Wednesday, December 24, 2008

‘Oakwood mutiny worse than Mumbai’

‘Oakwood mutiny worse than Mumbai’
By Chito A. FuentesPhilippine Daily Inquirer
Posted date: December 02, 2008
TAGBILARAN CITY -- A former member of the Magdalo group, which was composed of junior officers tagged in destabilization plots against the Arroyo government, has said the Oakwood mutiny more than five years ago would have been worse than the Mumbai massacre had it succeeded.
Former captain Alvin Ebreo made this observation during a dinner fellowship hosted by the Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship International (FGBMFI) Tagbilaran chapter where he gave his testimony of faith on Sunday.
The FGBMFI Tagbilaran chapter invited Ebreo to share insights on his conversion while he was in prison at the event dubbed "Saving Captain Alvin."
"Imagine that there were only about a dozen people involved in Mumbai," Ebreo said in Tagalog when he came to the part where he said he was grateful the Oakwood mutiny did not succeed.
The Indian police said over 170 people died and more than 200 were wounded in the attacks in Mumbai. Militants believed linked with the international terrorist group Al Qaeda were accused of being behind the attacks.
On July 27, 2003, more than 300 young officers and soldiers occupied the Oakwood Premiere Hotel in the country's financial district of Makati.
The soldiers had claimed that the takeover was unplanned and that they just wanted to air their grievances against the government, citing graft and corruption in both the government and the military.
"It would have been more chaotic and bloody if Oakwood was not nipped in the bud," Ebreo confessed.
But during a Senate hearing on the Oakwood mutiny, Army Captain Gerardo Gambala, one of the mutiny leaders, said the mutiny was only a "protest to air the truth."
The mutineers surrendered without firing a single shot and no lives were lost during the Makati standoff.
However, the Feliciano Commission, created to look into the mutiny, maintained that the mutiny was not spontaneous as shown by the preparation of those involved such as the buying of uniforms and communications equipment, among others.
"The Commission believes that the mutiny had been planned and was not spontaneous and that it was part of a larger plan to achieve political change by military force," it noted in its report.
Ebreo, a former comptroller and disbursing officer of the Army's Special Forces, was among the disillusioned Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduates who formed the core of the Magdalo faction.
Former Navy lieutenant, senior grade, and now Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, one the mutiny leaders, and Ebreo were classmates in the PMA's batch 1995.
Ebreo and eight others pleaded guilty to the crime of coup d'etat last March and were handed down prison sentences ranging from six to 12 years.
After spending nearly five years in jail, Ebreo was granted pardon by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last May 16.
He and the six pardoned Magdalo officers now work for the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPAPP) headed by former Armed Forces chief of staff Hermogenes Esperon Jr.
Ebreo now works as the senior action officer for the Visayas of the OPAPP's social integration program.
In his testimony, Ebreo said he apologized to the President after his reflections on Romans 13: 1 where St. Paul exhorted the faithful to submit to governing authorities.

Monday, December 1, 2008

FGMBI Puri Banking and Property Chapter on air in Radio Cakrawala 98,3 FM

FGMBI Puri Banking and Property Chapter on air in Radio Cakrawala 98,3
Date: December 2 ,2008.
Time: 21:00 PM Nigh WIB
Radio Mandarin 98,FM

Kesaksian Bapak Soe Lie , Seorang Chines Medan yang berusia 50 Tahun lebih. Pendengar acara FGMBI setiap Selasa , Jam 9 malam di Radio Mandarin Cakrawala 98,3 FM JAkarta dan Rabu malam jam 7 di Radio Heartline 1006.FM
Hidup merantau ke Jakarta.Mengalami kesuksesan karir.Tetapi karena bermain judi harta habis. Keluarga berantakan .Istri dan anak meninggalkannya dan menderita penyakit stroke dan darah tinggi,mata tidak bisa melihat.

Disembuhkan Tuhan Yesus dan akhir bisa berkumpul dengan anaknya di Jakarta Barat.Tahun 2009 .Tuhan akan mengembalikan keluarga ini seutuhnya.
Seorang yang putus asa menghadapi tekanan hidup dihari tua,Menemukan Kasih Tuhan Yesus dalam hidup.
PAda tanggal 30 November 2008 dibaptiskan oleh Pdt.Lie A min di GPSI
Kami tunggu partisipasi anda bersama FGMBI

Salam
Samuel David Immanuel

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Forgive the hurts

"Forgiveness will never fail to free you."-- Jerrold Mundis

How do we forgive when we’re angry and hurt?

As a first step, we can be willing to truly feel our anger and hurt. Honouring our feelings by being fully present with them helps to release the feelings themselves.

And it helps to remember that people only hurt others when they themselves are in pain. When we can recognize the other person’s suffering, our heart can open in compassion. We can also remember that at some time or another, we too have hurt someone through our own unskilful action.

Only love can heal the rifts caused by a hurtful deed. Forgiveness holds immense power because it mends separation. It moves us towards the unity and love that lie at the core of our being. It is a fundamental part of the healing process.

"Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future."-- Paul Boese

"God has a big eraser."-- Billy Zeoli

The physical, emotional and mental realms are all effects! Shift into working with cause by developing your higher mind, heart and spirituality and then your lfe will significantly change for the better.

Immanuel - God with us

The Names of God

Immanuel - God with us

"Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go.” Genesis 28:15

"... the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14

Over 700 years later:

“'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which is translated, 'God with us.” Matthew 1:23

I remember well the first time God sent me across the country to speak at a conference. I didn't want to go. Shy and fearful in groups, I had no desire to stand before a roomful of expectant faces and speak into a microphone.

"I can't," I argued. "Others are far more qualified." But He confirmed His call, reminding me that He would be with me and meet all my needs. "My grace is sufficient for you," He reassured me, "for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Months later, as bright, billowy clouds drifted by my airplane window, I silently prayed for courage and strength. And once again, my nearest and dearest Friend spoke to me through His Word:

"Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

What could be more wonderful? Why fear when the King of the universe is with me! Day by day, He is my ever-present Shepherd, my Lord, my Master and my Friend! Since I have "died with Him" on the cross, I "shall also live with Him" for all eternity! Romans 6:8

Yet, the blinded world around us continues to reject our Immanuel. Now as always, His presence in this sin-filled world is an offense and a "stumbling stone" to those who refuse to follow Him.

