Ini menceritakan bagaimana sikap kita untuk menyambut kelahiran / kedatangan Tuhan kita Yesus Kristus kepada dunia ini . Gembala yang menggembalakan biri di padang gurun dikejutkan dengan kedatangan malaikat Tuhan yang membawa berita tentang kelahiran Tuhan Yesus , Alkitab mengatakan bahwa : " mereka takut " . Sikap wajar ditunjukkan oleh para gembala .

Dalam bagian ini , tetapi Tuhan ingin memberitakan tentang berita sukacita , Allahpun ingin mengajarkan bagaimana para gembala , dan kita berperilaku kelahiran / kedatangan Tuhan Yesus ke dunia ini . Hal ini juga Allah memberikan hal-hal blessings.Some nya yang terungkap dari ayat ini dalam kelahiran / kedatangan -Nya , antara lain :

1 . Memuliakan Allah (ayat 14a ) idiom asli kemuliaan " doxa " , kata ini menggambarkan kemuliaan Allah yang tahu secara pribadi , sifat dan pekerjaan Allah . Memuji dan memuliakan Tuhan tidak menunggu yang telah menerima pekerjaan Tuhan , tapi tahu secara pribadi dan mengetahui sifat-Nya sudah cukup untuk dapat memuji dan memuliakan Tuhan .

Dari peristiwa ini kita bisa belajar , bahwa orang-orang yang menghormati Tuhan akan memuji dan memuliakan Tuhan , tidak melihat bagaimana situasi dan kondisi ( Lukas 2:20; 24:53 , 7:16; 13:13; Mazmur 50:23 ; 1 Petrus 4:16)

2 . Menerima Perdamaian ( ayat 14b ) Damai sejahtera di sini menggunakan kata " " eirene "memiliki arti : suatu kondisi yang bebas dari rasa takut dan memiliki ketenangan pikiran .Dan damai di bumi , hanya bisa dialami dan dinikmati oleh orang-orang yang benar-benar hidup di dalam Dia . Kita hidup dalam damai karena , Allah telah mengungkapkan dan disempurnakan ketenangan-Nya kepada kita dalam Yesus Christ.Some hal penting kita dapat mengetahui hal-hal yang berhubungan dengan Allah yang menyatakan " Damai -Nya " adalah untuk kita , yaitu : 
a . Di tanah ( Imamat 26:6 ) 
b . Bagi mereka yang mengenal Allah ( 2 Petrus 1:2) 
c . Bagi mereka yang hatinya teguh ( Yesaya 26:3 ; Filipi 4:9) 
d . Bagi mereka yang berbuat baik (Roma 2:10) 
e . Bagi mereka yang hidup benar ( Yesaya 32:17 ; Roma 5:1 )
f . Untuk utusan Kristus ( Yohanes 20:21 , 1 Petrus 1:2) 
g . Bagi mereka yang dipenuhkan Roh Kudus ( Efesus 4:3 )

 Refleksi : Yesus datang ke bumi sebagai Raja Damai , dan kedamaian dalam kehidupan Kristus hanya bisa dinikmati oleh orang-orang yang beriman , tidak semua manusia di muka bumi ini . Dan perdamaian yang kita nikmati , bukan karena ada masalah , masalah , dan kesulitan hidup , tapi perdamaian yang kita nikmati , karena Allah telah memberikan dan menjamin dalam dan melalui Kristus .( 2 Tesalonika 3:16 , Yohanes 14:27)

Dapat dimengerti betapa terkejutnya ketika Tuhan meminta Abraham untuk mempersembahkan Ishak , dan keturunan hanya satu , sebagai korban . Perasaan campur aduk seperti rasa takut , cemas , khawatir , marah, kecewa dan lain-lain , harus mengisi hati Abraham .

Tapi kita tidak melihat Abraham menunjukkan hal itu . Sebuah karakter yang baik telah dibentuk dalam dirinya . Dan ditunjukkan melalui sikap dan tindakan . * Courtesy of PelitaHidup.comMany hal-hal yang kita alami dalam hidup kita adalah sebuah proses yang Tuhan ijinkan terjadi untuk setiap janji-janji Allah dapat dipenuhi dalam hidup kita .

