John 14:12 ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father’

DAILY READING – 1 Peter 5; Jeremiah 39-40; Psalm 138

In 2017, Pastor Joe Basile, lead pastor of the Encounter Road Church and Oxford University geneticist, George Busby embarked on a project that would combine faith and science. They were going to search for the DNA of Jesus.
Because of the recent tremendous leap in DNA technology, they were on a mission to test some of the most famous religious relics in hope they could reveal new information that could deepen science’s understanding of the man, Jesus.
As they embarked on this assignment, their main goal was to find a strand of Jesus’ DNA, which could help to provide new insight into this most important person in history.
Pastor Joe Basile and geneticist George Busby spent 25 days with a film crew going to holy sites from Spain and Italy to Israel and the shores of the Black Sea.
By extracting and analyzing samples of holy relics at each site, they hoped to retrieve a sample of DNA that possibly belonged to Jesus or a member of his family.
They used the latest scientific advances in DNA to investigate the world’s most famous holy relics, including the Shroud of Turin, The Sudarium of Oviedo and the newly discovered bones of Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist.
They looked at some of the oldest Bibles and ancient texts at the Bodleian Library at Oxford, one of the most celebrated libraries in the world.
They were able to go to places few people ever gain access to and looked at artifacts that were rare and incredible. Yet, at the end of the day, their searches yielded no results towards finding the DNA of Jesus.
The result of all their research with ancient artifacts and sites is recorded in a two-hour documentary, titled, ‘Jesus Strand; A search for the DNA of Christ.’

Science can only speculate regarding the DNA make-up of Jesus, since there are none of His DNA samples to analyze.
The genealogy of Jesus listed in the Gospels ends with Joseph, Jesus earthly father. Joseph’s lineage does not contribute anything to the DNA of Jesus, who is born of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus has a divine DNA directly from God, which cannot by ascertained by any scientific research.

Because we are part of His spiritual family, through new birth, we are also partakers of Christ’s divine nature and His DNA.
We share the same blood and life with Him.
And just like our genetic code reflects aspects of our family lineage, our spiritual DNA reflects that we are born of God.

1 John 5:4 tells us that whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world. Therefore because we are born of God we are born as overcomers. We are destined for dominion and extraordinary accomplishments.
The same blood of a winner and conqueror that flows through Christ flows through us.
Jesus said in John 14:12 ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father’
Because of the life and Blood of Christ in us, we are born to do great works.

As believers, we are born to be Champions.
Sometimes, it can be easy to think less of ourselves or believe we could never overcome certain situations. But we need to look beyond our physical limitations and focus on our spiritual heritage. Through Christ we can do all things. As He is, so are we in this world. Through feeding on His Word we are empowered for signs and wonders.
Because we are partakers of the DNA of Christ, there is no battle that is beyond us.
In our spiritual bloodline, we have what it takes to be more than conquerors in life. God has created us to multiply, subdue and dominate. We are designed for exploits, engineered for success, and endowed with the divine ability to triumph always through Christ.

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You that I am born as a winner and champion by the Blood of Jesus. Indeed by the Blood I am more than a conqueror and I have the dominion over every challenge that comes my way in Jesus Name.

QUOTE
The tests you are going through in life today is not for your destruction, it is for your testimony. – WORDBITE 222

Psalm 91:1-2 “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”

DAILY READING 1 Peter 4; Jeremiah 37-38; Psalm 137

In 2006, an American soldier serving in Ramadi, Iraq had a miraculous deliverance through the prayer of Psalm 91.
On that day, 24-year-old Jeremy Ackerson was on the streets of Ramadi with his unit on a special visit to a hospital. In his helmet was a small, laminated card with the words of Psalm 91, a prayer recited by World War I troops before some of their bloodiest battles. His mother in America, who also had a similar card of Psalm 91, had been using it to pray for him.
That day, just as their unit was leaving the hospital, snipers fired on the group. Ackerson, who was behind a concrete wall, was shot about eight times. The first shot through his helmet, whizzed over his short hair and dug back into the helmet.
The impact pushed Ackerson’s head back, which probably saved his life. A second bullet struck the front of the helmet and snipped off a piece of the metal. Had he still been face-forward, the round would have struck him just over the eye.
At least four more rounds slammed into the concrete wall in front of him. It disintegrated, and shrapnel exploded around him. When his team mates rushed to his side, he was initially thought to be dead.
But they were surprised to see him begin talking and laughing. Despite the hail of bullets fired at him, miraculously he had survived and was back on his feet, as his team stood amazed around him.
Later Jeremy found a bullet still lodged in his helmet, in the same place where he had been carrying the laminated card with Psalm 91. The sniper’s bullet had burned through the protective helmet, scraped the skin atop his skull, without hurting him. In interviews with the media, Jeremy and his family said they believed that his life had been spared because of God’s special protection, due to the Psalm 91 prayer of faith which they had been praying.

