Watch out your feeds!

Watch out your feeds!

                                     Good Morning Holy Spirit - Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend, as we all are aware food is vital for our living. The Lord created us with a need to eat in order to physically survive. On the other side, this digital transformation era also became a vital section of our living. Scrolling through our social media feeds is much as part of our daily routine as eating, sleeping and to the more we can confidently say as breathing. Do you agree with me?

Certainly, I am not against the social media. It is a very good platform, which facilitates the sharing of thoughts, ideas, information, helping us to stay in connect with our friends in our own pace & time.

When we open Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, twitter, etc, the feed widget is a great thought imposed by these social media giants using certain machine learning algorithms. The order of photos and videos in our feed will be based on the likelihood of our interest in the content such as fashion, fitness, food, media & entertainment and the relationship with the person posting. 

However, how do we utilize it? Now we have unlimited range of devices and carriers which connects us to the world wide web 24/7, is it hindering our connect with God? There are some category of people who spends most of their available time & gets addicted to watching the news, technology related info, food channels, online windows shopping, fitness pages & videos. It is time to rethink and realign. 

If you are fallen a prey into the below mentioned habits, it is time for getting us back on track with our race set for us. We are accountable for the time, which God has given us. If we meet any of the below criteria s, which indicates our run is not focused

1.  Are you starting & finishing your day with social media feed or are you fed by God’s word?
2.  Is the number of hours which you spent on social media is more than the time that you spend alone with God?
3. Do you want to spend time in social media to vent out your stress?
4. Whose messages are you looking the first thing in the morning? Is it from the word of God or from any other means?

The little we start off, the more it will lead us to bondage. However, we can get rid off this if we have a focused mindset with a constant, conscious effort to overcome.

Some of the practical ways that helped me to overcome/declutter my time on social media :

1. Logout from the social media accounts when not in used
2. Set a designated time to check your social media accounts
3. Turn off the notifications from the apps which is taking away your attention & time
4. If feasible, delete the apps from your mobile and check from your laptop/desktop. Having it in mobile will prone to more time consumption

·        I have read this statement recently in a social media, Jesus died on the cross for our sins. It is by the Grace we are saved but it does not mean it is a free pass.  

     Focus on a healthy living and watch out the feeds!! 

     Matthew 4:4 it is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." 

     Have a blessed day!

In Christ Alone

Justina Jausline

The Power of His Presence!

The Power of His Presence!

                                               Good Morning Holy Spirit - Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend, hoping to find you doing well in the will of God. I am thankful to God for reminding us to realize His presence. Sometimes it may feel like, we are walking alone due to the hassles of the world. It is just a feeling not the truth. Do you remember the moments when you were a child, feeling afraid to enter into another room when there is no light? Do you remember asking your mom or dad to accompany you? I have been there. Sometimes my son asks the same to me. It gives us some sort of peace & we are rest assured when our parents accompany us that we can overcome the dark spots. Is that not true?

Similarly, when we are unable to comprehend the situations, when we feel it is like a dark spot and have absolutely no clue on the path, which we ought to take. Take heart and know who is with you. When Moses was restless, and had to go through the feeling of uncertainty, the Lord assured him that His presence is with him. (“The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33: 14”).

I encourage you to remember that the Lord is with you in your feeling of insecurity & uncertainty, His presence will give you rest in mind. Still we might have to cross the darkest spots of our life, but His presence is with us to cross it over! Stay rest assured and walk in peace in the way He leads you through per His plan! The overcomer is with you!

 “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.” John 16:33

Have a blessed day!

In Christ Alone

Justina Stephen

Distractions!

Distractions

                           Good Morning Holy Spirit – Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend, in this technological advancement era we are almost looking for everything to be uninterrupted and aiming for a seamless connection. Be it an electricity, water supply, internet connection, radio signals, phone signals, etc.

We get annoyed so quickly when there is an interruption. When the power didn’t come back or if the backup doesn’t work, when there is no water supply, when there is a signal issue during critical business meeting or could be even during chatting with friend. We look for various mode to do something in order to rectify the issue immediately. Don’t we?

