A lifestyle of Worship!...

Like every other time ,this time too God gave me the grace to hear His words. Yes I went to the Prayer group which has been scheduled on every Friday's.There are times when we hear HIS words we would feel guilty, convicted and rejuvenated to get on track to run the race once again.But after few days or sometimes even after few hours we tend to forget the decisions which we made.

Yet our Jesus was patient enough to take that extra step to speak to us continuously and train us not only to complete the race but to come out as a winner. But have we really made efforts to put it in practice?

It was a simple but yet pro-founding message and exercise given by our coach which made me to realize the significance of the truth which is God's word.

These are the simple questions which I need to answer in the paper,

On an average,

1. How many hours do you spend in-front of TV every week?.

2. How many hours do you spend on Facebook, YouTube, Mobile every week?

3. How many hours do you spend in church every week?

4. How many hours do you spend reading the Bible every week?

Identify the gap between (1+2) and (3+4) and see what is feeding your life more?. Don't you think those are the toughest questions to be answered? I found it real hard to answer the same and envision how bad I' m performing to finish my race as a winner.

Yes there is so much of gap between the questions mentioned above and realized which is feeding my life more. So what  could be the major hitting factor in our Prayer life? It could be a lack of prayer time or mainly it could be lack of reading GOD's word.Why we are not able to read God's word for long hours as desired and planned every-time than the time we spent on other activities.

These are the few things which really touched me when the brother was preaching.

Here is the verse quoted,

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17 NIV)

As the verse says, all scripture is God breathed, so if I start reading the scripture regularly it will surely equip me for every good work which will help me to come out as a winner. But would satan be really happy about it? Certainly not as we may know how he dealt with Eve,

"Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Genesis 3:1". Serpent questions Eve that ,does God really said that and deceived her with the very same word God spoke which is the truth.

So we know what happened after Eve and Adam ate the fruit?

Hope now you would have got the pulse of it,

" You shall know the truth and the truth shall let you free" John 8:32

"It is HIS job to speak to you and it is your job to obey HIS words." Since this message really touched me I thought I would share my learning and experience which will definitely help you to win your race.

Here is what given in the exercise to re-establish the place of scripture.

1. Study it daily

2. Discuss it - Proverbs 27:17 - " As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another"

3. Apply it.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. (James 1:22-25 NIV)

So I have decided to Re- establish the place of scripture. How about you.?Is it not so important for us to obey his word? Obeying HIM is the actual worship we do and that's what God's expectation too is often we hear from our Pastors speech..!God Bless!

In Christ alone

Justina Stephen

Life filled with Miracles!!!

Dear Friends, Welcome to the Miracles segment of this blog! Let Holy Spirit speak to you and lead you according to HIS perfect will..!

Can’t imagine how I get to the state I’m now and couldn't count on the situations how miraculously my JESUS have saved and poured out HIS Favor on me.

For the past few months I have been guttering over to pen down the miracles I have experienced in my life. Nevertheless I was not keen at putting that in action as I always do due to sluggishness. One Sunday I was touched by the words which my Pastor used in his sermon. You can’t hold it within yourself when you truly experienced the miracles of GOD.

The very moment I was touched by Holy Spirit and understood the significance of sharing the testimony of my life. I was questioning GOD, LORD it’s too much that I have tasted your love and how will I put everything together. My JESUS guided me and spoke to me very clearly and recapped how HE dealt with me in the seasons of my life.

Later part of this I will share about the seasons which I had encountered JESUS in my life! Friends before I proceed would like to ask this question, which is the moment/stage do you really think, will be a turning point in your life?

• May be if you are in school, you would be thinking of choosing the right course for graduation to set your career right.
• Secondly if you are in final year of college you would be carried away with the placements worries.
• Thirdly when you are working for a company or organization your focus will be on to excel in the job and go higher designations.
• Fourthly you might have a challenging situation in your Visa approval.
• Fifthly when your parents or you think to find a life partner, definitely your thoughts will be fluctuated on choosing the partner.

Do you really agree about the above stages which can really make your life best or worse? Well, for me GOD worked out for its BEST.Stay tuned to read the miraculous ways HE lead me. God Bless!

In Christ Alone
Justina Stephen

This is my Prayer!

                                    

                                   

Dear Friends before I flinch with my contemplation about this post, I would like to set forth few questions to you. Ponder over these questions and scrutinize about your motives.

1. Are you praying regularly?

2. If so, what is the motive of your Prayers?

3. Does your Prayer points include the following - Praying for Family needs, Financial Situations, Protection, Praying for a House to own for yourself, Praying for a child, Praying for Wife or Husbands salvation, Praying for marriage, Praying for Husband’s Job, Praying for Children’s Education, Praying for Health, Praying for ministry, Praying for Visa’s to get through, Praying for friends ?