When we dwell in the secret place of the Most High and abide under the shadow of His wings, certainly, the Lord becomes our refuge and fortress.
Under the shadow of the Almighty, we receive divine immunity against the arrows of the wicked.
We serve the covenant keeping God who is committed to protecting those who trust in Him.
Today, it is very clear we are living in very perilous times. The world is full of unprecedented insecurity and uncertainties. Everyday in the news there are different stories of violence and increasing turbulence. Many people are living in fear and constantly glancing over their shoulders, wondering what is coming next.
But for us as believers, our case is different.. Though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; we will not fear. Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof; God remains our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.[Psalm 46].
No matter the happenings in the world, we shall continue to stand upon the solid rock of God’s Word and His unfailing promises of protection.
Though ‘a thousand may fall at our side and ten thousand at our right hand yet it will not come near us..’ Despite the arrows flying by day and by night, we are under strong divine cover because we are under the covenant of divine protection which is part of our redemptive package in Christ.
As long as we are in covenant relationship with God, He has promised that no evil shall befall us and no plague can come near our dwelling place.
However, it is important that we understand that in every covenant, we have a part to play and God has His part. Psalm 91:1-2, begins with our part: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”
Therefore to enjoy God’s divine deliverance we must dwell in the secret place of the Most High, which is abiding in God’s Presence. The more we hide in His Presence, the more we become untouchable to every evil.
With the situation in the world today, it is dangerous for any believer to walk around without confident assurance of their divine security in Christ. Let us therefore constantly invest in building a stronger relationship with God by spending time in His Word, prayers and praise. When God becomes our refuge, we will live in dominion and power and our enemies will become our footstools.

PRAYER: Lord, please wherever I go, may Your Presence always surround me as a spiritual shield and defense, which no enemy can access. Thank You Lord, because of Your ‘touch not’ seal upon me and my family in Jesus Name. .
QUOTE
As a child of God you have to recognize that you are in the middle of an ongoing battle, and your victory is assured’. WORDBITE 222

PSALM 16:11 ‘Thou wilt show me the path of life; in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.’

DAILY READING; 1 Peter 3; Jeremiah 35-36; Psalm 136

Doug Batchelor was born in 1957 to the aviation tycoon and philanthropist George Batchelor. His mother was the Hollywood actress and songwriter Ruth Batchelor.
As Doug grew up in the midst of fame and wealth, he desperately searched for the purpose of life. As the teenage son of a millionaire father and a show-business mother, Doug Batchelor had everything money could buy-except happiness.
His parents gave him virtually everything he desired.
His tycoon father ensured he didn’t lack, young Doug could have had anything money could buy, yet he couldn’t find true peace and joy.
He eventually became a troubled youth who fought at school, entertained suicidal fantasies, and eventually ran away from home when he was just 15 years old.
Doug was determined to experience life with reckless abandon and began living on high adventure from stormy seas to blistering deserts. Disgusted with life and convinced it had no meaning, he turned to drugs, committed crimes, and spent time in jail.
Years later, he ended up living in a remote cave high in the mountains above Palm Springs, California. Though his father owned a yacht, a jet, and a Rolls-Royce, Doug ended up scavenging for food in garbage bins.
The happiness Doug searched for continued to elude him for years-until the day he found a dust-covered Bible someone left in his cave. As he read the Bible something began to change in him. His life eventually became transformed as he accepted Christ as his Savior. As he began to serve God, he found the true peace, joy and fulfillment he had long searched for.
Today he is the senior pastor of the Granite Bay Church in California and the Director of a worldwide television and radio broadcast ministry based in Sacramento, California. He is author of several books including ‘The Richest Caveman’, which is the story about his life.