On the other hand, there is always a distraction or an interruption when we sit in God’s presence to pray, study the word of God? Have we got annoyed about this? Did we look for ways to fix the issue? It’s high time to look for options to fix it.

What is Distraction?

According to the definition given, Distraction is the process of diverting the attention of an individual or group from a desired area of focus and thereby blocking or diminishing the reception of desired information.

It is also given this is caused by the lack of ability to pay attention; lack of interest in the object of attention; or the great intensity, attractiveness of something other than the object of attention.

There are two means of distraction – external & internal sources. External may include social media, Whats-App messages, Netflix, your amazon prime, phone calls, people and the internal sources may include worrying, anxiety, stress, weakness, fear, doubts, and sometimes day dreaming.

What are your distractions during your time with God?

Are you feeling tired, sleepy? Are you thinking about what went on the previous day? Suddenly are you switching to the priorities of that day or concerned about your to-do-list? Are your phone’s social media notifications catching your attention? Are you worried even while praying? Are your mind/thoughts wavering and lacks attention during your time with God? Do you feel convicted of your mistakes and due to which you lack focus during your time with God?

It’s not something that happens to you alone, many goes through this. There is a famous quote saying as, "Don’t let the noise of the world keep you from hearing the voice of the Lord".

When we give room for these things to consume our time, we drift away from God's plan & purposes of our life so easily. Satan seeks us to distract us in all ways possible. Be vigilant. “1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”

How to overcome these distractions during your time with God?

Being intentional & proactive can help us to overcome or cut off the distractions.

1.    Give body enough rest (Sleep for at least 6 to 7 hrs) which will help to overcome the tiredness during your meet with God.    

2.    Set up a routine and set apart a place & time for your recurring meeting with God. It takes some effort to create but once we have set them up, it has lots of benefits, you will feel more organized and balanced with your time and this will lower the stress level. Your mind will start to realize it’s a time for God. This will help you to overcome the guilt of not being consistent with God during your prayer time. 

3.    Pay attention to what distractions are particularly hard to avoid, so you can catch them sooner. For example, if your phone notifications are a major hindrance – switch it off when you sit for prayer time

 4.    When you feel a desire to give in to a distraction, take a breath and purposely choose not to react to it. Once you’ve given in and allowed yourself to focus on something else, like reading emails, writing an action item in your to-do-list it’s harder to regroup and bring your attention back. Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. In short, be mindful of your thoughts, instead of allowing yourself to skip between task and distraction.

Have a blessed weekend😇

In Christ Alone

Justina Stephen

Your experiences matters!

 Your experiences matters!

                                          Good Morning Holy Spirit - Daily Devotion

Good Morning friend, as we have embarked into this journey of walk with Christ, our experiences matters the most.

How does our experiences matters? Is it not true that our job experiences matters when we take up a new role, new job? Interviewer would definitely ask you, what was your approach when you faced this challenge, how did you managed to handle this? The more you will be paid for the more no.of experiences, and how you demonstrate your success stories through the challenges with the knowledge gained. Is that not the case?

 

In a similar manner, our experiences  matters the most to God. Not just the experiences alone but how well are we able to demonstrate our victory through the challenges with the knowledge of God (His words). 

What's is that you are going through this week? Don't be worried and don't lose hope. Remember the one whom you trust. We need to use the knowledge of Him to demonstrate our success.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5,6

You have been called for a greater purpose and a greater calling. Your success stories matters to God to take up new role which God is waiting to assign and also a greater reward is awaiting.

God needs you and He is looking for you,  you have work awaiting to build his kingdom. Your experiences matters the most to God!

Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is [indeed] plentiful, but the workers are few.  Matthew 9 : 37"

Have a blessed day!😇

In Christ alone

Justina Stephen

Know your discipline!

Know your discipline!

                                                 Good Morning Holy Spirit – Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend, Now that we know our race, our coach, next we need to follow judiciously the instructions/rules of our coach. As we know that, the life rules for Christian living prescribed in the Bible. Hence, repeatedly the importance of reading the word insisted on us. (Gal. 3:24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith).A quick snippet of the rules for Christian living written by the apostle Paul referred in Romans 12: 9 -21. 

