Silvia speaks: "Ephesians 5:1-7"

Here is something Silvia shared in our small group QT on Ephesians, it totally cut me as I read. Enjoy.

Silvia is a freshman from NTU, newly added to our campus ministry! She's vibrant and adds a deep thought into everything she sees and reads. She brings a smile to all our faces.

5:1-2 says that '...Jesus gave himself up as a fragrant offering...' He willingly went and died. How often is it that I take this so lightly and forget his heart to give himself up for me! There wasn't a hint of regret in him. 
 
5:3-7 talks more about areas we have to be distinctly different from those in the world. Everything we do, say or think has to be something that builds up! We have to be THAT clear minded and led by the spirit so that we do things that please God.
 
The sentence 'God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient' reminds me of an insight I got from the book that Marliyn gave me - '3:16' by Max Lucado. In it, he concludes that God DOES let people go to hell, despite how much He loves them. But it's simply because He has already given them a lifetime to repent, but they refuse to listen! Sometimes hell doesn't quite scare us, especially when people tend to use it without any meaning. Lucado writes this chapter very well, but the part that hit me the most was the story of Lazarus the beggar that Jesus spoke about. Lazarus had gone to heaven with nothing to lack anymore, while the rich man was suffering in hell. Remember what the rich man asked for? That Lazarus dip his finger in water to cool his tongue. Why not beg to go to heaven instead?! Lucado writes," Contrary to the idea that hell prompts remorse, it doesn't. It intensifies blasphemy". In hell, people don't want to get out. They don't regret being in hell. That scares me. Imagine loving hell, bitterness, and everything at its worst. 
 
If we're disobedient and refuse to listen to what God says, he takes away even the longing for God himself. With that, I pray so much that we'll continue to lead our lives always longing for more of God's love and mercy. 
 
Love,
Silvia

Reliability & Credibility of the Bible!

Do join us for this event which will be held at SMU this coming wednesday 20th Aug! Hope to see you there. =)

Sera speaks: "God's Mystery"

Sera is a theatre production student from LaSalle, she never fails to inspire others around her with her deep convictions and carefree expression of God's love. She's blessed with a beautiful singing voice too!
  In Ephesians 3:6 it says, "This mystery is that through the gospel the gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Jesus Christ."

When I read the word 'heirs' I pondered, we're heirs to a throne? We will inherit something when someone dies? I mean these are just first thoughts la. haha... Then I read in different translations for a better picture to visualize.

In NLT it says, And this is God's plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe in the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God's children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Jesus Christ."

In the Message Bible is says, "Outsiders and insiders standing on the same ground...they get the same help, same promise in Jesus Christ. The message is accessible and welcoming to everyone, across the board."

I got a much better picture after reading from my 2 favorite translations. Especially the Message bible. It becomes so personal, like different people can come to God and receive the same love, same help, the same Jesus we all learn and feel inspired and broken from. =)

Myster = Secret Plan of God
- to reach out to gentiles, that His word is for everyone and not just the Jews and the 'promised God's people in the old testament. 
- When is is awkward to reach out to a particular person, remember that the word needs to go out to everyone.

In verse 7-8 is says, "I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ."

- We were and still are being shown grace, at our least God made us the most important.
- We, inturn, from the outflow of our gratitude should show this grace to others.

Reflection:

Are we grateful for what's been given to us?
- Only you will know.
- When we don't love, it's either we don't feel loved or we don't make the effort to feel the love that God gives.

In verse 15 is says, "...from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives it's name."

From God, I was created.
From God, I am called Sera.
From God, I can walk and talk.
From God, I can create friendships.
From God, I can have a heart.
From God, I can love. =)

Is God the one who makes our life full?

Only when we reflect and understand the love that comes into us and flows through our veins, then we can show this love to someone else and they can feel the same. =)

Love <3

Alfred speaks: "Hard Workers"

Alfred is our very cheerful, zealous and fired up brother. He loves children and is always inspiring others with his soft heart towards the word of God.

Proverbs 30:24-28

^{PR 30:24} "Four things on earth are small,

    yet they are extremely wise:

 

  ^{PR 30:25} Ants are creatures of little strength,

    yet they store up their food in the summer;

 

  ^{PR 30:26} coneys are creatures of little power,

    yet they make their home in the crags;

 

  ^{PR 30:27} locusts have no king,

    yet they advance together in ranks;

 

  ^{PR 30:28} a lizard can be caught with the hand,

yet it is found in kings' palaces.

 

The bible mentions about the four creatures that are small but yet extremely wise. They are Ants, Coneys, Locusts & Lizards. Though all may seem small and harmless, there are areas that the Lord wants us to learn from them. Today, we shall take a closer look of each of this creature. To begin I shall share specifically on Ants.

�The queen ant lays all the eggs in the anthill. 
�Wood ants squirt acid from the end of their abdomens.
�Wood ant workers live seven to ten years.
�Wood ants make anthills out of twigs, leaves and soil.
�The queen ant lives up to ten or twenty years.
�The wood ant can threaten the enemy with open jaws.
�There are thirty-five thousand kinds of ants in the world.
�The queen ant has wings.
�The army ant bites and stings any bug that comes toward it.
�The army ant can even bite a huge snake.
�Ants have two stomachs one for them and one to feed others.
�Some ants sleep seven hours a day.
�The queen licks the eggs to make them hatch.
�The queen feeds her eggs her own saliva. 
�Some ants can have up to three queens.

One of the main jobs of ants is to look for food. They are scavengers and are one of nature's best clean up crews. Believe it or not, ants are responsible for "cleaning up" much of the environment all around the world. When creatures die, ants will pick at whatever remains until all the edible parts are gone. Once food is found, an ant lays down a scent as it returns to the nest. Other ants will pick up this scent and follow the trail to the food.

Some ants actually care for and "farm" other insects! Aphids, scale insects and mealybugs suck the sap of plants. These insects can't use all the sugar that they get from the plants, so they excrete "honeydew", which the ants collect to feed the colony. Ants will transport aphids from plant to plant and take the eggs into their colony for the winter. Ants will also defend aphids from insect predators, such as lady beetles and lacewings, by attacking them in large numbers.

Ants have set a good example for humans for their hard work and cooperation. 

Ø      Hard working

Hard working is always the word to use to describe the ants. In the internet, we can easily find stories about the hard working ants. Here are some interesting facts about the hardworking ants:

The ants cut, collect, and scavenge about 200 kg (dry weight) of plant materials each year. Each colony has a foraging range as large as the flight deck of an aircraft carrier.

That’s Amazing! In a year, a colony of ants can collect food up to the size of an aircraft carrier. The ant is indeed a very hard working creature. Let’s us imitate this diligent creature and never give up in doing what is good.