Certainly many of our Prayers will encompass few or some of the prayers points from the above list. Well it’s not a bad idea to pray over these things. But would like to insist that do not use Prayer as a rescue operation rather than as ongoing life support.

Recently God revealed how my Prayer should be through Paul’s writing. As Part of Monthly goals I’m reading the book of Philippians. Don’t be surprised that I ‘m working on Monthly Goals  J . Recently I’m learning many things in the areas which I was ignorant. Like everyone else I too have the desire to work on the resolutions which I take every year. But I was failing and this Year I could improve on, because of the ideas given by my friend and truly, she is the greatest blessing to me at the appointed time J Given link below for your improvement areas on the resolutions and it will be very helpful for you too.! http://sheensteve.wordpress.com/category/goals/

When I read Paul’s letter to the people of Philippi, he prayed for the people of Philippians. This Prayer throws an insight about my daily prayer time with God. I and my husband together memorized this verse with actions, like how we teach a kid with actions, so as not to forget things easily. J

Read these verse carefully and slowly,

⁹ And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, ¹⁰ so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, ¹¹ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1: 9 – 11.

There are five important requests found in this Prayer,

1.     Abound more in Love.

2.     Grow in knowledge and depth of Insight.

3.     Discernment of Good and Bad.

4.     Purity and blameless when the day of Christ.

5.     Filled with the Fruits of righteousness.

The order which Paul put forth has a meaning and intention to it.

Firstly he prays for the abundance of Love. Love for whom? Of all the commandments, the most important which Jesus says, ³⁰ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. ³¹ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12: 30, 31.

Secondly he prays about abundance in knowledge and depth of Insight. The knowledge comes from God’s word. A growing love for God is seen in one’s fellowship with God (Psa. 63:1-8), in obedience to God’s law (John 14:21).Reading and meditating the word of GOD will help us to grow in knowledge and wisdom.

Thirdly he prays for discernment. Most people know that discerning what is good and what is bad or what is best is not always easy, therefore much wisdom and insight is needed that comes by reading the word of GOD. Such wisdom comes from asking for it in prayer -Read James 1:5; Proverbs 2:1-9

Paul’s fourth request is tightly tied with the last request. He prays that the believer will be “sincere and blameless until the day of Christ” (v 10 b). Paul prays that they will be found pure when Jesus returns filled with the fruits of righteousness.

Fifth request is to be filled with the fruits of righteousness. What is righteousness? It is an attribute that implies that a person's actions are justified, and can have the connotation that the person has been "judged" or "reckoned" as leading a life that is pleasing to God. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23.

When we en graft God’s word upon our hearts, "the fruit of the Spirit" will be seen within us. The Spirit will produce these qualities within us by the word He has inspired.

So the ultimate conclusion for Paul’s prayer to be answered is by reading the word of GOD J. God will give us the grace to understand the truth by having a closer walk with HIM through Prayer and meditation of HIS word. Finally I would like to remind you of the verse in Psalms 1: 2 – Blessed is the one – who meditates on his law day and night. When we look upon HIM for this revelation all the prayer points which you were praying (Refer above – Question 3) will be taken care by HIM. God Bless!

In Christ Alone

Justina Stephen

Accepting the discipline of Holy Spirit

What is discipline? It is the training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior. I know, you may wonder it could be literature writing :) . Certainly not, the reason I bring this meaning spelled out is to reveal how God lead me since the beginning of this New Year.

Who is Holy Spirit? The word of God is the “Holy Spirit” (John 1:1) and to discipline ourselves to do what the word says is the same as receiving the discipline of the Holy Spirit. I and my Husband Sam were continuously reminded of reading the word of God which we were lacking in the past. I believe this one area is every believer will be struggling since it’s the chain of bondage which Satan usually laid before us. When you started knowing the truth (word of GOD), the truth will set you free which Satan wouldn’t be interested to encourage this. (“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. - John 8: 32”). Predominantly the believers will fall prey to this fixture of Satan who brings us various genuine reasons for not reading and meditating the word of GOD. No wonder we were into it as well.

Purely by GOD’s grace and perfect leading we have accepted the discipline of Holy Spirit in this New Year. He showed us a Church where HE wanted us to be in the place where we live. The only message which we heard in different aspect of sermons is to read through HIS word in these past 2 months of this Year.

Starting of these lent days we attended the church service in the evening. We truly felt the presence of GOD during Prayer time. I strongly urged in my spirit about HIS leading on the disciplined life which HE expects from us. But I don’t have any plans on how to implement it. While returning back from Church we were having a discussion about the message and what God spoke to us which we regularly do after every church service. On that beginning of lent days Holy Spirit patently revealed the plan to Sam on what we should be doing on these lent days.

