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

Get ready!

Get ready!

                                 Good Morning Holy Spirit - Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend, I hope we all have a plan and getting ready to accomplish the tasks for today may be office work, household work, academy, etc. ✋Aren’t we?  As a child of God, we all are awaiting for the kingdom of heaven & have hope to live with him eternally. However, are we ready for it? Do you wonder does it need a preparation? Yes, it needs a plan and a preparation.

It came as a reminder while reading Matthew 25 along with my son. One of the familiar parables – the parable of the 10 virgins and the parable of the bags of gold or talents. The aim why I mention familiar because we might have heard these parables over and over again since our childhood through our Sunday school teachers, through pastors or thro’ any mode. Still, are we confident to say that we are prepared? We all have heard the adage “Familiarity breeds contempt”. What does it mean? It is the extensive knowledge of or close association with someone or something leads to a loss of respect for them or it.

Just because it is familiar, are we loosing respect for it? It is time for us to ponder and get back on track. Don’t we have a plan & prepare well for our exam to achieve good grades to get into good career? Don’t we have a plan & put our heart & soul effort to prepare for our presentation when we have a board meeting? Why we do all these? Because, our parents and our bosses entrusted us.

Nevertheless, we fail to forget that our Master (Jesus) entrusted us to be prepared when he comes and that is the agenda for the whole creation.

When we do not have a plan and preparation, do you wonder what tag has been given to us? It is foolish & wicked, lazy servant. This is being explained to us with a story by Jesus to get register in our mind. The 5 virgins who don’t have plan unlike the wise who took oil in jars along with their lamps called as foolish when they were not able to go along with the bridegroom. (Read Matthew 25: 1 to 13).  The man who had received one bag of gold (talent) when did not gained for what has been entrusted with him; the master called you wicked, lazy servant. (Read Matthew 25: 14 to 28).

The result for not being prepared will be “Truly I tell you, I don’t know you. Matthew 25:12”. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 25:30” . I’m sure none of us wants to be left out as the 5 foolish virgin and like the lazy servant who weren’t not able to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Are we ready for the Master to say us “Well done, good and faithful servant” and share his happiness?  Keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Matthew 25:13

Have a blessed day!

In Christ Alone

Justina Jausline

How to keep emotions in check?

How to keep emotions in check?

                                                            Good Morning Holy Spirit - Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend, How are you feeling today? 😇 Take a pause and think through. The reason I ask is that the feeling is the result of your emotion today. Emotions are any of the feelings of anger, fear, disgust, happiness, sadness, surprise, etc. Look for an emoticon icon, which best describes you today😄. Different types of emotions actually seem to rule our daily lives. Mostly we tend to take decisions based on what we go through emotionally whether we are happy, angry, sad, frustrated etc. Understanding our emotions will help navigate our life with ease and stability.

Today EQ (Emotional Quotient) plays a major component in recruitment. Emotional intelligence or EQ is widely recognized as a valuable skill that helps improve communication, problem solving, management, relationships. Researchers believe that it can be improved with training & practice. This post is in continuation of how to keep ourselves blameless at the coming of Jesus Christ (Appetite vs Hunger, Soul-Mind, Soul-Will).

Today we will see how to keep our emotions (Soul – emotions) in check and improve with training (through scripture) and practice. The major calamities of our emotions are anger, fear, and hatred. We will see what the scripture says about these prominent ones, the training material given below, and it is unto us to exercise. 💪

Anger: Control your anger before it controls you.

A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. Proverbs 25:28. Know this; my beloved brothers let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20. A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1. Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. Proverbs 14:29. A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. Proverbs 15:18. Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, Proverbs 22:24

Hatred: Hate cannot drive out Hate, only love can do that- Dr.Martin Luther king Jr.

The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult. Proverbs 12:16. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Fear: Our spirit is not made of fear. Know the identity.

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15. 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. Psalm 23:4. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? Psalm 118:6

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Have a blessed day!

In Christ Alone

Justina Stephen

How to choose the will of God to be kept blameless?

How to choose the will of God to be kept blameless?

                                                   Good Morning Holy Spirit - Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend, I hope you had a wonderful rest day (Rest in God's Presence)😇. I thank & praise God for giving me the opportunity to meet you through this daily devotion. We are studying through the series of how to keep our whole spirit, soul and body blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Appetite vs Hunger). In our last devotion, we learnt about how to keep our mind blameless Soul - Mind and today it is about the will.