Mari kita belajar dari beberapa Abraham poin penting yang dia lakukan sehingga dia berani mengorbankan Ishak , yang pada saat itu harta yang paling berharga bagi dirinya sendiri :

1 . Taat ( Kejadian 22:3)
 dari PelitaHidup.comObedience sangat penting kita lakukan . Banyak hal yang Tuhan ingin kita untuk membiarkan pergi karena hal ini dapat mengubah pandangan kita kepada Allah .Semua kenikmatan , kesenangan , hobi , pekerjaan , dan apa pun yang kita anggap berharga , bukan hal utama dalam kehidupan kita . Tuhan tidak melarang kita untuk dapat menikmati semuanya . Tapi Tuhan ingin kita rela mengorbankan apa yang kita anggap berharga , dan mengarahkan pandangan kita kepada Allah .

2 . Iman ( Kejadian 22:05 )Di sini kita melihat bahwa iman Abraham mengandalkan percaya pada Tuhan . Apa Allah berjanji bahwa melalui Ishak memiliki keturunannya akan menjadi banyak di muka bumi ini , masih memegang . Dan Abraham tahu bahwa Allah telah berfirman , Dia mampu melaksanakannya dan pasti akan terpenuhi .Berapa banyak janji Tuhan yang telah kita terima selama kita mengenal Kristus dalam hidup kita ? Berapa banyak dari kita masih memiliki iman bahwa Tuhan akan memenuhi dalam kehidupan kita ? Tidak peduli bagaimana masalah berat yang kita hadapi , Tuhan tetap memegang kendali atas hidup kita .Kita bisa melihat lebih banyak dan Abraham pergi ke tempat pengorbanan , maka sudah saatnya untuk membunuh anaknya semakin dekat . Secara fisik - bahkan Abraham tidak melihat jalan keluar baginya . Tapi dia masih memiliki iman bahwa Allah akan membantunya .

3 . Percaya Benar ( Kejadian 22:08 )Hal ini dapat membuat iman kita menjadi goyah . Banyak orang yang tidak tahan pada titik ini menjadi marah dan kesal dengan Allah dan orang-orang di sekelilingnya . Teman, keluarga , istri dan anak-anak bukan penyebab dari masalah - dapat menjadi sasaran kemarahan kita .Mari kita belajar dari Abraham yang masih sangat percaya pada Tuhan dan tidak goyah dalam imannya . Abraham tetap tenang dan percaya diri . Abraham tidak menjadi marah pada kondisi yang ia alami . Abrahampun kecewa tidak kepada Allah , karena dia akan kehilangan hal yang paling berharga .

Tuhan ingin kita rela berani melepaskan apa yang kita anggap paling berharga dalam hidup kita . Mungkin kita berpikir apa yang akan terjadi jika tidak ada jalan keluar ? Apa yang akan dikatakan oleh orang lain terhadap kita ? Apa yang akan terjadi pada kita ? Apa yang akan terjadi pada pekerjaan bisnis / kami ? Apa yang akan terjadi kepada keluarga , istri dan anak-anak kita ?

Allah tetap memegang kendali atas semua aspek kehidupan kita . Jangan takut dan jangan khawatir , karena Allah sedang memproses hidup kita sehingga kita dapat memiliki karakter seperti Kristus .Tenang hati kita untuk dibentuk oleh Allah . Berani mengorbankan apa yang Tuhan minta dari kehidupan kita . Kita bahkan tidak akan kehilangan sedikit di hadapan Allah . Kita melihat bagaimana memberkati Abraham setelah ia rela dan berani menawarkan harta yang paling berharga .Kejadian 22:16-18

Luke 22:31-38


Satan demanded that Peter and other disciples like wheat ditampi (verse 31). Ditampi means separated. Satan felt when Peter fails, then other students will also follow in the footsteps of Peter. Such a situation is fully recognized by Jesus. How did Jesus respond? Jesus prayed. In his prayer Jesus did not pray that Peter did not fail, but Jesus just pray that such failure did not change his faith.That's why Jesus in his last supper member of two important messages to his disciples:

1. Addressed to Peter, without ignoring the other disciples. The word 'you' in verse 31 is written in the plural, so it does not refer only to Peter but to the other disciples. That is, Peter will receive a very valuable lesson from its failure, that Peter was enabled to understand the meaning of recovery. This is a lesson that would enable Peter to strengthen the other disciples (verse 32). Jesus' statement about Peter reveals two important truths.

