STEPHEN JOHN

  “God gave me these insights on November 23 during my fasting prayers. I’m sharing them today, on my birthday, November 26, as a reminder of His faithfulness in my life and as a declaration for the year ahead.” Psalm 57:2–3 (KJV) “I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.” Reflection from November 23, 2025 – Day 3 of Fasting Prayers During the Sunday evening service, after a time of worship and meditating on the Word, God impressed Psalm 57:2–3 on my heart. These two verses carry a deep truth about where we turn when we are overwhelmed. 1. “I will cry unto God most high ” (Psalm 57:2) The verse begins with “I.” It’s personal. It’s singular. It’s an individual cry. When do people cry? When there is pain, pressure, loneliness, helplessness, or hopelessness. And to whom do they usually cry? ...

In the stillness of October 25th morning, God spoke this revelation to my heart. I chose to share it today, October 28th, on my father’s first death anniversary - a day that marks both remembrance and revelation. It’s 2 a.m. in Chennai. I’ve just wrapped up a long shift that stretched from 3 in the afternoon to midnight. My flight to Hyderabad is at 5 a.m. I set an alarm for 3:30, hoping for a quick nap before heading to the airport. But sleep wouldn’t come. My mind was tired, but my heart was awake. So I did what I’ve often done when I can’t rest - I opened my Bible. I could’ve gone to Psalms for comfort or maybe read something light before traveling. But somehow, I was drawn to   Mark 9 . I didn’t plan it. I just turned the pages and landed there. And that’s where God met me. As I read the verse - “There appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus” - something stirred deep inside. I’ve read that story so many times, but tonight, it wasn’t just a sto...

Today, this is what I preached in the church. Verses: Matthew 28:19–20 & Exodus 3 Introduction Both in the Old Testament and the New, God begins His greatest missions with one simple word: “Go.” In Exodus, God told Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and bring My people out of Egypt.” In Matthew, Jesus told His disciples, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Different times. Different people. Same God. Same command. Same promise -  “I am with you.” 1. The Word “Go” - From Fear to Faith After Jesus’ death, the disciples were hiding - fearful, uncertain, silent. Jesus appears and gives them one life-changing command: “Go.” “Go” is an action word (verb)  - Jesus was calling them out of confinement and into movement. Even the word “Gospel” begins with “Go.” Truth: Faith that doesn’t move, dies. Jesus is life - and life moves. The next book after the Gospels is “The Acts.” The disciples didn’t stay hidden; they acted. Peter went from fearful to fiery - preaching...

P osted on September 1, 2025, at 3:10 PM (IST) as an offering of gratitude to God for His grace and protection throughout 2025 and every day of my life. After a blessed and fruitful day, I helped my wife with some of her office work. Once we finished, we prayed together, and then she went to sleep. I decided to read the Bible. It was August 30, 2025, at 11:00 PM (IST). I was reading a few healing verses from the Gospel of John when the Holy Spirit impressed something powerful on my heart. These thoughts didn’t come from any book or article-they were a direct revelation from God. I immediately wrote them in my diary so I could share them here today. I chose to post this on September 1, 2025, as an act of gratitude-thankful for His protection over the past eight months and for bringing me into a new month full of grace. Truly, His protection has been over me since the day I was born. We Live in a World Powered by Technology Got a transaction? You pay online (e.g., G-Pay). But...

On June 14th , I went to a prayer meeting at one of my church member’s homes. The prayer request was for a marriage alliance for their daughter. I shared this verse in their home: Proverbs 14:1 (KJV) Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. It is through wisdom that one can build or construct a house. Building a house is not just about the physical structure—it includes nurturing relationships within the family. Anything that is to be built requires wisdom, and we all know that true wisdom comes from God—godly wisdom, not the devil’s cunning or destructive thoughts. This verse presents two opposites: one who builds and one who destroys. The first part of the verse says, “wise woman.” Let us look deeper. The church is the woman who is wisely building the house of the Lord for His second coming. No matter how many hurdles the world and the enemy impose, the church is wisely and quietly doing her work. Hallelujah! Remember: the chu...

  “Early to bed and early to rise” - a phrase we all know too well. But let’s be honest: in today’s fast-paced world, early to bed is not always practical. Late-night work schedules, family commitments, and digital distractions often keep us up. However, this month, I want to focus on something we can control - praying first . For the past three months, God has consistently been stirring my heart with one clear message: Prayer . And this month, He reminded me again through this powerful verse: Mark 1:35 (KJV) “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” Let us unpack the wisdom in this short but powerful scripture. Jesus Rose Early - So Should We Yes, Jesus is the Creator - He neither slumbers nor sleeps. But when He came in flesh, fully human, He modelled habits to teach and motivate us. And this verse clearly shows one of them: waking up early to pray . He rose a great while before ...

