April 15th One Year Bible Readings

Joshua 11:1-12:24 ~ Luke 17:11-37 ~ Psalm 84:1-12 ~ Proverbs 13:5-6
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link

Old Testament - An interesting note on Joshua 11 verse 21 - "During this period, Joshua destroyed all the descendants of Anak, who lived in the hill country of Hebron, Debir, Anab, and the entire hill country of Judah and Israel." The descendants of Anak were the giants the Israelite spies feared some 40 years earlier in Numbers chapter 13 verses 32 & 33 - and you'll recall these verses kept the Israelites wandering in the desert for the next 40 years... "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them." Interesting to see how the fear of 40 years prior had turned into the faith and confidence here in Joshua. I wonder if this type of change can happen in our lives too? A change from fear to faith and confidence? Is there an area in your life where you might need this type of change? Below is a good map of the nations of Canaan at the time of the conquest:

New Testament - Wow. I love Jesus' teaching in Luke chapter 17 verses 20 & 21 - "Jesus replied, "The Kingdom of God isn't ushered in with visible signs. You won't be able to say, `Here it is!' or `It's over there!' For the Kingdom of God is among you."" And truly, of course, literally the Kingdom of God was amongst those Jesus was speaking to with this verse - Jesus himself was there. But, also the Kingdom of God is still amongst us today. Jesus has risen from the dead. He lives in the hearts of men and women. We do not need to look for visible signs to which we can say - here it is! Truly, the Kingdom of God can be within you. And once the Kingdom of God is within you it is amazing to see how Jesus can transform your life and those around you through his peace, grace and power. Is the Kingdom of God among you?

Bible.org's commentary on our Luke chapter 17 readings titled "Putting Faith in Perspective" is at this link and commentary titled "Sign-Seeking and the Coming of the Kingdom" is at this link.

Psalms - Today in Psalm 84:5 we read: “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.” Where does your strength come from? God? Or your own will-power? Why might it be a good idea to rely on God for your strength rather than yourself? Have you set your heart on a pilgrimage? Is the pilgrimage toward God? Do you think this will be a life-long pilgrimage? Later in this Psalm, verse 10, we read: “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” This is a song many of us have probably sung before at church. What does this verse mean to you? What does one day in God’s courts look like for you? Why would one day in God’s courts be better than one thousand days elsewhere? Do you look forward to spending an eternity in God’s courts? Is your heart on a pilgrimage to God’s courts?

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 13 verse 5 - "Those who are godly hate lies; the wicked come to shame and disgrace."

Worship God: Today's Psalm reminded me of the song "Better is One Day." Here's Kutless' live version:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNNQQGScPS4

Are you in God's courts? Click here to enter God's courts today!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked." Psalm 84:10 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are in God's courts today. Pray that you'll stay in God's courts forevermore. Pray that you will not dwell in the tents of the wicked.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Based on this Proverb above, is it ever okay to lie? I've spoken with friends who have said they believe it is okay to lie to preserve an innocent life. And I guess if you think about maybe someone who saved lives in the Holocaust by lying, then this would seem to be an okay instance to lie? I mean, you are lying to save an innocent life. Is that okay? I realize the trick becomes where do you draw the lines on when it is okay to lie. We could rationalize almost anything saying it was okay to lie because of x, y, z greater good. This Proverb says those who are godly hate lies. I am sure we all do hate lying. But is it ever okay to lie? To save an innocent life - is it okay? Please post up in the Comments if you have thoughts on this. One more thing I just thought of - Jesus never lied. I'm guessing this is a pretty strong hint to the answer to my questions above... but, as sinners, could we perhaps lie to save an innocent life and then confess it to God right away?? :) This is some tricky theology ground I'm treading - and probably not very well... I'm sure there are books written on this subject right?? Yeah, I know, the book by Moses about the Ten Commandments.... :) Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

April 13th One Year Bible Readings

Joshua 7:16-9:2 ~ Luke 16:1-18 ~ Psalm 82:1-8 ~ Proverbs 13:2-3
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on OneYearAudioBible.org or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - In Joshua chapter 7 today we continue to read about Achan's sin, which caused 36 Israelites to die in the first attack on the city of Ai. I realize that the destruction of Achan and his family may be tough for us to read, but I think it's important to remember Achan's sin caused other Israelites to die. I found Joshua's words interesting in verse 19 as he spoke to Achan: "My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, by telling the truth." He has a fatherly tone here - and I like the thought of giving glory to God by telling the truth.