 (a). God allowed Satan to tempt us only to certain limits and with the permission of God (cf. Job  1:10,12). The devil is not free to do whatever he wants with the people of God. 
 (b). Jesus prayed that His people of faith will not fail. As our heavenly Mediator, He prayed for all those who "come unto God by Him. Because He lives always to be a mediator of them" (Heb. 7:25). God is faithful in all our trials to provide a way out (1 Cor 10:13 *). However, the realization of Jesus' prayers were conditional. If someone rejects God's grace, the intercession of Christ ultimately in vain (Luke 19:41)

2. Awarded to the other disciples including Peter (verse 35). Jesus warned them to prepare themselves physically and spiritually. 
(a). Physical preparation is denoted by the term coffers (Luk.10: 4; 12:33; bd. Hag. 1:6). 
(b). Spiritual preparation is symbolized by the term sword. But they understand it literally (ayat. 36,38,49; bd. Matt. 26:52). It is clear that understanding is not meant literally. Jesus affirms the language of metaphor need for spiritual preparation. They need spiritual sword. Spiritual sword is more important than physical preparation (Ef.6: 17; Heb 4:12; Rev. 2:16; 19:15).

Meditation: When we fail, we will understand the meaning of success. Understand that failure by its own strength makes us understand about the meaning of prayer depends on God.

John 16:13-18

 
The work of the Holy Spirit that convicts not only addressed to the unsaved (John 16:7-8), but also works in the believer and the church to teach, correct errors and lead them to the truth (Matt. 18:15; 1 Timothy 5:20 ; Revelation 3:19).

The Holy Spirit will convince people to believe about sin, about the truth of Christ and of the judgments, so that:

1. Becoming like Christ and live according to the Word of God (cf. 2 Cor 3:18)

2. In Leads into all truth (John 16:18; Ps 25:5; bd. Rom 10:3)

3. Glorify Christ (John 16:14; 2 Corinthians 1:20).
           
Thus, the Holy Spirit works in believers to produce a holy life of Christ in their lives.

If believers are filled with the Holy Spirit and reject the leadership of his watch at work and if they do not "by the Holy Spirit to death the deeds of the flesh" (Rom 8:13), then they will be sentenced. Only those who accept the truth and "led by the Spirit of God" are "children of God" (Rom 8:14) and thus able to live on in the fullness of the Spirit (Eph 5:18). Sin destroys life and fullness of the Holy Spirit within the believer (Rom 6:23; 8:13; Gal 5:17; bd. Eph 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:19).

Ephesians 5:1-21

 
As children of light, God's people living with imitation of Jesus (verse 1). Just like Jesus who follow God as well as his people. Paul also encourages believers to imitate Christ (verse 2). Living in love is real evidence to imitate Christ. In particular, the children of light should stay away from immorality.

Not only immorality is discarded, but also vulgar and dirty words (verse 4). Why? There are four reasons.

1. People who are immoral and vulgar will be punished. Immediately repent to receive forgiveness.

2. In connection with nature as children of light (verses 8-14). Children do not deserve the light of prevailing immoral and vulgar (verse 11). Steer clear of evil does not mean throwing people do it. If the believer away from the wicked, how he could believe in Jesus and updated? If no one loves a immoral and vulgar, who will expose these deeds? Deeds and those who do are two different things. His deeds should be exposed so that people repent and come to Jesus to receive forgiveness.

3. The children of light have the wisdom to live as children of light (verses 15-17). Being the wise man is put in God's will in your entire life (verse 17). Immorality and vulgarity rather than the will of God.

4. Associated with the Holy Spirit (verses 18-21). The children of light must be met RohKudus. This resulted in the birth of a partnership in which the dominant compliment. Filled with the Spirit means filled with thanksgiving.

Meditation: The nature determines the function. That is, the army life as a soldier, athlete lives as athletes, and doctors living as a doctor. Seem strange if the artist's life as a soldier. Is not true when children are the light of life as children of darkness.