So when the long-awaited Savior was born into our world that starry night long ago, most people "loved darkness rather than light." They wanted earthly freedom to do their own will, not heavenly freedom to follow God. Immanuel opened His arms to a troubled land, but only a few chose to enter.

John summarized both the tragedy and the triumph: "He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of... the will of man, but of God." John 1:10-13

Many claim that special "right" though they were never born of God. They simply adapt His message to fit their beliefs. "All people are His children," they say. "Jesus is with everyone."

But that's not true. While our Lord sees and hears everyone, His personal presence is reserved for those who trust and follow Him.

Abraham did, so God brought him into a special covenant relationship with Himself. “I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations," He told Abraham, "for an everlasting covenant....” Genesis 17:7

As years passed, Abraham's descendants turned their backs to Immanuel who had led them miraculously out of Egypt, across the Red Sea, through the wilderness and into the promised land. They pursued "other gods" in spite of His loving care for them. Finally, He withdrew His protection and allowed His beloved people to face the devastating consequences.

But God always had a remnant of uncompromising believers whose hearts remained focused on His promise: the glorious fulfillment of the covenant relationship.

The first part of that fulfillment came through Christ's death and resurrection. We who are redeemed and "born of God" have been "grafted into" Abraham's spiritual lifeline. All who trust Jesus -- whether Jews, Africans, Arabs or Americans -- live together with Him. "For [we] are all one in Christ Jesus.... heirs according to the promise." Galatians 3:28-29

But those who reject the triumph of the cross have no part in His covenant. For He said,

"Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For... what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: 'I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.'  Therefore 'Come out from among them and be separate....'" 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

That's a hard message. Those who seek global unity and social solidarity have little tolerance for such "separatism." They are offended by heavenly truths that clash with their earthly goals -- as were the Pharisees who sought to kill Jesus. That's why Jesus continues to warn His people, "If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you... For they do not know the God who sent me." John 15:20-21

While we still walk in this fallen world, we will share His suffering even as we rejoice in His presence. And, like His people of old, we can take our stand on His covenant promises and know with certainty that He will do all that He has promised.

"For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we may boldly say: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'” Hebrews 13:5-6

On that cross-country flight so many years ago, I was delighting in these covenant promises. Among them was Exodus 4:11-12, “Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.”

And He surely did. But I can't say I did well by any human standard. Rather, I must echo the wonderful words of Paul,

"I... did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God.... I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Isn't that what covenant relationship is all about? His life in us and His presence with us! Then we -- in our finite bodies -- may show forth the infinite love, power, faithfulness and triumphs of our wonderful, heavenly Friend!

His promise:

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you....
For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:2-3

Our response:

"If God be for us, who can be against us?
"...in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:31, 37-39

Thank You, precious Immanuel, our faithful, ever-present Shepherd and King!

References: Eternity

Genesis 17:7; 28:15; Exodus 20:2-3; Deuteronomy 31:6, 8; Joshua 1:5;

2 Samuel 7:8-9; Psalm 27:9; Isaiah 43:1-3, 5; Jeremiah 32:38-41;

Ezekiel 36:25-27; Romans 6:4, 8:16-17; 1 Corinthians 6:15;

2 Corinthians 3:3-6; Ephesians 1:13-14; Colossians 3:2-4;

1 Thessalonians 4:14-18, 5:10; 2 Timothy 2:11-12.

What it means to be a Christian

Home His Names Armor Persecution | Email this page

The Names of God

The Names of God

"The Name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous runs into it and is safe." Proverbs 18:10

Jesus

My Savior

El Shaddai, The Almighty God

My Lord

The Holy One

My Father

Consuming Fire

My King

The Way (1)

My Life (3)

The Truth (2)

My Hope

The Lamb of God

My Bridegroom

The Judge of All

My Hiding Place

Fountain of Living Water

My High Tower

Immanuel

My Keeper

The Vine

My Friend

My Shepherd (personal testimony)

My Song

When we speak in His Name, we represent our Lord and King. We speak for Him. As a wife is authorized to write checks on her husband's account, so we draw on the resources of God by speaking or acting in His Name.

We can't take this privilege lightly. He "has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light" through identification with Jesus Christ in His death and resurrection life. But only when we, who are "born of the Spirit", choose to "walk in the Spirit", are we truly authorized in the power of the Spirit to draw resources from the heavenly account.

His names not only tell us who God is, they also in reminds us who we are in Him. Since He is our Shepherd, we are His sheep. Since He is our wonderful Father, we are His precious sons and daughters. Since He is our mighty King, we are His protected and privileged subjects. Since He is the whole Vine, we are branches filled with His very life. And since He is our Bridegroom, we are His beloved bride and may delight in Him forever.

By our union with Jesus Christ at the cross, He lives His life in us and shares with us His character as well as His Name. No matter what happens in the world, our lives our bound to Him in an eternal love relationship. Knowing His names will open the door of our hearts to all that He longs to give us in Himself.

The Armor of God

The Armor of God


God's will for us

"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...."

Ephesians 6:10-18


What is the Armor of God?

God's armor brings victory because it is far more than a protective covering. It is the very life of Jesus Christ Himself. "[P]ut on the armor of light," wrote Paul in his letter to the Romans, "...clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 13:12-14) When you do, He becomes your hiding place, and shelter in the storm--just as He was to David. Hidden in Him, you can count on His victory, for He not only covers you as a shield, He also fills you with His life.

"I am the vine; you are the branches," said Jesus. "If a man abides in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

Since living in the safety of the armor means oneness with Jesus, we can expect to share His struggles as well as His peace. Remember, God has promised us victory in the midst of trials, not immunity from pain. So "do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you, but rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ..." (1 Peter 4:12-13) Christian heroes who have been tortured for their faith continue to testify to the supernatural strength--even joy--that enables them to endure unthinkable pain.