We might have heard from Christians on the sacrifices which they would be planning for lent days such as avoid eating Non veg or do fasting during these days. We also had the desire of taking a step to get closer to HIM. The biggest and most common excuse which we hear from people about the busy life is they don’t have time for regular Bible reading, Prayer. So we decided to spend our evening time in Bible reading and Prayer and it’s a blessing to us. We were simply astonished every time on the way HE led us in meditation and Prayer which we thoroughly enjoy in HIS Presence. J At times I’m perplexed about how HE speaks to us through HIS word and also our spirit feels the need of implementing what we read in our daily life.

I have been reminded of the verse "I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths." – Proverbs 4: 11. Now our spirit longs for his teaching everyday and it’s not a sacrifice we are doing during lent days rather it’s has become the most precious hours to feel and hear HIS voice.

Friends, the bible is our instruction manual for life and hold on to the instruction. In obeying God's Word lies the very essence of life. Therefore, begin and end your day by reading the Bible and be blessed. God Bless!

In Christ Alone,

Justina Stephen

Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart…!!!!

Primarily, I thank the Lord almighty with a Grateful heart for giving me the grace to enter into 2013. Being a born Christian doesn’t make me to realize the Love of God..! It’s by the experience which gained through the Journey of my Life till date.

“Taste and see that the Lord is Good” - Psalm 34:8... Psalmist statement was patently true and only when we tasted the Love of God we will be able to do the will of GOD in our life.

The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” – Exodus 4:11-12

When God commissioned Moses to free the Israelites from the clutches of Pharaoh, Moses could only see his deficiencies. He still doesn’t believe that God will give him the ability to speak. There is a big difference between the struggle of not knowing what to do and knowing exactly what to do, but not wanting to do it.

Today friends you might be in the same trajectory and no wonder I’m into it as well. If you see something that you KNOW you need to do, trust that the God who caused to you see the opportunity will also equip you to accomplish the task. Anything less is unbelief.

For the past 2 Years I haven’t been lettering in the blog and I know for sure what I ought to be doing as per the will of God but I wasn’t doing anything. The reason could be sluggishness, responsibility towards family, busy schedule etc..etc.  Paul says in.”  Acts 20 : 24  “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

Yes I comprehended the tasks which have been given to me by the Lord Jesus. As HE promised, “For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Mathew 10:20”

Dear Friends, The Lord made raven to feed Elijah and the same GOD is capable of doing this in your life in this New Year.

“The Lord sent ravens to feed Elijah, when he was in the wilderness: "The ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening." 1 Kings 17:6”

Stay tuned and Blessed..! Expect great things from our Lord in this New Year.!

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope!

Getting Closer to God

Friends,

It's been a long while, i posted in my blog.But its time to gear up and take the shoot.So keep your fingers crossed...!:)

Getting Closer to God....is the one which burdens my heart to put it forth. God Bless.!!

In Christ Alone,
Justina Stephen

You are highly favored!!!..

Praise and glory be to God,the Lord almighty. In Christ alone I placed my trust and by His grace I'm blessed beyond all my imaginations. I want to encourage you today to tell that you are highly favored. Amen!

Today God gave this thought when I was listening to the interview of one of the famous Indian Gospel singer Sis Sarah Navaroji. She sang a song about the birth of Jesus Christ and she was narrating thats one of her best song that tells the good news about the birth of Jesus Christ. Please don't be surprised oh Na this is not Christmas season but she is writing about the birth of Jesus Christ.

But today is the day that you ought to know that you are highly favored. Read Luke 1:28 “The angel went to her and said, “Greetings,you who are highly favored!The Lord is with you”. Here the angel of the Lord says to Mary that you are highly favored and in turn she has been chosen to be one of the greatest vessel to bring forth the Son of God to this world. Why Mary has been chosen to bear GOD's son? The one key character that we can find in her is the true submission to the will of God. Fulfilling the will of God is not an easy task. Obedience and Trust on GOD without looking at the situation are the key aspects of what GOD is looking on the people. We read in Heb 11:1 :Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Are you looking for favor from God or from any people in regard to your situation?What is Favor? “The word translated ‘favor’ is . . . hen. This is the Hebrew word most often translated favor in our English versions, and it means friendly regard, approval, or gracious kindness.”.I have listed few verses which states how God's people found favor from the Lord. Also I would like to mention few people whom GOD had showed HIS favor. Mary,the mother of Jesus,Esther,Ruth,David and the list goes on as we read in the bible.