Is winning a game comes effortlessly? Nope. Anyone who competes in a game goes into strict training abiding the rules. (Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness. 1 Timothy 4:7)

Is it okay if we just do not follow some of the rules? Sadly no. Athletes can be disqualified if they break even one rule. We, the child of God likewise should follow rules in our everyday life in order to successfully award in heaven. “2 Timothy 2:5: An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules”

We can live our life for lot of other reasons, we can aim for lot of different goals, we can do lot of different things with our time and energy but what is your choice? Have we made a choice that I want to win.  Have we decided that my time, talent and treasure not mine anymore? Have we realized that this race is my life? Everyone else can make lot of other choices. What is our decision? Have we decided to spend becoming one with him?

If we have realized that, we just do not run but we run to win the prize. Do you not know that in a race, all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24

 Are you ready for the commitment? 👉

I have to be disciplined, I have to be focused, I have to be excellent, I must have a purpose in everything that I do. I am the boss of my body and I have to make it do what it should do. I have to take captive of my every thought to be obedient to Christ. I have to play by the rules and I do not want to be disqualified. This is not just a practice and I want to win. I will not compliant and argue with haters or listen to critics. I know I am different from everyone, which is going to make me shine. I am going to get out there every single day and do what I need to win. I will get rid of anything that slows me down, weighs me down. My hands and knees may feel weak. It may feel like I’m tired in doing good to others but I keep stronger everyday as my eyes are fixed on Him.

I got something to do that goes to finish the line. Everything that I poured out my life is preparing me for this that I am going to meet Jesus face to face.

Do you want Jesus to say?  That was a great race, well done daughter/ son welcome home!!😍👏

Have a blessed Weekend!😇

In Christ alone

Justina Stephen

Know your coach!

Know your coach!

                                   Good Morning Holy Spirit – Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend, Now that we have signed up for the race  🏃, how to be trained to win the race. Before that, wouldn't be a great idea to identify a coach? What would be the role of a coach technically? What do we look from a coach?

Coach aims to get the best performance out of an individual or a team. Coach plays multiple roles instructor, assessor, counselor, helper, demonstrator, motivator, and a clear communicator.

Do you wonder do we have a coach? Yes, We do have! 

We have a lifetime coach, the Holy Spirit on the day we signed up for the race. (Jesus told his disciples “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth... John 14:16, 17”). He lives in us and plays the role of a coach (“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? I Corinthians 3: 16”)

What does He do to us?

 He instructs/teaches us from the word of God to live a life in-order to win the prize (John 14:26 “the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you”

 He assess us regularly and convicts us when we are not following the instructions that is hindering our victory (“The Spirit will come and show the people of this world the truth about sin and God's justice and the judgment. John 16:8”). He convicts us but never condemns us. Conviction lead us to repent whereas condemnation lead us in despair

He counsels us and makes us understand & enable us to overcome the fear of losing the game. God speaks to us by the inner witness of the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 8:14-16)

He is a helper and never once will say there is no hope for you to win the race however weak we are and the sufferings which may need to endure to come out as victorious (“the Spirit helps us in our weakness.. Romans 8 : 26”)

 He demonstrated himself to us on how to live a life of victory

Now that we are assured under whom we are getting trained, is that alone enough for us to win the race? Probably not, it requires an effort and a discipline from us. He facilitates us but we need to be disciplined, productive to win the race!

Stay tuned till tomorrow to know the disciplines we need to follow to win✌😇

 Have a blessed day!

 In Christ alone

Justina Stephen

Know your race!

Know your race!

                                       Good Morning Holy Spirit - Daily Devotion

Good Morning, Friend, in this fast-paced world, the roles that we have to play, the demands, which we need to meet, I have always felt I am racing every day. Have you felt the same? If yes, let us get ready for the run! 😄💪👍

Is there anyone who runs without knowing the purpose & destiny? Hope the answer is No. If you have no real purpose for running itself, you may eventually lose motivation to do it. We are rest assured from the word of God to Jeremiah that God knows us before we even formed in the womb that indicates we were in his thoughts and in His plan of redemption. (“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5). Therefore, our Christ centered life has a purpose and a destination to reach.