What is will? It is the one you want or to choose. As a child of God, we all have the desire to do only the will of God. In our studies, career, job, life partner, ministry, finding a home, any kind of decision-making, we desire to choose only what God chooses for us. How did you identified that was the will of God? We have a desire for it and how do we know that it was a desire from God since not all desires are from God.

When we take time to sit in His presence, shutting down all other voices and eager to listen from Him, He speaks to us. Does God really speaks? Yes, He does. Holy Spirit will put the inspiration in us and speaks through his words (What is good and evil). He also gives us the strength, energy and ability to fulfill the purpose. The scripture says this in “Philippians 2: 13, For it is (not your strength, but it is) [a]God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work (that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose) for His good pleasure.”

What are your struggles to fulfill God’s will in your life? To make time to sit in his presence? To take time to read his words? We all would have heard about this proverb "Where there is a will, there is a way” – The way is being obedient to His words! What do you want to choose? Jesus said to the people who believed in him, 'You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings, you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”. John 8:31, 32

It is very important to understand what we choose - for both Spirit ( feed with God's word) and body (feed with right( healthy) food 😃) to stay healthy. The decision lies with us. So let us choose to make a right choice for both Spirit and body.

Have a blessed day!

In Christ Alone

Justina Jausline

How to keep our mind blameless?

How to keep our mind blameless?

                                                      Good Morning Holy Spirit - Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend! Today’s devotion is in continuation of our yesterday’s devotion (Appetite vs Hunger) on how to keep our whole Spirit, Soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Soul is of 3 parts – Mind, Will and Emotions. Let us look into Mind today. 

What is Mind? In common parlance, the mind most often refers to the seat of human consciousness, the thinking as per psychology. It cannot be touched, cannot be treated using equipment, it is not the same in everyone, its dangerous, however it can be trained for good or evil.

My son who is of 5 years old, when he does not obey my words and repeats the same mistake , the simple reason he gives me always is “Mamma, I know I’m not supposed to do this but my mind is just not listening to me”😃. My response always to him was “You should know how to control the mind and the mind should not control you”. The moment I respond to him, I used to feel that it applies to me as well.

It is a high time that we should learn to control our mind and the bible says we should take captive of our every thought to obey Christ. “..we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5”. How to take captive of our mind? It is a choice that we make. We should choose to focus our thoughts on the right things which are true, noble, right, pure,lovely, admirable. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8.

The next thing is consistently we should renew our mind by the word of God to be kept blameless.And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.Romans 12:2

Have a blessed day!

In Christ Alone

Justina Stephen 

Appetite vs Hunger

 Appetite / Hunger

                                Good Morning Holy Spirit - Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend! Appetite is a natural desire to eat food. Eating is an essential part of life, giving us the energy and nutrients our bodies need to stay healthy. Hunger is physiological. It signals the body and it is an expression of desire, a need to eat to maintain energy levels, an instinct of survival.

There could be moments we lose our physical appetite due to many reasons. Medically or biologically, there were reasons listed as stress, age factor – when get old, when suffering from illness or any disease etc. These are dealing with physical body but we are made of spirit, soul & body.

  “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23.” Having said that, how do we stay healthy with Sprit & Soul with the food it requires and be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ? By feeding the word of God.

I once heard from a man of God that Soul is like a pipeline, which connects Spirit and Body and act as an intermediate to keep them alive. Soul involves mind (your thoughts), will (decision-making) & emotions (eg : Happiness, sorry, anger, frustration, etc.). What is our appetite for our Soul?  Is it in line with the word of God? What are the hindrances where we lose our appetite for the word of God to stay healthy with our Soul?

I would encourage you to take time , think about it and list the hindrances. David repeatedly says in Psalms, his soul thirsts for God. Psalm 42:1-3 – As the deer pants for streams of water, so pants my soul after you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; Psalm 63:1-3, 7-8 – O God, you are my God, early and earnestly will I seek you: my soul thirsts for you, my flesh longs for you. 

Is our Soul thirsty & hunger for God? 

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.Matthew 5:6"

Have a blessed day!

