The Bible records an wonderful event in our Master’s Life, One day Jesus asked his Disciples to follow him, they all boarded along with him in their boat obeying the word of Jesus by following him. With out any warning a  great storm struck their boat. And the disciples cried to Jesus “Lord Save us we are going to drown”.  Many times we think following Jesus is bed of roses and we are on high way to heaven with out any problems. Not so my beloved let us see what happens in this portion of the scripture Matthew 8:23-27.

“Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”  - Matthew 8:23-25

Following Jesus…

These disciples Just followed Jesus like us following him, because they trusted him and obeyed his word. All of these disciples left their old way of life, some left their fishing Jobs to follow Jesus, some left their Tax collecting Job to follow Jesus, Some left their boats to follow Jesus, Some left their parents to follow Jesus. What have you left behind to follow Jesus, I have left my old way of sinful life to follow Jesus, some of us have left their age old traditions to follow Jesus, In some countries people are even risking their very life to follow Jesus. Like the disciples when we choose to follow Jesus we choose to take his new Life which he has offered even if we have to pay a cost by saying good bye’s to some of our old way of Life. These disciples were filled with great Joy because they were following Jesus.

With out warning a Storm Struck:

Storms in life does not come with warning, Yes here also a great storm hit their boat, Are you today facing storms in your Life which came unexpected in to your safe journey with Jesus?, But my dear friends you need not worry, Just check whether you have the Master in your Boat. The disciples had the savior in their Boat. If you are reading this, who does not have Jesus in your Heart, Please ask him to come in to your Life, He want to board your Life’s Journey to carry you to the other end. He has prepared a glorious place for us in Heaven. But if you have Jesus in your Life, Fear not my brothers and sisters Just call unto him.

Are you drowning call him now

Prayer is the way to call him and let him know that you need help from him to stop this storm in your Life. Is the Economy storm threatening your life boat, Is the storm in your Marriage threatening your family, Is the doubt and fear storm threatening you, Is the fear of losing Job threatening you, Call the Master now.  Call his name Jesus, his name literally means savior. He will deliver you.

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.  He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. - Psalm 91: 14-15

So like every one in this world we will also face storms in our Life, But we need not fear as long as he is in our boat. When the disciples cried to Jesus for help he stood up and rebuked the storm. And the sea was calm. He will also stop the storms in your Life that is threatening your very existence. Fear not my beloved. He has all authorities is given to him.

He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” Matthew 8:26-27

Then What does it mean to Follow Jesus?: It Means

* He is with you in the Storm (He will never leave you nor forsake you)

* His Grace is sufficient for you

* He has the Power and Authority to protect you and carry you.

We wish you and your family a Joyful, Peaceful and Prosperous New Year 2009. Let God almighty lead you in to his pastures and give you rest. If the troubles of 2008 has not brought you down, It has made you strong. So Cross in to this new year with Confidence and Joy that we have Our Lord going before us as he has promised.

“My Presence will go with you” Exodus 33:14

It was December of 1776 AD, one of the coldest winters, General George Washington led his small army fighting for the American War of Independence. His soldiers mostly consist of peasants, they were up against the mighty British Army. After facing many defeats Washington’s army retreated back in to country side. The soldiers were forced to live with out food and warm clothing. Now, more than ever, a victory was desperately needed.  He had a Choice to make whether to cross the ice-choked Delaware river to go for his victory or shrink back by watching his army disintegrate before his own eyes.

George Washington a man of Prayer decided to cross over with great hope,  on December 26th won his first major battle against the British at Trenton, NJ, From here there was no turning back. He went on to become the First American President. Last summer we visited this place where Washington Crossed the Delaware river called Washington Crossing, NJ.

There is Hope! Lots of Hope for New year

May be today you are going through tough times seeing no hope of the new Year 2009, God will go with you this new year. As he has promised “My Presence will go with you”. Be of good cheer my brothers and sisters the God who carried you until now will also carry you in to this new year.

Before starting this new year, I prayed this simple prayer like prophet Moses “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” - Exodus 33:15. So I have crossed to this new year 2009 with confidence and hope in him. If God is for us who can be against us. We do not know what new challenges will come against this new year, But do not worry the Lord of all creation is walking with you. He has promised ”I will never leave you nor forsake you” - Joshua 1:5. He holds the future in his hands.

Jesus said “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Just Let us Pray: Lord come with me and guide me in to this new year.