They affirm with Paul -

"that in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.... For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers.... will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-39)

This wonderful truth has become reality to all who believe and follow Jesus. When you put on His armor, His life surrounds you, keeping you safe, close to Himself, and free to be His precious friend and trusted companion. So "put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27) He is your victory!


How do I "put on" God's Armor?

This life in Christ begins with learning, affirming, and trusting in each part of the armor. The first part is truth--God's revelation of all that He is to us, all that He has done for us, and all that He promises to do for us in the days ahead. This enduring truth is written in the Bible, revealed by the Holy Spirit, and realized through Jesus Christ. It cuts through all the world's distortions, deceptions, and compromises. When you study, memorize, live, and follow truth, it enables you to see the world from God's high vantage point. Putting on the first piece of the armor means feeding on truth through daily Bible reading and making it part of yourself.

God's Armor

Know the Truth about...

Affirm key Scriptures

Belt of TRUTH

God

Deut. 4:39;

Psalm 23:1; 18:1-3

Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS

The Righteousness of Jesus in you

Psalm 100:3;

Rom. 3:23-24, 6:23;

Gal. 2:20-21;

Phil. 3:8-10.

Sandals of PEACE

Inner peace and readiness

Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:14;

John 14:27, 16:33, 20:21.

Shield of FAITH

Living by faith

Rom. 4:18-21;

Heb. 11:1; 1 Pet. 1:6-7

Helmet of SALVATION

Salvation through Christ today and forever

Each day:

Ps. 16, 23; Heb. 1:3-6

For eternity: 2 Cor. 4:16-18; 1 Thess. 4:17; 1 John 3:1-3

Sword of the spirit GOD'S WORD

God's Word countering spiritual deception and accusations

Heb. 4:12;

Matt. 4:2-11;

1 Pet. 3:15;

Ps. 119:110-112

To put on the "full armor"--and enjoy a daily and eternal love-relationship with Jesus Christ, thank Him for what He has shown you in His Word. Know the Scriptures behind your prayer so that your words and faith are grounded in the authority of the Bible. (Some of those verses are listed in the chart above.) Then pray through each piece. You can use the following prayer as an outline:

  • The belt of truth: Thank you, my Lord, for showing me the truth about yourself. Thank you for reminding me that You are the only God, the Creator of heaven and earth, the King of the universe, my Father who loves me, and my Shepherd who leads me. You are my wisdom, my counselor, my hope, and my strength. You are everything I need each day.

  • The breastplate of righteousness: Thank you for showing me the truth about myself--that on my own I could never be good enough to live in your presence. Thank you for taking my sins to the cross and offering me your righteous life. Lord, show me any sin that I need to confess right now, so that nothing will hinder me from being filled to overflowing with your Spirit. [Take time for confession] Thank you for forgiving me and for filling me with your righteous life.

  • The sandals of peace: Thank you for the peace you give me when I trust and follow you. Show me how to help others find that peace.

  • The shield of faith: Thank you for helping me have faith in you. I choose to count on everything you have shown me about yourself--and everything you have promised me in your Word.

  • The helmet of salvation: Thank you for promising me salvation both for today's battles and for all eternity.

  • The sword of the spirit, the Word of God: Thank you for the scriptures you have given me to memorize. Please show me which one(s) you want me to use to cut through deceptions and gain your victory in any battle I may face today.


How can I explain the armor to my children?

In a world where public schools, television, movies, and popular music all offer tempting counterfeits of what God promises His people, there is only one safe place for our children: in the loving arms of the Shepherd. So train your children "in the way they should go" (Proverbs 22:6) and help them to wear the "full armor of God" each day.

First, read Ephesians 6:10-18 together, then review the chart at the end of this section. It shows why the parts of armor will expose and resist all the main lies of New Age and Neo-pagan religions. Memorize scriptures that show the truth about God and His righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation. Explain that these verses are scripture swords that counter the main lies of the enemy. Remember, when children know the truth about God, they won't trust popular counterfeits. Knowing the source of their righteousness, they won't believe sanctification without the cross. Knowing God's way to peace and salvation, they won't choose occult paths.

Remind your children that the armor is not like a magic shield they can casually slip on in order to be safe anywhere they want to go. One day, my youngest son asked if he could see a popular movie with some friends.

"No. I'd rather you didn't," I told him.

"Why not?" he asked.

"Because it makes occultism seem both fun and right. Even though your friends know it's fiction, the story and images leave the impression that you can win in life by using occult rituals to get supernatural power. Not only does the Bible tell us occultism is evil, it also shows how it destroys people." I started to look up Deuteronomy 18:9-13.

"But I'll put on the armor."

"It won't help. When you go somewhere that you shouldn't, you disobey God and "take off" the breastplate of righteousness. You're never safe if you go somewhere Jesus wouldn't want you to go."

David got the message and stayed home. He knew that by himself he was no match for occult forces. But by wearing the special protection God offers us through His armor, he would be able to stand firm against satan's strategies.

To help your children put on the armor, follow the scriptures and outline shown in the previous section. Make sure they know the Scriptures behind the prayer so that their words will be based on God's Word. Then pray through the pieces of the armor, simplifying each part to fit the ages of your children.


THE ARMOR OF GOD:

EACH PIECE

CHRISTIAN PARADIGM

GLOBAL PARADIGM

Put on:

Know and affirm:

Recognize and resist:

Belt of
TRUTH
His sovereignty, love, wisdom, and holiness. (Deut. 4:39; Ps. 18:1-3) Pantheistic, monistic, polytheistic gods and goddesses.
Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS Jesus Christ and His blood, which cleanses us from sin. The cross which frees us from bondage to selfish nature. The natural goodness, connectedness, and sacredness of all life.
Sandals of
PEACE
Our peace through our union and ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ. Peace through occult practices and union with a cosmic force or nature spirits.
Shield of
FAITH
Our continual trust in God, His Word, and His promises. Trust in Self, inner wisdom, dreams, visions, gods, goddess, cosmic force, coincidences, etc.
Helmet of SALVATION God's promises of daily and eternal salvation in Jesus Christ. Evolving spiritually by growing in consciousness staying tuned to the cosmic mind.
Sword of the Spirit His WORD The power of God's Word to counter deception and triumph over spiritual foes. The power of thoughts, words and affirmations to change reality and direct spiritual forces.