In Christ Alone

Justina Jausline

You are more than a Conqueror!

You are more than a Conqueror!

                                  Good Morning Holy Spirit - Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend and privileged to meet you in this God’s appointed time! “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Romans 8: 37”. These words carries the most powerful and promising scripture. This verse is from Paul’s letter to the Roman believers loved by God and it portrays the strength of character that can carry the believers victoriously through tough times.

We all do not have an identity crisis; we are sons and daughters of Christ dearly loved by Him. This verse empowers us to realize on how we see ourselves. Who is a conqueror? One who wins a country in war, a subduer, an Overcomer. Paul says, we who are believers of Christ are more than a Conqueror: Victor, Subdue (bring under control), Overcomer (one who succeeds in dealing with or gaining control of some problem or difficulty).

Does victory comes suddenly or by itself? If we should brag (talk big) about a victory, then we should have fought a struggle/ battle or hardships. Our hardships could be in any form of illness, relationship struggles, sin, addictions, struggle in office, financial needs, unable to deliver our best , struggle between flesh & the spirit – our spirit is willing to obey & serve him but our flesh not, etc. However, I would encourage you to remember what Paul says, we are not just conquerors, we are more than a conqueror (an enormous or abundant overcomer). 

Of course, we will have troubles and struggles to face and the victory does not come easy. Do remember always who is backing you? (In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I (Jesus) have overcome the world. John 16:33). The very secret to fight our battles is Put on the garment of Praise. It may look like we are surrounded in all ways and by all means but we fail to remember we are surrounded by Him. I love this song of Michael W. Smith, Surrounded.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBl84oZxnJ4. This is how we fight our battles.

Have a blessed day!

 In Christ Alone

Justina Jausline

Appointment!

Appointment!

                                                               Good Morning Holy Spirit - Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend, an appointment is something to meet someone at a particular time and place. Generally, when we take an appointment with someone there could be a purpose behind it. It could be an appointment with doctor, lawyer, pastor, senior leader, fitness trainer etc. we tend to look forward to consult them for a solution or a new prospect. Have you experienced that you have received the solution the moment you meet them. Certainly no, there could be a course of action, which we might undergo to bring solution to the issues. Bible declares there is a time for everything (“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1”).

When we all accepted Jesus as our lord and savior and become his believer, it might not have happened suddenly on a one fine morning. We all have our own way of encounter with God and it just happened according to his perfect timing. Psalmist says, "My times are in your (God) hands ... Psalm 31:15”. God's perfect timing does two things: It grows our faith as we are forced to wait and trust in God and it makes certain that He and He alone, gets the glory and praise.

You might be waiting and praying for certain direction, blessing, healing etc. God determines how long you wait in His waiting room. God determines the appointed times. However, nothing is too hard for the lord. When he promised Abraham and Sarah, he declared (“Genesis 18:14, ESV: "Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son”). Also, Joseph not appointed as ruler of Egypt suddenly, he had to wait in Jail until the time comes but the lord was with him and caused everything he did to succeed (Genesis 39: 23).

“Isaiah 60:22 When The Time Is Right I, The Lord Will Make It Happen”. God’s promises are true for you. Allow faith to rise within your heart. Pray with boldness & believe. Remember: Nothing is impossible for God! He has an appointed time for you and your miracle.

Also, do remember, we have an appointment awaiting with God when he returns. Get ready to meet him to give accountability. Mark 1:15, KJV: "And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."

Have a blessed day!

In Christ Alone

Justina Stephen

How healthy is your heart?

How healthy is your heart?

                                                  Good Morning Holy Spirit - Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend, Are you wondering looking at the title that you end up in a medical camp? ;) May be yes, as I am going to give some tips to make your heart healthy! :-)

I hope you are aware that 29 Sep remembered as a World Heart Day. It is a global health awareness campaign focusing on the importance to protect the heart and participate in activities to take charge of their heart health and that of others. In line with it, recently watched a video from a cardiologist, it was a nice and an informative one. 

What is health? The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “complete physical, mental, and social well-being - and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” 

The doctor talked about the 10 commandments to follow to keep your heart healthy.The commandments are --> 1) reduce salt, 2) reduce sweet, 3) control saturated fatty acids, 4) stop smoking, 5) stop alcohol, 6) stop the sedentary life, 7) control the obesity, 8) reduce the stress, 9) avoid sleeping for less time , 10) Service to Mankind and God.