In chapter 8 verse 1 we read this today - "Then the LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid or discouraged." This repeats what we heard God say to Joshua in chapter 1 verse 9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." This makes sense that in the midst of the conquest of the Promised Land that this would need to be repeated often. I'm wondering if we need to hear this in our lives today as well from God often - do not be afraid or discouraged. It is so true. With God in our lives we do not need to be afraid or discouraged! I need to be reminded of this often...

Now that we are just past the Pentateuch in our readings - the first five books in the Old Testament - verses like 34 & 35 stand out to me as God's covenant is renewed with the Israelites - "Joshua then read to them all the blessings and curses Moses had written in the Book of the Law. Every command Moses had ever given was read to the entire assembly, including the women and children and the foreigners who lived among the Israelites." After our recent readings about the Israelites victories at Jericho and Ai, I am not surprises by Joshua chapter 9 verse 2 at all.... - "These kings quickly combined their armies to fight against Joshua and the Israelites." Seems like a logical idea to try to band together. We get some interesting tactics coming from the Gibeonites in tomorrow's readings. Stay tuned! Below is nineteenth century French artist Gustave Dore's take on today's readings about Ai:

Bible.org's commentary on Joshua chapter 7 is at this link, at this link, and at this link. Commentary on Joshua chapter 8 is at this link and at this link.

New Testament - The story of the shrewd manager in Luke chapter 16 today concludes with some powerful teachings from Jesus. Verses 8 & 9 stand out to me today - "And it is true that the citizens of this world are more shrewd than the godly are. I tell you, use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. In this way, your generosity stores up a reward for you in heaven." I like that teaching - we should use our worldly resources to benefit others. I've been thinking about this a bit more lately. And I wondered what it would be like if I went through my days consciously trying to make other people happy. I don't think I've really ever done this over a sustained period. Maybe I've glimpses of using my resources to benefit others. To make them happy. I want to do more of this... How about you? Are you consciously using your resources (time, treasure & talents) to make others happy in your life each day?

Verse 10 is also a strong teaching from Jesus today - ""Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities." I think there was a very popular book out there a while back called "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff." Well, it looks to me in this verse that God sweats the small stuff. And you and I should sweat the small stuff. We need to be faithful in small matters in our daily lives or else indeed we will not be faithful in large matters. Will you join me in sweating the small stuff when it comes to matters of our integrity before God?

Bible.org's commentary on our Luke chapter 16 readings today titled "Does Christ commend the crook or "The Sting?"" is at this link.

Psalms - I love Psalm 82 verses 3 & 4 - ""Give fair judgment to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people." I realize these verses were spoken to Israel's judges. But, I think they can speak to you and I today as well. Particularly, "rescue the poor and helpless" stands out to me today. What are some ways you are rescuing the poor and helpless in your life today? How are you delivering them from the grasp of evil people? This actually reminds me of a couple of friends of mine who are so passionate about rescuing young girls from the sex slave industry in some Asian countries - I think Thailand is where they do most of their work. Clearly, young girls that have to sell their bodies in this type of situation are under the grasp of evil people. And I am so humbled by my friends' work toward delivering girls from this grasp. My friends are only able to do this really well because of their relationship with Jesus. Jesus is the true rescuer - first of my friends and now through my friends to these young girls. But, wow, it makes me wonder if I am truly allowing Jesus to rescue the poor and helpless through me? How about you?

Proverbs - There is probably absolutely nothing I could or should add to Proverbs chapter 13 verse 3 :) - "Those who control their tongue will have a long life."

Worship God: Today's readings in Luke reminded me of Abandon's song "Hero:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bN1WFt21-0

Who is your hero in your life? Click here and meet your true and eternal Hero!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." Luke 16:13 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are serving God alone. Pray that you are not in love with or devoted to money.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Do you agree with this Proverb above? Are you able to control your tongue? Or sometimes does your tongue control you? Any advice on how someone can control their tongue? Prayer, Grace, and the Holy Spirit are 3 antidotes that come to mind for me! :) Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

You Matter to God

Monday April 11 2011 12:00 AM
Posted by Rick Warren

“When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’ … All the people saw this and began to mutter, ‘He has gone to be the guest of a “sinner.”’” Luke 19:5-7 (NIV)

"Studies show that you tend to base your self-esteem on what you think the most important person in our life thinks about you. So I recommend you make Jesus Christ the most important person in your life because he will always tell you the truth."