Indeed outside of Christ all is vanity and chasing after the wind. Only God satisfies, only an intimate relationship with Him can fill the deep hunger and longing in our souls.
Success without God is never true success. No matter the wealth at a man’s disposal, if he is operating outside of God’s will, life will be a tale of uncertainties and sorrows. It is only the blessings of God that makes rich and adds no sorrow with it.
We live in a world organized around the unspoken belief that money can buy happiness- if only you have enough of it. But money cannot buy happiness.
You can own mountains of money, homes on every continent, have friends in high places but still live depressed.
Without God’s presence in our lives, there will always be a certain void and emptiness. Without the Lord, we will always feel unfulfilled and lack the power and passion to live life with zeal.
True peace and joy comes from walking in communion with God. Whenever we are surrounded by His Presence we will always have joy unspeakable full of glory. This joy is what strengthens us to live life with purpose and excitement. The joy of the Lord is what gives us the strength to face tomorrow.
Without Christ holding us up, it is difficult to bear the pains and struggles of life alone.
Many people today are trying to shoulder their struggles alone and they are ending up depressed and oppressed.
The only way to live in dominion and power is by abiding in God’s presence, where there is fullness of joy. This joy is our source of strength which causes us to live with purpose and continually triumph over life’s trials.

PRAYER; Lord I thank You for granting me the grace to always seek Your Presence where there is fullness of joy. By Your grace, I shall keep moving from victory to victory in all my endeavors in Jesus Name.
QUOTE :
Your attitude always determines your altitude in life. -WORDBITE 222

Psalms 105:13 – 15 ‘When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people; He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes; Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.’

DAILY READING – 1 Peter 2; Jeremiah 33-34; Psalm 135

The Cuban missile crisis was an event that occurred in October 1962. The crisis happened during the period known as the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. When the Soviet Union placed missiles on the island of Cuba, the two major countries came to the brink of nuclear war.
In 1959 communists, led by Fidel Castro, had taken control of Cuba. In 1960 the Soviet Union promised to support the communists and to defend Cuba with Soviet weapons. As part of this agreement, in October 1962, the Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev installed nuclear missiles on Cuba. Those missiles could hit much of the eastern United States within minutes if launched from Cuba. The United States cut off supplies to the island and demanded that the missiles be removed.
In a TV address on October 22, 1962, President John F. Kennedy notified Americans about the presence of the missiles, explained his decision to enact a naval blockade around Cuba and made it clear the U.S. was prepared to use military force if necessary to neutralize this perceived threat to national security. Following this news, many people feared the world was on the brink of nuclear war.
This situation led to the most dangerous Cold War confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union which escalated into an international crisis.
The confrontation is often considered the closest the Cold War came to escalating into a full-scale nuclear war.
During his very tense period, from October 22 until October 28, U.S. President John F. Kennedy and Khrushchev were engaged in a political and military standoff. However,, they eventuality reached an understanding. Khrushchev agreed to removed the missiles, and Kennedy agreed that the United States would never invade Cuba. Kennedy also promised to withdraw the missiles the United States had stationed in Turkey in previous years. Both powers began fulfilling their promises, and the crisis was over by late November 1962.

It is certainly, a testament of God’s faithfulness that the world still exists today, despite the wide possibilities of destruction. Despite the many times the world had come close to complete disaster, God has continued to preserve humanity by steering men away from the brink of self-destruction.
Though this present generation has developed the capability to destroy the entire earth through a nuclear war, yet God does not let it happen.
Despite the many close calls, God remains in control of the entire universe and continues to run things according to His divine agenda.
In the same way, concerning our lives as believers, God remains in perfect control and our lives are always in His hands. He has said that no hair can fall from our heads without Him knowing.
We are never alone in the journey of destiny because God is always our refuge.. Indeed our safety and security are not in the hands of any man, or government, but in God’s hands alone. And as long as He is with us, we are protected from evil.

