Jesus Calms the Storm

It rained so hard this afternoon. Maybe it was caused by so much heat, it’s really hot in the morning and so that’s why. I really don’t like heavy rains, especially when there’s thunder and lightning already. To shorten my history of why-i-hate-storms, it’s just because when i was younger, 10 or 12 maybe, a super typhoon (named Senyang) hit the country and got our houses to flood and cause the classes to close for a while. That’s it.

We must not be afraid if a storm is hitting our place. There is a story in the Bible telling about how Jesus calms the storm. And i included it in the list of “My Favorite Bible Stories”.

A Storm
Luke 8:22-25

²² One day, Jesus and his disciples got into a boat, and he said, “Let’s cross the lake.” They started out, ²³ and while they were sailing across, he went to sleep.
Suddenly a storm struck the lake, and the boat started sinking. They were in danger. ²⁴ So they went to Jesus and wolf him up, “Master, Master! We are about to drown!”
Jesus got up and ordered the wind and water to stop. They obeyed, and everything was calm. ²⁵ Then Jesus asked the disciples, “Don’t you have any faith?”

But they were frightened and amazed. They said to each other, “Who is this? He can give orders to the wind and the waves, and they obey him!”

Truly, with Jesus all things are possible! (Matthew 19:26). Let’s just let Him in our life and He’ll calm the “storms” we’re facing.

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How to Choose Your Life Partner?

from the book Which Way Lord? written by Prof. Dr. Chandrakumar Manickam; chapter 5; pp. 37-39.

If you are a believer in Christ, your life partner should also be a believer (2 Cor 6:14,15; 1 Cor 7:39). Nothing should be more important to you or to the person you marry than your well being. You should only settle for a believer who is spiritually sensitive to the Lord and desires to live for Christ (Eph 4:17-5:20; Phil 3:7-16; 1 John 2:15-17). If there is a real spiritual harmony between the spouses, with Christ at the centre of their lives, any problem can be successfully handled.

It is also wise to consider some of the following mental and physical capabilities of the partner.

1. For the Man:
A person who is nature enough to case for another,
Who has steady job or a good business
One who is from a reasonably good family,
As far as possible, suitable for her temperament,
Who is humble and patient with her weaknesses
Who is willing to sacrifice his life for her

2. For the Woman
A person who is willing to learn and adapt,
Who has a desire for home making,
Who has a love for bringing up children,
Who knows at least some cooking,
Who is warm and forgiving,
Who puts his needs before her own,
Who is submissive, patient, and forbearing.

The integrity and the character of the person are very important. Peter Kusmic says ‘Charisma without character is catastrophe’. He or she should be able to live in harmony with others. Top priority should be given to sexual priority. Sex was designed for marriage. You should rate yourself for someone who has been saving himself or herself for you (Rom 13:13,14; Heb 13:4). It is wise to talk over this issue with your pastor or a Christian counsellor, and make sure that your future partner has a good record of sexual behaviour at least after being born-again.

The person you choose to commit your life to should not be committee to money, pleasure, or popularity (Eccl 2:1-11; 5:8-17; 6:1-12; Matt 6:33; 1 Tim 6:10; Heb 13:5). He should not be a heretic. You do not have to agree on every minor issue, but make sure that you agree on the biblical basis of sound doctrine (1 John 4:1-6). You should agree on the issue of zhai church you should both attend.

Beauty is only skin-deep, but character goes right to the bone.

To some extent you can consider the physical beauty, but it is not as important as the inner qualities (1 Sam 16:7; Prov 11:22; 31:13; 1 Pet 3:2-5).

The person should not be lazy or selfish, but should have the desire or the means to fulfil family responsibilities. Paul said,

If any one does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever (1 Tim 5:8).

It is just not enough if a person loves you. He nurst be a person who can take care of your basic physical, mental, spiritual, and financial needs. You cannot pay bills with promises of love.

How a person relates to the parents will tell you a lot about his or her character. God promises long life to those who respect and honour their parents (Eph 6:1-3).

Reaction:

My Papa bought the book for me when we’ve visited M. V. Doulos last March. Alot of books were there but this one really caught my attention, not just because of the price, but also because of the title. I was really in a crossroad at that time. God really answers us in ways which we don’t expect.

I chose this topic because of two reasons:
1. to let people know what to look for a life partner
2. I was one of those who are still single and looking for the right man God has destined for me.

Feel free to comment about this post.

God bless you!

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If Jesus has a Twitter, will you follow Him?

I’m into Twitter right now. I don’t know but following celebrities feels like you’re being closer to them, not to mention those fake accounts. Twitter has made our connections alot easier. We tweet short messages and they’ll see it and read what we tweet. We’re so lucky to live in this age wherein technology is so worldwide. Simple typing and clicking can take us nearer to our friends.
Uploading pictures and sending them with touching captions makes us realize that we must cherish every moment of our life.

As i was browsing my Twitter account, a thought suddenly occurred in my mind…

What if Jesus has His own Twitter account?

Will every Christian follow his tweets? How many followers will He have? Will there be other people who’ll make fake accounts in His name?

Very complicated but we can relate that inference in our daily life.

Are we excited to follow Jesus and know what message He wants to tell us?

Will we want ourselves to be included in His list of “followers”?

As for me, i really wanted Him to be my guide. But the path isn’t that easy. I know… And i think i understand, as long as I’m letting Him to make me understand.

In ending this post, i’m quoting a verse from the Bible which i find so significant with this topic.

Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.

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Memory Verses

He has made everything beautiful in its time.
- Ecclesiastes 3:11

Nothing will be impossible for you.
- Matthew 17:20

Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.
- Romans 10:13

Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
- Galatians 6:7

Keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother.
- Proverbs 6:20

i can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
- Philippians 4:13

Without Me you can do nothing.
- John 15:5

Do all things without complaining and disputing.
- Philippians 2:14

Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.
- Matthew 6:34

A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.
- Proverbs 16:9

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
- Psalm 91:1

In everything give thanks.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18

I will never leave you nor forsake you.
- Hebrews 13:5

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth.
- Ephesians 4:29

God loves a cheerful giver.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7

He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
- 1 John 4:8

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.
- Jeremiah 33:3

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.
- 1 Corinthians 2:9

Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth.
- Proverbs 27:2

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.
- Colossians 3:17

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
- Proverbs 3:5-6

He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
- 1 John 4:4

For God so loved the world the He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
- John 3:16

Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
- Mark 11:24

We know that all things work together for good to those who love God.
- Romans 8:28

Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:8

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
- Ephesians 6:11

With God all things are possible.
- Matthew 19:26

The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.
- Nahum 1:3

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
- Romans 6:23