Have you noticed that it was Jesus’ dinners with sinners that always got him into trouble? He was always getting into hot water with the religious people because he was always hanging out with the wrong crowd.

Can you imagine what bloggers would say today about Jesus having dinner with Zacchaeus, a corrupt politician? Guilt by association is one of the favorite tactics of critics today.

I’ve often faced accusations because of some of the people I’ve been seen hanging out with. I hang out with these people because I’m an evangelist. My goal is to build a bridge between my heart and the hearts of unbelievers, a bridge of love that Jesus can use to reach them.

Jesus came to earth for the sick, the broken, and the insecure people that the religious people wanted to ignore. He came to fill their deepest need with his love.

One of our deepest needs in life is to feel secure, to feel valuable, to feel acceptance. Because of this we are constantly doing two things – evaluating and comparing. We do this all the time, consciously and unconsciously. We judge ourselves by one of the world’s four standards that don’t matter:

1. Appearance. How do I look? This mentality says that the more beautiful you are, the more important and more valuable you are.
2. Affluence. If I own a lot, then I must be worth a lot.
3. Achievement. Do you base your value on your awards, notoriety, and promotions?
4. Approval. How many people like me? How popular am I?

The problem with this value system is that it’s not stable. Beauty fades with age; possessions wear out; someone else will surpassed your successes; and not everyone will like you.

Studies show that you tend to base your self-esteem on what you think the most important person in our life thinks about you. So I recommend you make Jesus Christ the most important person in your life because he will always tell you the truth.

The only solid foundation for self-worth is to realize how much you matter to God. When you see yourself the way God sees you, it will transform you.

April 11th One Year Bible Readings

Joshua 3:1-4:24 ~ Luke 14:7-35 ~ Psalm 80:1-19 ~ Proverbs 12:27-28

Old Testament - Today is a major day in our readings as the Israelites cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land! The significance of the events in today's readings cannot be overstated. The Israelites 40 years in the Wilderness are over. God's Promise made to Abraham is being fulfilled!

I am intrigued by verse 5 in Joshua chapter 3 today as the Israelites are about to cross the Jordan - "Then Joshua told the people, "Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do great wonders among you."" I'm wondering what the Israelites did to purify themselves? Some sort of ritual purification I'd guess - likely similar to the purification before meeting God at Mount Sinai, which included washing all their garments as well as themselves. I also wonder what we do in our lives today to purify ourselves? The first thought comes to mind that we are of course purified today completely by the blood of Christ. But, then, I also know that once we have made the decision to follow Christ we will still sin on occasion. And then, is purification needed? Not from a salvation standpoint - but from simply having a pure heart before God? I'm thinking that our purification today is confessing directly to God our sins and repenting. And I think through this process God's grace arrives in a nanosecond and purifies us. I think we're purified by God's grace today. But, I think in part we need to recognize our own need for purification and confess to God our shortcomings and repent. Let me know what you think on this in the Comments below if you'd like. Again, I'm not looking at this from a salvation / justification perspective - more of the sanctification perspective. I like the thought of purification - of being pure before God. I pray for this for each of us. No dark corners. No secrets. Just a pure heart before our heavenly Father.

A watercolor painting is below for verses 16 & 17 - "Then all the people crossed over near the city of Jericho. Meanwhile, the priests who were carrying the Ark of the LORD's covenant stood on dry ground in the middle of the riverbed as the people passed by them. They waited there until everyone had crossed the Jordan on dry ground."

Bible.org's commentary on Joshua's readings today titled "Crossing the Jordan" is at this link.

New Testament - Wow. Jesus' teachings in Luke chapter 14 verses 12 through 14 are so powerful - ""When you put on a luncheon or a dinner," he said, "don't invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will repay you by inviting you back. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the godly, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you."" How often do we do something for others - in hopes of getting something back in return? Maybe it's simply praise? Or maybe it's indeed an invite to something else in the future? Kind of the whole idea of "I'll scratch your back if you'll scratch mine." Jesus tells us there is another way - care for others that cannot repay you. Because God will repay you. And who would you rather receive repayment from for your good deeds - humans or God? Do you think that caring for the poor is giving to God? Will you give to God?

Today in Luke chapter 14 verse 27 we read – "And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." I don’t know about you, but I’m not so good at carrying “crosses.” I’m not so good at taking on perceived burdens. I’m not so good at suffering at all. I like to get my way. I often feel entitled to get a lot of good stuff in my life. . . And yet. . . Jesus says if I am to be his disciple I must carry my cross. And I must follow him. I think sometimes in our culture we want to keep up with our neighbors – be hip; be cool; be relevant; know the latest styles; wear the latest fashions; and this list can go on. Jesus tells us to carry our cross. And truly, this is the eternally hippest / coolest / most relevant decision any one of us can make – to take up our cross and follow Jesus. Nothing else matters.

Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 14's readings today titled "Table Talks" is at this link and commentary on today's readings titled "How to Hate your Wife" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 80 verse 19 today is powerful - "Turn us again to yourself, O LORD God Almighty. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved." I like that opening - "turn us again to you God." I don't believe that God turns himself away from us - but that we do indeed turn ourselves away from God. And like the Psalmist, maybe sometimes we literally need to pray that God will turn us back toward him. I kind of come up with the imagery of us maybe sometimes being like pouty kids with our arms folded and our backs toward God - and God is looking at us lovingly - all we simply need to do is turn our face toward God and his grace will heal that pout and whatever is troubling us immediately... If you need to, will you turn yourself again toward God?

Proverbs - Today in Proverbs chapter 12 verse 28 we read - "In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality." What is the way of righteousness? How does one find the way of righteousness? How does one share with others the way of righteousness? Do you believe there is immortality along the way of righteousness?

Got K-LOVE? A couple of times each year, I enjoy sharing the impact K-LOVE radio has had in my life. First and foremost, I want to simply share with each of you that listening to K-LOVE has absolutely redeemed so much time I have spent in my car. I cannot tell you how many times I've jumped into my car thinking or worrying about x, y, or z and then some amazing song comes on K-LOVE (which is, oh, about all the time!) and I just start singing along and oftentimes worshiping God. This radio ministry has blessed my relationship with God significantly and turned me into a frequent car worshiper! I have a hunch there are many of you out there who know exactly what I am talking about here? I used to be someone who would listen to news or talk radio frequently while driving. However, I now pretty much listen to K-LOVE all of the time in the car. I can get my news easily from other news sources at different times of the day. I cannot get back the opportunity to worship God so frequently in my car that K-LOVE affords.

So, if you're not a K-LOVE listener, I want to encourage you to please find your local station and give this ministry some time to work in your heart and life! I have a hunch you'll soon realize how K-LOVE can redeem the time in your car significantly. You can find your local K-LOVE radio station by simply typing in your zip code at this link: http://www.klove.com/Music/StationList.aspx. Also, you can easily listen to K-LOVE online at klove.com or on iTunes under their Radio tab, then select "Religious" category, then K-LOVE.

If you are a K-LOVE listener, I do want to encourage you to please consider supporting their ministry. They have been doing their Spring Pledge Drive this past week and I encourage you to please make a monthly pledge if you are not doing so already? Will you join me in making a gift of $10 (or more) each month to K-LOVE? You can even make a monthly pledge, one-time gift, or pledge of prayer support right now at this link: https://www.klove.com/pledge/. Thank you so much for your support of K-LOVE!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llLaUpp8-6A

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: ""Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." Luke 14:34-35 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are the salt of the earth through your relationship with Jesus. Pray that you will not lose your salt and light.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Based on our Luke 14:27 readings today about carrying our cross, how about you? Are you a disciple of Jesus carrying your cross? Do you know what your cross is? Do you want to know? Are you following Him? Are you letting worldly and pop-cultural cares fall to wayside of your life as you walk along the true path of following Jesus? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

William Cutts

Tiba-tiba pintu rumah bersalin terbuka. Seorang dokter dengan pakaian khusus keluar. "istri anda dalam keadaan baik, namun sayang keadaan bayinya membahayakan jiwa istri anda. ada satu hal yang harus anda putuskan, keselamatan istri anda atau bayinya. Saya tahu hal ini sulit, namun kami telah berusaha sekuat mungkin. Akhirnya kami harus menemui anda, sebab keputusan anda amat menentukan, jika anda sudah siap, silahkan kami dihubungi dan menandatangi formulir ini." Setelah berkata demikian dokter tsb memeluk bahu pria yang diajak bicara.

Sorot matanya dibalik kaca mata yang tebal memberi semangat pada pria yang tubuhnya gemetar. Pria yang sedari tadi gelisah, sekarang bertambah gemetar setelah menerima berita yang meluncur dari mulut dokter yang memeluknya.

