Q1 CLE Big Fish section July 2014

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

6 July 2014

Think about it

Traveling abroad, relaxing in a spa, taking a nap – these are just some of the ways one can de-stress. But have you tried talking to God? Have you tried lifting up all your worries to Him? Have you tried crying on the Best Shoulder one could ever try on?

My reflections: Yes, I often talk to Jehovah God in prayer – personal, family (with my mother), with my brothers and sisters-in-faith in the congregation, and with people to whom we conduct bible study, in our ministry. I sometimes cry to Jehovah when my pressures are too much. I pray to him when I’m alone or even when I’m in a crowd. Truly, Jehovah is the …

(Psalm 65:2) “O Hearer of prayer, to you people of all sorts will come.”

Going fishing

Talk to God. Tell Him all your heart’s desires. Lift up all your worries. Surrender everything you feel. And experience His divine presence.

My prayer-reflections:

Dear Jehovah,

Thank you for everything that You give me – life, my family, my friends, protection, Your holy spirit and the many things that keep me alive and happy.

Please also forgive me for mistakes and sins I commit due to imperfection.

I offer You this simple prayer in the name of Your son, Jesus. Amen.

13 July 2014

Think about it

Which type of “soil” represents your heart?

My reflections: I think I am the clay and bedrock type. I can be as soft as clay – which means I can be a person who is easy to deal with and who can listen. But sometimes I can be a bedrock, too, because there are times that as a single child, I feel all alone when I face certain problems. I know I need to communicate more and better – with my mother, with mature and well-meaning friends and relatives, and in prayer, to Jehovah God.

Going fishing

Man falls. Man stumbles. Man is not perfect. But let not these imperfections stop you from having a good heart. Remember, the Lord is just patiently waiting, listening and extending His hand for you to hold.

My reflections:  These passages are true. Every human is not perfect – as each inherited imperfection from Adam. Each person is also given free will by God. Thus, one can choose to use his/her imperfection for the worse or to raise him/herself up from being sinful.

I strive to raise myself up whenever I fall, with the help of my family, friends and elders in our congregation. The main reason is because I don’t want Jehovah God to be sad. I want him to be my friend, to be happy with me. I want to follow His invitation:

(Proverbs 27:11) “Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice,

So that I can make a reply to him who taunts me.”

20 July 2014

Think about it

Most of us fear the end of the world. We tremble whenever we hear news about war and natural disasters. We think that God will come down and separate good from the bad. A person on his deathbed goes through his own end of the world.

My reflections: Yes, I sometimes feel fear when we I hear of such news as I feel sorry and pity for those affected. My mother and I extend material help to them at times. We also pray for them to be strong and to continue to hope.

I also think of how those events might affect us if they directly happen to us. However, I also read in the Bible that such events are a mark of what is called “the last days”.

(Matthew 24:3-8, 12-14) ³ While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached him privately, saying: “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?” ⁴ In answer Jesus said to them: “Look out that nobody misleads you, ⁵ for many will come on the basis of my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many. ⁶ You are going to hear of wars and reports of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for these things must take place, but the end is not yet. ⁷ “For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be food shortages and earthquakes in one place after another. ⁸ All these things are a beginning of pangs of distress… ¹² and because of the increasing of lawlessness, the love of the greater number will grow cold. ¹³ But the one who has endured to the end will be saved. ¹⁴ And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Going fishing

Today is the best day to change and be a better person. Who knows? Tomorrow might never come.

My reflections: We might not know what the future brings. So now is the time to do and make things right because who knows what will happen to us for tomorrow. I should find time to change myself for the better / positively – each day. The change should include my attitudes, principles, thoughts, actions / behavior, and speech.

27 July 2014

Think about it

What peace and happiness the world will have if the “treasures” and “fine pearls” of all leaders is the good of mankind. What peace and happiness the country will have if the government officials value sincere public service. What peace and happiness will we have if we do good for the sake of doing good.

My reflections: True peace and happiness on a global scale will only come from the heavenly government, the Kingdom of God. In the near future, it will replace all other governments and will cause God’s will to be done in heaven and on earth. It will unite everyone living on earth. — Daniel 2:44; Matthew 6:9, 10; 24:14.

This is my Bible-based hope for the future.

Going fishing

Find God in the treasures and fine pearls of your life.

My reflections: In the Bible, Jesus likened the Kingdom of God to finding a fine pearl.

(Matthew 13:45, 46) ⁴⁵ “Again the Kingdom of the heavens is like a traveling merchant seeking fine pearls. ⁴⁶ Upon finding one pearl of high value, he went away and promptly sold all the things he had and bought it.

I participate as fully as I can in preaching the good news of God’s Kingdom with my congregation. I spend at least 50 hours a month doing this ministry, with my mother – in different areas (urban and rural) and in various manners, such as going from house to house, conducting bible studies with individuals, witnessing in public places, among others. I feel blessed being used by Jehovah to preach about His kingdom.