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

Adieu 2017 and Welcome SMART 2018!

Viola! It's that moment of the time to say adieu to 2017.Goals,Resolution,Improvement,
Excellence could be your terms of this season in your thoughts and plan.

Before I plunge to break your curiosity to read about this post, wanna putforth this question to you. Do you remember every details that happened to you both good and the bad from litttle to big in 2015 or the recent 2016.

Surely it's not so possible to remember all the details of 365 days in the past years unless its recorded. Though we might not be able to remember every details of this year,sendoff is a cultural inheritage. Let's have a heart of gratitude for all the experiences in 2017 by taking sometime to recollect and write down the significant memories of this year.

During our long travel towards the end of the year, husband and self used to discuss about the promises we were able to keep that year and our desires/goals for the new year. Fortunately, we have been doing this quite a few years. The guilt of not able to keep my promises for 2017 had taken me over and doubted my ability to set goals for 2018. However, my hubby reminded me to uncover my guilt to set SMART ( Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) Goals which helped me to plan for 2018.

Yaa'y, the count down begins for 2018 in just few hours.It's the time at which New calendar begins with a fresh start. It's always a want to look for a new beginning to correct or discard of the things which we could have done much better.

Do not have too many goals and plans for 2018 which aren't possible to achieve.Let your Goals be SMART and list down your desires/goals to be achieved. From the lists, take only top 4 things which can be very specific and think if it can be Measurable, is it Achievable, is it realistic to achieve and is it time bound.

For example, you might want to reduce weight which is specific. How many kgs/pounds you would like to reduce and is it measurable. Is the no of kgs/pounds to reduce is achievable and if so, break it into smaller goals through the year as you won't be able to reduce 10kg in a month. Reducing 1kg a month can be realistic and it's time bound. Hence, let all your goals be SMART.

Who wouldn't wanna be SMART? Hope you're looking for paper/notes to make a list. Let's wish each other to be SMART in 2018.

Rejoice and get excited to welcome 2018 since HE crown the year with HIS bounty, And HIS paths overflow.(PSALM 65:11 ) and trust me it will be HIS size.

Have a blessed and a SMART New year 2018!..

In Christ alone
Justina Stephen

Who is your Life Jacket?

Am I sounding funny? There's a reason for this question.When we took our son to swimming pool , we used inflatable swim tube as a safety measure for him to avoid drowning in water. My son who is 2.8 years old started to question my husband of the need to use it. He tried to explain him and used this term something similar to a life jacket which will save his life from drowning.This actually hit me strong.

I realized it's nothing but a life preserver.Then a sudden question which popped in my mind as "Who is your life jacket?". Without much ado,I told myself that my life jacket is JESUS. Do you know why I say that and what HE does to me?

1.HE saved me from sins and made me to realize the unconditional love that HE has for me.
2.HE saved me from self pity and made me to know my identity that I'm the child of the most high living God.
3.HE saved me from the worries of the world and taught me that the Joy of the Lord is my strength.
4.HE saved me from all my wrong choices and helped me understand HIS ways because HIS ways are always higher than my ways and it's the BEST for me.
5.HE saved me from low times of my life and backed me up with HIS constant whispering of HIS words and helped me not to go down on my Faith level until I receive the promises of HIM.
6.HE saved me from insufficiency, loneliness and all life's endangered situations.

HE is worthy to be called my Life jacket. Who or what is your life jacket?  Have you ever considered the following as your life jacket?

 1.Your job
 2.Sufficient Insurance policies
 ‎3.Wealth/Financial backup
 ‎4.Your goodwill
 ‎5.Your abilities and fame
 6.Your relationship etc..

If so, request you to rethink on those aspects. These would fail you at some point of your life. However, the one I recommend you to try will never leave you nor forsake you at any circumstances.

Try JESUS , not as a religion but as a Friend and a Father. I bet HE will be your BEST FRIEND and your FATHER and your perfect Life Jacket.

HE is the King of all kings and Lord of all Lords. Wouldn't you be proud enough to say that you are HIS friend / Son or a daughter of the most High one.

Do you wonder how to friend him? Click on the link and download the bible app.

https://www.youversion.com/

Start Reading and you will find the answer. You don't need none to explain you. HE will reveal himself to you and the plans HE has for you. Are you ready to wear your life jacket? :) God bless!

In Christ alone
Justina Stephen

Is stress your lifestyle?

Whilst I was thinking on what could be my next post title, the word just flashed my mind is STRESS.
Then I let my thoughts to ponder over this word. Recent years this word is the reason for many cause in personal and social schema.

A state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances is called Stress.

Do you remember this word used by our grand parents?My personal feeling is it became a part of our lifestyle only in this generation.In fact it has been a prestigious word uttered by everyone. When people around asks you how was the week or the day? How many times our immediate response was " oh boy it had been a horrible week, completely stressed out" . Be it a office work, household work, business, even some people who does social work and ministry started using this word.

Let's come to its definition part, so the stress arises out of mental or emotional or tension when the demanding circumstances are to be met. Alright, just wanted to post you a couple of questions for you to rewind your mind and renew your spirit.

Would you not agree that our ancestors had demanding situation? Have they not used their brains and does physical work for inventions and tasks to be accomplished?
Then from where does this word suddenly jumped and took over our lifestyle? Okay my next question would be what is the remedy or the steps taken to avoid this stress.