Psalm 23:4-5: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. …”

Truly, in these perilous times, God’s Presence is our assurance of safety. We maintain His presence through diligently holding on to His Word, fervent prayers and a praise-full lifestyle.
In this world of uncertainty His Presence is our only guarantee of protection. This is why we must strive to live holy and walk according to His Word so as to abide in His perfect will. And as long as we are in His will, we will be too defended to be victims..
Living a lifestyle of praise attracts God’s Presence because He inhabits the praises of His people.
As God’s Presence surrounds us, a thousand may fall at our side and ten thousand at our right hand, but it will not come near us. No matter what goes in the world, God will be our refuge and ever present help in trouble..

PRAYER: Father, I know that my life is hid in Christ, and Christ is hid in You, therefore I am totally protected. Thank You Lord, for always surrounding me with Your Presence in Jesus Name. .
QUOTE
The study of The Word will keep shame and disgrace far from you. WORDBITE 222

Psalm 67:5-6 ‘Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.’

DAILY READING; • 1 Peter 1; Jeremiah 31-32; Psalm 134

The seventeenth century mathematician and philosopher Sir Isaac Newton was a devout Christian. However, he had a friend, a fellow scientist, who was an atheist.
Newton had tried to convince him on several occasions about how God is the creator of the universe, but this friend believed in the ‘big bang’ theory, and that the universe “just happened.”
One day, Newton asked a very skilled craftsman to design for him a mechanical miniature replica of the solar system.
At its center was a large golden ball representing the sun, and revolving around it were smaller spheres representing Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, and the other planets. These were all held together by belts to make them move around the sun in perfect harmony.
When Newton’s atheist friend stopped by for a visit and saw the device, he marveled greatly.
The man exclaimed, “What an exquisite thing! The maker is a genius, who made it?”
Sir Isaac replied, “Nobody.”
“Nobody?” his friend asked.
“That’s right! I said nobody! All of these balls just happened to come together, and wonder of wonders, by chance they began revolving in their set orbits and with perfect timing.”
His friend undoubtedly got the point. The existence of Newton’s machine presupposed a maker and a designer.
Newton explained to his friend, “This model is just a poor imitation of our wonderful universe. I can’t convince you that it has no designer or a maker. How is it then that the solar system, which this model represents, ‘just happened.’
Newton’s friend realized how foolish he had been. Not long after that, he dropped his atheist views, He accepted God as the Creator of the universe and also accepted His Son, Jesus Christ, as his personal Saviour.

The chief Name of God in Scripture is Yahweh, which is translated in English as LORD. God’s Lordship includes His control over all things, His authority over the universe, and His presence in every part of creation.
The beauty of creation speak in eloquent praise of God’s Lordship and absolute power.
Indeed we serve the God of wonders. He is the master designer who has made everything beautiful in its time.
When we look at all that God has made we are compelled to stand in awe and worship Him continually.
God is awesome not only in nature, but also in our lives. He does wonders without number. It is good to know that the same God who calls the stars by name also knows us by name. And just as He has not failed with running the universe, He cannot fail with running our lives. Therefore no matter what faces you today, know that God is able to take care of you.
Sometimes we may forget the great workings of God in creation and wonder about His ability to supply our immediate needs. But our mundane needs pale in significance when compared to the fact that God has already freely supplied the most basic needs of our existence on earth such as oxygen, water, sunlight etc.
And if God can take care of these greater needs, certainly, He is able to take care of all that concerns us. However, just as there are laws that control the universe, there are spiritual laws that control our lives.
One of the ways we can experience supernatural supplies, provision and increase is by engaging the law of praise. There is a clear connection between praise and divine provision.

Psalm 67:5-6 says ‘Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.’

Praise provokes the release of God’s blessings and puts the earth under pressure to yield its increase to us.
Therefore today, rather than worry about those urgent needs facing you, take the time to sincerely praise God and you will experience supernatural supplies.
In this season, as we remain persistent in faith and keep praising God, it is only a matter of time before our cups run over with blessings, miracles, signs and wonders.

PRAYER: Lord, You are indeed the God of wonders, thank You for Your miracles, signs and wonders in my life. Today, as I praise You, I thank You for showing Yourself mighty in my life in Jesus Name.
QUOTE :
God is preparing you for the season He prepared your breakthrough. – WORDBITE 222.

