedang dating itu tidak memberi penjagaan kepada anak-anaknya daripada perkahwinan yang lepas, anda sudah menjumpai satu kelemahan yang berbahaya. Sesiapa pun lelaki yang tidak bertanggungjawab akan kesilapan masa lampaunya atau tidak memberi penjagaan kepada anak-anak daripada perkahwinan lamanya tidak akan melayani anda dengan bertanggungjawab.

5. Orang yang penagih. Lelaki-lelaki yang pergi ke gereja tetapi yang ketagihan alkohol atau dadah telah belajar menyembunyikan masalah mereka - tetapi anda tidak mahu menunggu sehingga anda berbulan madu untuk mengetahui bahawa dia seorang peminum. Jangan pernah berkahwin dengan seorang lelaki yang tidak mahu mendapat pertolongan untuk ketagihannya. Anda perlu bertegas dia perlu mendapat pertolongan secara profesional dan putuskan hubungan dengannya. Dan jangan masuk dalam perhubungan bergantungan di mana dia mendakwa bahawa dia memerlukan anda untuk bebas daripada ketagihannya. Anda tidak boleh mengubah dia.

6. Orang yang penganggur. Saya mempunyai seorang kawan perempuan yang menyedari selepas dia berkahwin dengan teman lelakinya bahawa dia tidak mempunyai rancangan untuk mencari kerja yang tetap. Lelaki itu telah membuat strategi yang hebat: Dia akan tinggal di rumah sepanjang hari dan bermain permainan komputer sementara isterinya yang mempunyai kerjaya profesional bekerja dan membayar semua perbelanjaan. Rasul Paulus memberitahu orang-orang di Tesalonika, "Jika seorang tidak mau bekerja, janganlah ia makan" (2 Tes 3:10). Peraturan yang sama juga terpakai di sini: Jika seseorang lelaki tidak mahu bekerja, dia tidak layak berkahwin dengan anda.

7. Orang yang terlalu asyik dengan diri. Saya dengan ikhlas berharap anda mendapat teman lelaki yang kacak. Tetapi berhati-hati: jika teman lelaki anda menghabiskan enam jam di gim setiap hari dan selalu muatkan gambar-gambar otot-ototnya di Facebook, anda mempunyai masalah. Jangan jatuh hati dengan seorang lelaki yang terlalu asyik dengan dirinya sendiri. Dia mungkin nampak tampan, tetapi jika seorang lelaki terlalu terpegun dengan penampilannya sendiri dan keperluan dirinya, dia tidak akan mengasihi anda secara berkorban, seperti Kristus mengasihi gereja (Efesus 5:25). Lelaki yang selalu memandang dirinya di cermin tidak akan memerhatikan anda.

8. Orang yang pendera. Orang lelaki yang mempunyai kecenderungan mendera tidak dapat menguasai kemarahan mereka apabila kemarahan mereka memuncak. Jika lelaki yang anda dating ada kecenderungan melepaskan kemarahannya, samada terhadap anda atau orang lain, jangan memberi alasan untuk kelakuannya. Dia mempunyai masalah, dan jika anda berkahwin dengannya anda perlu sangat berhati-hati setiap hari untuk tidak menimbulkan kemarahannya umpama berjalan di medan perang yang dipasang bom periuk api. Lelaki yang pemarah akan melukakan wanita - melalui kata-katanya dan kadang-kadang secara fizikal. Carilah seorang lelaki yang lemah lembut.

9. Orang yang masih keanak-anakan. Mungkin saya berfikiran kolot, tetapi saya was-was dengan lelaki yang masih tinggal bersama ibubapanya pada usia 35 tahun. Jika ibunya masih memasak untuknya, membersih dan menggosok baju untuknya pada usia itu, anda boleh pasti dia masih terperangkap dalam kepompong emosi. Anda mengundang masalah jika anda berfikir anda boleh menjadi isteri kepada seorang lelaki yang masih keanak-anakan. Undur diri, dan sebagai seorang kawan, galakkan dia mencari seorang mentor yang boleh membantu dia menjadi dewasa.

10. Orang yang terlalu pengongkong. Ada lelaki Kristian masa kini yang menganggap perkahwinan adalah mengenai kelebihan lelaki. Mereka mungkin akan menyebut Firman dan nadanya seperti sangat rohani, tetapi di sebalik wajah otoritas suami terletak ketidakyakinan dan kesombongan yang mendalam yang boleh berubah menjadi penderaan rohani. 1 Petrus 3:17 memerintahkan suami untuk melayan isteri sebagai teman yang setara. Jika lelaki yang anda sedang dating sering merendahkan anda dalam percakapannya, membuat komen menghina terhadap wanita, atau kelihatan menghimpit karunia-karunia rohani anda, undur diri sekarang. Dia hanya suka berkuasa. Wanita yang berkahwin dengan pengongkong tegar keagamaan biasanya berkesudahan dengan mimpi ngeri kemurungan.

Jika anda seorang wanita pilihan Tuhan, janganlah menggadaikan warisan rohani anda dengan berkahwin dengan lelaki yang tidak layak memiliki anda. Keputusan terbijak anda dalam hidup ialah untuk menantikan seorang lelaki yang sepenuh hidupnya untuk Yesus.