“1Sam. 2:26 And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.”

“Luke 2:52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

God's favor has been bestowed only to the people who are ready to do HIS will. Jesus said ‘Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Let me post you a question. How does the life of David reflect the favor of God? Did David do anything to deserve this favor? Yes he did. He waited on the Lord patiently to fulfill the will as he has been revealed.

“Have you ever thought about what you want to be remembered for after you’re gone? What would “If I can, I want to help you glimpse God’s hand of favor already at work in your life. Maybe you’ve had an eye-opening experience of His favor, but you didn’t recognize it.” Take a few minutes and write down some ways God has already shown you His favor in your life.

Prayer:

Lord, I seek You and want to know You. I cannot go anywhere and enjoy ultimate success without the favor of God. I ask you today for the favor of God to fall upon me and my family. I ask for the favor of God upon all my relationships. I ask for the favor of God upon my career. Please set your loving gaze upon me, and get all the forces of heaven behind me because of Your mercy and grace. Help me to get myself into position to receive the awesome favor of God. May your favor be a testimony of my relationship to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God Bless You !

In Christ Alone

Justina Stephen

A Closer Walk with Jesus!!

“We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did”. I John 2: 3 – 6.

Everybody's desire is to live a godly life in Christ. To live a desired life for God it cannot be accomplished by our own means. We need to Walk Closer with Jesus. The Apostle John who wrote this Gospel enlightens that walk with GOD should reflect in our lives as we begin to live and walk in the light of his love.

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” I John 3:16....Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. Just wanted to post some questions here to analyze ourselves. Self Assessment is indeed necessary not only for our professional life but our spiritual life too. Do we really love our fellow brothers/sisters with the same love how Jesus shows for them? Are we really obeying God’s commands in all our ways of life or are we holding anything just to fulfill our own desires? Are we here to please God or please people? We may even be doing the ministry of GOD but GOD looks for the obeying heart which HE will be truly delighted. Let us live a life which Our GOD should be delighted. We are here and chosen to please GOD and to fulfill the will of GOD in our lives!

Let’s have the thirst to impart the nature of Jesus life. He who does not do what he commands is not a true person to GOD. We should obey the word of God as Noah obeyed, as Abraham obeyed.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”- 1 Peter 2:9

Have a Blessed Day!!

In Christ alone

Justina Stephen.

Unfailing Love!!!

“….I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness" (Jeremiah 31:3).”
All Praise and glory to be Our Father God. Let me post you all a Question. Which is more Painful?.No wonder the Obvious answer would be Love. Whatever may be the relationship love is very painful and there is a statement “Love is Pain” which is very true.
Why do we cry bitterly when we lost someone dear to our heart or when we have broken relationship or when somebody rejects us. But did we ever understand or realize about the love which is unfailing. Human's love will definitely fail one day even the Mother's love for her child which is considered to be more precious in humans sight may fail. The one eternal love which will last forever is God's love.
As we read “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. I John 3:1”
Yes we are privileged to be the Sons and daughters of Our Father God. Just think how much he would have loved us as he has given His only begotten son to die for our sins and for our goodness to have victory over everything as Christ Conquered the world. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
But how often do we think about how much God loves us. And how often do we thank god for everything He gives us !!!David says “Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever (Psalm 136:26). Many times in Our life's situations we forget to thank Our God but inspite of all our weaknesses God is loving us so much which cannot be expressed in words. But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Psalm 86:15). Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. Lam 3:22. His love is faithful,everlasting and undeniable.
Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.when apostle Paul writes to Corinth church it is mentioned in I Cor 13:13 “And now these three remain:Faith,hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” when one of the teachers of the laws asked Jesus which is the most important of all the commandments? And Jesus replied “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your strength”Mark 12:30
Dear friends, lets remember what Jesus said as above, we know that God is loving us so much but do we really love God? If so then in all that we go through let us thank God and love the Lord with all our heart and with all our strength. His abundant love and mercies will lift us up and make us shine in due time. Amen!
God Bless You!

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love (John 15:9).” – Jesus ChristIn Christ alone
Justina Stephen

The Power of Prayer

“But Jesus Often withdrew to lonely places and prayed”.Luke 5:16

Praise be to GOD. When we read the Gospel it is mentioned Jesus went to solitary place and prayed. Many a times in a believer's life the purpose of prayer is not manifested. You may wonder and think it is not me because I'm Praying. But friends,today lets focus on the prayer how Jesus did while he was on earth and analyze ourselves about the Prayer that we do.