Psalms 91:14-15 ‘Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

DAILY READING; James 5; Jeremiah 29-30; Psalm 133

Pshyra Hope Sheriff, is an author and publisher of many years. She tells the story of her miraculous survival from a deadly illness in her book. ‘The Plan: An Incredible Story of Amazing Grace, Unfailing Love, and Undeniable Miracles.’
Pshyra grew up in a large Pentecostal family that regularly attended Church. But through the years, she only played “church” and didn’t really invest in a strong relationship with God.
However, one day she came to repentance after experiencing a definite encounter with God. From that moment, her life changed and her “religion” was transformed into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This personal relationship gave birth to an unshakable faith that would one day save her life.
One day, in November 2018, Pshyra Sheriff suddenly found herself being rushed to the emergency room of the hospital as she felt life slipping away from her body. She faced a devastating health diagnosis of a terminal illness. Unable to move on the hospital bed, she stood on her unwavering faith that no matter the outcome, God could heal her.
Over the course of the next several months of multiple surgeries and rehabilitation, her faith was sorely tested. Many times it appeared she may not survive.
However, at this time her relationships with God and His infinite grace and mercy carried her through her darkest hours. She saw Jesus walk with her through her lowest valley as He did miracles that delivered her from death and gave her a new lease of life.
Today, she authors inspiring devotionals about the power of God’s love and grace.

It certainly takes a strong relationship with God for us to emerge victorious from fiery trials. Any shallow believer who is only playing ‘Church’ will find it difficult to stand in the swellings of Jordan, when confronted by troubles and tribulations.
It is a sad but true fact, that some people in Church are only playing religion, with no deep root or relationship with the Master. A strong relationship with God is our only guarantee of dominion in life’s battles.
The truth is that the depth of our relationship with God can make the difference between life and death.
We therefore need to build up inner spiritual strength and power so as not to faint in the day of adversity.

Proverbs 24:10 says ‘, if thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small’.

Investing in a loving and intimate relationship with God, assures us of His speedy intervention when we call upon Him in the day of trouble.

God says in Psalms 91:14-15 says ‘Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.’

When we consistently fellowship with God in His Word, we are storing up faith that will enable us withstand any future test or trial.
When our life is built upon the solid foundation of God’s Word, though the storm, rain and winds of life may come, we will survive them all and still stand strong.

Apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:13 told us to put on the whole armour of God, that we may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

As believers, we ought to live constantly battle-ready.
If you wait for problems to begin spiritual preparations, you may be too late.
Let us therefore decide today to live spiritually prepared through time spent in prayer, in-depth study of the Word and praise.
It is our depth in God that determines our level of dominion in life. Truly, those who know their God, they shall be strong and do exploits.

PRAYER ; Lord Please help me to build up faith and inner strength through storing up Your Word in my heart. Please also grant me the grace to praise You always so that I can emerge the winner in every conflict in Jesus Name.
QUOTE
There is so much more in your future, you cannot afford to look back at the past, not even for a moment. – WORDBITE 222.

2 Chronicles 20:17 ‘Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.

DAILY READING –• James 4; Jeremiah 27-28; Psalm 132

The Yom Kippur war began on October 6, 1973, when Egyptian and Syrian forces launched a surprise attack against Israel on the holiest day on the Jewish calendar known as Yom Kippur.
Taken by surprise, the odds were clearly against Israel. But, miraculously they were able to gain dominion over their stronger enemies. Stories emerging after the war showed that God fought for Israel.
One of the fiercest battles took place in an area of the Golan Heights known today as the Valley of Tears. This was the site of a major clash between Israel and Syria forces.
During this battle, the Israeli soldiers were greatly outnumbered but yet continued to fight a large portion of the Syrian army, for four days.
The Syrians had over a thousand tanks, and were intent on overrunning the Israeli forces. If this attack was successful they could have taken Israel.
Though the overwhelmed Israeli soldiers fought bravely, they were soon totally out of ammunition. It would take a miracle to save them and to deliver Israel..That was what happened.
At this point, when it seemed all hope was lost, something amazing happened.
Just when the Israeli force was on the verge of collapse, inexplicably, the Syrians suddenly retreated!
The Syrian troops all turned around and quickly began moving away in fear. The Israeli soldiers couldn’t believe their eyes as they saw the Syrians retreating without further attacking them. The reason for this Syrian soldiers’ actions remained a big mystery until years after the war, when the commander of the Syrian Army Division that fought in that battle revealed what happened. He said that they had suddenly seen a whole host of white angels surround the outnumbered Israeli soldiers. On seeing this, the Syrians had all turned around and taken to their heels in fear.
The site of this battle ground became known as the Valley of Tears. For Israel, it was a place where tears of sorrow was turned into tears of joy through God’s astounding miracle of deliverance. Today it hosts a Jewish National Fund memorial site.

