Walking in Love

Today's scripture reading is taken from:

Ephesians 5:2 (NIV) ~ "And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

Nowadays, love is often misunderstood or taken for granted. We see love portrayed in various forms, yet the essence of true, sacrificial love is sometimes lost amidst the noise. Ephesians 5:2 calls us to 'walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Walking in love means living a life characterised by love in action, just as Jesus demonstrated. Christ's love was selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. He gave Himself up for us, not because we deserved it, but because His love knew no bounds.

Think of the struggles we face in our relationships today. Misunderstandings test marriages, disagreements strain friendships, and impatience and judgment mar interactions with strangers. Walking in love challenges us to rise above these pain points and reflect Christ’s love in every interaction.

Walking in love also means making sacrifices. In a world that often promotes self-interest, we are called to put others' needs above ours. This could mean sacrificing time to help a friend in need, offering forgiveness even when it's hard, or simply showing kindness to someone who doesn’t expect it. These small acts of love reflect Christ's sacrificial love and can profoundly impact those around us.

Another crucial aspect of walking in love is forgiveness. Holding onto grudges or past hurts can hinder our ability to love fully. Forgiveness doesn’t mean someone has to be invited to your table. Forgiveness doesn’t change the other person, BUT it changes you! It’s hard to forgive someone, so it must be a daily sacrifice. This doesn't mean forgetting the hurt but letting go of the bitterness and allowing God's love to heal our hearts.

Christ's love teaches us to forgive as He has forgiven us.

Walking in love requires intentionality. Start your day with a prayer asking God to fill your heart with His love and to guide your interactions. Look for opportunities to show love in your daily routines, whether it's a kind word, a helping hand, or a listening ear. Remember, even the smallest act of love can make a significant difference.

Thank you again for joining us on today’s episode of “Mornings with Stephen Johnsy Podcast.”

Remember, you can connect with us on Instagram. The account is @morningswithstephenjohnsy.

Be encouraged today, friends, and remember that the journey is easier when we walk it together.

Until next time, stay blessed, and know that God loves you!

Stephen Johnsy

Bearing Good Fruit

Today's scripture reading comes from the Book of:

Galatians 5: 22-23 ~"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law.” (NKJV)

It can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and busyness, neglecting the inner qualities that define our character. Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us of the fruits of the Spirit – the qualities that should be evident in the life of a believer.

The Apostle Paul lists these fruits as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are not just traits to admire but attributes that should actively grow in our lives as we walk with God and in the Spirit.

For a moment, think about the world we live in today. There’s a constant rush, a race to succeed, and often, a neglect of what truly matters. We see anger, impatience, and selfishness taking root in many areas of life. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to be different. We are called to bear good fruit.

What does this mean? Well, bearing good fruit means letting the Holy Spirit work in us to transform our hearts and minds.

Let’s break down these fruits and their relevance in our daily lives:

Love: In a world that can often feel divisive and cold, showing genuine love to others can transform relationships. Love transcends boundaries and speaks to the heart of our calling as believers.

Joy: True joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in our relationship with God. It’s the assurance of His presence and promises, giving us strength even in difficult times.

Peace: Amid chaos and uncertainty, the peace of God grounds us. It surpasses understanding and guards our hearts and minds.

Forbearance (Patience/ Longsuffering): Patience allows us to endure challenges and delays without frustration. It’s essential in maintaining healthy relationships and facing life’s trials with grace.

Kindness: Acts of kindness, no matter how small, reflect God’s heart and can profoundly impact others.

Goodness: Living a life characterised by goodness means reflecting God’s moral excellence and integrity in all we do.

Faithfulness: Being reliable and trustworthy in our commitments and relationships mirrors God’s faithfulness to us.

Gentleness: Gentleness is strength under control. It involves being considerate and humble in our interactions with others.

Self-Control: Self-control helps us resist temptations and make choices that honour God.

In conclusion, bearing good fruit means allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and minds, choosing to reflect Christ's character in all we do.

Thank you again for joining us on today’s episode of “Mornings with Stephen Johnsy Podcast.”

Remember, you can connect with us on Instagram. The account is @morningswithstephenjohnsy.

Be encouraged today, friends, and remember that the journey is easier when we walk it together.

Until next time, stay blessed, and know that God loves you!

Stephen Johnsy

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Divine Comfort

Today's scripture text reading is from the letter of:

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV) - "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."

Paul refers to God as the 'Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.' This powerful description reminds us that God is not distant or indifferent to our suffering. Instead, He is deeply compassionate and ever-present, ready to embrace us with His comfort if and when we call upon Him. When we turn to Him in our times of trouble, we find solace and peace that transcends our understanding.

In our world today, we are constantly bombarded with stress, worry, depression, anxiety, and many other issues. Whether it's the pressure of work, the challenges of raising a family, or the uncertainties of our future, we all carry burdens that can feel insurmountable. Yet, God's promise is clear: He comforts us in all our troubles. This comfort is not just for our benefit but also equips us to support and uplift others facing their struggles.

God's comfort has a ripple effect. When we receive His comfort, we are empowered to extend it to others. Imagine a community where everyone supports one another, sharing the comfort they have received from God. This is the vision Paul presents—a community bound by God's compassion and comfort, lifting each other up in times of need.

In Practice, finding comfort in God's embrace means praying, reading His Word, and seeking His presence daily.

It means being open about our struggles with trusted friends and family, allowing them to be vessels of God’s comfort.

It means looking beyond our pain to see others hurting, serving them, and offering them the same comfort we have received.

Thank you again for joining us on today’s episode of “Mornings with Stephen Johnsy Podcast.”

Remember, you can connect with us on Instagram @morningswithstephenjohnsy.