When an earthly doctor gave so much of tips to keep our heart healthy, how much more our heavenly doctor (one who created) would have told us to keep it healthy. Let us look what God’s prescription to make our heart healthy and the reward for the same.

Do you know that there is an easy way to define who we are?  The heart. In the secrecy of your thought & feeling, when nobody knows but God. All the issues of life are from the heart. (“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23). For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12: 34).

How to keep this heart healthy and away from all the issues of life? As the earthly doctor said to follow 10 commandments to keep heart physically healthy, let us see what our Lord says. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him (Jesus) with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. (Matthew 22: 35-38). What does it mean to love someone with all our heart? Loving someone with all our heart will lead you to excessively clingy and follow their pattern of life. Similarly, we will start to cling on His words and follow the pattern of His life to become like Him.

It is written in Psalm 119:9, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By taking heed according to Your word.” God’s Word is the instruction manual for our life. Therefore, you go and make disciples of all nations and teaching them to obey everything, He has commanded us (Matthew 28: 19, 20).

Have a blessed day and start monitoring your heart! :-)

In Christ Alone,

Justina Stephen

Who do you believe ?

Who do you believe ?

                                      - Good Morning Holy Spirit - Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend! Hope you had a wonderful rest day. Blessed to meet you through this devotion in this start of the working week. Let God guide you and reveal himself unto you. 

What does it mean to believe in someone? It is to have confidence or faith in someone's ability. Who is our confidence? Christ our Lord is our confidence. 

However, there could be lots of voices and situations of despair arises to enfeeble our confidence. ("The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. John 10: 10"). Let us remember to stay vigilant and protect ourselves with the word of truth. Whose words do you believe? Stay focused. 

1. Do you have fear and anxiety about how to handle the situation this week? Remember what God said , "Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41: 10". Be confident that victory is yours.

2. Are you in trouble? Replace and confess "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7". Be bold that He is your refuge since your trust is in Him.

3. Are you feeling Weak? It is written, "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.Isaiah 40:29 ".Rejoice that you get the strength and power from the great I am.

4. Are you troubled if any good thing will come to you? Certainly the good thing will come to you, " The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.Psalm 34:10". Remember to believe in Him.

5. Do you lack in Wisdom ? Word says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5". Yes it is already given to you since you have asked Him.

6. Are you worried and manipulating about your future plans? But HE says ,"For I know the plans I have for you', declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.Jeremiah 29:11". Stay tuned to cherish the plan God is leading you into.

7. Are you sick? The one whom you believe says, " For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds. Jeremiah 30: 17". So be confident and receive your healing.

8. Are you feeling bad about your incapability? Remember you are able, equipped and you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength. Phillipians 4: 13.

9. Are you confused about your identity and carried away by what others say about you? But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.1 Peter 2:9

Believe in Him.Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. (Jeremiah 17:7).

Rest assured on the promise keeper. Have a blessed day!

In Christ Alone

Justina Stephen

Are you passionate about Serving?

Are you passionate about Serving?

                                                         - Good Morning Holy Spirit Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend, knowing our identity in Christ is the greatest privilege of our life. Word of God says, “You are a child of God, You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139)”

Do you believe that your parents shaped your personality? Yes, they do play a significant role in shaping our personality. The art of serving mindset comes from our eternal father. Service comes through God’s love and the compassion Jesus showed on the cross for us. That is the primary reason; we have the desire to serve others.

God’s word says, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ (I Peter 4: 10, 11).”

I would like to encourage you to remember your top three passions in life. What are you passionate about? Do you invest your heart and soul effort to do it?  We are so committed to work on our passions and ready to spend our time, talent and treasure for the same. How passionate are we to serve others with our gifts, which we received, from God? Spiritual gift is something God has decided to gift us to help in building the kingdom of God by serving and using our special ability. When we stay committed, we can also become like Peter from fishermen to fishers of men and Paul from persecutor of church to building the church (Kingdom of God).

Are we ready to give accountable for the gifts, which we received when we meet him? I have read this statement in a book “If Jesus would return today, would I be ready to meet him? If Jesus does not return this day, week, year or decade, will I be ready to live for him tomorrow?”