What Jesus taught us to pray

Jesus Christ was and is God! For a moment in time, He left His unseen eternal home to enter into human history as a man. His life, suffering, death, and resurrection were documented historical events -- facts, not fables told by creative storytellers. What He taught us about humility, death and resurrection is not open to our re-interpretation.

"If we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed," wrote the apostle Paul. (Galatians 1:1-24)

If we will come to Him in our need, repent of our sins, trust in His saving death on the cross, and let His Word, like a beacon of light, guide us through each day -- and through the storms ahead, He will prove His grace and faithfulness over and over again. One simple way to come close to Him, is simply to follow this prayer outline Jesus taught His disciples long ago.

The Lord's prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)

In New Testament times, rabbis often provided index-prayers or patterns for prayer. Each short part focused on one essential part of our relationship with Him. The Lord's prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) can do that and far more, if we will use it as a pathway to intimacy with God. When we do, He opens our eyes to see from His perspective, enables us to share His heart, and keeps us close to Himself as we continue our earthly journey:

1. Our Father in heaven, holy is Your Name. Worship Him! Whether by inner acknowledgment or outward motion, bow before the King, your Father and Shepherd, in faith, love, humility and surrender, the attitude of worship. Whisper or speak His names (some are listed in the appendix), letting them remind you of all that He is, all that He has, and all that He wants to share with you, His precious bride.

2. Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Surrender to Him! Our King reigns -- He always has and He always will. Today, the goodness of His kingdom is demonstrated wherever His will is known and followed. Pray that the King will reign in your heart and do His will through your life this day. (Mark 14:36, John 4:34, 5:30; Romans 12:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

3. Give us this day our daily bread. Trust Him for daily provision! Jesus, Himself the Bread of life, longs to equip you with the riches and resources of His life. When you give yourself to Him, He gives Himself to you. You become one with Him -- not in the New Age sense where the human personality is absorbed into a pantheistic force -- but in the privilege of sharing in His life. All that He is and has becomes available to you so that He can fulfill His purpose in you. This is covenant relationship, and it's far more wonderful than human thoughts can conceive. (Matthew 6:33; John 6:35-63; Psalm 62:5-6; Ephesians 3:14-19)

4. Forgive us as we forgive. Thank Him for His Grace -- and share it with others! God calls us to "be holy" as He is holy; nothing less can qualify us for the heavenly throne room of our King. That means there must be no hindrance to the biblical oneness between Him and you, nor between you and His other friends. (Matthew 6:14-15; Hebrews 4:14-16; James 5:16a; 1 Peter 1:16; 1 John 1:9, 3:2-3)

5. Deliver us from the evil one. Battle in prayer! Stand firm in the spiritual victories Christ won for you at the cross. They are living realities for those who belong to Him. So trust His Word and authority, then stand immovable against the enemies of the Kingdom. (Exodus 14:13; 2 Chronicles 20:6-15; Psalm 18; Matthew 16:19; Ephesians 6:10; 1 John 4:4; Revelation 12:10-11)

6. For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever! Praise Him! trust Him! The Kingdom belongs to God, but He shares its riches now and forever with His children who trust and follow Him. Unbounded grace is lavished (though we may not always recognize it) on those who love Him enough to hear His heart, share His concerns, and walk in His purpose. (Mark 11:22-24; John 15:7, 14:12-14; Philippians 4:4-7, 19; James 1:5-6, 4:3)


If you pray -- with all your heart -- through this outline and surrender your life into His loving hands, He will surely answer you, for you have asked according to His will. (1 John 5:14-15) You are safe in Him, whether you live or die, for He surrounds you as an Armor and fills you with His very own life. Then you can stand with confidence on the wonderful promise He gives you in Romans 8:

"If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? . . . Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ...Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us!

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:31-39

God provides for His people

God provides for His people


“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:31-34

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever." Philippians 4:19-20

“If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12:28-34

"...the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another." Romans 14:17-19

"God said to Solomon: 'Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king— wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like.” 2 Chronicles 1:8-12

"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first." Matthew 19:29-30

"Jesus answered and said, Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Mark 10:28-31

"Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts,
“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it." Malachi 3:10

"He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord." Deuteronomy 8:2-3

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake." Ps 23:1-3

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8

Home

Christian business

A Christian business is one where the decisions that govern the day to day actions are made on the basis of the word of God, whether this proves popular or not and regardless of circumstances, feelings or its social acceptability. It will have at its core a commitment to do things according to biblical principles, in much the same way that some of the old laws governing the company were made on a biblical basis.


The purpose of a Christian business is to glorify God. The list below, provides food for thought about our roles and responsibilities as Christians in the marketplace. We are called to live as the people of God in a secular world.

a) We are to be salt and light. As our lives reflect our personal relationship with God the Father, we "fertilise" others, stimulating their spiritual growth, enabling them to taste and see the goodness of our God. Without saltiness, what remains has little value to anyone. As children of God, we should let our light shine so that non-Christians may see our good deeds and praise our Father in heaven (Matt. 5:16). The business arena provides an excellent context for this.

b) We are His distinctive people. When God called the children of Israel out of Egypt into the promised land, He made it clear that they were to live as His people and be different from the nations surrounding them. "For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth" (Deut. 7:6).