Isaiah 40:1-11

 
Article 40 is an early passage of the second part of Isaiah. When the first part of Isaiah confirms punishment to be meted out to Judah, then in the second part of this, the authors focus on the recovery plan directed his people.

This passage consists of four series of calls:

1. The call for God's comfort that the punishment is over (v. 1-2). God has forgiven and now ready to recover.

2. The appeal calls to prepare the way for the repatriation of people from landfills. The picture is a victory procession from God and His people which culminated in the declaration of God's glory is witnessed by all mankind (verses 3-5). This picture was fulfilled by the ministry of John the Baptist who prepared the Jews for the coming of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

3. Call for the realization of human mortality and the immortality of the word of God (verses 6-8). The core of this appeal to remind people of the Lord that forgiveness and restoration occurs solely because of the grace of God according to His Word promises, not because of their goodness.

4. Appeals exaltation of God as a Shepherd of His people (verses 9-11). Zion is called to witness the power and love of God who restored God's people. The power of God shown to liberate his people from Babylonian captivity. His love is portrayed as a shepherd cares for his people.

A sin that we do definitely rewarded punishment from God. However, after the sentence was over God will forgive and ready to restore us. Recovery was a gift of God because His Word promises. Therefore, we must raise the already restored thanks as well to gaze upon His love to everyone.

Meditation: Make recovery that God gives to us is as a first step we are, to be a blessing for others.

Ezekiel 10: 18-22


Departing from what is experienced by the people of Israel who have a belief that the presence of the Ark of the Covenant is very important in their struggle to confront the Philistines, the Ark of the Covenant has 2 Since the meaning for the people of Israel, which is a blessing and a curse, so anything with God's Church today is faced between 2 options:
1. Curses (1 Samuel 5:6-12), when the Ark of the Covenant in which the Philistines seized an enemy of Israel.Eli died of shock and orphaned grandson who symbolically named Ichabod, which means 'has vanished glory of Israel' (1Sam. 4:21, 22).

2. Thanks to (2 Samuel 6:11-14), when the Ark of the Covenant was in the house of Obed Edom Gadites who
But the vision that Ezekiel received marks that period was over, because the glory of God will leave the Temple. But it does not mark the vision that God will disappear because the same glory once seen by Ezekiel by the river Chebar, where most of the nation of Judah underwent removal as a form of obedience to the will of God.
What can we learn from Ezekiel's vision this time?
1. Guarantee the presence of the glory of God among His people is not determined by the presence or absence of buildings of worship, but is determined by the presence or absence of building loyalty and obedience to God's people to His word. (Rom 6:16; Mikh 6:8; Hosea 11:4)

2. The presence of the glory of God is not always synonymous with human welfare physically. This can be proved where the glory of His presence in the middle of the nation of Judah that are in the humiliation and suffering on the banks of the river Chebar.(Luke 15:11-13; Matthew 19:16-22)

3. Based on the first truth, when the glory of God is not present then that is present in the midst of His people must have the wrath of God (verses 2, 7). God's people do not have a neutral option, but experience the presence of God's glory or suffer the wrath of God's presence. (Philippians 1:9-11; cf. Gen. 13: 8-13)
Meditation: The above truths expressly stated to us that the main priority in the Development of the church God is building His church life of the faithful and obedient to God in all areas of life to the glory of God is always present in the church of God and radiated to the community through the church's existence Him in the midst of society. (Heb 9:24)

John 4:43-54

After two days in Samaria, on day three of the Lord Jesus came back in Galilee (v. 43). There are two forms of the Lord Jesus suffered acceptance. The Galileans welcomed him because they had seen the miracles that Jesus did diperjamuan mating diKana, Jerusalem (verse 45), This is just a welcome mediocre.

Contrary to receipt of a court employee. At Cana, where He had turned water into wine (verse 46), the Lord Jesus met with court officials. Court officials has been running from Capernaum to Cana seek the Lord Jesus to beg the Lord Jesus heal critically ill children (verse 47). When the Lord Jesus told him that his son is alive, he believed in his word (v. 50). On the way home, the court officials met with his servants who reported that his son had been healed. The word about the state of his son is "alive", the word is also used by the Lord Jesus (verse 50). The same word is also revealed in the report his servants (verse 51). This word also is remembered by the court officials when he realized his son was healed (verse 53). Apparently when his son was healed just as the Lord Jesus declared that his son is alive. At that, he believed in the Lord Jesus (verse 53).

