THANK YOU PASTOR JORDAN FOR SHARING YOUR WISDOM AT THIS WEEK'S CHAPEL SERVICE.
April 30, 2009
I'VE LEARNED THAT ....
I've learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.
I've learned that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back
I've learned that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.
I've learned that it's not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts.
I've learned that you can get by on charm for about 15 minutes. After that, you'd better know something.
I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do, but to the best you can do.
I've learned that it's not what happens to people that's important. It's what they do about it.
I've learned that no matter how thin you slice it, there are always two sides.
I've learned that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I've learned that it's a lot easier to react than it is to think.
I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I've learned that you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I've learned that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I've learned that either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I've learned that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place. (Amen to that!)
I've learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I've learned that learning to forgive takes practice.
I've learned that there are people who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it.
I've learned that money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I've learned that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
I've learned that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.
I've learned that I'm getting more and more like my grandma, and I'm kinda happy about it.
I've learned that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I've learned that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I've learned that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
I've learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I've learned that you should never tell a child her dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if she believed it
I've learned that your family won't always be there for you. It may seem funny, but people you aren't related to can take care of you and love you and teach you to trust people again. Families aren't biological.
I've learned that no matter how good a friend someone is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I've learned that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I've learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I've learned that sometimes when my friends fight, I'm forced to choose sides even when I don't want to.
I've learned that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
I've learned that sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of their actions.
I've learned that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I've learned that if you don't want to forget something, stick it in your underwear drawer.
I've learned that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.
I've learned that the clothes I like best are the ones with the most holes in them.
I've learned that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I've learned that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.
I've learned that there are many ways of falling and staying in love.
I've learned that no matter the consequences, those who are honest with themselves, get farther in life.
I've learned that many things can be powered by the mind, the trick is self-control.
I've learned that no matter how many friends you have, if you are their pillar, you will feel lonely and lost at the times you need them most.
I've learned that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I've learned that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.
I've learned that writing, as well as talking, can ease emotional pains.
I've learned that the paradigm we live in is not all that is offered to us.
I've learned that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon.
I've learned that although the word "love" can have many different meaning, it loses value when overly used.
I've learned that it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people's feelings and standing up for what you believe.
I've learned that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back
I've learned that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.
I've learned that it's not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts.
I've learned that you can get by on charm for about 15 minutes. After that, you'd better know something.
I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do, but to the best you can do.
I've learned that it's not what happens to people that's important. It's what they do about it.
I've learned that no matter how thin you slice it, there are always two sides.
I've learned that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I've learned that it's a lot easier to react than it is to think.
I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I've learned that you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I've learned that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I've learned that either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I've learned that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place. (Amen to that!)
I've learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I've learned that learning to forgive takes practice.
I've learned that there are people who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it.
I've learned that money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I've learned that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
I've learned that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.
I've learned that I'm getting more and more like my grandma, and I'm kinda happy about it.
I've learned that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I've learned that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I've learned that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
I've learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I've learned that you should never tell a child her dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if she believed it
I've learned that your family won't always be there for you. It may seem funny, but people you aren't related to can take care of you and love you and teach you to trust people again. Families aren't biological.
I've learned that no matter how good a friend someone is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I've learned that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I've learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I've learned that sometimes when my friends fight, I'm forced to choose sides even when I don't want to.
I've learned that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
I've learned that sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of their actions.
I've learned that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I've learned that if you don't want to forget something, stick it in your underwear drawer.
I've learned that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.
I've learned that the clothes I like best are the ones with the most holes in them.
I've learned that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I've learned that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.
I've learned that there are many ways of falling and staying in love.
I've learned that no matter the consequences, those who are honest with themselves, get farther in life.
I've learned that many things can be powered by the mind, the trick is self-control.
I've learned that no matter how many friends you have, if you are their pillar, you will feel lonely and lost at the times you need them most.
I've learned that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I've learned that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.
I've learned that writing, as well as talking, can ease emotional pains.
I've learned that the paradigm we live in is not all that is offered to us.
I've learned that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon.