In 2 chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat faced a battle in a valley where his army was greatly outnumbered and it looked like defeat was inevitable. But when he obeyed God’s instruction and switched to praise, God gave them miraculous victory and dominion over their enemies and it took them three days to gather all the spoils of war!
What should have been a valley of tears, through God’s miracle, turned into a valley of blessings for them.

Just like king Jehoshaphat, any time you are faced with battles greater than you, do not be afraid nor dismayed. Rather keep your eyes on God and be assured He will give you resounding victory over those enemies that seem too strong for you.

Deuteronomy 28:7 says ‘The LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.’

God can raise help for you when you least expect it. Just stay in faith and keep giving Him the glory and watch Him scatter every gang-up against you.
God says in Isaiah 54:15 ‘Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.’ Then He goes further on to say that this is your heritage as a servant of The Lord.
We need to always remember that we serve the God of divine turnaround who can suddenly change our story. He can turn what looks like a valley of defeat into a valley of victory. What looks like a valley of stagnation can become a valley of promotion. And what looks like a valley of sickness can become a valley of restoration.
Indeed God can use what should have defeated you to increase you.
As you switch to high praises, you will certainly experience God’s fearful and tearful blessings. Indeed what the enemy meant for your harm, God will turn it all around for your good.
As you stand strong in faith, giving glory to God, He will turn your battlefield into your blessing field.

PRAYER; Lord, Please help me to hand over my battles to You through maintaining a praise-full lifestyle. Thank You Lord for granting me dominion and causing me to triumph always in Jesus Name. .
QUOTE
The tests you are going through in life today is not for your destruction, it is for your testimony. – WORDBITE 222.

Psalm 3:3 ‘But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head’.

DAILY READING; James 3; Jeremiah 25-26; Psalm 131

The book ‘Hope Beyond Reason’ is the amazing account by Pastor Dave Hess of how God’s power miraculously shielded him. He was 39 years old, when he was attacked by an aggressive, life-threatening strain of leukemia.
As his life hung in the balance and many prayed for his miraculous recovery, an elderly member of his congregation, came one day and told Pastor Dave that God said He would be a ‘shield around him’.
Pastor Dave recognized this phrase, from Psalm 3:3 which says ‘But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head’.
This Word became what Pastor Dave held on to as things took a turn for the worst.
After he completed his final round of chemo, unexpectedly his appendix burst. Since his white blood cells had been depleted from the chemotherapy he couldn’t fight infection. His platelet count was low and his blood wouldn’t clot. In other words, surgery was not an option. And without it, the poison flooding his body from the burst appendix would be fatal.
Doctors didn’t think he could live beyond that week and many friends came to say goodbye. But though death stared him in the face, pastor Dave countered it with the word he had received that the Lord would be a shield around him. He prayed this Psalm out loud and repeated it over and over again. As he held on to God’s Word, he astounded everyone and survived till the next six weeks when his platelet levels normalized and he was fit to undergo surgery. First the surgeon did an exploratory procedure to see the extent of damage done by the burst appendix.
After the procedure, the surgeon brought to Pastor Dave pictures of his appendix and said he had never seen anything like it.
He said that surrounding the damaged appendix were adhesions, the strongest kind of scar tissues and these had acted almost like shields, tightly packed together, that prevented all the toxins in the burst appendix from flowing out. This inexplicable ‘shield’ was what had preserved Pastor Dave from certain death.

When Pastor Dave’s human immunity failed to function, God’s Word gave him divine immunity that preserved him alive.
Battles are real to life. But despite the fierce warfare in the world, we are assured of constant victory through God’s Word, which births in us the faith that overcomes the world.
When we carry the Word of God in our hearts, we will be able to steadfastly resist every attack of the enemy and triumph always.
To see dominion in life, we need to stay spiritually connected to the Word.
God’s Word never fails. He upholds all things by the Word of His power. As long as we keep holding on to His Word, God will also uphold us in every situation.
His Word will be fulfilled no matter how tough the circumstances. God never breaks covenant nor alters what has gone out of His lips.
Our desired miracles, signs and wonders are obtainable through faith in God’s Word. Indeed there can be no dead or hopeless case as long as our faith remains alive.
What may appear impossible to men is totally possible through faith in God’ Word.
Jesus is the Word and His life contained in His Blood makes us overcomers in life.