Why up to two times said he believes? There are two processes of growth of faith in employees of this court, namely:
1. Paragraph 50, the court officials believe the first one in the Lord Jesus. That's when his faith was born. Although it can be said that efforts to seek the Lord Jesus is a manifestation of his faith, but then in verse 50, he clearly stated his faith in the Lord Jesus.

2. Verse 53, is the moment when faith has been deepened. Events that cured her son is not born of his faith, but faith is an event when the diperteguh. Faith in this increasingly manifest themselves in concrete form. This faith testify. Court officials who deepened his faith soon testify about Jesus to the whole family (verse 53). It's beautiful, the whole family believe in the Lord Jesus.

Meditation: True faith is not just lip service, but the witness said of the heart in which Jesus lived emit.

John 17:9
 

Jesus' last prayer for His disciples showed his deep desire for all believers, both past and present. Prayer is also an example of how all the inspiration of the Spirit of the pastor to pray for their congregations, and how parents should pray for their children. By praying for those who are under our supervision, the greatest concern in our prayer must be:

1. That they may know Christ and His Word in depth (John 17:2-3,17,19)
2. For God to protect them from the world, so they would not go astray by Satan's deception and false teaching (John 17:6,11,14-17)
3. So they always have full joy in Christ (John 17:13)
4. So that they are holy in thought, deed, and nature (Jn 17:17)
5. That they may become one in purpose and fellowship with the Father as Jesus (John 17:11,21-22)
6. So that they can lead others to Christ (John 17:21,23)
7. So that they can continue in faith and ultimately with Christ in heaven (John 17:24)
8. So they always live in love and presence of God (Jn 17:26)

Meditation: In the most critical moment in his life, Jesus is still able to pray for others. What about us, have biological actions of Jesus and makes us part of our lives?
* (Cf. 1 Tim. 2:1-4)

Revelation 2:1-5

How long we follow Christ and know Him in earnest? 1 year, 5 years, 10 years, or from small? However, if until now we still experience and feel the love at first in our lives? 

Love at first we could describe when we follow God First Instance maybe we will feel a great excitement to always read and meditate on the Word of God, pray all the time, recounted the virtues and deeds of magic to our lives, actively involved in ministry, and much more .

But in later years sometimes we realize that this excitement starts to fade, we no longer find the sight of people exiting to read the Word, even we begin to feel our hearts are empty are no longer able to feel His love.

Maybe there are some among us begin to feel bored and tired in our spiritual journey. Or maybe there who are in a comfort zone with the conditions of life that feels fine, so we rarely cry out to Him, seek His face was no longer enthusiastic, even started to leave a personal relationship with Him.

There are usually three main reasons that cause someone to lose first love (passion for God): 

1. We began to see the service or whatever we do as a routine and not the responsibility 
    (Matt. 25:18,24-26)
When we started looking at jobs and services as a mere routine, which will happen over time these things become a burden and appeared reluctant to do so, or do it half-heartedly. 

2. The existence of the wrong motivation (Acts 8:18-20)
When our focus is no longer doing something that God would be glorified, either to please others, or we begin to unconsciously steal the glory of God through the ministry or our jobs. Surely whatever we do all just to glorify God, not self-seeking, or to please others.

3. Rely on yourself  (Jeremiah 17:5-8)
This attitude appears usually in people who already have enough experience or knowledge of a field of work. This is called the sin of pride.

Proverbs 19:21, Multiply design at the heart of man, but God's decision is implemented.

When a problem comes if we first do? Looking Tuhankah?Sometimes we encounter capitalize life experiences we have ever experienced and the experience we make the truth. So when the same problems that might arise again, we finish with our own mind and strength, thanks to God, He did not let us fall to linger longer and deeper. When we heard the reproach and confess before God, He is faithful and righteous God (1 John 1:9).