People who are working from Monday to Friday,  desperately waiting for Fridays to burst their stress out. Am I not right? We hear about TGIF ( Thank God its Friday) how funny it might sound.So Friday evenings is a party time, whatsoever it might be a metropolitan city or a small town . Metropolitan city pubs are full on every Friday's and they have night outs just to burst their stress level. The places which is not so familiar for pubs have tasmac and other recreational activities.

These days stress impacts all areas of our day to day life. Starting from toddlers and up to age old man. It affects significant areas of our lives includes education, job, relationships specially husband and wife.

Husband might sound that he is having lots of stress to meet the deadlines. Wife would say the same thing in a different version ( if a stay at home or a women who takes care of both family and her career). Whatever it may be the ultimate reasoning is everybody is under stress.

I would say its just an attitude problem. How we look at things and act and most importantly how we speak. We all talk about being positive and there are hell lot of seminars, conferences, training which is all to keep us motivated.

Was this all a part of our grand parents lifestyle? In fact they worked hard more than us. Nowadays life is pretty much simplified but we make it very much complicated.

In bible there is a verse,
Proverbs 18:21
" The tongue has the power of life and death and those who love it will eat its fruit.".

So let's use the tongue to build ourselves and our lifestyle and not for destruction.. Stay focused and Stay blessed..!

In Christ alone

Justina Stephen

What is Joy to you?

Joy meaning as per definition is a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.

I would be keen to trigger your thoughts for few seconds on the recent factual happiness which you had felt it wholeheartedly.

Was it because of your long term desires coming to pass, accomplished any victory, Surroundings and people brings you the happiness( by meeting your expectations), financial benefits, healing ?

Recent days I have realized many of the times extreme happiness comes when our desires are met. Right time I was reminded of John Piper's quote " What is the deepest root of your joy? What God gives to you? Or What God is to you?" made me to think deeply and its also the reason for this post.

May be you have been longing for certain things to come to pass in your life. Waiting for a dream job, promotion,marriage, financial benefits, to be free from debt, free from long suffering sickness, to be blessed with a child, right opportunity to show your talents?. We have all gone through this stage some way or the other.

We would have been praying for this earnestly and sincerely waiting for God's provisions. It's not wrong but how do you really feel or react during your waiting period.?

Honestly I was not always happy during those times. I had ups and downs in my emotions when waiting for God's provisions and answers. Though i had complete faith in God, though i walked by faith and not by sight , i wasn't happy at all times and this question made me to think and realize my happiness was dependent on the outcome of my desires and prayers been answered.

So my focus was on supply not on the supplier(God). Was it not an embarrassing moment to be focused on what we get alone? I was reminded of the verse Philippians 4:4 -
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!".

Have we truly rejoiced during our afflictions? If not, let us learn to rejoice in all circumstances. Let our eyes be fixed on Jesus and not on the provisions.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually,18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
God bless you!..

In Christ alone
Justina Sam

A Stray dog and a Foreigner..!

As you know I'm not a habitual writer but when something really inspired me I pen down my thoughts.

This time it is a Stray dog and a foreigner. Yeah the duo’s is the reason for this post. They stimulated me to think for a while and made me to feel the unconditional love.

Everyday I happen to wait in a signal on the way back home from office. It was a cool drizzling Friday evening and a tranquil music of Don moen was on. What else you need at the moment; with the heart overwhelmed I was looking straight outside the right window.

I saw a foreigner who is in full suit and has the high quality leather bag in front of HAL entrance. I just glazed at him and suddenly thought he must be a scientist or a high profile person from his outlook. He came out and then went to the security guard and spoke to him. After a moment he came with a box and kept that box outside the gate. I was so very curious to watch him further because I didn't expect a person like him, meaning well dressed with leather bag carrying a not so good looking box.

Then the security guard came with a jug and was clueless what’s happening over. Then I could notice the security guard pouring water into the box. Till this moment I have no clue on the ongoing scene. Then the foreigner took the box and placed near a dog and that too a stray dog. He kept the box so nearer to the dog so that it can drink water.

You know what, till that moment my eyes were watchful only on the foreigner and not on the stray dog. Then a luxury car came out where he is ready to board the car but still he took that extra moment to take out some of the costliest cookies from his bag and fed the dog with his hands.

Truly speaking, my heart besieged for the love that the foreigner has showed towards the stray dog. In fact he looked like a true hero for me at that moment because of kindness and love he showed to the dog. The best part is he didn't even bother about the drizzling; his heart’s intention was to only make the dog to get away the hungriness.  I just recapped the thing which happened for a moment and positioned myself in the scene.

I have not even had a mindset or my eyes didn't even take a chance to look at the stray dog which is not so attractive but full of dirt. But this man really stood out on his character.

People don’t be surprised how come I have got so much of time in the signal. With not much surprise that’s a Bangalore traffic signal, so I had to wait for such a long time until the scene gets over J

After feeding the dog, he boarded the car and the car passed by on the other direction of where I was waiting in the signal. Wholly my heart felt something good the chance God gave me to watch this man’s heart and kindness.

I questioned myself that I m being over joyful after seeing this man’s attitude. How much more I should be joyful and thankful to God the father for providing me everything in all my needs according to his riches and glory.

Straight after this, I took a moment to thank God for showing me HIS unconditional love to me in my imperfections. I’m an imperfect person loved by a perfect God..!!!

J

                                                                                                                  

Finally I would like to end with the verse, John 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Let God be with you!

In Christ Alone,

Justina Stephen