I've learned that although the word "love" can have many different meaning, it loses value when overly used.
I've learned that it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people's feelings and standing up for what you believe.
April 26, 2009
THE SHOE BOX
A man and woman had been married for more than 60 years.
They had shared everything. They had talked about everything.
They had kept no secrets from each other except that the little
old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet that she had
cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.
For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but
one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said
she would not recover.
In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took
down the shoe box and took it to his wife's bedside.
She agreed that it was time that he should know what was
in the box. When he opened it, he found two crocheted
dolls and a stack of money totaling $95,000.
He asked her about the contents. 'When we were to be
married,' she said, ' my grandmother told me the secret of a happy
marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry
with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doll.'
The little old man was so moved; he had to fight back
tears.
Only two precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry
with him two times in all those years of living and loving. He almost
burst with happiness. 'Honey,' he said, 'that explains the doll,
but what about all of this money?
Where did it come from?'
'Oh,' she said, 'that's the money I made from selling the dolls.'
- contributed by Mr. Ang Lee San
* Truly a twist towards the end of the story makes us laugh a little and learn a lot!
They had shared everything. They had talked about everything.
They had kept no secrets from each other except that the little
old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet that she had
cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.
For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but
one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said
she would not recover.
In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took
down the shoe box and took it to his wife's bedside.
She agreed that it was time that he should know what was
in the box. When he opened it, he found two crocheted
dolls and a stack of money totaling $95,000.
He asked her about the contents. 'When we were to be
married,' she said, ' my grandmother told me the secret of a happy
marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry
with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doll.'
The little old man was so moved; he had to fight back
tears.
Only two precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry
with him two times in all those years of living and loving. He almost
burst with happiness. 'Honey,' he said, 'that explains the doll,
but what about all of this money?
Where did it come from?'
'Oh,' she said, 'that's the money I made from selling the dolls.'
- contributed by Mr. Ang Lee San
* Truly a twist towards the end of the story makes us laugh a little and learn a lot!
April 25, 2009
THANK YOU ... From the bottom of our hearts!
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A BASKET-FUL OF THANKS ....
to the parents who have contributed towards the PSG Fruit Basket Program!
This healthy and meaningful program has brought us a step further on the appreciation of one another as a school community!
Kudos to our very own Mrs. Jenny Chin, PSG Secretary, who has done a remarkable job of conveying to the parents on how the Fruit Basket program works!
Keep your contributions coming ... and if you need to
find our more on how this program works,
Jenny will fill you in.
Just drop her an email at presbyterianhighpsg@gmail.com
April 23, 2009
CHAPEL PROCRASTINATION by Pastor Srimal
This week's sharing from Pastor Srimal is so appropriate since examinations are just round the corner. Leaning on to His Way, we should continue to guide our child / children to start planning and stay focused.
As parents, let us be gentle reminders rather than nags.
As Christian parents, lead our child / children in God's way and reinforced His teachings with simple messages like those in the video. Don't forget to pray for the students at PHS who are preparing for their mid-year exams and prelims.
Have a blessed weekend with the family!
ASSISI HOSPICE Charity Fun Day 2009
A fund-raising event will be conducted by the Assisi Hospice in aid of their hospice.
It will be held as follows:
On: 2 May 2009 (Saturday)
At: SJI International (490, Thomson Road)
From: 8.30am
It will be a day of Food, Fruits, Sales & Great Fun!
In fact, a GREAT DAY OF FUN FOR THE FAMILY
Why not join in the fun and help raise funds?
Tickets can be purchased at Assisi Hospice OR on the day itself at the ticket booths!
It will be held as follows:
On: 2 May 2009 (Saturday)
At: SJI International (490, Thomson Road)
From: 8.30am
It will be a day of Food, Fruits, Sales & Great Fun!
In fact, a GREAT DAY OF FUN FOR THE FAMILY
Why not join in the fun and help raise funds?
Tickets can be purchased at Assisi Hospice OR on the day itself at the ticket booths!
April 20, 2009
Photos from our Quilling workshop...