April 20, 2025, Easter Sunday. I woke up at 4:30 AM and, after freshening up, sat in prayer, seeking the Lord's wisdom to preach about His resurrection. God graciously placed this beautiful message on my heart, and I am grateful. “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said!” - Matthew 28:6 Let’s reflect on these powerful words. "Rise" (verb): to move upward, to become higher, stronger, or to increase. "Resurrection" (verb-like noun): refers to an action - physical, mental, or a state of being brought to life. Jesus died and rose again - He came back to life stronger and more powerful. The dead body of Christ was quickened by the Spirit and came back to life. We serve a living God - full of energy, strength, power, and action. That’s why, after the four Gospels, we have the Book of Acts - a book filled with action. We preach the Gospel of a living God. Speaking about Him is a blessing and a privilege. Today’s Theme: “Run for Jesus” When we en...

Praise the Lord! Yesterday, I read a very interesting and inspiring article about a top MNC executive's remarkable 22-kg weight loss journey, which began surprisingly with a job interview. It sparked a reflection in me – if we, as believers, possess the same level of determination, we can achieve wonders for God's glory. We need to take a break from our busy schedules and reflect on our contributions to God's kingdom. Do we have clear spiritual goals? Do we make a daily habit of walking with God, regardless of how occupied we are? His transformation began with a conversation during a job interview. Similarly, God sends us messages through various channels. But do we pay attention to His messages? We need to be active listeners, hearing God's voice through reading the Bible, prayers, in church, and in person, among other channels. Be like the good soil, allowing His words to sink in and be sown in you, thus beginning your journey with Him for His glory. If worl...

As we stand on the threshold of 2024, bidding farewell to 2023, let us reflect on the following verse: Psalm 7:17 KJV "I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: And will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high." The psalmist exalts and sings praises to the Lord, providing a beautiful conclusion to the year through contemplation of how the Lord has accompanied us throughout. Numerous miracles have graced our journey, for which we must offer our gratitude. Thank God for His protective hand that has guided us to the year's final day. Gratitude is to be extended for the gift of good health, and the blessings bestowed upon us are truly boundless. While many around the world celebrate with revelry, feasting, and merriment, this verse suggests an alternative—engaging in a divine appointment with the Lord. Sing hymns, raise joyful worship songs, and partake in the divine meal—the Holy Communion—while reflecting on His righteousness. Additionally, let ...

Eleven months in 2023 have passed, and we have entered the last month of the year. I can sense the joy of December everywhere — Christmas decorations and celebrations are happening across the globe. December is a special month; I won't delve into the debate of when Christ was born. God became flesh and shed His blood, which holds more importance for me. If it is remembered in December, so be it. I will keep Him in my thoughts throughout the year. Today is the second of December, and after my shower, I sat in the sun with the cool breeze and the Bible in my hand — such a wonderful experience. I planned to read the book of Matthew from the New Testament. I read chapter 1 yesterday, and today I am on chapter 2. When I read the verse that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, I had goosebumps. God was born — how amazing it is! Look at God’s love for all of us. Meditate on His love and spread it this season because He is the reason for the season! In the 11th verse of Matthew 1, wise men ent...

Today, the world is abuzz with discussions about AI (artificial intelligence). AI is being applied across various fields such as IT, healthcare, education, retail, marketing, agriculture, and entertainment. Many people are concerned about the potential impact on their jobs—will AI replace their roles? Will they be substituted by advanced systems and technologies? As children of God, there's no need to fret about AI, but you might wonder why you shouldn't be worried. The answer can be found in the Bible. Presently, I'm reading the book of Joshua from the Old Testament. On August 24th, I was immersed in the 8th chapter of Joshua, and in this chapter, a fascinating connection emerged: Ai. Although AI is a novel concept for the world, it's not new to the children of God. Ai existed during the time of Joshua, when an ancient Canaanite town was vanquished by the Israelites under their leader, Joshua (Joshua 7–8). Joshua's triumph over Ai in the Old Testament holds relevan...

As the sun gently illuminated the pages of the Holy Bible, I found myself engrossed in my daily portion of spiritual nourishment. Currently, I am reading the book of Deuteronomy, specifically chapter 14, which discusses the dietary laws. This chapter belongs to the fifth book of Moses in the Old Testament. The Lord, with meticulous attention, lays out what is permissible and what is not when it comes to food. God, through Moses, explicitly specifies the types of meat that can be eaten and those that should be avoided. However, as I read on, the Holy Spirit prompts me to pause and contemplate the relevance of these laws in our lives today. It occurs to me that these ancient dietary restrictions no longer apply to us, given the teachings of the New Testament. Recalling the verses (from Matthew 26, Luke 22, and John 6) where Jesus spoke of eating his flesh and drinking his blood, I am reminded of the spiritual feast that now unites us with Christ. This act of communion serves as a re...