Our businesses are representatives of the Lord whose name we carry. A successful Christian business reflects the goodness of God towards His chosen people - those who have been called out of darkness into His marvellous light to which unbelievers will be drawn.

c) We demonstrate His presence among us. Our continual dependence on Him, together with a flow of supernatural gifts and abilities demonstrates God's presence among us. God will continue to give us creative skills to run our business. He asks us to call on Him and He will show us great and mighty things. These things will set us apart as the children of God.

d) We establish His kingdom. The kingdom of God is the rule and reign of God among us. It is the ushering in of His rule and authority on the earth and the fullness of God bursting into everything that we do. When the Lord reigns in our businesses, we bring His rule and authority into the business arena.

e) We are a source of blessing. God's charge to Abraham, as recorded in Genesis 12:1-3, is to go to the land that He will show him and he will be made into a great nation and be a blessing and all the peoples of the earth shall be blessed through him. In the New Testament, we are reminded that we are the children of Abraham and that the promise is also for us. God wants us to be a channel of blessing. As we honour Him with our wealth and the firstfruits of our businesses, He promises to bless us in return. From these profits, we can be a source of blessing to our families, employees and those belonging to the household of faith.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

AIR Multifungsi Cairan Tubuh

Air adalah bagian terbesar dari komposisi tubuh manusia. Hampir semua reaksi di dalam tubuh memerlukan cairan. Bila konsumsi air sangat sedikit, maka reaksi yang terjadi dalam tubuh akan terganggu.

Agar metabolisme tubuh dapat berlangsung dengan normal, tubuh harus mendapatkan masukan cairan setiap hari untuk menggantikan cairan yang hilang.
Masukan air terjadi karena kita minum saat haus. Rangsangan rasa haus ini diatur oleh pusat haus di hipotalamus tengah. Hal ini merupakan suatu mekanisme tepenting untuk mempertahankan keseimbangan cairan. Normalnya kehilangan air terjadi melalui paru-paru, kulit saluran cerna, dan ginjal. Kehilangan cairan normal berlangsung akibat pemakaian energi. Kehilangan cairan sebesar 1 ml terjadi pada pemakaian kalori sebesar 1 kal.
Di samping kehilangan cairan normal, dapat pula terjadi kehilangan cairan abnormal yang disebabkan oleh berbagai penyakit atau keadaan tak normal. Misalnya, suhu lingkungan tinggi, berkeringat, maupun akibat berbagai penyakit.
Pengeluaran cairan yang banyak dari tubuh tanpa diimbangi dengan konsumsi cairan akan berakibat dehidrasi. Tubuh dengan terpaksa harus menyedot cairan baik dari darah maupun organ-organ tubuh agar kita tetap hidup. Orang yang berat tubuhnya mendadak turun pada suatu waktu sangat mungkin ia mengalami dehidrasi.
Mengatur suhu tubuhAir berfungsi untuk mengatur suhu tubuh. Bila kekurangan air, suhu tubuh akan menjadi panas dan naik. Jika berada pada daerah atau tempat yang suhunya panas, tubuh Anda membutuhkan air yang cukup. Pada tempat yang panas seperti itu, tubuh akan merespon dengan mengeluarkan keringat untuk menormalkan suhu tubuh.
Melancarkan darahAir juga berfungsi melancarkan peredaran darah. Bila tubuh kita kurang cairan, maka darah akan menjadi lebih mengental. Keadaan ini disebabkan cairan dalam darah tersedot untuk kebutuhan dalam tubuh. Proses ini akan berpengaruh pada kinerja otak dan jantung.
Membuang racun dan sisa makananKecukupan air tubuh akan membantu mengeluarkan racun yang ada di dalam tubuh. Air membersihkan racun dalam tubuh lewat keringat, air seni dan pernapasan. Air akan membersihkan sisa-sisa makanan yang tidak diperlukan tubuh melalui ginjal.
KulitAir sangat penting untuk mengatur struktur dan fungsi kulit. Bila kekurangan air, kulit akan terlihat lebih kusam, kasar, berkerut dan tidak segar. Keadaan ini disebabkan cairan dalam kulit menjadi menghilang. Kecukupan air tubuh perlu untuk menjaga kelembaban, kelembuatan dan elastilitas kulit akibat pengaruh udara panas dari luar tubuh.
PencernaanPeran air dalam tubuh sangat vital dalam proses pencernaan. Di sini air berfungsi mengangkut nutrisi dan oksigen melalui darah untuk segera dikirim ke sel-sel tubuh. Konsumsi air yang cukup juga akan membantu kerja sistem pencernaan di dalam usus besar dalam mencegah konstipasi karena gerakan usus menjadi lebih lancar dan feses pun dikeluarkan lebih lancar.
PernapasanParu-paru juga memerlukan air untuk pernapasan. Paru-paru kita harus basah dalam bekerja memasukkan oksigen ke sel tubuh dan memompakan karbondioksida keluar tubuh. Cobalah Anda menghembuskan napas ke kaca, maka Anda akan melihat cairan yang keluar lewat napas.
Sendi dan ototKecukupan air akan melindungi dan melumasi gerakan sendi dan otot. Untuk itulah perlu mengonsumsi air selama beraktivitas untuk meminimalkan risiko kejang otot dan kelelahan. Otot-otot tubuh akan mengempis bila tubuh kekurangan cairan.
Pemulihan penyakitAir mendukung proses pemulihan. Asupan air yang memadai ketika sakit, berkhasiat meredakan demam dan mengganti cairan yang terbuang. Untuk itulah mengapa orang yang sakit terutama demam disarankan untuk selalu banyak minum melebihi kebutuhan konsumsi air orang normal.
Sumber: human health

Bahaya gula bibit, Penyedap, Formalin & Minyak Goreng bekas

Badan POM (Pengawasan Obat dan Makanan) memperingatkan kembali hal itu baru-baru ini.
Apa bahaya rata-rata makanan jajanan kita terhadap kesehatan?
Sekitar tahun 80-an, diberitakan sejumlah karyawan sebuah pabrik semen menderita pusing dan mual sehabis makan siang. Kejadian begini bukan baru sekali. Sudah lama keluhan yang sama muncul pada mereka setiap habis makan siang di sebuah warung makan kaki lima.
Keracunan makanankah penyebabnya?
Ternyata bukan. Tim Dinas Kesehatan setempat menyelidiki apa gerangan penyebab keluhan yang diderita sejumlah karyawan yang mengonsumsi menu makan siang di warung yang sama. Diduga kuat dari saus tomatnya.