If today we feel has lost its first love, and cry to Him so that love is kindled in our hearts again. For any who ask, it shall be given him, who seek it will get it, and that knocks the door will be opened for him (Luke 11: 9)

Keep on fire! 
Gbu

Psalms 19:8-12


These verses speak of the nature, advantages, and the value of law and the word of God. The five aspects are:

1) "Torah" (Hebrew word _Torah_) Actually means: teaching by God. Applied to the ten commandments, then on all of God's laws and regulations, particularly on the five books of Moses or the Torah,-a general term for the revelation of God's will that mobilize people in a right relationship with Him (Psalms 119:165; bd. Neh . 8: 6.7).

2) "Rule"-the word of God is right to give testimony about the nature and His will, which can make us wise if we learn it (Lev. 18:5; Ezek. 18: 9.17).

3) "Order"-specific regulations regarding the true life which is the joy of the righteous (Ps 119:93,104; 111: 7).

4) "Command"-a legitimate source of light which guides believers who seek His proper response to God's commands is to "fear God" which brings freedom from the sinful life (Deut. 11:1; Joh. 15 : 10,12,17).

5. "The fear of the Lord" (Ps. 25: 12.14; 33:18; 34:10)Note that this psalm promises conditional, specifically for those who truly fear God. God promises to deliver us from fear (Ps 34:5), save us from trouble (Psalms 34:7,18), sent his angels to camp around us (Ps 34:8), provide for our needs (Psalm 34:10) , gives us abundant life (Ps 34:13), listening to our prayers (Psalms 34:16), entertain us with his presence (Psalm 34:19) and redeem us (Psalms 34:2).

6) "Law"-the laws that govern social life that bring justice and truth. The Bible teaches that someday believers must give an account before the "seat of Christ". Everything will be revealed. The word "face" (Gk. _phaneroo_, 2 Cor 5:10) means: "disclosed openly or in public". God will test and declare openly, in fact correct,(A) our actions are hidden (Mark 4:22; Rom 2:16),(B) the character of us (Rom 2:5-11),(C) our words (Matt. 12:36-37),(D) our good works (Eph 6:8),(E) attitude (Matt. 5:22),(F) motivation (1 Cor 4:5),(G) lack of love us (Col. 3:18-4:1), and(H) work and our ministry (1 Cor 3:13).

God Bless and Amin.

1Raja 3:1-15

 

NATO (North Atlantic Territory Organization: North Atlantic Defence Organization) is often twisted into No Action Talk Only (without doing much to say). Many people can only speak and theorize tanAa can do it. Was Solomon a king who was NATO?

The Bible records that Solomon loved the Lord in earnest. This was demonstrated by several things:
 
1. Living according to the provisions of David, his father (v. 3; 1Rj 9:4; 11:38).

2. He offered a burnt offering to the LORD, as a manifestation of his love that. Burnt offerings it is a statement of worship, thanksgiving, and communion of Solomon to the Lord.

3. Solomon loved the Lord, we can see from the petition in prayer (verses 6-9).  
God gave Solomon one request, and Solomon use. One request is to invoke the wisdom of Solomon in order to govern well and for the good of his people. Solomon did not ask for wealth, power, longevity, etc.. This shows that Solomon is not selfish, but who cares about people so much. With the wisdom of the Lord, Solomon welfare of the people of God. Solomon loved the people of the Lord because the Lord loved Solomon! The second evidence was confirmed by confirmation from the Lord himself (verses 10-14).

Solomon proved himself not king of NATO. Solomon loved the Lord is not just through words but with concrete action. Do we love God? What evidence we love God? If we love God, we must obey His word, and faithfully serve him. If we love God, we must also love our neighbor, and we would ask for things that are best not for oneself but for others.

Meditation: What evidence is there we love God. Are we living according to His will? Is our life has become a blessing to our neighbors?

