Calming the Storm in Us

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. (James 1:2-8 NIV)


Today for small group, we explored Mark 4:35-41; the passage where Jesus calms the storm. We then shared about the things that we felt were the "storms" in our lives; past, present, and future. It was an interesting conversation and bible study topic, as many of us could relate to the disciples and how frightened they were of both the storm and of Jesus' powers. From this passage, we discovered that we need to have more faith in that God will take care of us in any situation, any storm. I feel that this passage in James is a good relevant passage to look at as well; giving a deeper, added perspective on the passage from Mark.

Heirs of the Light

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 


John 1:9-13 (NIV), taken from biblegateway.com

Walk in Love

Ephesians 5:1-2

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (ESV)

Travelling Companions

I went home after leaving fellowship early with a friend. We took the greyhound together and we had an interesting conversation. The beauty of two people travelling together is that you get to catch up or learn more about the other person. You're stuck together for however long the trip takes, and there is nothing better to do (other than sleep). I like to take these opportunities to build friendships with people and then these long travels won't be so lonely or boring anymore. Once you find someone else who has the same destination as you and you travel together the trip doesn't seem like a waste of time anymore, a three hour ride becomes too short, and when you part you leave with a good feeling (if the conversation goes well).

This is why I like travelling with other people. Sometimes I enjoy my alone time, but when there is an opportunity to travel with someone else, I try to take it. Investing in people is something that takes time, and effort. Travelling with someone else helps to accomplish two things at once - building relationships, and getting to your destination.

A Challenge? Or Psych?

Today something interesting happened at work. My coworker decided to play songs from my ipod and plug it into some speakers. Now we usually listen to my coworker's music, but since I already had my music playing (because I was the only one around at the time), my coworker decided to continue listening to my music. At first I was very anxious and did not want to have my songs blasted on the speakers because I had some religious music on there that I didn't feel comfortable sharing in that setting. But then I thought to myself, what if this is a test of my faith in God? What would it mean to avoid listening to any of my Christian songs? Would it be denying  Christ? Would it mean that I am ashamed of being a Christian? So I decided to put myself to the test, and see how things played out. What's the worst that could happen? My coworker finds out that I'm a Christian, and we may have an awkward chat about my music or my coworker might just skip the songs that are religious and then leave it at that. That's not so bad. I can't be afraid of a little awkward moment. So I decided to let my music play. And to my horror (or shock), some techno version of the song "Did you feel the mountains tremble" came on... and I was so horrified/shocked that it had to be this song that played. out of all the other Christian songs I had on my ipod. -.-    But I am glad that my coworker did not comment on the song, and we just left it at that. A few songs later, I did get a comment saying that I had a strange variety of music... haha...  and I had a good laugh with my friends later when I told them what happened.

So what did I learn?  I should have skipped the song and wait for another "Christian" song to play. Skipping a song because it is weird (I thought it was weird when I heard it) doesn't mean that I'm denying Christ. I feel like denying Christ would have been more like saying that I'm not a Christian when asked, or trying to avoid that fact/talking about beliefs/religion in general. I think I have a bad tendency to do that to myself. I worry so much about little things and my mind gets overly consumed by things that shouldn't be a big deal. I need to stop dramaticising and over-thinking things. Stop worrying. Let God do His work. Do not feel guilty of things that I haven't done wrong. Don't be afraid. What have I been telling myself this whole time?? Joshua 1:9!!!

Wise Words

Proverbs is a place where many wise words are stored, and today I read this passage:

Proverbs 12:15-25 (NIV)   

15 The way of fools seems right to them, 

   but the wise listen to advice.

 16 Fools show their annoyance at once, 

   but the prudent overlook an insult.

 17 An honest witness tells the truth, 

   but a false witness tells lies.

 18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords, 

   but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

 19 Truthful lips endure forever, 

   but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

 20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, 

   but those who promote peace have joy.

 21 No harm overtakes the righteous, 

   but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

 22 The LORD detests lying lips, 

   but he delights in people who are trustworthy.

 23 The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves, 

   but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.

 24 Diligent hands will rule, 

   but laziness ends in forced labor.

 25 Anxiety weighs down the heart, 

   but a kind word cheers it up.

I know that I have been doing my best in learning to always speak the truth to others and in a loving way, but I have also realized that sometimes I can say too much. Although speaking the truth is a good thing, it still hurts to hear it. No matter how loving one can be when speaking the truth, the direct message that the other person is hearing is still the same. Thus, I realized that I need to be more careful about what I say and how I say things when I talk to people. Sometimes I find that I repeat myself, which is something that I don't need to do - especially since the other person has already heard it once, and repetition is just going to make them annoyed. I looked to this passage today to see how I can learn how and when to speak the truth to others. By speaking the truth, I mean telling my friends or people that I communicate with what I feel is right and letting them know if they are wrong or have hurt someone. This is not to say that I go around correcting people, (because I am also someone who makes mistakes) but I mean that when other people talk to me about things or there is a situation - I feel the need to let the person know. I know this probably isn't a good description of what I am trying to say, but I'm not quite sure how to express it in words. In any case, here is what I have learned:

Instead of just letting words run out of my mouth, I will check that

- I have prayed to God for words of wisdom and His guidance

- I am calm and my emotions are separated from what I say

- what I am saying is out of love for that person, not hate, guilt, or to look down on them

- I am not also guilty of the same thing, and if I am, I will admit it

- I choose my words carefully, to ensure that the other person is willing to hear me out instead of get angry

- I do not repeat myself unless asked to

- I let the other person speak first, so that I can hear their thoughts and feelings before I make any assumptions

- everything I say is the full truth 

- I keep everything confidential to those who are not involved

King of Glory

http://youtu.be/kqdgu8jVOAg - Chris Tomlin


Lift up your gaze
Be lifted up
Tell everyone
How great the love
The love come down
From heaven's gate
To kiss the earth
With hope and grace

Sing: Who is this King of Glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty
Who is this King of Glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty


Lift up your hands
Be lifted up
Let the redeemed
Declare the love
We bow down
At heaven's gate
To kiss the feet
Of hope and grace

There is one God
He is Holy
There is one Lord
Over everything
There is one King
He is Jesus
King of glory
Strong and mighty

You are the King of Glory
The Lord, strong and mighty