Revelation 12:11 says ‘And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.’

Through His Blood, Christ has brought us under the covenant of divine exemption and positioned us to triumph over afflictions.
In Exodus 7:12 we saw how the rod of Moses, swallowed up the rod of the magicians. That is similar to how the Blood terminates everything contrary to God’s will in our lives.
God wants by His Word to swallow up death, sickness, poverty, afflictions etc.
Certainly, by the Blood, we are sealed and separated from every evil.

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for Your shield and seal of divine protection upon me and my family. Surely through the Blood of Jesus, no evil shall befall us and no plague can come near us in Jesus Name.
QUOTE :
The truth of God’s Word in the life of a believer is always reflective, the results can never be hidden. – WORDBITE 222

Psalm 145:2-4 [NIV] ‘Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.’

DAILY READING; • James 2; Jeremiah 23-24; Psalm 130

Charles Betts Galloway was one of the best known Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church in America in the 19th century. His lifestory is a reflection of God’s amazing grace.
As a young man he had ran away from home because his parents objected to him dropping out of school to become a prizefighter. He stowed away on a train and went to another town and joined a carnival.
After several months, he wanted to move on to another town and tried to stow away on another train. But as he jumped into an open boxcar in the moving train, he found himself in a dangerous position. He had fallen halfway inside the train and before he could get a proper grip and haul himself properly into the boxcar, the train began running alongside a steep ravine. With nothing to hold on to, his body began sliding out. He was terrified at his predicament. If he slipped out he would either fall beneath the train’s wheels or plummet down the steep canyon to his death.
“Please, God!” he cried out with his eyes squeezed shut. “Don’t let me die here.”
With only seconds from death, he opened his eyes and suddenly saw standing inside the train, a young muscular black man. The man reached down and pulled him by his arms into the speeding boxcar. Charles lay face down on the floor of the car for several seconds trying to catch his breath and regain his strength. When he looked up to thank the man, he saw no one. The man had vanished. The boxcar was completely empty. One of the two side doors was closed, as it had been since the train began moving. The man had simply disappeared from sight. Charles sat down slowly in a corner of the car and began shivering.
Suddenly he knew with great certainty that he needed to get home. When he returned to his parents and told them about the man on the boxcar, they concluded it must have been an angel.
Charles returned to school and later became a licensed preacher. He often said his entire life would have been different if it weren’t for that single afternoon when God sent an angel to save his life and change it into something that could glorify Him forever.
His story is contained in the book ‘There’s an angel on your shoulder: Angel encounters in everyday life’.

Psalm 18:6 says ‘In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.’

God, indeed does answer the cry of those who call upon Him in distress.
For some of us, this has been our story. As believers, we all have a history with God. When we go back over our life story we can see how God has always been faithful. He has always showed up right on time.
At several low points of life, the grace of God had reached down and pulled us up.
Even the times we had messed up and rightly deserved the consequences of our actions, yet somehow God’s grace has covered us. By His mercies we had not been consumed.
We’ve all come through mistakes and difficulties that could have truncated our journey. Some of us went through obstacles that could have defeated us early in life. But somehow, through God’s grace and mercy we were able to survive.
He caused rivers to flow for us through the desert, pulled us from the fiery furnace, delivered us from the lion’s den, healed us from deadly diseases, and gave His angels charge over us to keep us in all our ways.
Despite all the plans of the enemy, God’s will over our lives has prevailed.
From the dunghill, He lifted us and made us to sit with princes. He set our feet upon the rock and established our goings.
God has always been there, working behind the scenes and pushing back the hands of darkness from snuffing out our lives and our light.
For all the goodness of God in our lives we ought to be always grateful. His praise should continually be on our lips. Indeed, if we can think, we can thank.
Nothing should hinder the flow of praise from our lips.
No matter any challenge we may face, there’s always a reason for us to be grateful. We cannot possibly know all the details of God’s goodness; the many traps He delivered us from and the hidden battles He fought and won for us. As we praise Him for His blessings, known and unknown, certainly, He will do greater things for us; taking us from glory to glory and from victory to victory.