Let me ask few things . Tell me why do we Pray?In daily life what is your Prayer request to GOD?Well to be frank many of our Prayers will be focused on materialistic things. Majority of the Prayer time we would be asking GOD to satisfy our monetary needs,emotional needs and to solve the problems that we face.But the verse clearly says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you I Peter 5:7” .Then why do we have to worry about the worldly things.

The very purpose that we have been called by GOD is to Trust Him completely. Do not think or worry about the things of this world. As Jesus said “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”.Mathew 6:33.For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do Eph 2:10.Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

So lets us understand the purpose of our life or calling that we have in GOD.Lets look on how our prayers should be.Jesus clearly said “Not everyone who says to me,'Lord,Lord,will enter the kingdom of heaven,but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”Mathew 7:22.Yes that's absolutely true we should deny ourselves to take the cross and to follow him.we should be ready to do His will and that's not an easy task.So how to overcome and to fulfill the will of GOD?.You may say that I'm weak so as to walk in christ or you may even say its a very difficult path.But as the verse says “ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin Heb 4:15.

Jesus has also been tempted by the evil and even He had undergone so much of Pain and overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Jesus prayed, “Father everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me.” But above all that he has undergone He was submissive to HIS Father's will.As Jesus said “Yet not what I will but what you will”.How Jesus was able to fullfill Father's will?.The Prayers that He made to Father in Heaven strengthened Him to do HIS will.He didnt Prayed for any worldly things rather HE prayed to GOD to let HIS will be done.

Dear Friends,let us learn to understand the Gospel that Jesus has for us and lets walk in spirit which GOD had ordained for us.God Bless You!

Jesus said "If any-one would come after me,he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it" Mathew 16:24,25

In Christ Alone

Justina Stephen

How Great is Our GOD!!!

“O Sovereign LORD, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do?” Deuteronomy 3:24

Have you ever realized the Greatness of GOD in our Life?.We will say Yes but the real fact is in deep inner thoughts we will have doubts,fears,confusions,questions about our life. It implies we did not understand the Greatness of GOD. We would like to sing all beautiful worship songs.. “ How Great is our GOD” but in reality many times in our day to day life and in the trials that we face we forget that that Our GOD is an able GOD.

As we read in the Bible,the Lord showed his greatness to Moses. “Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. 6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” Exodus 34:5,6. Yes we have a greater GOD who is compassionate, abounding in love and faithfulness and His ears are always inclined to our supplications. Psalm 21:2 “You have granted him the desire of his heart and have not withheld the request of his lips.” But when it will be fulfilled if we ask according to His will. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. I John 5:14, 15.The greater He is with us so lets not be shaken by the situations.

If God is for us, who can be against us? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.(Romans 8: 35 – 39).

So Friends lets not be worried about anything as we are privileged to be More than Conquerors in this world.

Jesus says “ I have told you these things , so that in me you may have peace.In this world you will have trouble.But take heart!I have overcome the world” John 16:33

The Power of word!!!

“Have Faith in GOD,Jesus answered. I tell you the truth,if anyone says to this mountain,'Go,throw yourself into the sea,and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen,it will be done for him.” Mark 11:22,23

Have you ever realized the Power of words in your life? Many times in our life we speak of things without even thinking how it impacts our life & even others life. In bible we read “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21”.Yes the tongue has both the power of life and death and what we confess it will certainly bring forth its deeds.

“In the beginning was the word,and the word was with God,and the word was God. John 1:1”

GOD created this universe only by His words and do realize how important it is for a child of God to proclaim his words in faith. He said whatever we say in faith on him can move the mountains. May be we are going through a tough situation in our life but do not be worried as we are privileged to speak of his words and be blessed in his name. His word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.

The Promises that he has given us will never return in vain so be of good courage. “so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.- Isaiah 55:11.Friends, He always listens to his people because he loves us so much and he gave his only begotten son Jesus to die for us and for our sins on the cross.Doesn’t he hear our request from our lips?As we read “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer.. I Peter 3:12.Be righteous in whatever you do and he always answer our prayers and fulfills the desires of our hearts. Just believe!

Jesus said “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. John 14:12-14.If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. John 15:7

God Bless!!!

In Christ Alone

Justina Stephen

"You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" Mathew 14:31– Jesus Christ

The Lord Rejects - The Teachings of holy Spirit!

“I am grieved that I have made Saul King,because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions” I Sam 15:11.

The word grieve literally means God "was sorry". He regrets and he also regrets in Genesis 6:6 “The Lord was grieved that he had made man on the earth ,and his heart was filled with pain.”

In both the cases it is people who have changed not God.

Saul was anointed as the head of the tribes of Israel by the Lord. But Saul did not obey God .God is the one who is knowing all definitely knows Saul's mind but He wanted to give him a chance to Saul to prove himself as a faithful and an obedient servant since he had exalted him to the highest position. But Saul did not obey God he takes his own decision neglecting God's Voice.