Photos of our "accomplishments"
April 18, 2009 - 9.30am - WOW! Room
Weather: Extremely bright and sunny
Mood: Eager and excited
We had Elicia and Alvin (along with their youngest 9-year old daughter - Dora), Cris, Rose, Wendy, Laura (our patient instructor) and myself (Agnes).
Missing all the fun (for a good reason) were: Sheena (hope
you are feeling better!), Jacinta and Jenny! It was a fun-filled workshop, especially with our very enthusiastic Dora - quick-to-learn and creative! We are contemplating to have another workshop in the very near future for those who have missed it!
Weather: Extremely bright and sunny
Mood: Eager and excited
We had Elicia and Alvin (along with their youngest 9-year old daughter - Dora), Cris, Rose, Wendy, Laura (our patient instructor) and myself (Agnes).
Missing all the fun (for a good reason) were: Sheena (hope
you are feeling better!), Jacinta and Jenny! It was a fun-filled workshop, especially with our very enthusiastic Dora - quick-to-learn and creative! We are contemplating to have another workshop in the very near future for those who have missed it!Today's Clean Laugh: LENGTHY DISCOURSE
A visiting minister was very long-winded. Worse, every time he would make a good point during his sermon and a member of the congregation responded with "Amen" or "That's right, preacher" he would get wound up even more and launch into another lengthy discourse.
Finally, the host pastor started responding to every few sentences with "Amen, Pharaoh!" The guest minister wasn't sure what that meant, but after several more "Amen, Pharaohs" he finally concluded his very lengthy sermon.
After the service concluded and the congregation had left, the visiting minister turned to his host and asked, "What exactly did you mean when you said "Amen, Pharaoh?"
His host replied, "I was telling you to let my people go!"
*The above joke was shared by Mrs. Rose Tan - THANK YOU!
Finally, the host pastor started responding to every few sentences with "Amen, Pharaoh!" The guest minister wasn't sure what that meant, but after several more "Amen, Pharaohs" he finally concluded his very lengthy sermon.
After the service concluded and the congregation had left, the visiting minister turned to his host and asked, "What exactly did you mean when you said "Amen, Pharaoh?"
His host replied, "I was telling you to let my people go!"
*The above joke was shared by Mrs. Rose Tan - THANK YOU!
April 15, 2009
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY
International Friendship Day is a day dedicated to the understanding of Singapore's relations with neighbouring countries and beyond. It aims to sensitise our children towards the geo-political realities inherent in Singapore, as well as nurture in our students the spirit of friendship and collaboration among different people.
This year's International Friendship Day falls on 17 April, Friday and the theme is
"Getting to know ASEAN".
The students of Presbyterian High School, along with the teachers and staff will be celebrating in school and the program starts at 11.45am.
Parents are invited to join in this celebration. You are encouraged to put on your national costume and join in the fun!
Getting to know ASEAN ....
Q:Which are the 10 countries that are members of the ASEAN Organisation?
Ans: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam
Q: What do we know about the ASEAN flag?
Ans: The ASEAN Flag officially represents the Association of Southeast Asian Nations . The present flag of ASEAN was adopted in November 1993. The ASEAN Flag comprises of a blue background on which there is the emblem of ten paddy or rice stalks set in the middle of a red circle. The red circle is bordered by a white outline. The paddy stalks are yellow in color. The ten stalks on the ASEAN Flag represent each of the ten members of this organization. The colors blue, yellow, red and white, all have their own significance. Blue symbolizes peace and stability. Red stands for courage. White represents purity while yellow shows prosperity.
Q: How to do say "Good morning" in the languages spoken by the 10 ASEAN members?
Ans:
In Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei -- Selamat Pagi
In Philippines (Tagalog) -- Magandang umaga po
In Thailand (Thai) -- Sawatdi torn chao
In Cambodia -- Arun suor sdei
In Laos -- Sabaidee
In Myanmar (Burmese) -- Mingalab
In Vietnam - Xin cao
....... how would you say it in Singapore?