We also see in the scripture that Paul often used the metaphor of a race for a Christian life. “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14”. It is a reminder for us to know that we are running a race to not without a purpose but we have a goal to win which is awaiting. Don’t we wait to hear from our Master, “Well done, my good and faithful daughter/son”?

Let us run with endurance the race which is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith!

Are we trained enough to run the race so as to win? Stay tuned till tomorrow! 👋😇

Have a blessed day!

In Christ alone

Justina Stephen

Time for Restoration!

Time for Restoration!

                                 Good Morning Holy Spirit - Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend, We all look for the sunshine in the morning and did not prefer to prolong our night, isn’t it? I encourage you to know that the season of restoration is on!. Everything the enemy has stolen from you, God is restoring to you – the faith, the joy, the peace, the purpose, the health, the love.

When there is a power outage, how does a power is restored?

Crews sent to remove damaged power lines.  Post that the substation power is restored.  Sometimes, service to hundreds or several thousand customers can be restored immediately by replacing a fuse on a substation transformer. Next, the major distribution feeders are repaired. These are the lines that come out of a substation that have three wires resting on a cross arm. If energy cannot be distributed over these lines, your home cannot receive power.Tap lines are repaired next. Tap lines carry power to groups of homes from the distribution feeders.  If a tap line is repaired, but there is still damage to your individual line, you may have to wait a while longer for restoration. Finally, individual service lines are repaired. However, the mast on the house (the pipe in which the wires run down to the meter panel) is your responsibility. For example, if a tree damages the mast, an electrician will need to make repairs at your home.

     

You may think or feel the way looking at the surroundings; you are undergoing an outage period. Wavering faith, lost joy, peace turned its own back to you, fading of the purpose or calling, deteriorated health, crazy cycle of love.  The glad news is the restoration is on. As we read, the distribution feeder lines which comes out of a substation has three wires resting on a cross arm. Our lifeline for restoration comes from trinity (God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit). It is time for you to check your individual line, if you have been waiting longer for restoration. What is the damage it causing you to receive the restoration? Do you still believe the lies of Satan? Then its time for you to action, pay attention to his voice pattern, which can be predictable easily. Check with God’s words against Satan’s words to your situations.

But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD, ‘because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.’ Jeremiah 30:17

Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. Isaiah 61:7

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you;    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Jeremiah 32:27, Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?

Have a blessed day!
In Christ alone

Justina Stephen

Cast your burden on Him!

Cast your burden on Him!

                                            Good Morning Holy Spirit - Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend, Thankful to God for sustaining me to meet you through this daily devotion. Hope you had a blessed rest day! (Rest in God’s Presence). 😇 Praise God for He led us through these 10 months of this pandemic season. As we are into this new month, let us continue to confidently leave the matter in God’s hands and consciously find rest in God. Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22

 

Few of the practical ways to cast our burden on Him:

1. Are you burdened when you wake up, thinking how your day or the week will go? Cast your burden by putting a stop to the worried thoughts. Our mind is a battlefield and it will always be a battle between worry and peace. Worry comes when you fear and peace comes when you have faith on Him. So take captive of every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5)
2.  How to take captive? – Replace worry with God’s word. Meditate day and night. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:2,3
3.  Pray about it – Our lifeline is prayer and it is an uninterrupted service. Prayer brings victory. We see David has a lifestyle who prays all 3 times and Daniel prayed 3 times every day. “Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice. Psalm 55: 17”. Daniel always prayed to God three times every day. Three times every day, he bowed down on his knees to pray and praise God. Daniel 6: 10
4.  Look for a prayer buddy who can pray,  guide and support you to overcome the battle in God’s presence. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Have a blessed day!

In Christ alone

Justina Stephen

Don't Go Back!

 Don't Go Back!

                                      Good Morning Holy Spirit - Daily Devotion

                                

Good Morning Friend, Be Watchful!