Lord spoke through Samuel the prophet very clearly that he should destroy everything that belongs to Amalekites(I Sam 15:3).But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle and everything that was good to sacrifice to the Lord and they didnt destroy completely. So the Lord was grieved and Saul was rejected by the Lord as the King of Israelites. To obey is better than sacrifice.In Hos 6:6 it says “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings”.To love him with all your heart...(Mark 12:33) is more important than any other sacrifices that we are doing. If God states his desire clearly why did the Israelites and why do we have such difficulty in following it?

God the Father clearly states what he wants from us in our hearts.we can play in all religious activities,we may attend church services regularly or even we may be doing the ministry of God but if we are not obeying God's word and listen to his voice everything will go in vain and we would be the reason for the recede. Our Lord GOD delights in obeying his voice.

The Lord expected the same obedience from Adam and Eve, and Moses because He exalted them in a high place and had blessed them. But all these people failed to obey the Voice of God and figured out their own way and ran into the consequences.

So Friends GOD needs you not to lie or change your mind because he doesn't not need a man who changes his mind frequently. Learn to listen to the Voice of God and ask for the guidance of the Holy spirit and he will teach you to follow his ways. Our priority in life should be to keep his words in mind and follow all his decrees without giving any false reasons looking at the circumstances.

God Bless!

In Christ

Justina Stephen

Afflictions

"I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of his wrath. Lam 3:1"

Jeremiah understands how the intense pain of brokenness will lead a person to the threshold of despair. How many times we have questioned GOD for our sufferings?Does GOD will not answer my prayers? Will he not deliver me from this hindrance?Is he not remembering my tears?
But friends remember our GOD is a Sovereign Lord .There is nothing too small or too big for him as he is an able GOD to restore double folded blessings as he did to Job. Will he not do it for us?GOD testifies Job as a blameless,upright,a man who fears GOD and shuns evil but he himself had given access to Satan to test Job's faithfulness.
Intense human sufferings quickly reveals the condition of a person's faith which in turn ought to forget that our God is above all circumstances. The same happened with Job but when the Lord answered Job out of the storm, Job realized that he is unworthy of all his questions (I am unworthy- how can I reply to you?I put my hand over my mouth(Job 40:4).
The same Lord is asking us today as he asked Job“would you condemn me to justify yourself”(Job 40:8).How many times we have darned the Lord for our afflictions. Be strengthened “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose” ( Romans 8:28).For the word of GOD is living and active...It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.(Read Heb 4:12). So whatever may be the situations we are in ,He restores everything for our goodness because it is not we have chosen him it is he who has chosen us to go and bear fruits that will last.(John 14:16).
So be encouraged in the time of afflictions. Jeremiah says in Lam 3:27 , “It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. Let him sit alone in silence for the Lord has laid it on him.” .The reason behind your loneliness is the Lord directly wants to teach you because he has anointed you by the Holy Spirit. “As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.” (I John 2:27).
Just remain in him and wait for his time and he will deliver you in due time. God is just:He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels(2 Thes 1: 6).Amen!
GOD Bless!.

In Christ,

Justina Stephen.

God Remembers You!!!

It's easy in life to feel forgotten, that our hopes and dreams don’t matter. But God said in Isaiah 49:15, "I will never forget you. I have carved you into the palm of My hand." People may leave you when you need them the most, but God is the friend that sticks closer than a brother,a friend and a Father. God knows every lonely night, and He sees every tear you've ever shed. When life deals you a tough blow, when you pray but the heavens are silent, you need to remind yourself of this promise, "God has not forgotten about me, my hopes or my dreams. He's not forgotten about the unfair things I've been through or the years of sacrificing,the tearful prayers for souls and giving. He's promised He'll pay me back double." All those seeds that you've sown, it's just a matter of time before you reap your harvest. We serve a God that is not limited to the natural. You have an assignment and destiny to fulfill. No matter how bad it looks or how many obstacles are in your path, God has not forgotten about you. He is not going to take away His calling on your life. You may be far away from where you know in your heart God wants you, but you might as well get ready because the Most High God is not going to write you off. And when God remembers you, all the forces of darkness cannot keep you from fulfilling your purpose. A disappointment, a rejection or hurtfulness or a person can't stop it; there is nothing that can keep you from your destiny.

GOD is in complete control of our Life..!!

Desert Song!!!