April 14, 2009
TAMAN NEGARA TRIP - MAY 2009
CALLING ALL PARENTS !!
Taman Negara is one of the world's oldest rainforest. The abundance and diversity of nature is phenomenal in Taman Negara, one of the world's most complex and rich ecosystems.
If you are parents with a child in Secondary 3, please note that our students will be visiting Taman Negara from 26th to 30th May 2009 on a study trip.
The Parent Support Group strongly recommends parents to join their child for this trip, not only to explore Mother Nature, but it's a great opportunity to bond with your child. Learn and discover together with your child at Taman Negara!
Parents who are interested, please drop us an email with your contact tel # or mobile #, and state the subject matter and the class / name of your child.
Thank you!
April 13, 2009
HE IS RISEN!
The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is proof that He has conquered death and has thrown open the door of everlasting life.
Because of Christ’s death on the cross, we can know the joy of God’s forgiveness for our sins. And through His resurrection we can have the assurance of everlasting life. The living Savior promises: “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (John 11:25).
After the dark hours on the cross when Christ was judged by God for our sins, His body was placed in a new tomb. His enemies set up a guard and sealed the tomb with a Roman seal so that His body would not be stolen.
Three days later, on resurrection morning, an angel declared the triumphant news to His followers: “I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for He is risen” (Matthew 28:5-6).
Jesus Christ arose from the dead! The Savior who was “made sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” was accepted by His Heavenly Father. The “Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world” had fulfilled the work of God for our redemption.
Because of Christ’s resurrection you can receive God’s salvation: “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9).
You can be assured that Jesus Christ is living for you. The living Savior “is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth” (Hebrews 7:25).
Because Jesus Christ lives in Heaven today, those who trust Him for salvation will one day be with Him. He promises: “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (John 11:25).
April 12, 2009
Easter Reflections - by Helen Steiner Rice
With OUR EYES we see
The beauty of Easter
as the earth awakens once more...
With OUR EARS we hear
The birds sing sweetly
to tell us Spring again is here...
With OUR HANDS we pick
the golden daffodils
and the fragrant hyacinths...
But only with OUR HEARTS
can we feel the MIRACLE of GOD'S LOVE
which redeems all men...
And only with OUR SOUL
can we make our 'pilgrimage to God'
and inherit His Easter Gift of ETERNAL LIFE.
The beauty of Easter
as the earth awakens once more...
With OUR EARS we hear
The birds sing sweetly
to tell us Spring again is here...
With OUR HANDS we pick
the golden daffodils
and the fragrant hyacinths...
But only with OUR HEARTS
can we feel the MIRACLE of GOD'S LOVE
which redeems all men...
And only with OUR SOUL
can we make our 'pilgrimage to God'
and inherit His Easter Gift of ETERNAL LIFE.
April 11, 2009
THE COLORS OF EASTER
Easter colors wheel is a real comprehensive one and encompasses innumerable colors. Most of the people are unaware about the Easter color philosophy. In fact, all the colors of Easter have their own unique significance. If one is indicative of brightness, the other represents the darkness of our sins. If all this sounds interesting, then read further to know about the significance of Easter colours.
1 - RED: this color is associated with the blood that Jesus Christ had shed for mankind. Thus the color red is a symbol of love and sacrifice for goodness of humanity.
2 - WHITE: this Easter color signifies purity and grace.
3 - GREEN: the color green brings ray of hope. Green is the color of grass.
4 - PURPLE: Easter color purple is indicative of royalty. It is said that the color purple brings wealth.
5 - YELLOW: it is the color that is related to the brightness of sun. It’s a color that brings joy and happiness.
6 - BLACK: it is the color that indicates the evil side. To put it other words, we can say black signifies darkness.
7 - ORANGE: it is the color that represents hope. It is associated with the dawn of day.
8 - PINK: Easter colour pink indicates fresh beginning.
April 10, 2009
PASSION WEEK - 7 Days to Live - by Bill Hybels
FRIDAY (GOOD FRIDAY) THROUGH EASTER
On Friday, Jesus voluntarily submitted to be nailed to a cross.
