Q1 CLE Big Fish section August 2014

Read and make a reflection paper on BIG FISH section – August volume.

3 August 2014

Think about it

How much does God love you? Where is He in your life as you fulfill your dreams?

My reflections: The fact (as the Bible said) that Jehovah God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem me from the Adamic sin shows that He loves me and His human creation very much.

(John 3:16) “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.”

Jehovah is in every angle and aspect of my life. He is the axis and on top of my life.

Going fishing

Reflect on the words “To God be the glory”

My reflections: That phrase, to me, means that all my achievements and accomplishments are because God helped me through His holy spirit and His holy word. And so I offer back to Him all those, to His glory.

10 August 2014

Think about it

It is a lot easier to acknowledge God in the happy and calm moments of our life. But do we still recognize Him when we start to face the storms and challenges in life?

My reflections: I learned from the Bible that the storms and challenges in life do not come from God. He only allows these to happen.

(James 1:13-15) ¹³ When under trial, let no one say: “I am being tried by God.” For with evil things God cannot be tried, nor does he himself try anyone. ¹⁴ But each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. ¹⁵ Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives 
birth to sin; in turn sin, when it has been carried out, brings forth death.

When in trial, I recognize that I can’t face and overcome this on my own. So I always request the Almighty to help me out.

(Isaiah 33:2) O Jehovah, show us favor. Our hope is in you. Become our arm every morning, Yes, our salvation in the time of distress.

Going fishing

Recount the many instances in your life when you thought there was no hand to lift you up, then the Lord suddenly extended His and helped you pull through.

My reflections: I can recall two instances. The most recent was when I took my achievement tests in Seibo College in March 2014, and it took some while and several retakes for me to pass these tests. The other one was when my schoolmates (in JASMS) bullied me – cyber, physical and verbal – during my grades 4-6 years.

With the help of God-appointed authorities – my mother, my teachers and a fatherly elder in our congregation – I felt the hand of Jehovah helping me, pulling me through. I am very thankful for His help and guidance.

17 August 2014

Think about it

How many times has the Lord seemingly refused to answer our prayers? How did we respond in this “delay” of God’s promise?

My reflections: I felt this feeling twice already. I just accepted the “delay” and waited for God’s time.

(Micah 7:7) ⁷ But as for me, I will keep on the lookout for Jehovah. I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.

Going fishing

Be a friend to someone who has lost hope in the Lord. Share how the Lord has remained faithful despite His seeming silence and neglect.

My reflections:  During times of trial here on earth, Jesus remained faithful to Jehovah. Even though he was a perfect human then, he was tempted by Satan many times and by the scheming religious leaders at that time (like the Pharisees and the Sadducees). At times, Jesus proved his moral strength and faith by remaining silent and honorable. My point is silence can be a sign of strength and faithfulness, too, on some occasions. I can share this point to a friend who might have temporarily lost hope in God.

24 August 2014

Think about it

If my time comes and I am face to face with Jesus, what will my response be if asked, “Who do you say that I am?”

My reflections: Jehovah sees me as His child and His servant, also as a “light bearer” of the good news of His Kingdom.

Going fishing

How have I lived my Catholic faith? Will people I meet readily recognize that I am a child of God by how I think, how I speak and how I do things?

My reflections: I am not a Catholic. I am a dedicated and baptized Christian Witness of Jehovah. God uses me to preach to and teach other people about Him and His Word, the Holy Bible. Through study of the Bible – personal, with my family and in the congregation and bigger assemblies – I strive very hard to apply His principles and commandments (to love Him fully and to love my neighbor as myself). I really want Jehovah to be pleased with me.

31 August 2014

Think about it

What does the “Passion and Death of Christ” mean to me? Do I still observe fasting and abstinence during Good Friday?

My reflections: I think more about the real meaning of Jesus’ death – as a ransom for the redemption of mankind from the Adamic sin and death. By means of the ransom, we gain the forgiveness of our sins, a clean conscience and the hope of everlasting life (1 John 1: 8, 9). I can show my appreciation for the ransom by getting to know more about the provider of the ransom, Jehovah God, by exercising faith in Jesus’ sacrifice, and by attending the Lord’s Evening Meal (which Jehovah’s Witnesses annually hold on a date between March 15 and April 15, to coincide exactly with the actual Jewish date of Jesus’ death on Nisan 14).

Going fishing

In what ways have I served the Lord? How has my body been a living sacrifice? Is it pure and pleasing to God?

My reflections: I have been serving Jehovah God for many years, by preaching about the good news of His Kingdom in many places and to various people. I also try my best, with God’s help and mercy, to apply what I learn from the Bible.