I Praise the GOD Almighty for making me to write this blog. A Song touched deep inside my heart and made me to sing this song(Desert Song) all the day..
“Hillsong” is always used to be my favorite album when I started having thirst for GOD and to glorify and praise his name. Desert song is one of the song in the album called “ This is Our GOD” by Hillsongs music. I heard this song recently and had touched my heart deeper when I heard the circumstance at which the song was sung by one of the great worship leader of Hillsongs- Jill McCullough.
This song was sung by two worship leaders of Hillsongs Live - Jill McCullough and Brooke Fraser in 2008.But when I happened to hear about the state in which she (Jill McCullough)sang the song shows her dedication and realization of Knowing our GOD is still bigger than everything she was facing.
Yes that's absolutely true when we feel like everything is rushing up on all our ways of difficult situations and be still and know that our GOD is an able GOD even at the time of lost to make us overflow with his anointing. I have gone through similar kind of phase in my life and sometimes I feel like not going to HIM because my spirit would have broken to the core questioning him with all "Why's"not knowing what to do and feel like to be in the loneliness amidst of huge crowd. But I can't stand at that phase for a long time and immediately kneel before him since I know nobody can make me feel better except HIM.

Yes "All of my life,In every season,HE is still God,I have a reason to sing and I have a reason to worship"!!!.His love for us endures forever.
The Presence of GOD flapped over when we are in brokenness. It will be a new experience in Holy Spirit and that is really really a wonderful experience and the peace of GOD will flow like a river when we Stand and glorify the Lord in the midst of all our tragedy. The Devil will loose of all his tricks and plays and we overcome him through the anointing of GOD the Father.
I can truly say trials are set apart to make us strong and to rely on him in all of our ways.Because only when we are in distress the spirit of GOD intercedes with us in prayer even when we dont know what to pray for ourself. That's an awesome experience. I thank & glorify my Daddy GOD because I know that all things are possible for HIM.I remember as Job says"I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted". Job 42:2.
Yes none of his plans be thwarted by the Satan as we have a victory GOD with us.Amen!.Here comes the Lyrics of this wonderful song .Hear and be blessed!!!

This is my prayer in the desert

And all that's within me feels dry

This is my prayer in my hunger and need

My God is a God who provides

And this is my prayer in the fire

In weakness or trial or pain

There is a faith proved

Of more worth than gold

So refine me Lord through the flames

And I will bring praise

I will bring praise

No weapon forged against me shall remain

I will rejoiceI will declare

God is my victory and He is here

And this is my prayer in the battle

And triumph is still on it's way

I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ

So firm on His promise I'll stand

All of my life

In every season

You are still GodI have a reason to sing

I have a reason to worship

This is my prayer in the harvest
when favour and providence flow
I know I m filled to be emptied again
The seed I have received I will sow!!!

Stand Up,Stand Up for Jesus!!!!

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
ye soldiers of the cross;
lift high his royal banner,
it must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory
his army shall he lead,
till every foe is vanquished,
and Christ is Lord indeed.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the trumpet call obey;
forth to the mighty conflict,
in this his glorious day.
Ye that are brave now serve him
against unnumbered foes;
let courage rise with danger,
and strength to strength oppose.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
stand in his strength alone;
the arm of flesh will fail you,
ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor,
each piece put on with prayer;
where duty calls or danger,
be never wanting there.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the strife will not be long;
this day the noise of battle,
the next the victor's song.
To those who vanquish evil
a crown of life shall be;
they with the King of Glory
shall reign eternally.

FINDING AND KEEPING A LIFE PARTNER

Golden rules for finding your life partner by Dov Heller, M.A.

I have read this from one of the blog which is really impressive and ofcourse worth to know it!!When it comes to making the decision about choosing a life partner, no one wants to make a mistake. Yet, with a divorce rate of close to 50%, it appears that many are making serious mistakes in their approach to finding Mr./Miss. Right!
If you ask most couples who are engaged why they're getting married, they'll say: "We're in love"; I believe this is the no1 mistake people make when they date. Choosing a life partner should never be based on love. Though this may sound "not politically correct", there's a profound truth here. Love is not the basis for getting married. Rather, love is the result of a good marriage. When the other ingredients are right, then the love will come. Let me say it again: "You can't build a lifetime relationship on love alone"; You need a lot more!!! Here are five questions you must ask yourself if you're serious about Finding and keeping a life partner.
QUESTION..1: Do we share a common life purpose?
Why is this so important? Let me put it this way: If you're married for 20 or 30 years, that's a long time to live with someone. What do you plan to do with each other all that time? Travel, eat and jog together? You need to share something deeper and more meaningful. You need a common life purpose.
Two things can happen in a marriage:
(1) You can grow together, or
(2) You can grow apart. 50% of the people out there are growing apart.
To make a marriage work, you need to know what you want out of life!
Bottom line; marry someone who wants the same thing.
QUESTION..2: Do I feel safe expressing my feelings and thoughts with this person?