Berbahayakah?
Tentu tidak sekedar pusing belaka yang ditakutkan, melainkan juga bahaya jangka panjangnya. Zat warna tekstil jenis itu bersifat karsinogik juga. Artinya, bersifat pematik munculnya kanker bila dikonsumsi rutin untuk waktu yang lama.
Kita menyaksikan yang ada di meja makan warung nasi, penjual bakmi bakso, dan kantin sekolah, kemungkinan besar jenis saus tomat semacam itu. Kalau tidak, kenapa harganya bisa rendah sekali?Kecurigaan harus muncul bila ada saus tomat semurah itu.
Bukan cuma dalam saus tomat zat warna tekstil rhodomin-B juga konon pernah ditemukan dalam lipstik dan pemerah pipi, selain bahan pewarna penganan dan jajanan, termasuk mungkin dalam sirop murah.

Dalam sebuah reportase belum lama ini, sebuah stasiun TV swasta menyiarkan tayangan betapa merasa tak bersalahnya seorang pembuat sirop yang dijajankan di sekolah, kurang higienis, memakai air mentah (belum dimasak), dan zat warna buatan yang diduga rhodomin-B juga. Hal itu sudah dikerjakannya bertahun-tahun.
Sirop dan limun murah dijajanan sekolah ini yang membuat kita prihatin. Generasi anak sekolah (pinggiran, dari ekonomi kurang mampu) kita tengah memanggul risiko terkena kanker daat dewasa, selain bahaya infeksi perut dadakan.


GULA BIBIT
Selain pewarna, jajanan kaki lima yang memang buat kantong ekonomi lemah, dengan harga yang lebih terjankau, tak mungkin sepenuhnya menggunakan gula asli (gula pasir maupun gula merah), melainkan memilih gula bibit. Kita tahu bibit tidak semuanya aman bagi kesehatan. Sebut saja gula sakarin dan aspartam, yang jauh lebih murah dibandingkan gula asli.
Bisa dipastikan jenis gula bibit murah begini, yang sudah dilarang digunakan, masih saja dipakai oleh rata-rata pembuat makanan dan minuman rumahan. Limun, sirop, saus, dan kecap murah, hampir pasti mencampurkan gula bibit, kalau bukan seluruhnya bahan kimiawi berbahaya ini.
Pemanis buatan lain tentu ada yang lebih aman, dari daun stevia misalnya. Namun, karena harganya tidak terjangkau untuk membuat kudapan murah, pedagang memilih gula buatan yang lebih murah.
Belakangan pemanis buatan aspartam juga gencar dilarang, lantaran efek buruknya, anatara lain disuga terhadap otak. Namun, masih banyak jajanan dan panganan, selain industri makanan yang menggunakan aspartam.

PENYEDAP
Perhatikan, bagaimana tukang bakso pinggir jalan menambahkan bumbu penyedap (sodium gluamic). Dahulu, untuk menuangkan bumbu penyedap (desebut mecin, vetsin) memakai sendok khusus tebuat dari kayu dengan penampang seujung kelingking. Maksudnya paling banyak disendok pun takarannya hanya seujung kelingking itu.
Tidak demikian hal sekarang. Rata-rata dituang langsung dari kantong plastik kemasan atau memakai sendok makan. Semakin banyak penyedap situangkan, semakin gurih rasa barang jualnya.
Dari kacamata ekonomi, akan lebih menguntungkan bila menuagkan lebih banyak penyedap karena menambah lezatcita rasa jajanan. Air putih (bukan kaldu) yang dibubuhi penyedap banyak-banyak dengan cara murah dan mudah menjadi sangat menyerupai kuah kaldu yang harus lebih tinggi modalnya.
Apa bahaya mengonsumsi penyedap banyak-banyak?Ya, bila dikonsumsi rutin untuk jangka waktu lama, penyebab buruk efeknya terhadap susunan saraf pusat, selain efek alergi bagi yang tidak than (post restaurant syndrome), juga pusing-pusing sehabis makan di restoran (akibat penyedap).
Bagi mereka yang ingin aman, selain minta tidak pakai penyedap bila memesan makanan restoran, masakan dirumah sendiri sama sekali bebas penyedap buatan. Rasa gurih sehatnya cukup hanya mengandalkan bumbu penyedap buatan.

FORMALIN
Kita juga mengenal bahan formalin. Selain digunakan buat pengawet mayat agar tidak lekas membusuk, formalin juga masuk ke industri makanan (rumahan). Bukan baru sekarang kita mendengar atau mungkin membaca kalau formalin juga masuk industri pembuatan tahu.
Agar awet tidak lekas rusak (besi), industri tahu (murah) juga memanfaatkan formalin, agar tidak sampai merugi. Tahu yang berformalin dijajankan di mana-mana. Padahal, formalin juga tidak menyehatkan. Masalahnya, bagaimana mengontrol begitu banyak dan luasnya industri rumahan tahu di Indonesia?
Formalin juga dimanfaatkan untuk proses pembuatan ikan asin. Penjualan ikan asin di suatu daerah, baru-baru ini diberitakan menurun akibat kedapatn pembuatannya memakai formalin agar lebih awet.
Selain formali, kita juga membaca atau mendengar pembuatan bakso mencampurkan bahan kimiawi boraks juga, selain beberapa jenis bahan kimiawi yang sudah terbukti membahyakan kesehatan, masih lolos tak terkontrol. Betapa longgarnya kendali terhadap pemakaian bahan-bahanberbahaya karena memang tidak mudah rentang kendali untuk ribuan industri makanan dan minuman rumahan, termasuk jamu murahan.

