“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:9-12 (NIV)

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:4-7 (NIV) (Abba is somewhere in between father and daddy.)

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:28-34 (NIV)

God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:5-8 (NLT)

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

I hope this makes you realise how valuable you are! Enjoy the public holiday tomorrow and see you next week!

Don’t forget there’s also the lego one we watched before!

April

9th April - (Easter)
16th April - (Easter)
23rd April - Worship
30th April - Identity Intro

May

7th May - God’s Image
14th May - Imago Dei
21st May - Your Value
28th May - (Dragon Boat Day)

June

4th June - Made Unique
11th June - Sons & Daughters
18th June - What Is Your Name?
25th June - End Of Year Party ]]> http://livewire.hk/2009/05/12/identity-schedule/feed/ http://livewire.hk/2009/04/30/identity-series/ http://livewire.hk/2009/04/30/identity-series/#comments Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:22:19 +0000 james http://livewire.hk/?p=141 Hey everyone,

Praying for all of you that are starting exams and things. I hope if you’re around you’ll stop by on Thursdays if you can. For the rest of the term we’ll be doing a series on identity, how we see ourselves, how others see us, and how God sees us.

Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

You are all history makers.

Once upon a time, the animals of the forest decided they should become better educated so they could deal with the problems of a changing world. They hired a consultant whose final report urged them to form a unified school district. An election was held and a rabbit, a squirrel, a duck, and an eagle were elected. In the first school board meeting the new members discussed the curriculum. Of course, each one had their own ideas about which subjects would be taught. After a great deal of discussion, they adopted an activity curriculum of running, climbing, swimming and flying. To make it easier to administer the curriculum, all students would be required to take every subject.

In the beginning, the duck was excellent in swimming; in fact, he was better than the instructor. However, in the rest of the classes it was a different story. The duck got average grades in flying, failed the climbing class and was very poor in running. In fact, running caused his webbed feet to become so sore that eventually he became only average in swimming. But average was quite acceptable, so nobody worried about that, except the duck.

The rabbit started at the top of his class in running, but soon developed cramps in his leg muscles because of so much make-up work in swimming. Before long he couldn’t run as fast as he had before he started school. But that was all right with everyone, except the rabbit.

As you would guess, the squirrel was excellent at climbing. However, he got so beaten up from jumping out of trees while trying to learn how to fly, that he didn’t have the energy or the strength to climb like before. Because of this difficulty, he only got a “B” in climbing and a “C” in running. These were passing grades, but he remembered the good old days when he was the best climber.

The eagle was a problem student from the beginning and was severely disciplined for being a non-conformist. In climbing class he beat all the others to the top of the tree but he insisted on using his own way to get there. The running coach accused him of not even trying. After swimming practice, his feathers were so wet, he couldn’t fly for hours, so the duck got better grades for flying than the eagle did.

A duck is a duck and only a duck. It is built to swim and to fly a little from one lake to another. They don’t run very well, and they can’t climb at all. If God made you a duck, don’t compare yourself to an eagle. Just swim like mad and enjoy your uniqueness. Rabbits have the ability to change speed and direction better than most other animals. That is a very desirable ability when you have a non-aggressive personality and want to stay alive in a hostile world. What would this world be like without bunny rabbits? A squirrel is a squirrel and only that. It is almost unchallenged in climbing, because it was made for climbing. To expect a squirrel to swim or fly will drive that squirrel nuts.

The moral of the story is simple. Each creature has its own abilities at which it will naturally excel, unless of course, it is expected to do something for which it wasn’t designed. When that happens, frustration, discouragement, and guilt bring overall mediocrity or sometimes even complete defeat. We can learn much from this story…God has gifted us each with our own abilities and we will excel if we concentrate on developing those gifts.

January

8th January -
15th January - R.E.L.E.V.A.N.T. Intro
22nd Janurary - Peer Pressure (Lydia)
29th January - (Chinese New Year)

February

5th February - Grades
12th February - Emotions
19th February - (Crosscountry)
26th February - Worship

March/April

5th March - Stress
12th March - Parents
19th March - Future
26th March - Life (Psalm 23)
2nd April - End of term party ]]> http://livewire.hk/2009/02/03/relevant-schedule/feed/ http://livewire.hk/2009/01/19/random/ http://livewire.hk/2009/01/19/random/#comments Sun, 18 Jan 2009 17:01:33 +0000 james http://livewire.hk/?p=105 A few things surprised me recently. A random cross appeared in the drama studio, and we don’t know who put it there, but it was cool to see.

Then I was in central new the the mid levels escalator and there was actually the expression “God is Love” as part of the Christmas decorations at 100 QRC. Normally Christmas decorations are about everything else but God.

Remember, just being you can be an act of worship!

It was great to see you all this week after so song long, I had a lot of fun. Here’s the video from the song we looked at:

Light of the world,
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes, let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You’re my God
You’re altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me

King of all days,
Oh, so highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly, You came to the earth You created
All for love’s sake became poor

I’ll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross

This year we’re inviting students past and present to hit the livewire homepage and write their prayers and words of encouragement for the school and next year:
http://livewire.hk/wall/

Hope you guys can logon over the next day and week and just cover the school in prayer and blessing to see God really change peoples lives.

Here’s the schedule for the next term. Its not complete yet, so those reading the news from facebook will have to come back here to check the updated schedule.

Hope you’re all enjoy the summer whereever you are. I’m stuck trying to finish some work off, but I really need a holiday too, so please pray that I finish soon if you get the chance.