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for always answering me when I call. I am grateful that Your grace and mercy are always available to deliver me in Jesus Name.
QUOTE:
What you thought was disappointment in life, was actually just a redirection from God– WORDBITE 222

Joshua 6;16 ‘And the seventh time it happened, when the priests blew the trumpets, that Joshua said to the people: “Shout, for the LORD has given you the city!

DAILY READING; James 1; Jeremiah 21-22; Psalm 129

The Battle of Jericho marked the first battle fought by the Israelites in their conquest of Canaan. This battle is famous for the triumphant fall of Jericho’s heavily fortified walls.
In modern times, archeologists initially doubted the truth of this Biblical story.
The first major excavation of the site of Jericho, located in the southern Jordan valley in Israel, was carried out by a German team between 1907 and 1909. Their report was inconclusive.
In the 1950s a British archaeologist named Kathleen Kenyon re-excavated the site with modern methods. She then found strong evidence that collaborated the Bible’s account of how the city was destroyed!
Her archaeological team found evidence for a massive destruction by fire, just as the Bible relates. Remarkably, just as the Bible had also said that Rahab’s house was spared, the archaeologists found that the north side of the city wall was preserved with houses in it. These houses were not destroyed while the rest of the wall fell.
The archeologists concluded that a great force, like an earthquake, must have pushed down the massive walls. But they were baffled by the manner in which the wall was selectively taken down suggesting that something other than a natural calamity had brought them down.
The only possible explanation is of course the Bible’s account that the supernatural power of God destroyed the walls.

The destruction of Jericho was essential for the Israelites if they were to advance into Canaan. The heavily fortified city stood between them and their Promised Land. The Israelite army had no hope of getting past, and even if they did, they would have to face an enemy army of Jericho.
As the successor of Moses, Joshua faced a great dilemma as the new, official leader of God’s people. He was facing the strongest city in the Promised Land and it would be the first that had to be conquered.
As Joshua’s mind was engrossed in his concerns, he looked up and suddenly saw a man with a drawn sword.
This man revealed Himself as the “captain of the hosts of the Lord,” and commander of the Lord’s army who had come to fight for Israel.
Joshua then realized that the battle was not his, but rather the battle belonged to the Lord.
What a comfort and great encouragement to know that we are never alone when we face our strongest battles.
When we face situations that seem overwhelming and greater than us, when we turn to the Lord, He always sends help out of Zion. The commander of the Lord’s army that met Joshua was a manifestation of the pre-incarnate Christ.
When we come in submission and worship, the Lord manifests Himself to us as the mighty man in battle.
After Joshua followed the instructions to march around the city walls, God’s power came down and destroyed the formidable resistance of Jericho
You will never need more than God to win your greatest battles. If you are facing any impossible situation today, in your health, family, finances or relationships, it is time to seek the Lord with greater fervency. You will find Him when you search for Him with your whole heart, through studying the Word, prayers and worship. And when God arises, every enemy of your destiny must scatter.
The truth is that between you and your promised land, there will always be a resisting wall of Jericho. You either have to defeat it, or it’s going to stop you.
Some issues are so critical that until you have dealt with them you cannot move forward to your next level of destiny.
But whatever walls of resistance you may be confronted with today, they are no match for the power of God.
Just focus on aligning yourself with God’s will. As you call upon Him, He will surely give you victory and dominion over those issues. Does it feel like you have been going around in circles and getting nowhere? Take time out, stay in God’s Word, until your faith is built up.
It was Israel’s faith in God that actually brought down the walls.
Hebrews 11:30 says (ESV). ‘By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days’.
Today, through faith in God and your shout of praise, surely every wall resisting your progress will come tumbling down.

PRAYER: Father, please grant me the grace to seek greater intimacy with You through passionate worship, prayers and study of Your Word. Thank You Lord for destroying every wall of resistance and giving me victory and dominion in Jesus’ Name.
QUOTE:
Illuminate your world for you are a star destined to shine. WORDBITE 222.