This question goes to the core of the quality of your relationship.
Feeling safe means you can communicate openly with this person. The basis of having good communication is trust - i.e. trust that I won't get "punished"; or hurt for expressing my honest thoughts and feelings. A colleague of mine defines an abusive person as someone with whom you feel afraid to express your thoughts and feelings. Be honest with yourself on this one. Make sure you feel emotionally safe with the person you plan to marry.
QUESTION ..3: Is he/she a mensch?
A mensch is someone who is a refined and sensitive person. How can you test? Here are some suggestions. Do they work on personal growth on a regular basis? Are they serious about improving themselves? A teacher of mine defines a good person as "someone who is always striving to be good and do the right ";. So ask about your significant other: What do they do with their time? Is this person materialistic? Usually a materialistic person is not someone whose top priority is character refinement.
There are essentially two types of people in the world:
(1) People who are dedicated to personal growth and
(2) people who are dedicated to seeking comfort. Someone whose goal in life is to be comfortable will put personal comfort ahead of doing the right thing. You need to know that before walking down the aisle.
QUESTION..4: How does he/she treat other people?
The one most important thing that makes any relationship work is the ability to give. By giving, we mean the ability to give another person pleasure.
Ask: Is this someone who enjoys giving pleasure to others or are they wrapped up in themselves and self- absorbed? To measure this, think about the following: How do they treat people whom they do not have to be nice to, such as waiters, bus boys, taxi drivers, etc.. How do they treat their parents and siblings? Do they have gratitude and appreciation? If they don't have gratitude for the people who have given them everything; can you do nearly as much for them? You can be sure that someone, who treats others poorly, will eventually treat you poorly as well.
QUESTION ..5: Is there anything I'm hoping to change about this person after we're married?
Too many people make the mistake of marrying someone with the intention of trying to "improve"; them after they're married. As a colleague of mine puts it: "You can probably expect someone to change after marriage for the worse" If you cannot fully accept this person the way they are now, then you are not ready to marry them. In conclusion, dating doesn't have to be difficult and treacherous. The key is to try leading a little more with your head and less with
your heart. It pays to be as objective as possible when you are dating; to be sure to ask questions that will help you get to the key issues. Falling in love is a great feeling, but when you wake up with a ring on your finger, you don't want to find yourself trouble because you didn't do your homework.
Another perspective...
There are some people in your life that need to be loved from a distance.. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you let go of or at least minimize your time with draining, negative, incompatible, not-going anywhere relationships. Observe the relationships around you.
Pay attention...Which ones lift and which ones lean?
Which ones encourage and which ones discourage?
Which ones are on a path of growth uphill and which ones are going downhill?
When you leave certain people do you feel better or feel worse?
Which ones always have drama or don't really understand, know, or appreciate you?
The more you seek quality, respect, growth, peace of mind, love and truth around you...the easier it will become for you to decide who gets to sit in the front row and who should be moved to the balcony of your life.
An African proverb states, "Before you get married, keep both eyes open, and after you marry, close one eye"; Before you get involved and make a commitment to someone, don't let lust, desperation, immaturity, ignorance, pressure from others or a low self-esteem make you blind to warning signs. Keep your eyes open, and don't fool yourself that you can change someone or that what you see as faults aren't really that important.
Do you bring out the best in each other?
Do you compliment and compromise with each other, or do you compete, compare and control?
What do you bring to the relationship?
Do you bring past relationships, past hurt, past mistrust, past pain?
You can't take someone to the altar to alter them. You can't make
someone love you or make someone stay. If you develop self-esteem, spiritual discernment, and "a life"; you won't find yourself making someone else responsible for your happiness or responsible for your pain. Seeking status, sex, and security are the wrong reasons to be in a relationship.
WHAT KEEPS A RELATIONSHIP STRONG IS:
1. TRUST
2. COMMUNICATION
3. INTIMACY
4. A SENSE OF HUMOR
5. SHARING TASKS
6. SOME GETAWAY TIME WITHOUT BUSINESS OR CHILDREN
7. DAILY EXCHANGES (meal, shared activity, hug, call, touch, notes, etc.)
8. SHARING COMMON GOALS AND INTERESTS
9. GIVING EACH OTHER SPACE TO GROW WITHOUT FEELING INSECURE
10. GIVING EACH OTHER A SENSE OF BELONGING AND ASSURANCES OF COMMITMENT
If these qualities are missing, the relationship will erode as resentment withdrawal, abuse, neglect, and dishonesty; and pain will replace.