4 For [it is impossible to restore to repentance] those who have once been enlightened [spiritually] and who have tasted and consciously experienced the heavenly gift and have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted and consciously experienced the good word of God and the powers of the age (world) to come, 6 and then have fallen away—it is impossible to bring them back again to repentance, since they again nail the Son of God on the cross [for as far as they are concerned, they are treating the death of Christ as if they were not saved by it], and are holding Him up again to public disgrace. (Hebrews 6: 4-6)

Have a blessed Weekend!

In Christ alone

Justina Stephen

Trust in Him!

Trust in Him!

                                                Good Morning Holy Spirit – Daily Devotions

Good Morning Friend, we all have faith in God and due to which we have become His sons and daughters. Is there a difference between faith and trust? Yes. Faith is a noun and trust is a verb. Noun is a part of speech that names something and plays the role of a subject whereas verb is a word used to describe an action.

Faith is we know Him that He is with us and trust is faith in action. If we have faith in God’s promises, we can trust that He keeps his promises; his words works in our life, his words has perfect timing. When God told me clearly to resume the writing on a daily basis, I had complete faith on Him who told me. However, for shortly whenever there is no inspiration on the topic and the content for the day from Him while praying and due to which if i doubt there is no word for today and do not sit at my laptop, which means I doubt His ability & calling.

When we become restless and getting impatient, it discloses our doubt in God’s promises and perfect timing.

When we feel we are not able, it discloses our doubt in His power & ability.

When we feel guilty for falling back to our old sins, not being faithful to Him, not obeying His words, it discloses our doubt in His forgiveness.

When we are still waiting for our designated job, promotion, increase in salary, and upliftment in business, marriage life, blessing of child, house, if we are feeling lowly, sad, unable to praise God, it discloses our doubt in His promises for us.

When we are still sick, did not receive the healing, started manipulating that there is no cure, it discloses our doubt in His healing power.

When we have the fear and anxiety looking at the current scenario of business, income, it discloses our doubt that He is our provider.

"Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." Psalm 9:10

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." Psalm 56:3

Have a blessed day!

In Christ alone

Justina Stephen

How to discern the voice of God?

How to discern the voice of God?

                                                 Good Morning Holy Spirit - Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend, We live in an era, where technology obtains new acceleration every year. Having said that, we all might know about the amazon Alexa that came into existence few years ago. A virtual assistant AI technology and is built on ASR (Automatic Speech Recognition). It is a voice technology that detect spoken sounds (voice), recognize them as words and responds to us when we want to know any information and to play songs, etc.

The reason for pointing this, so much the evolution is in existence to recognize the voice. Nevertheless, on the other side, we as a child of God are still struggling to discern the voice of God. Have you wondered why? Why aren’t we unable to hear God’s voice clearly? There is always a confusion and doubt whether this is from God or my own thoughts to make any decision. I once heard from a woman of God quoting this statement, which she understood from Henry blackaby during her interaction with him “The more you know God, the more clearly you hear him”. This is so true and which I personally experienced.

How we know more about Him? – It comes first from our willingness of heart. Are we ready to know more about Him? So many years of our life, we want Him to know our heart and desires. Can we do a shift paradigm from He knowing our hearts to we knowing His heart/voice?  Is it possible to hear him? Yes!

We see in the scripture that God refers himself as Shepherd and we are His Sheep and we will be able to listen to his voice. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10: 27

Why God uses Sheep & Shepherd? During the patriarchal age, Shepherding was a noble occupation. The people of Israel are well acquainted with the work of a shepherd and the nature of the sheep. Hence, to relate to them easily He would have used this reference. Sheeps are best known for their strong flocking (herding) and following instinct. The sheeps also know their master’s voice, will recognize clearly, and follows him after getting acquainted with their master. A shepherd's responsibility is the safety and welfare of the flock. The shepherd will graze the animals, herding them to areas of good forage, and keeping a watchful eye out for poisonous plants.

Most of the times, we can discern clearly the voice of God through his words (Bible). When we read and meditate a word, a situation, or a character from the word of God, it will just leaps up the page, directs us, and teaches us the way we should follow. Do we get this discernment immediately? May be not, it requires an effort from us. When we start to get closer, spend time with Him regularly, willing to know his heart for us, get acquainted with his presence, we should be able to recognize his voice as the sheep recognizes his master voice.