The Bible says at noon the skies got dark. There was an earthquake. The temple veil was torn. People suddenly realized that when Jesus cried out, "It is finished," and then died, he was no ordinary man.
Jesus was taken from the cross, prepared for burial, and put in a tomb.
Thankfully, the story doesn't end there. But what follows next—Saturday—is most difficult of all, because it's the day between the promise and the fulfillment of the promise. Jesus had predicted he'd be crucified, and that he'd rise from the dead. He was dead all right. But would he come back?
On Sunday, Jesus burst forth from the tomb exactly as he'd predicted. The guards at the tomb saw him, went back to tell the officials, "He's alive!" and were paid to keep quiet about it.
Jesus appeared to more than 500 people—cynics as well as believers—before he ascended into heaven. There was no question about whether or not Jesus was resurrected.
With his resurrection, Jesus proved he is the Son of God. And by what he did during his last week alive, but most importantly, on Easter Sunday, your life—and your eternity—can be changed forever.
The Passion Week article is taken from a message "7 Days to Live" by Bill Hybels:
Bill Hybels is senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois.
On Friday, Jesus voluntarily submitted to be nailed to a cross.
The Bible says at noon the skies got dark. There was an earthquake. The temple veil was torn. People suddenly realized that when Jesus cried out, "It is finished," and then died, he was no ordinary man.
Jesus was taken from the cross, prepared for burial, and put in a tomb.
Thankfully, the story doesn't end there. But what follows next—Saturday—is most difficult of all, because it's the day between the promise and the fulfillment of the promise. Jesus had predicted he'd be crucified, and that he'd rise from the dead. He was dead all right. But would he come back?
On Sunday, Jesus burst forth from the tomb exactly as he'd predicted. The guards at the tomb saw him, went back to tell the officials, "He's alive!" and were paid to keep quiet about it.
Jesus appeared to more than 500 people—cynics as well as believers—before he ascended into heaven. There was no question about whether or not Jesus was resurrected.
With his resurrection, Jesus proved he is the Son of God. And by what he did during his last week alive, but most importantly, on Easter Sunday, your life—and your eternity—can be changed forever.
The Passion Week article is taken from a message "7 Days to Live" by Bill Hybels:
Bill Hybels is senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois.
April 09, 2009
PASSION WEEK - 7 Days to Live - by Bill Hybels
THURSDAY (Maundy Thursday)
This day, Jesus took a normal Passover meal and changed it forever. All the arrangements had been made, but then the foot-washer didn't show up! The disciples came to dinner with dusty feet, and stood around asking who messed up the arrangements. It never dawned on them that maybe one of them could humble himself to do that for anybody else.
Jesus came, took off his robe, put a towel over his arm, filled a basin with water, then knelt down and started washing the disciples' feet. They couldn't believe it! The Son of God, the Savior of the world—and he had the humility to wash their feet.
In today's words, here's the lesson: True fulfillment never comes from a life of self-gratification. The way to the top in God's economy is through serving. It's finding God's mission for your life and engaging in it. It's finding people you can humbly serve in daily, down-to-earth ways. And when you find God's purpose for your life and pursue it in a spirit of humility and servanthood, your heart spills over with love and gratefulness.
Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, and when he was done, he said, "Now, you go out and live this way."
This day, Jesus took a normal Passover meal and changed it forever. All the arrangements had been made, but then the foot-washer didn't show up! The disciples came to dinner with dusty feet, and stood around asking who messed up the arrangements. It never dawned on them that maybe one of them could humble himself to do that for anybody else.
Jesus came, took off his robe, put a towel over his arm, filled a basin with water, then knelt down and started washing the disciples' feet. They couldn't believe it! The Son of God, the Savior of the world—and he had the humility to wash their feet.
In today's words, here's the lesson: True fulfillment never comes from a life of self-gratification. The way to the top in God's economy is through serving. It's finding God's mission for your life and engaging in it. It's finding people you can humbly serve in daily, down-to-earth ways. And when you find God's purpose for your life and pursue it in a spirit of humility and servanthood, your heart spills over with love and gratefulness.
Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, and when he was done, he said, "Now, you go out and live this way."
April 08, 2009
PASSION WEEK - 7 Days to Live - by Bill Hybels
Wednesday
Most scholars believe this was a day of solitude for Jesus. He was doing the most important thing he could—getting alone with God. As he quieted himself, he heard the still small whisper of his Father say, "You're on a mission, and it's going to be difficult, but I'm asking you to endure. I'll be with you."
Some would call it a wasted day. Others would say it was a day that gave Jesus strength to do what he needed to do.
We live in a culture that no longer values solitude. We go from one meeting to the next, one deadline to the next, one activity to the next. Too often we fail to quiet ourselves enough to hear what God would say to us—if only we were listening
Most scholars believe this was a day of solitude for Jesus. He was doing the most important thing he could—getting alone with God. As he quieted himself, he heard the still small whisper of his Father say, "You're on a mission, and it's going to be difficult, but I'm asking you to endure. I'll be with you."
Some would call it a wasted day. Others would say it was a day that gave Jesus strength to do what he needed to do.
We live in a culture that no longer values solitude. We go from one meeting to the next, one deadline to the next, one activity to the next. Too often we fail to quiet ourselves enough to hear what God would say to us—if only we were listening
April 07, 2009
PASSION WEEK - 7 Days to Live - by Bill Hybels
Tuesday
Jesus taught from early morning till late at night. When the sun went down on Tuesday, his earthly teaching was done.
As dusk approached, Jesus taught the parable of the talents. In those final moments before his teaching ministry came to an end, he told his listeners, in essence, "You have one life. That's it. Some of you have all kinds of gifts and abilities; some of you have less. But don't squander the one and only life God's given you; do something noble and great with it."
How poignant it is that as Jesus talked about this, he knew his life was almost over.
Jesus also spoke about the day of reckoning. But Jesus referred to the day when all moral accounts will be settled. He taught that when that day comes, either people will pay for their evil by being separated from God forever, or they'll be rewarded for having accepted Jesus' payment on the cross for the evil they committed. It's either the self-payment plan or the Christ-payment plan—no other option. Jesus urged his listeners to follow his plan.
Whose are you following?
Jesus taught from early morning till late at night. When the sun went down on Tuesday, his earthly teaching was done.
As dusk approached, Jesus taught the parable of the talents. In those final moments before his teaching ministry came to an end, he told his listeners, in essence, "You have one life. That's it. Some of you have all kinds of gifts and abilities; some of you have less. But don't squander the one and only life God's given you; do something noble and great with it."
How poignant it is that as Jesus talked about this, he knew his life was almost over.
Jesus also spoke about the day of reckoning. But Jesus referred to the day when all moral accounts will be settled. He taught that when that day comes, either people will pay for their evil by being separated from God forever, or they'll be rewarded for having accepted Jesus' payment on the cross for the evil they committed. It's either the self-payment plan or the Christ-payment plan—no other option. Jesus urged his listeners to follow his plan.
Whose are you following?
April 06, 2009
PASSION WEEK - 7 Days to Live - by Bill Hybels
MONDAY
On this day, Jesus did something that shocked people. Known for his love, gentleness, and humility, Jesus came into the temple, saw all the little arcades set up for commercial business, and cleaned house. He overturned the merchants' tables and kicked them out of the temple. People had never seen this side of Jesus before.
Why did Jesus act with such passion? Because he saw worship at the temple in Jerusalem going awry. Jesus knew he had to straighten out the situation before he died, was resurrected, and returned to heaven. The message of his transforming power was going to be left in the hands of worshiping communities. Jesus couldn't afford to have any church get distracted and caught up in questionable activities. They alone would possess the message that would change the world.
Jesus sent a signal:
Don't get sidetracked. Stay on target. Stay on the mission of spreading God's love.
On this day, Jesus did something that shocked people. Known for his love, gentleness, and humility, Jesus came into the temple, saw all the little arcades set up for commercial business, and cleaned house. He overturned the merchants' tables and kicked them out of the temple. People had never seen this side of Jesus before.