Colossians 3:5-17


Where does someone believe in confession of our faith as a Christian? Course of change for change that we are doing to renounce the old life and put on new life. Like a fruit that is proof that talk comes from a plant that otherwise lush and fresh. Similarly, the Christian life, the love that is reflected in the application of daily life is proof that speak of Christ-centered life. So Christians should be a qualitative growth rather than an alternative.
In this passage Paul describes the life of the old and the new life that truly contrast, no properties and behaviors that can go hand in hand, then the old one should be abandoned and new ones replace them. How did Paul describe the true Christian life application?
1. Long life self-centered and worldly, while a new life centered on Christ and the nature of love. (Paragraph 5, 8-9), (verse 10; Eph 4:22, 24)

2. In Christ there is no gap and the difference (verse 11): nationality, religion, culture, and social status. Christ has conquered all the pride of man who upholds these things, because in Him we realize that all humans have the same impropriety. (Rom 10:12)

3. Guide the Christian through life: full of mercy (v. 12), a heart full of forgiveness (v. 13), love (verse 14), peace (verse 15), his word is a lamp life to be so careful abundant praise and thanksgiving (verse 16) , and activity-centered life of Christ (verse 17).
Whether this change is the alternative? Surely not, because in Him we are motivated and enabled to live according to our vocation as a chosen people, holy and beloved (v. 12).
Meditation: Is it true that during the time we make the process of changing our lives as Christians merely mere alternative? Reflect on His Word today, then you will discover how Christian life should be a growing and constantly renewed by him.

Heb 12:14 (1 Pet.2 :11-17)



Being holy means separated from sin and devoted to God, that means living close to God, become like Him, and look for the presence, truth, and his alliance with a vengeance. God's holiness is a top priority for his followers (Eph 4:21-24).

1) Holiness is God's purpose for His people when He planned their salvation in Christ (Eph 1:4).

2) Holiness is the intention of Christ to His people when He came to this earth (Matt. 1:21; 1 Corinthians 1:2,30).

3) Holiness is the intention of Christ to His people when He gave Himself on the cross for them (Eph 5:25-27).

4) Holiness is God's intention when it makes us new creatures and gives us the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:2-15; Gal 5:16-25; Eph 2:10).

5) Without holiness no one can use to God (2 Tim 2:20-21).

6) Without holiness we could not possibly close to or fellowship with God (Psalms 15:12).

7) Without holiness no man shall see God (Heb 12:14; Matthew 5:8)

Meditation: Christian O So be careful, lest you 'reject' do you really know Him when He speaks through His word. If they are not so familiar He was convicted for refusing to His words, how much greater punishment will befall you, because you know Him so familiar and intimate.

• 1 Peter 1:2

Titus 2:1-10


Did you know that teaching greatly affect human behavior? The good teaching and the right is likely to form a good person, but the doctrine that one has the greatest opportunity to create personal problems.
In this passage Paul reminds Titus to declare what is in accordance with sound doctrine (verse 1). There are two main objectives:

1. Forming a mature Christian personalities. Willingness to teach and lead by example and willingness to be taught and modeled, making the teachings of Jesus will be glorified (v. 10). Interactive relationship between the 'give' - 'accept' teaching and example is a very important process to make Christians grow to maturity. Skilled teaching but did not give an example to make these teachings ultimately barren. Instead of teaching by example but does not make a dumb example. (Ps 33:15; Heb 5:14; 1 Corinthians 3:1; cf. 13:11)
2. interests of the teaching itself. Explicitly (clearly, firmly, frankly, not convoluted) there are 4 things that will be achieved, namely:

a. Lifestyle in accordance with sound doctrine will produce a model of life (paragraph 4); (1 Timothy 4:6; 2 Timothy 1:13; cf. 2 Timothy 4:3)

b. So that the word of God is not blasphemed people (verse 5). This is a logical consequence of the teachings of Christianity, that Christianity came from God and have the power to alter a person of character. If Christians are not able to give confirmation, then the word of God is forced to be ridiculed by the world; (Acts 6:11; Matthew 12:31)

c. In order for your opponent to shame (v. 8). In Titus services, they often face-deceiver deceiver who always want to drop them. If Titus and church life followed the pattern of sound doctrine, then it might not find any disgrace to be distributed by the deceivers. Rather, the heretic became ashamed of their own deeds; (Ps 129:28; Mikh 3:7, Isaiah 65:13)

d. Teachings glorify God (verse 10). Paul reminded the servants to implement sound teaching (v. 9). (1Ti 4:6; 2 Timothy 1:13; cf. 2 Timothy 4:3)
Meditation: Do the teachings of God have formed your own? Has the teaching of God be glorified through your life? Make this application form which struggled with a serious!