The other means that we recognize His heart for us is through the pastor's or a man/woman of God when they preach or during worship. The thing is they also preach from the word of God. Holy Spirit who lives inside of us reminds us, convicts us, directs us in the way we should follow.

We see in the scripture, David was called a man after God’s own heart 1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22: “God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do”.

When it is possible for David, is it not doable for us?

Let us cultivate the habit to hear the voice of God!

Have a blessed day!

In Christ alone

Justina Stephen

The Power of Wisdom!

 The Power of Wisdom!

                                                 Good Morning Holy Spirit - Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend, Hope to find you in good health, happiness, peace and prosperity. If we lack in any, then we should seek for wisdom. “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. James 1:5”

Is knowledge & wisdom are same? No. Knowledge is information, which someone is aware, the confident understanding of a subject, ability to use it for a specific purpose. Wisdom is the ability to make correct judgement and decisions. The world is full of information and in recent years, there is a boom for the data analyst jobs. What do they do? They inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions, which supports decision-making for any kind of business. We had the same information/data some years back as well, but we could not gain insight from it to make any informed decisions. Hence, knowledge without wisdom is not of much use. 

We tend to take several decisions in a day from small to big; only knowledge will not suffice but need wisdom to make the right decision.We as a child of God are a privileged one since we have the manual available for everything. That is why there was always an insistent from our early days to study the word of God. The most recommended book from the bible during our childhood days could be the book of proverbs. The reason being it is the book of wisdom and written by the wisest, wealthiest, powerful man in history, King Solomon.

Solomon was a successor of his father King David who reigned over Israel and he took this responsibility while he was very young. Scholars discovered that he might be in his early 20’s when his throne was established. When the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, God said ask for whatever you want me to give you. Solomon asked for a discerning heart to govern the people of God, to distinguish between right and wrong. The Lord was pleased with him since he did not asked for long life, wealth, death of his enemies but for discernment. He gave Solomon a wise and discerning heart. God also gave him what he has not asked which comes as a bonus for Solomon that are rich, honor and also long life when he obey God’s statutes and commands. We see that in the history there was none equivalent to his wisdom, wealth and power. (1 Kings 3)

We read in the scripture that God gave Solomon a very great insight and a breadth of understanding as measureless. Under Solomon’s rule, the nation of Israel experiences peace unlike any they have known before, and also emphasizes the prosperity of the times using images of fig trees, flourishing vines, symbolizes fertility and wealth. Because of God’s wisdom, He has been given rest on every side and there is no adversary or disaster but with peace and he was able to build a temple for the name of the Lord.

So when we ask God for wisdom, our life will be filled with happiness, peace, prosperity and good health and we will also become a kingdom builder for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5: 15,16

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver. Proverbs 16:16

The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper. Proverbs 19:8

Have a blessed day!

In Christ alone

Justina Stephen

Are you snoozing the voice of God?

Are you snoozing the voice of God?

                                                Good Morning Holy Spirit - Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend, Are you a person of sleeping through the alarm?  Do you use the snooze button more before you rise up? We have heard and read from the facts that world’s most successful people has a good morning routine. According to them, the biggest disaster is hitting the snooze button. Even the experts established that hitting the snooze button actually increase tiredness and make you feel drowsy.

Just want to put forth this question to you. How long you have been hitting your snooze button to the voice of God.  Is anything in your life God deals with you constantly? You know very well that God is speaking to you through various modes but are you being slumber in your spirit. You have the desire to see God’s vision & manifestation in your life but just hitting the snooze button when its time for action. Are you there now? Nothing comes by its own, it requires your effort & willingness.

We all know the story of Zacchaeus, a tax collector, a short man. He was climbing up the tree to get a clear vision of Jesus. We see that Jesus went and stayed with him in his house. We read this in Luke 19 : 1-10. Two things he did : 1) He wasn’t lazy or has reasons, he made an effort (climb up the tree) to get a clear vision of Jesus 2) He welcomed Jesus gladly and be willing to give off his possessions.