Wajahnya jadi pucat seperti mayat. Butiran keringat dingin sebesar kacang kedelai bermunculan di dahinya. Mulutnya menganga. lidahnya kelu, matanya nanar. Setelah berusaha menelan ludahnya, ia berusaha mengeluarkan kata-kata.

"Dokter..mm, bberi kesempatan saaaaya untuk berdoa." Kepala dokter tsb mengangguk, tanda setuju. Ruangan tunggu kelahiran bayi malam itu sepi menggigit, sinar lampunya nampak pudar.

Suasana saat itu bisa dingin menutupi tembok sekeliling ruangan itu. Pria itu kemudian tertunduk. Wajahnya ditenggelamkan atas kedua telapak tangannya yang menopangnya. Suara tangis tertahan bercampur kepedihan dan rasa takut menimbulkan suara yang keluar dari mulutnya seperti suara bergumam, tidak jelas. Suasana kembali sunyi. Kemudian ia perlahan bangkit, berjalan menuju perawat yang berdiri menunggunya.

"Suster, katakan kepada dokter, istri saya perlu diselamatkan, sedapat-dapatnya selamatkan juga anak saya, saya telah melihat harapan."

Suster itu hanya mengangguk, kemudian menyodorkan sehelai lembaran formulir. Setelah ditandatangi, ia kembali menunggu. Persalinan berlangsung sulit. Dokter berupaya mengeluarkan bayi dari dalam rahim wanita yang sudah mulai kehabisan tenaga. Dengan alat khusus, dokter tersebut mengupayakan kepala sang bayi dapat keluar terlebih dahulu. Namun tiba-2, crot..darah segar muncrat disertai bola mata yang masih terikat ototnya keluar menggelantung, baru kemudian kepala bayi. Merasa berpacu dengan waktu, dokter makin berusaha keras untuk mengeluarkan seluruh tubuh bayi itu. Bunyi gemeretak tulang rawan bayi yang patah karena proses tersebut. Akhirnya tubuh bayi yang mirip seonggok daging tsb utuh keluar dari dalam rahim. Persalinanpun berjalan sampai tuntas.

Dokter segera memerintahkan seorang perawat agar membersihkan tubuh bayi tersebut dan segera dimasukkan kantong mayat. Namun Tuhan yang mendengar doa bertindak lain. Tubuh bayi yang masih berlumuran darah dibersihkan terlebih dahulu oleh perawat. Saat tangan sang perawat membersihkan tubuh bayi di bagian dada sebelah kiri, nampak denyut jantung yang lemah. Tanda kehidupan. Ruapanya denyut yang lemah terlihat oleh sang perawat tsb. Segera bayi tsb dikirim ke ruang khusus.

4 th kemudian, bayi itu tumbuh menjadi seorang anak mirip monster hidup. Ia diberi nama William Cutts. Jika bayi normal, diusia sebelas thn telah belajar berjalan, tidak demikian dng William Cutts. Ia baru belajar merangkak seperti anjing. Kepala bagian kanan agak besar, matanya yang kanan rusak berat, tidak mungkin bisa melihat.Bahunya miring. Menjelang remaja, jalannya miring seperti tiang hampir roboh. Dan kata dokter, otaknya tak akan sanggup berkembang alias tidak mungkin bisa belajar seperti manusia normal.

Sudut pandang dokter rupanya beda dengan kedua orang tuanya, mereka melihat harapan. Orang tuanya terus membesarkannya dengan penuh kasih sayang. "Kelak anakku akan dipakai Tuhan secara luar biasa, sebab aku yakin harapan itu ada" demikian doa kedua orangtuanya, setiap kali melihat William Cutts yang selalu kesulitan dengan menyelaraskan jalannya dengan bahunya. Tuhanpun mewujudkan harapan anak-anakNYA.

Tepat pada waktuNYA, William Cutts bersimpuh dikakiNYA, satu ayat yang dipegangnya yang menjadi dasar panggilannya. "Justru didalam kelemahan kuasaKU menjadi sempurna" II Kor 12:9 Inilah sumber perharapan baginya.

Tuhan tidak pernah menyia-nyiakan orang yang berharap kepadaNYA. Tuhanpun membuktikan janjiNYA. Apa yang tidak dipandang oleh dunia, dipakai Allah secara luar biasa. Dengan segala keterbatasannya, William Cutts maju untuk taat. Harapan demi harapan terkuak setelah ia taat melangkah.