MINYAK GORENG BEKAS
Disinyalir, kebanyak jajanan gorengan pinggiran jalan menggunakan minyak goreng bekas, kalau bukan minyak goreng yang sudah dioplos dengan minyak lain yang lebih murah. Minyak goreng oplosan ini yang diduga membahayakan kesehatan.
Kita sudah tahu kalau minyak goreng bekas (jelantah) bersifat karsinogenik juga. Restoran ayam goreng yang tidak memakai lagi minyak goreng habis pakainya, menjualnya ke penjual gorengan pinggir jalan. Kalau itu dikonsumsi rutin untuk jangka waktu lama, tentu sama tidak sehatnya dengan bahan karsinogenik lainnya, termasuk jika kita melakukannya juga di rumah sendiri.
Oleh : Dr. Handrawan Nadesul, Dokter Umum

Stroberi, Si Manis Pencegah Kanker

Pada stroberi yang berwarna merah dan manis rasanya, terkandung zat-zat gizi yang sangat bermanfaat bagi kesehatan. Buah ini mengandung vitamin, mineral, serta beberapa jenis senyawa fitokimia yang mampu menangkal kanker, menurunkan tekanan darah, serta mengurangi akibat yang disebabkan diabetes.
Bila Anda harus memilih satu jenis es krim, susu, atau yoghurt, rasa apa yang paling disukai? Hampir dapat dipastikan bahwa salah satu rasa kesukaan Anda adalah stroberi, selain vanila dan moka. Sayangnya rasa stroberi yang Anda nikmati tersebut umumnya berasal dari flavor (pencita rasa), bukan dari buah aslinya.
Dewasa ini teknologi pembuatan flavor sudah berkembang sangat pesat. Hampir semua cita rasa alam telah dapat dibuat sintetiknya secara kimiawi. Bagaimanapun, buah stroberi masih tentu,saja jauh lebih unggul.
Tanaman stroberi telah dikenal sejak zaman Romawi, tetapi berbeda dengan stroberi yang dikenal saat ini. Stroberi yang dibudidayakan sekarang merupakan stroberi modern dengan nama ilmiah Fragaria xananassa Duchesne, yang dalam bahasa Inggris lebih dikenal sebagai strawberry.
Negara penghasil stroberi terbesar di dunia adalah Amerika Serikat yang mencapai 245 persen dari total produksi dunia. Negara produsen, lain yang cukup potensial adalah Jepang, Meksiko, Polandia, Italia, dan New Zealand.
Di AS, stroberi terutama ditanam di negara bagian California dengan lugs areal mencapai 37,7 persen dari seluruh areal produksi stroberi AS. Negara bagian lain yang juga memproduksi stroberi adalah Florida, Oregon, Washington, Louisiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio, New Jersey, dan Arkansas. Beberapa kultivar stroberi yang banyak ditanam adalah Douglas, Pajaro, Chandler, dan Parker.
Indonesia Tidak Ketinggalan
Walaupun tidak sehebat di AS, stroberi juga sudah dikenal luas oleh masyarakat Indonesia. Nenek moyang stroberi yang dibudidayakan di Indonesia berasal dari Amerika.
Pada pertengahan tahun 1990-an, tanaman buah ini mulai dikenal dan dikembangkan oleh petani Indonesia, khususnva oleh petani Rancabali Bandung, Jawa Barat. Stroberi tumbuh cukup baik di daerah ini kerena udaranya dingin menyerupai habitat aslinya. Jenis stroberi yang banyak ditanam penduduk adalah Fragaria nilgerrensis, yang oleh warga setempat lebih dikenal sebagai stroberi Nyoho.
Stroberi jenis lain yang juga mulai dibudidayakan adalah stroberi California (Frogariaversca), Holland, dan Ananassa (Fragaria ananassa). Menurut beberapa petani, kultivar-kultivar itu dapat dibedakan dari bentuk buahnya. Buah stroberi Nyoho dan Ananassa agak mengerucut (konikal), sementara California dan Holland agak membulat (globosa). Kesamaannya, petani dapat memanen buah stroberi tiga hingga empat kali seminggu.
Selain di daerah Jawa Barat, tanaman stroberi juga dapat dijumpai di Jawa Tengah, yaitu di sentra pertanian Tawangmangu Kabupaten Karanganyar. Jenis stroberi yang dibudidayakan yaitu jenis daun keriting dan tristar yang memang cocok ditanam di daerah ini. Budi daya stroberi juga sudah dilakukan di daerah Sukabumi, Cipanas, Lembang, Batu, dan Bedugul (Bali).
Warna buah yang masih mencolok dengan bentuk mungil serta rasa yang manis segar telah menempatkan stroberi sebagai tanaman buah yang mempunyai nilai ekonomi tinggi. Warna dan rasanya yang khas menyebabkan buah stroberi sangat digemari oleh seluruh lapisan masyarakat, dari anak-anak hingga usia lanjut. Buah stroberi banyak digunakan sebagai campuran es krim, yoghurt, susu bubuk, aneka kue, dan lain-lain.
Buah stroberi memiliki beberapa bentuk. Menurut penggolongan dari USDA ada delapan bentuk buah yang umum, yaitu oblate, globose,globose conic, conic, long coni necked, long wedge, dan shop wedge. Buah yang berbentuk oblate dan globose mempunyai ujung bulat, yang berbentuk bentuk conic memiliki ujung meruncing, sedangkan yang wedge memiliki ujung mendatar. Bentuk-bentuk tersebut ditentukan oleh sifat genetik.
Mineral dan Vitamin
Ciri dari buah stroberi adalah memiliki protein, lemak, dan karbohidrat yang rendah, yaitu masing-masing 0,8 g, 0,5 g, dan 8 g per 100 gram daging buah. Total energi dari 100 gram buah adalah 37 kkal. Kenyataan ini memungkinkan kita untuk mengonsumsi stroberi dalam jumlah banyak, tanpa khawatir akan terjadinya kenaikan bobot badan.
Mineral potensial yang ada di dalam 100 gram buah stroberi adalah 28 mg kalsium, 27 mg fosfor, 0,8 mg zat besi, 10 mg magnesium, 27 mg potassium, dan 0,7 mg selenium. Vitamin yang dapat diandalkan adalah 60 SI vitamin A, 60 mg vitamin C, 0,03 mg vitamin B1, serta 17,7 mcg asam folat. Kandungan lain, yakni air, sebanyak 89,9 g.
Kandungan vitamin C stroberi lebih tinggi dibandingkan buah jeruk atau orange. Vitamin C sangat bermanfaat sebagai pelawan infeksi dan pencegah kanker. Menurut American Cancer Society, makanan yang kaya akan vitamin C seperti stroberi, dapat menurunkan risiko kanker saluran pencernaan.