(Diterjemah daripada artikel laman Charisma Magazine bertajuk "10 Men Christian Women Should Never Marry" penulisan J. Lee Grady bertarikh 12 Februari 2014)

Walking With The Lord - OUR DAILY BREAD

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. —Psalm 37:23

A small pamphlet I received from a friend was titled “An Attempt to Share the Story of 86 Years of Relationship with the Lord.” In it, Al Ackenheil noted key people and events in his journey of faith over nearly nine decades. What seemed to be ordinary choices at the time—memorizing Bible verses, meeting for prayer with others, telling his neighbors about Jesus—became turning points that changed the direction of his life. It was fascinating to read how God’s hand guided and encouraged Al.

The psalmist wrote, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way” (Ps. 37:23). The passage continues with a beautiful description of God’s faithful care for everyone who wants to walk with Him. “The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide” (v. 31).

Each of us could create a record of God’s leading and faithfulness, reflecting on God’s guidance—the people, places, and experiences that are landmarks on our pathway of faith. Every remembrance of the Lord’s goodness encourages us to keep walking with Him and to thank someone who influenced us for good.

The Lord guides and guards all who walk with Him.

Heavenly Father, Your faithfulness to us is unfailing. Thank You for leading, guiding, and providing so many spiritual encouragers and mentors. Bless those today who have helped us so much.

You are headed in the right direction when you walk with God.

Dessert Place - OUR DAILY BREAD

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Desert Places

July 11, 2015

Read: Isaiah 48:16-22 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 1–3; Acts 17:1-15

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They did not thirst when He led them through the deserts. —Isaiah 48:21

Dry. Dusty. Dangerous. A desert. A place where there is little water, a place hostile to life. It’s not surprising, then, that the word deserted describes a place that is uninhabited. Life there is hard. Few people choose it. But sometimes we can’t avoid it.

In Scripture, God’s people were familiar with desert life. Much of the Middle East, including Israel, is desert. But there are lush exceptions, like the Jordan Valley and areas surrounding the Sea of Galilee. God chose to “raise His family” in a place surrounded by wilderness, a place where He could make His goodness known to His children as they trusted Him for protection and daily provision (Isa. 48:17-19).

Today, most of us don’t live in literal deserts, but we often go through desert-like places. Sometimes we go as an act of obedience. Other times we find ourselves there through no conscious choice or action. When someone abandons us, or disease invades our bodies, we end up in desert-like circumstances where resources are scarce and life is hard to sustain.

But the point of going through a desert, whether literally or figuratively, is to remind us that we are dependent on God to sustain us—a lesson we need to remember even when we’re living in a place of plenty.

Are you living in a place of plenty or of need? In what ways is God sustaining you?

In every desert, God has an oasis of grace.

Help For Heavy Load - OUR DAILY BREAD

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Help for a Heavy Load

July 10, 2015

Read: Numbers 11:4-17 | Bible in a Year: Job 41–42; Acts 16:22-40

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[The men] shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone. —Numbers 11:17

It’s amazing what you can haul with a bicycle. An average adult with a specialized trailer (and a bit of determination) can use a bicycle to tow up to 300 pounds at 10 mph. There’s just one problem: Hauling a heavier load means moving more slowly. A person hauling 600 pounds of work equipment or personal possessions would only be able to move at a pace of 8 miles in one hour.

Moses carried another kind of weight in the wilderness—an emotional weight that kept him at a standstill. The Israelites’ intense craving for meat instead of manna had reduced them to tears. Hearing their ongoing lament, an exasperated Moses said to God, “I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me” (Num. 11:14).

On his own, Moses lacked the resources necessary to fix the problem. God responded by telling him to select 70 men to stand with him and share his load. God told Moses, “[The men] shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone” (v. 17).

As followers of Jesus, we don’t have to handle our burdens alone either. We have Jesus Himself, who is always willing and able to help us. And He has given us brothers and sisters in Christ to share the load. When we give Him the things that weigh us down, He gives us wisdom and support in return.

Who has come alongside you? Have you thanked them?

Rescuing The Reluctant - OUR DAILY BREAD

The men took hold of his hand, . . . theLord being merciful to him, and they . . . set him outside the city. —Genesis 19:16

Many years ago during a water safety class, we were taught how to save a drowning person who is resisting rescue. “Approach the person from behind,” the instructor told us. “Place one arm across the person’s chest and flailing arms, and swim toward safety. If you approach from the front, the person may grab you and pull both of you down.” Panic and fear can paralyze the ability to think and act wisely.

When two angels sent by God came to rescue Lot and his family from the impending destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:12-13), they encountered resistance. Lot’s sons-in-law thought the warning was a joke (v. 14). When the angels told Lot to hurry and leave, he hesitated (v. 15). At that point, the two angels “took hold of his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters,” and led them safely out of the city because God was merciful toward them (v. 16).

When we reflect on our journey of faith in Christ, we can see God’s faithfulness in overcoming our reluctance and resistance. When we encounter people lashing out in spiritual desperation and fear, may we have God’s wisdom to show His love to them—and to every person who is reluctant to be rescued by Him.

Father, as I look at my own heart, I know I have resisted You and have been reluctant at times to come to You. Thank You for Your mercy. Help me to share with others who You are.

God’s mercy can overcome our resistance.