Have a blessed day!

In Christ Alone,

Justina Stephen

Rest in God’s presence!

Rest in God’s presence!

                                            -Good Morning Holy Spirit - Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend, hope you are excited today since we are almost towards the end of week. The reason it could be a weekend break from your office work, college, school, etc. However, I can hear the woman/Mom’s mind voice as it does not make a difference to me since it is highly not feasible to take rest. :-)

As we all know, rest is important for our well-being. Word of God says, “It is vain for you to rise early and put off your rest at night, to eat bread earned by hard toil— all this God gives to his beloved in sleep” (Ps. 127:2)”.

So, not only is it unhealthy for us to neglect sleep and rest, it is also useless! Does it mean that we should not work? Certainly no, He wants us to work (Gen 1: 15) and delivery with excellence but do not consider work as idolatry.

God worked & the creator of the universe himself rested from all his work (Gen 2: 2). However, the rest day HE made it holy (Sacred/Set apart). It is not about only resting from your office work, household work, academy or any equivalent physical work but being communion with God.

As we, all know the story of two sisters Martha & Mary. Martha and Mary are sisters who are friends of Jesus. When Jesus comes to their home for dinner, Martha stress herself with the household tasks of serving and being host, but Mary simply sits and listens to Jesus. Martha becomes angry that Mary is neglecting her responsibility to help host, but Jesus told to Martha:

('Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her'” Luke 10:41-42)

Of course, you may say we are worshiping God, hearing & learning the word of God in our church during the rest day but that alone is not sufficient. Then how can we make this rest day fruitful? What is resting in God’s presence? Recently, I had to be in quarantine after my travel due to emergency & have learnt this lesson of resting in God’s presence. During this period, I did not had to do any work and it is merely a quarantine with Jesus :). I understood during this period that communion with God is critical for our own growth, to understand his plan for our life, guidance & revelation.

How are you dealing with your rest day? I would encourage you to investigate how you spend your rest day. I leave this as an open-ended question to you. Remember you (the disciple of Christ) are the salt and the light of the earth (Matthew 5: 13- 16). Do not lose the saltiness and the battery of your lamp to lit it. 

Have a blessed day!

In Christ Alone

Justina Stephen

Weakness --> Strength

Weakness --> Strength

                                                - Good Morning Holy Spirit - Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend, delighted to meet you this morning to bring you a reminder that “His mercies begin afresh each morning”. (Lam 3: 23). I am sure God will reveal to you the mercy HE has in store for you today to overcome the weakness.

What is Weakness?  Lack of strength or a character flaw, or something that you cannot resist defined as Weakness.

Few years back, the hiring manager’s one of the default question to the candidate was “What are your strengths & Weaknesses”. The intent of the question was to comprehend how well you relate your own strengths and weaknesses and the approach you are taking to answer. I would put myself in a hiring manager shoe today and would like to set forth this question to you :-) . What are your Strengths and Weaknesses? Take a pause and write it down in a paper before you proceed with the reading.

The very reason for asking to write the weakness is if we do not realize it, there will be no scope for us to turn our Weakness into Strength. Is Weakness dangerous? Eventually yes, living in weakness for long is not good as it might lead to trouble & sin. Weaknesses can be lack of faith, fear, anxiety, pride, laziness, doubt, talking too much that is unnecessary (In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise Proverbs 10: 19), gossiping, getting angry quickly, impatient with others, etc. Opposite of weakness is strength. Hence, how to handle & overcome this Weakness to Strength? Word of God says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1; He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. . Isaiah 40:29

Scripture is full of people who showed weaknesses then how God used the weak people for his glory. Example, Moses an unskilled in speech felt weak to do the task required of him became the leader of God’s people; Peter depicted as hasty, capable of getting angry quickly who also disowns Jesus became a leader of early church. It is encouraging to see how HE used the weak to demonstrate His strength for His glory. One thing, which is common among them, is they acknowledged their weaknesses and submitted to God.

Let us also learn to submit our weaknesses to God and HE will give us the strength to fulfill the plan & purpose He has for our lives. Take a step of action to overcome the weakness and transformed by the renewal of your mind with the word of God.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40: 30, 31)

 Have a blessed day!

 In Christ Alone, 

Justina Stephen