Happy New Year!

Habakkuk 3:17,18

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Another year has gone leaving it's sweet and sour memories...But a new year awaits with sweet surprises God has already installed! Don't look at the journey ahead with fear or anxiety but let God take the steering wheel and drive you through the ups and the downs...

We don't know what 2011 has in store for us but we do know that what ever the surprise, God is always by our side...Happy New Year! May you have joy and showers of blessings from above!

The e-VBS team

e-VBS (Dec 2010) - Episode 1 - 'EVIL AND SUFFERING'(Part 3)

e-VBS (Dec 2010) - Episode 1 - 'EVIL AND SUFFERING'(Part 2)

e-VBS (Dec 2010) - Episode 1 - 'EVIL AND SUFFERING'(Part 1)

Becky Kelley - Where's the Line to See Jesus - Emphasis on the True Meaning of Christmas!

However you wish to say it...Merry Christmas!
May God Bless You!
The e-VBS Team

A world that is falling everyday!

By: Philip Pullman

A few weeks ago my friends and I were talking about God and an atheist friend of mine was asking me about the life of Jesus. While she seemed quite keen, an ex-Christian, atheist friend of mine asked me if I felt that certain 'mysteries' behind the 'untold stories of Jesus' were true. I said, 'No! Of course not!'.
She went on further questioning me about why I said that, I replied that it was my belief and I know that the Bible is the truth. However, sadly, my friend's answer was, 'I watched a programme and read a book too, and they have more evidence to these topics' I decided to not argue but smile and take it to the Lord in prayer.

That was when I saw a well known, respected broad-sheet paper, wasting a whole page on advertising this book with the caption - 'the untold story of Jesus Christ'.

According to the 'Religious Act' this kind of false advertising shouldn't be allowed...would people dare to advertise a book that distorts the beliefs of any other religion? No!

The media projects a very distorted image of the teachings of the Bible in many forms: Documentaries, Programmes, Books and even Advertisements! They do it because the majority don't oppose(although they don't agree) and this adulterates the minds of the younger generation and the minority who develop a hatred and ignorance towards the Living God, whom we all desperately need!

Let us not encourage these authors but do our part by spreading the Gospel to the ones we love this Christmas!

The Twelve Days of Christmas - The Meaning Behind The Song

 

   The twelve days of Christmas are the twelve days between Christmas Day, Dec. 25th, the birth of Jesus, and the Epiphany, Jan. 6th, the day Christians celebrate the arrival of the Magi (Wise Men) and the revelation of Christ as the light of the world.
   The Christmas song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" may sound silly and contrived to many of us. But it actually had its origins in religious symbolism - and with a serious purpose.
   It dates from a time of religious persecution. The song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas," was written as a kind of secret catechism that could sing in public without fear of arrest - a learning or memory aid to Christians in fact.
   The song can be taken at two levels of interpretation - the surface meaning, or the hidden meaning known only to the Christians involved. Each element is a code word for a religious truth.

1. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus.
2. The two turtledoves are the Old and New Testaments.
3. Three French hens stand for faith, hope and love.
4. The four calling birds are the four Gospels.
5. The five gold rings recall the Hebrew Torah (Law), or the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament.
6. The six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation.
7. The seven swans a-swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
8. The eight maids a-milking are the eight Beatitudes.
9. Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
10. The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.
11. Eleven pipers piping represent the eleven faithful Apostles.
12. Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles Creed.
 
 If you think Jesus being symbolized as a partridge in a pear tree sounds blasphemous, remember:
"Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so." (Luke 13:34 and Matthew 23:34)
   The "true love" in the song refers to God Himself.
   The "me" receiving the gifts is every Christian.   So that "silly" song we sing at Christmas time has more meaning than we thought.


Content From: http://www.holytrinitynewrochelle.org/

Freedom...

I used to define 'Freedom' as - independence - to be able to do everything you want!
BUT recently, after reading my Daily Bread I started defining 'Freedom' as - joyous independence - being able to do what you want with the certainty and assurance that what you're doing is right and won't lead you to peril but joy!
From 'Our Daily Bread' - 'True freedom is not in choosing our own way, but in submitting to God's way'


Thus being a Christian doesn't restrict your freedom but in fact, gives you freedom!

Count your blessings...

Check this out: ODB: Where’s Johnny’s Cap?

Stop complaining about the little and insignificant things that you don't have and appreciate the wondrous, amazing blessings that God has graciously showered upon you!

Christmas is near! Let us prepare - Advent Week 4 - LOVE

A truly Encouraging thought...

Check this link out: ODB: Zebras and Wildebeests

I was blessed by what it taught me. Made me realise the importance of all the little things I take for granted....also emphasises on the need to work together.

Remember: United we STAND, Divided we FALL!

Christmas is near! Let us prepare - Advent Week3 - Joy

Does God Exist? - Very true!

Promises...

Men promise you riches; they promise many many things...but they don't keep them!

The government may promise a better society...but they don't keep that!

You yourself might promise great things...but would've at least broken one!

BUT

God has promised us His grace, His love, His mercy - salvation...He will NEVER let us down...

...He kept His promise with Abraham to multiply his descendants

...He kept His promise with David to build a temple through his son

...He has kept many!

Instead of going after the promises of man, seek and rely on the promises of God...He will NEVER let you down!

Christmas is near! Let us prepare - Advent Week 2 - PEACE

Reflections...

As I was coming home from school today, I was thinking about the image that 'potential' Head Girls want to develop with the school community before their application to get the votes.
What image do we promote about ourselves behind the scenes? People can always tell you that you are great, but only God knows what they feel about you at heart. Something else occurred to me as I was reflecting on these thoughts, we can never please everyone...there is always someone out there who would not like you for who you are.
It dawned on me that these people aren't who we are living for...as we aim to live for the living God, He must be the one we all eagerly seek to please - The whole world may be pleased BUT what if God isn't?
Although these 'potential' Head girls seek to please the community they must be weary that they avoid displeasing God by their efforts!

Christmas is near! Let us prepare - Advent Week 1 - HOPE

Between the Walls - A must watch film!

Can we trust the Bible?

Five Loaves & Two Fishes

Five Loaves & Two Fishes

Let it SNOW!Let it SNOW!Let it SNOW!

Winter has arrived a little early! Although it is bitterly cold out there, this beautiful white stuff just gives us a glimpse of how much more beautiful Heaven would be!

Song of the month: Sent By Ravens - New Fire (What do you think?)