Manfaat Fitokimia bagi Kesehatan
Mengonsumsi bahan pangan berwarna hijau saja setiap hari tidaklah cukup. Menurut National Canter Institute, kita seharusnya mengonsumsi paling tidak satu clan masing-masing lima kelompok bahan pangan berwarna setiap harinya. Kelima kelompok warna tersebut adalah merah, putih, biru atau ungu, kuning, dan hijau.
Mengapa kita dianjurkan melakukan hat tersebut? Alasan yang mendasarinya, setiap warna menunjukkan jenis senyawa tertentu yang dominan pada suatu bahan pangan. Sesungguhnya di balik warna-warna tersebut terkandung senyawa fitokimia yang berbeda dengan manfaat yang sangat luar biasa bagi tubuh. Stroberi merupakan salah sate bahan pangan yang mewakili kelompok bahan pangan berwarna merah.
Sesuai dengan namanya, senyawa fitokimia merupakan senyawa spesifik yang terdapat pada jenis tanaman tertentu (fito= tanaman) dengan manfaat yang juga sangat spesifik. Menyadari pentingnya pecan senyawa fitokimia tersebut, beberapa upaya telah dilakukan oleh para ahli untuk mengekstrak atau mengisolasi senyawa fitokimia tertentu dari beberapa jenis tanaman.
Namun, upaya-upaya tersebut tidak selalu berhasil dengan baik. Dalam banyak kasus, suatu senyawa fitokimia hanya aktif dan bermanfaat jika berada dalam kondisi bersinergi dengan komponen lainnya pada bahan pangan tertentu. Upaya isolasi dan pemurnian menyebabkan, senyawa tersebut tercabut dan terpisah dari yang lainnya, sehingga khasiatnya menjadi menurun atau hilang sama sekali. Oleh karena itu, konsumsi pangan alami jauh lebih baik daripada yang telah dimurnikan.Beberapa senyawa fitokimia yang terdapat pada buah stroberi adalah:
1. AnthocyaninAnfhocyanin tergolong dalam komponen flavonoid. Senyawa ini merupakan pigmen pemberi warna merah pada stroberi. Anthocyanin memiliki efek dalam menurunkan tekanan darah serta melindungi terhadap masalah-masalah yang disebabkan oleh diabetes.

2. Ellagic AcidSelain zat gizi, stroberi juga mengandung senyawa fitokimia yang disebut etlagic
acid, yaitu suatu persenyawaan fenol yang berpotensi sebagai antikarsinogen dan antimutagen. Senyawa karsinogen yang memicu timbulnya kanker tersebar luas di lingkungan kita, baik yang berasal dari bahan pangan maupun nonpangan. Oleh karena itu, sudah selayaknya kita membekali diri dengan banyak mengonsumsi bahan pangan yang mengandung senyawa antikarsinogen, seperti stroberi.
Ellagic acid merupakan persenyawaan fenolik alamiah yang ditemukan pada beberapa famili tanaman,`seperti Rosaceae, Fagaceae, Saxifragaceae, Cunomirutceae dan Myrotharnnaceae. Jenis tanaman dan famili Rosaceae yang banyak mengandung ellagic acid di antaranya stroberi dan apel. Pada stroberi, senyawa tersebut terdapat pada bagian biji, daun, dan daging buah. Kandungan ellagic acid dalam buah stroberi berkisar antara 0,43 - 4,64 mg per gram berat kering. Amerika Serikat merupakan negara yang paling getol meneliti khasiat ellagic acid karena penduduk merekalah yang paling banyak mengonsumsi stroberi di dunia.

3. Catechin, Quercetin dan KaempferolSelain ellagic acid, senyawa folifenol lain yang memiliki aktivitas sebagai antioksidan adalah cateehin, quer-cetin, dan kaempferol.
Diketahui bahwa sifat antioksidatif dari senyawa fitokimia dalam stroberi dapat membantu dalam menurunkan risiko terjadinya penyakit kardiovaskular, melalui mekanisme penghambatan oksidasi kolesterol-LDL (kolesterol jahat), menaikkan stabilitas plak, meningkatkan fungsi endotelial vaskuler, dan menurunkan tendensi terjadinya proses trombosis (penggumpalan darah) (Hannum, 2004).

Hasil penelitian pengukuran aktivitas antioksidan total terbadap beberapa jenis buah-buahan menempatkan stroberi pada urutan keempat setelah cranberi, apel, dan anggur merah, Aktivitas antioksidan stroberi masih lebih baik dibandingkan buah peach, lemon, dan pir (Hannum, 2004).

Hambat Pembiakan Sel Kanker
Aktivitas antiproliferatif diukur berdasarkan penghambatan terhadap proliferasi (pembiakan yang subur) sel kanker hati manusia secara in vitro. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, pemberian ekstrak beberapa jenis kultivar stroberi (Earliglow, Annapolis, Evangeline, Allstar, sable, Sparkle, Jewel dan mesabi) secara signifikan menghambat proliferasi sel kanker tersebut. Kultivar Earligow menunjukkan aktivitas penghambatan tertinggi, sedangkan Annapolis menunjukkan penghambatan terendah (Meyers et al.,2003).
Hasil penelitian pengukuran aktivitas antiproliferatif terhadap beberapa jenis buah-buahan menempatkan stroberi pada urutan keempat setelah cranberi, lemon dan apel. Aktivitas antiproliferatif stroberi masih lebih baik dibandingkan buah anggur merah, pisang dan peach.
Sumber: Senior (20 September 2005)