Be encouraged today, friends, and remember that the journey is easier when we walk it together.

Until next time, stay blessed, and know that God loves you!

Walking in Faith

Today's text reading is from the Book of :

Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)... "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Faith is a word we often hear, but what does walking in faith mean, especially in today’s challenging world?

In today’s lives, we are surrounded by uncertainties. Perhaps you are facing a significant career decision, a health crisis, or navigating complex personal relationships. These situations often come with anxiety and doubt. Faith, however, calls us to have confidence in God’s promises and assurance in His unseen plans.

Faith is not the absence of fear or doubt but the choice to trust God despite those feelings. It's waking up every morning, knowing God is with you no matter the challenges. It's believing that He is working all things together for your good, even when circumstances suggest otherwise (Romans 8:28).

Let’s bring this closer to home with a relatable example. Imagine you’re facing job insecurity. The company you work for is undergoing restructuring, and layoffs are looming. The natural response is anxiety and fear. But walking in faith means trusting that God is your provider. It’s believing He knows your needs and will open new doors, even if this one closes. It’s being proactive in your job search, praying for guidance, and trusting that God’s timing is perfect.

Faith is essential, especially when life throws us into the unknown. Faith is confidence in God’s promises and assurance in His unseen plans.

It's about trusting God with our future and knowing He is working all things together for our good. Whether you’re facing job insecurity, health challenges, or personal struggles, remember that God is with you and He is faithful.

Other Scriptures covered in this podcast:

Genesis 12: 1

Romans 8: 28

Isaiah 55: 8-9

Connect with us on Instagram. The account is @morningswithstephenjohnsy.

Be encouraged today, friends, and remember that the journey is easier when we walk it together.

Until next time, stay blessed, and know that God loves you!

The Power of Prayer

Today's scripture is taken from Matthew 21:22 (NKJV)

In this powerful verse, Jesus speaks directly to the heart of every believer, affirming the mighty connection between our faith and our prayers. When we approach God with a heart full of faith, truly believing in His power to act, our prayers become more than just words; they become conduits of divine power and grace.

As we reflect on today's scripture, let us recognize that our faith is not passive but active and dynamic, engaging deeply with God's promises.

Prayer is not just about asking; it's about believing in God's greatness, who assures us that with faith, all things are possible.

I hope this message encourages you to strengthen your prayer life and trust its power.

As always, thank you for joining us on today’s episode of “Mornings with Stephen Johnsy Podcast.”

If you have found value in this episode, please recommend it to a friend or family member who would benefit from it. Also, if you’ve enjoyed the episode, please take a moment to follow us, leave a review and share it on your social media channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel. This will help this podcast reach more people.

Remember, you can connect with us on Instagram. The account is @morningswithstephenjohnsy.

Once again, thank you so much. Be encouraged today, friends, and remember that the journey is easier when we walk it together.

Until next time, stay blessed, and know that God loves you!

You Take Care

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Finding Peace In Challenging Times

Today's reading is taken from PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7... {NIV}

This scripture has the most comforting words, indeed. We're reminded that no matter what life throws at us, we can find peace that transcends all understanding through prayer.

Anxiety and worry are part of being human, especially in these challenging and uncertain times. We overthink and worry about many things, including our health, jobs, financial security, and loved ones.

But this scripture reminds us to lean on prayer and gratitude in every situation and that if we submit all our worries to God, he will have our back.

What does this mean in practical terms?

How do we apply this to our lives?

Well, it starts with a shift in our mindset and perspective about life in general. Instead of focusing on what worries us, we can seek God and bring those concerns to Him through prayer with a thankful heart. That doesn't mean we ignore our problems and dump them to God, but it shows that we trust God to help us navigate those issues and give us the wisdom and the means to deal with them.

Through this, we may find peace that will calm our anxious minds and steady our weary hearts. But we need to be patient and trust that we'll see the results in God's timing.

I hope this will encourage you as you go about your day to not lose faith and hope and to know that God loves you and is with you always.

Stay blessed; God Loves you.

Rising Above Challenges

Today's reading is taken from the Book of James, Chapter 1, verses 2-3...

Life can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster, with ups and downs, twists and turns. But remember, challenges are not setbacks but setups for growth and learning. In these times of adversity, we develop our character, resilience, and perseverance.

So, next time you face a difficulty, consider it a moment of growth, an opportunity to become a stronger, more capable individual. Remember that growth cannot happen in our comfort zones.

Just like any muscle you’re working on at the gym, it needs to be stretched repeatedly with more weight for it to grow… the same is required for you, as an individual, to persevere and keep giving your best, even during trials!

Stay blessed, God loves you!

Living With Gratitude

Today's text reading is from the book of:

1 Thessalonians 5:18…"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Being thankful isn't always easy, especially when things aren't going as planned. But there's power in Gratitude. It shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance we already have. Being thankful doesn’t mean ignoring our problems; it’s recognising the good in our lives, even during the challenges.

So, today, let's start cultivating gratitude in our lives, not just for the obvious blessings but also for the subtle gifts and lessons that life presents us daily.

Remember, these devotions aim to inspire us to approach life positively and resiliently, regardless of our religious or non-religious affiliations. I hope they bring peace, assurance, understanding, and inspiration to your day. Stay blessed; God loves you.

Start your day uplifted with "Mornings with Stephen Johnsy," your spiritual companion for a daily sprinkle of inspiration. Each episode features a scripture of the day to foster strength, love, and resilience. Whether commuting, having breakfast, or seeking tranquillity, join us for a dose of encouragement and wisdom.

Tune in to 'Mornings with Stephen Johnsy' on Spotify, Apple Podcast, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and transform your mornings into a journey of personal and spiritual growth and inspiration. Let's embrace each day with an inspired heart.

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