I have had time to move the livewire group to a facebook page, which is where we’ll be putting all photos / videos / and things, so join that if you haven’t:
livewire on facebook

I’ve also uploaded one set of Kevin’s pics, and there’ll be more after he gives me his memory stick :-P

See you all next term or on msn or facebook,
James

In the mean time, here’s a quick clip of Jesus washing the desciples feet. Its from “The Gospel Of John”, and the acting is actually good for Jesus a film. Jesus is played by the scottish guy of Lost. Which reminds me I’ve still got to catch up with season 4 of Lost. Anyway, you can see how strange it must have seemed, but also to me it showed Jesus as more human and real, and that it was a teaching exercise in which he lead by example.

Still not too late to finish yours and give it to your person!

And really can use anything to serve God or others. Dave The Horn Guy quit is his job to do this full time after he felt God tell him too. His amazing story lead to him appearing on America’s Got Talent:

But also remember, the very simple things that we can all do to show love for each other are just as amazing:

‘When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:38-40

More pics on facebook.

And its going to FUN !!!!!!!!!! Prayer doesn’t have to just be sitting downs, hands together and eyes closed down. We’re going to do wayyyyyyy more than that. You’ll see ;-)

But most of all we’re going to committ our exams to God as he’s the reason we should do anything. And besides I’m sure you could do with all the help you can get.

Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4-5

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Romans 15:5-7

Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4-5

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12:5-8

My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:20-23

Thats all - James

The schedule will be updated soon:

If you want to watch more check out you tube or his home page but here’s the vid we watched today:

But the two things we should remember is how he loved us.
1) He loved us in how he lived, he loved everybody, no matter who they were or what they did, and in doing us showed us the best way we should live.

2) He loved us so much he died for us.

Click more for all your pictures !!!!!!

How Deep	The Father’s	Love For	Us!

How deep the Father’s love for us,
how vast beyond all measure
That he should give his only son,
to make a wretch his treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
the Father turned his face away
As wounds which mar the chosen one,
bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon a cross,
my sin upon his shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held him there
until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life;
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything: no gifts,
no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ;
his death and resurrection
Why should I gain from his reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart:
his wounds have paid my ransom

Anyway, it was veggie tales, it was funny, and it reminded us we can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Ok, this is long, but I had to put all of it here, its one of my favourit parts in the bible, and it draws together all the characters we’ve been looking at so far:

He. 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

He. 11:2 This is what the ancients were commended for.

He. 11:3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

He. 11:7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

He. 11:17 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son,

He. 11:18 even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.”

He. 11:19 Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.

He. 11:23 By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.

He. 11:24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter

The story of Joseph is one of the most encouraging in the bible, that no matter what we’re going through, who is hurting us, what we think isn’t fair how good or bad school is going, God loves us, and wants to bring us out of it. As paul says in Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of
those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. - Awesome!

Joseph interpets dreams and the impaled baker!

More pics on the facebook.

Picture coming soon…

So our first story was that of Adam and Eve, with the key that through adam sin and death entered the world, but that Christ is the new Adam, in which forgiveness and life is avaliable to all.

12 When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. 13 Yes, people sinned even before the law was given. But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break. 14 Still, everyone died—from the time of Adam to the time of Moses—even those who did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as Adam did. Now Adam is a symbol, a representation of Christ, who was yet to come. 15 But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. 16 And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. 17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.

18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. 19 Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.
Romans 5:12-20

January

• 10th January - Adam & Eve
• 17th January - Noah
• 25th January - Abraham
• 31st January - Joseph

February

• 7th February - Half Term Break
• 14th February - Moses
• 21st February - King David
• 28th February - Jesus 1

March

• 6th March - Jesus 2
• 13th March - Easter Party

Also if you’re on facebook check out the livewire shirts on T-Shirt Gifts, oh and I love this pic below, chinese bible - represent!

For the rest of this year we’re going to be exploring You! your passions, your desires, your school, your life, your world, youtube? Schedule to come:

November 1st November - James on Your Salvation 8th November - Lydia on Your Passions 15th November - Your Worship (Worship session) 22nd November - Your Story 29th November - Rob Bell on Your Name December 6th December - Your School (Prayer/Worship session) 13th December - Christmas Party (Games/Pizza!) 20th December - Sports Day, No Meeting

We hope to see God do amazing things, and if you’re ever at school, and thinking, what the heck is going on, remember you’re not alone, people are praying for you, people are with you.

If you can’t make it to Sha Tin, or you’re a past student, we still want you to pray, WHEREVER you are in the world, while you’re eating your breakfast or on the way to school/work. If you live near a few others from SC, try and meet up, cause where two or three…

Pray any time during the day for an hour, 15 minutes, or 15 seconds. It all adds up, we want to see God build a community of Christians living the best lives they possibly can, helping others live the best lives they possibly can.

Prayer topics - Current students, Christians to really love others, Teachers to really care about their students, parents, stress, exams, friends, healed lives, problems, peace, love, harmony, unity, loneliness, depression, bullying, livewire, you, me, us - gather. unite. pray. COME TOGETHER.

And if you pray, email (mail@livewire.hk) or upload a photo (if you pray in a group, group and individual photos please), when good things start to happen, we want to remember that we prayed this day, and remember that we owe it to God.

Oh, and spread the word, let any other Christians from SC know. Wednesday 26th September. Here’s the event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=19362876176

When you pray send in a photo, your year book picture and/or a picture of you praying right now. If you pray in a group, take a picture of that, but also of you as an individual. We’re going to collect them all and make something special to remember the event by. Email to mail@livewire.hk