Isaiah, consisting of 66 chapters, aligns with the number of books in the Bible, which some may interpret as symbolic. Today, when I was preaching from Isaiah 6:1, the mention of King Uzziah's death reminded me that earthly kings are transient, in contrast to the eternal reign of our King of Kings and Lord of Lords in heaven. Isaiah's vision of the Lord on the highest throne signifies that although earthly kings pass away, our divine King died and resurrected, worthy of our praise. While the Old Testament refers to God as Jehovah, Isaiah's vision of the Lord on the throne implies a connection to Jesus. Isaiah 6:2 emphasizes the Lord of Hosts and His holiness, further supporting this idea. Additionally, Isaiah 9 prophesies the birth of a baby, symbolizing the arrival of Jesus. Isaiah 53 vividly portrays the crucifixion and death of Jesus. It is awe-inspiring to consider how Isaiah witnessed the Lord on the throne, as a baby, and as the Son of Man on the cross, sacrificing Hi...

 "After a long and exhausting day at work, I hopped on the metro to head home, my mind filled with various thoughts. Suddenly, a profound realization washed over me, compelling me to engage in deep reflection. According to THE BOOK, there should be no other God before Him. This means that God should be our ultimate priority and Lord in every situation. However, if we're honest with ourselves, we often fail to put God first. Instead, we tend to turn to Him in times of negativity and hardship. When we succeed, we attribute it to our own hard work, but when we face failure, we often question God, blaming Him for our misfortunes. Sadly, we tend to prioritize God only when we need someone to blame. Even in our financial struggles, the idea of tithing may be the first thing we consider postponing. Once again, God takes a backseat in our lives. When we find ourselves overwhelmingly busy, the first thing we cut out is our time with God. And when people betray us, we blame God for ...

Psalm 117 O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord. When a football team wins, their fans around the world rejoice. When a film does well, the entire production team celebrates and has a good time. God took on human form and gave everything to save you. Shouldn't we honor him?  Praise the Lord for saving you. Celebrate the Savior  by worshipping him, sharing his teachings, following his instructions, and thanking him until your last breath. Mary (Jesus' mother) gave praise to the Lord. David praised the Lord. Moses bowed down to the Lord. Angels constantly worship the Lord; when Jesus was born, angels sang and praised him from the heavens.  We are nearing the end of the year; wouldn't it be a good time to thank Him for protecting us through the year and begin the new year with thanks and worship? Bless th...

Luke 5:4 (KJV) Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. It is not sufficient to read the Bible. We must delve deeply into God's word. God instructed Peter to lower his nets in order to catch fish. Jesus lowered his net in order to catch a fish named Peter. The Word of God will always equip and enable you to take the essential actions. It will assist you in taking action. God's word is not only theoretical, but also practical. The Bible's teachings must be put into practice on a daily basis. Many people have strong attachments to material possessions, which is unhealthy. We get so caught up in binge eating and binge browsing, for example. Why aren't we more interested in reading the Bible? Too much of mobile usage can cause damage to your eyesight. On the contrary too much of bible reading and bible meditation will cause good health and satisfied life After speaking, it means that after...

Arise , shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee - Isaiah 60:1 (KJV) God does not want you to get complacent in your circumstances; instead, he wants you to be proactive. God isn't fond of slackers. We must be active and keep moving like God because we are built in his image. While on earth, Jesus was never sluggish; he was always bursting with enthusiasm and worked until his last breath, and you must do the same. The Old Testament says, "Arise," because the Light has come to you. This will become clear at the end of the article. And we witness countless examples of people being able to get up and walk because of Jesus. So did his followers. Whether you're reading the Old Testament or the New Testament, God wants you to grow. In John 5, Jesus approaches this 38-year-old sick man and commands him to rise, take up his mat, and keep travelling. This sick man had been waiting for a miracle for 38 years when Jesus (the Light) approac...

A woman has been dealing with health concerns for 12 years. Her name is not provided, but she was identified by her health problems. Twelve years is a long time. Assume that this problem began when she was 25 years old. That means she is now 37 years old. I'm just trying to explain and demonstrate how serious her problem was to the reader. Many people could have given up on her; it had been a long journey of 12 years of illness, and she could have faced emotional and mental challenges. She persisted in her search for relief. She sought medical attention and must have sought expert advice. She didn't just wish for healing; she went out and did her part. Why am I saying this? Some people just pray and do nothing. They completely misinterpret Jesus' teachings on "rest" and "no work required." God did not simply wish for the salvation of the world; he sent us his son. The son did not simply sit idle on earth; he did what was required of him. Consider...

On Saturday (July 2, 2022) evening, I went to the salon to get my hair cut, but it was closed. I went back to my house and contacted the salon two hours later to see if they had opened. The hairstylist answered the phone. He informed me that they were closed and wouldn't reopen for a few days. I asked him why he was speaking to me in such a hushed, melancholy tone, as he usually speaks extremely loudly. He informed me that his younger brother (aged 25 years old and working in the same field) had committed suicide. Hearing this astounded me. I wanted to know why. He claimed that his brother left a suicide note stating that he was done with life and had little hope of ever accomplishing anything, so he decided to end his own life. He hung himself on the ceiling fan. Additionally, he mentioned that his brother never made friends or confided in anyone. Despite his brother's schooling at a respected institution, the hairstylist said, he was not a great beautician. He hung up after s...