What is the effort it requires from your side to get a clear vision of Jesus – Is it getting up early & setting apart a time with him, to make a conscious effort to overcome the addictions? What are your possessions (resources), which you are ready to share to welcome him gladly?  

Are we ready to rise at once not hitting the snooze button to the voice of God? 

He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20

Have a blessed day!

In Christ Alone

Justina Stephen

You never walk alone!

You never walk alone!

                                           Good Morning Holy Spirit - Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend, Hope you are able to conclude this week with a thanking note. It does not matter whatsoever we have faced this week, there is a reason to be thankful. The reason is we have never walked alone that He was with us. Scripture says, “In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Thessalonians 5:18”

Rewind and see how far we have come in our journey. Never once, we have walked alone. In our victories, in our worries, in our challenges, in our inabilities, in our unfaithfulness, in our insecurities, in our provisions, in our directions, in our sicknesses, He walked with us. He is a faithful God to defend us. In the psalm of David - 138, we see how he give thanks to the Lord for his favor over his life. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. Psalm 138:7. It just comes alive in our lives because it is the same God concerned over David’s life concerns over us too.

Many at times like a kid; we want to leave His hands and just want to run into the way that looked gleaming & lucrative. Nevertheless, He was behind us watching every steps and carries us ensuring that even our feet do not strike against a stone . For He will command His angels in regard to you, To protect and defend and guard you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. They will lift you up in their hands, So that you do not [even] strike your foot against a stone. Psalm 91:11, 12.

I have made you, and I will carry you; Be assured I will carry you and I will save you. Isaiah 46:4

The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the LORD, And He delights in his way [and blesses his path]. Psalm 37:23

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

Have a blessed weekend!

In Christ Alone

Justina Jausline

Ready to Rise?

Ready to Rise?

                                                             Good Morning Holy Spirit - Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend, How have you been doing? Life is a journey and it might not always be on a level ground. At times, we might need to hit a bumpy, downhill, uphill path. As we are aware in this world, we will have trouble but we have the overcomer on our side (John 16:33). Our downhill could be a lowly state in our family life, health, relationship, spiritual life, academics, career/work etc. However, none of us desires to be in this lowly state and we wish to dust this off and rise up, isn't it?

We do not desire the same sickness to attack us again, the crazy cycle to ruin our relationship, sluggish in our walk with God, get the lower grades in academics, mediocre at work place. Rather we desire to live a healthy life, peace & love in relationship, tamed in our walk with God, excellent in work place. Does this come as auto approval? Sadly, no. When we want to travel an uphill journey, it requires a great deal of effort and determination, but it should be possible to achieve it. 

How do we make the right choice?

•        Healthy life – Being conscious of what we intake, workout and keeping ourselves fit.
•       Love in relationship - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves (Philippians 2:3). A secret to be known to avoid crazy cycle.
•      Walk with God – Requires discipline, set apart time and energy for God
•       Excellence in work – Hard work, dedication, integrity, a lifestyle to involve Him in everything we do and in every decision that we take

None of the above comes automatically to us, it requires a great deal of effort & determination but it is possible to achieve with conscious mindset.

Though the righteous falls seven times and rises again. Proverbs 24: 16. They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40 : 31

Have a blessed day!

In Christ Alone

Justina Jausline

Don’t Give up!

Don’t Give up!

                             Good Morning Holy Spirit - Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend, Are you tired and weary of the same slip-ups in certain work, your work place, commitments, plans that you made? You would have advanced much but suddenly do you feel like going back to the same old life, days of confusion, doubts, anxiety, restlessness, and no peace.

Never allow the shortcomings to take over you and your relationship with God. Even if you do not feel like praying, always pray and never give up and that is what Jesus commanded. “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1”

Here are the assurance/promises from scripture,

è Be strong and don’t lose hope and never give up, your work: “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.2 Chronicles 15:7”

è  He will satisfy you and will give you peace: “He makes peace in your borders, And fills you with the finest wheat. Psalm 147:14”

è Do not get upset of not being recognized or not approved by men for your good work: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9”

Be confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1: 6)

Have a blessed day!

In Christ Alone

Justina Stephen