Setelah menyelesaikan sarjananya di sekolah theologia, ia menjadi utusan misi ke Irian Jaya, Indonesia. Tuhan meneguhkan janjiNYA, dalam kelemahan, kuasaNYA nyata. Tiap langkah pelayanan William Cutts, Tuhan meneguhkan dengan mujizatNYA. Semua ini diawali dengan orang yang melihat harapan dan mempercayai harapan di dalam Yesus itu pasti ada dan tidak pernah sia-2.

William Cutts telah meyaksikan apa makna hidup didalam pengharapan yang berlimpah di dalam Kristus

Britney Spear Artis Yang Sering Pindah Agama

Oops, she did it again! Ya.. itulah Britney Spear.. Kali ini bukan lagunya yang sedang menjadi sorotan artis satu ini, tapi seringnya dia berpindah-pindah agama dan kepercayaan.

Britney dibesarkan dalam keluarga yang berlatar belakang Kristen Babtis. Namun terakhir pada bulan Juli lalu, dia terlihat menggunakan kalung bintang Daud symbol agama Yahudi. Sebelumnya, wanita yang berusia 27 tahun ini pernah menganut kepercayaan Kabalah di tahun 2003 karena kedekatannya dengan seniornya Madona. Namun setelah melahirkan anak pertamanya, Preston yang saat ini berusia 3 tahun, Britney meninggalkan Kabbalah yang menyatakan "bayi saya adalah agama saya."

Dari Kabbalah, Britney sempat bereksperimen dengan Hinduisme. Bahkan pada tahun 2006 dia sempat mengunjungi kuil.

Pada tahun 2007, Britney sepertinya menemukan iman yang baru saat berpacarang dengan model Issac Cohen yang adalah seorang Yahudi.

Berdasarkan sebuah survey dari Pew Research Center, Britney merupakan salah satu dari beberapa orang terkenal di Amerika yang sering berpindah-pindah agama. Sebagai suatu negara yang menjunjung tinggi hak azasi manusia, di Amerika sangat mudah untuk berpindah agama bahkan tanpa agama sekalipun.

Menemukan iman adalah sebuah perjalanan yang harus dijalani oleh setiap orang. Rasa haus dan laparlah akan kebenaranlah yang akan membawa seseorang pada Tuhan. Berita Injil harus terus di kumandangkan, karena di luar sana banyak orang berseru-seru mencari Tuhan yang hidup dan bisa mengisi ruang hati mereka yang kosong. Sebuah ruangan yang hanya bisa di isi oleh kehadiran Tuhan. Semoga Britney menemukan Tuhan yang hidup ini, Yesus Kristus dalam perjalanan pencarian imannya. Sebuah perjumpaan pribadi dengan Yesus, dan bukan hanya agama warisan nenek moyang.

Sumber : nydailynews

Penyanyi Rohani AS Ungkapkan Penyesalannya di Depan Wartawan

Penyanyi Rohani AS Ungkapkan Penyesalannya di Depan Wartawan
SUNDAY, 15 NOVEMBER 2009
Total View : 1434 kali

Bagi Anda pecinta lagu musik rohani kontemporer pasti tidak asing dengan penyanyi rohani yang satu ini, Matt Redman. Namun, siapa sangka keberhasilannya menelorkan lagu-lagu Kristiani hingga ke manca negara masih menyisahkan sebuah penyesalan dalam dirinya.

Dalam sebuah wawancara dengan CBN News baru-baru ini, Matt mengatakan bahwa selama hidupnya ia menyesal tidak belajar musik secara formal. Walaupun ia mendapat penghargaan Dove Award beberapa kali atas karya-karya yang dihasilkannya, pria yang dikenal sayang dengan istri dan anak-anaknya tersebut merasa masih ada yang kurang.

Walaupun begitu, pembuat lagu ‘The Heart of Worship' tersebut menegaskan bahwa hal itu bukanlah menjadi fokus dalam hidupnya. Tujuan utama dirinya menulis lirik lagu dan menciptakan musik adalah untuk memberitakan kasih Allah yang besar dan memberi pengaruh kepada dunia yang membutuhkan pertolongan.

Wah, untung saja Matt Redman hanya menyesal karena tidak bisa belajar musik di sekolah dan tidak ada yang lain. Tak dapat dibayangkan bagaimana dirinya mengalami kejatuhan atau kemunduran rohani. Walau potensi itu ada bahkan oleh para hamba Tuhan sekaliber Frank Damazio atau Peter C.Wagner sekalipun, namun baiklah kita berdoa agar tangan Tuhan menyertai dan menjagai mereka senantiasa.

Sumber: jawaban.com