Why did Jesus act with such passion? Because he saw worship at the temple in Jerusalem going awry. Jesus knew he had to straighten out the situation before he died, was resurrected, and returned to heaven. The message of his transforming power was going to be left in the hands of worshiping communities. Jesus couldn't afford to have any church get distracted and caught up in questionable activities. They alone would possess the message that would change the world.
Jesus sent a signal:
Don't get sidetracked. Stay on target. Stay on the mission of spreading God's love.
April 05, 2009
PASSION WEEK - 7 Days to Live - by Bill Hybels
SUNDAY (Palm Sunday)
On Palm Sunday—six days before Jesus' death—people lined the streets, waving palms as he entered Jerusalem. It was the first-century equivalent of our ticker-tape parades for heroes down the streets of New York City.
Jesus' popularity was at an all-time high; his teaching had astonishing power. Jesus had changed people's hearts and healed them physically. He'd even recently brought someone back from the dead! By far, Jesus was one of the most popular people in the entire Middle East.
But everyone who lined the streets had a different reason for waving those palms. Some were political activists; they'd heard Jesus had supernatural power, and they wanted him to use it to free Israel from Roman rule. Others had loved ones who were sick or dying. They waved branches, hoping for physical healing. Some were onlookers merely looking for something to do, while others were genuine followers who wished Jesus would establish himself as an earthly king. Jesus was the only one in the parade who knew why he was going to Jerusalem—to die.
He had a mission, while everyone else had an agenda.
A couple of weeks ago, I spent some time between flights looking at books on spirituality in the airport bookstore. I discovered things haven't really changed in two thousand years. People are still trying to push their agendas for what the power of God can do. What about you?
On Palm Sunday—six days before Jesus' death—people lined the streets, waving palms as he entered Jerusalem. It was the first-century equivalent of our ticker-tape parades for heroes down the streets of New York City.
Jesus' popularity was at an all-time high; his teaching had astonishing power. Jesus had changed people's hearts and healed them physically. He'd even recently brought someone back from the dead! By far, Jesus was one of the most popular people in the entire Middle East.
But everyone who lined the streets had a different reason for waving those palms. Some were political activists; they'd heard Jesus had supernatural power, and they wanted him to use it to free Israel from Roman rule. Others had loved ones who were sick or dying. They waved branches, hoping for physical healing. Some were onlookers merely looking for something to do, while others were genuine followers who wished Jesus would establish himself as an earthly king. Jesus was the only one in the parade who knew why he was going to Jerusalem—to die.
He had a mission, while everyone else had an agenda.
A couple of weeks ago, I spent some time between flights looking at books on spirituality in the airport bookstore. I discovered things haven't really changed in two thousand years. People are still trying to push their agendas for what the power of God can do. What about you?
April 04, 2009
PASSION WEEK - 7 Days to Live - by Bill Hybels
What can we learn from Jesus' last week on earth?
What if you knew you had only one week to live?
What actions, what priorities, would be captured?
Passion Week—the last week of Jesus' life, before he faced a criminal's execution on a cross—was an extraordinary week. Jesus knew he was going to die in seven days. He knew it would be an excruciatingly painful death. But there's much we can learn from what Jesus taught and from how he acted in the week preceding Easter Sunday.
The last week of Jesus' life will be featured in this blog based on a day-to-day basis.
SATURDAY
The weekend before his death, Jesus stayed at the home of three of his closest friends in the small town of Bethany, about two miles outside Jerusalem. These people weren't among his 12 disciples; they were personal friends—Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Jesus chose to spend his last days of freedom with them.
Throughout Jesus' teaching ministry, he emphasizes the importance of community. Jesus continually told all who would listen, "You were created for community with God and others. You were created with a yearning to know and be known, to love and be loved, to serve and be served, to celebrate and be celebrated."
Have you found this kind of community in your life? It's more than good relationships with your family. You need an inner circle of friends who are fellow believers—just as Jesus had—with whom you can be honest, with whom you can "do life" together.
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