Matthew 6:33 KJV
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. – 
DAILY READING • Acts 24:10-27; Judges 21; Psalm 46

John D. Rockefeller, was America’s first billionaire. He was an American industrialist and philanthropist who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the oil industry. Rockefeller strongly believed that his purpose in life was to greatly make money and then use it wisely to improve the lot of mankind. In 1870, Rockefeller helped found the Standard Oil company. Over a forty-year period, Rockefeller built Standard Oil into the largest and most profitable company in the world, thus becoming the world’s richest man. His company was convicted in Federal Court of monopolistic practices and broken up in the 1911 Standard Oil antitrust settlement. Yet indicative of its enormous size and influence, is that four of Standard Oil’s successor companies; Exxon, Mobil, Amoco, and Chevron remain among the fifty largest companies in the world. He spent the last forty years of his life focused on philanthropy. His wealth helped pioneer the development of medical research in North America and was instrumental in the eradication of hookworm and yellow fever. Most of his wealth was donated using multiple foundations run by experts. He was a devout Christian and  supported many church-based institutions throughout his life. He was also a faithful tither all of his life.

Despite the greatness he later achieved, he began life under very humbling circumstances. He first started work as a small boy to help support his mother. His first wages amounted to $1.50 per week. The first week after he went to work, he  took the $1.50 home to his mother and she held the money in her lap and explained to him that she would be happy if he would give a tenth of it to the Lord. He did, and from that week until his last day he tithed every dollar God entrusted to him. And he once said in an interview ‘if I had not tithed the first dollar I made I would not have tithed the first million dollars I made. Train the children to tithe, and they will grow up to be faithful stewards of the Lord.’

God wants us to be faithful with the little things and the opportunities that are before us. In Matthew 25:14-31, we read the parable of the men who were entrusted with talents. To the first two, the master said, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21-23). In verses  25:24-28, we read what he said to the one who buried his money, and  we see the conclusion in verse 29, “For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.’

We have to be faithful where we are. God is watching to see our faithfulness in the little things. The book of proverbs says a faithful man shall abound with blessings. God knows where we are gifted and when we are faithful to serve in the little area as best as we can He will open doors to greater opportunities. For instance if the only opportunity to serve in church is to be a cleaner, then you need to clean the best you can and  have it done early.. 

Great things in life often begin as small things. Big opportunities often disguise themselves in small tasks. The little things in life determine the big things. Don’t first look for great things to do for God, Just be faithful in the little you are doing and God will assign to you greater things. Be willing to pay the price where you are and greater blessings will come your way. 

It was once said that a pastor approached the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa and asked him to pray for God to release upon him double of the anointing on the Archbishop’s life. So the Archbishop laid his hand on him and began to ask God to give the pastor double of his tribulation and trials and sufferings. The pastor didn’t want such a prayer and quickly reneged on the prayer for a double anointing. Many want the stars but not the scars. There will always be more people willing to carry great anointing and do “mighty” things for God than there are people willing to pay the price. The race to be a leader is crowded, but the field is wide open for only those are first willing to be servants. 

Being faithful upon little is a test of character. Many are on a career path, but few seem to be on a character path. Your servant’s heart is revealed in little acts. Small tasks often show a big heart. God will never exempt you from the mundane. It’s a vital part of your character curriculum. No task is beneath you when you have a servant’s heart, and no price is too big to pay either. Sometimes you serve upward to those in authority, and other times you serve downward to those in need. Whichever way when you are faithful in your service God will bring greater blessings your way. He is a faithful rewarder.  Being faithful is a daily process. And  we need to continually rely on God and His strength to live our lives in faithful service. And as we continue to serve faithfully where we are, we can be sure God’s rewards will ultimately locate us. 
PRAYER: Lord, please help me to be faithful in serving You, help me to seek your kingdom first so that other things can be added unto me in Jesus Name. .. ..  

QUOTE : 

You will never need more than God to experience the impossible in life. WORDBITE 222. 

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK FAITH CLASSICS] 

JOHN 3:8  KJV
The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

DAILY READING • Acts 22:30-23:22; Judges 19; Psalm 44

One of the greatest biological mysteries that remain unsolved is the issue of bird migration. It is amazing that birds can migrate, for thousands of miles, sometimes cross entire continents, and still return back to the exact same spot where they took off from, without ever losing their way.   

Often times when we see birds in our backyards we may have no idea these birds may have just returned from an overseas trip. Millions of migratory birds make epic journeys between their breeding and wintering grounds every year. Some of them in their life span, cover millions of miles, completing some of the longest flights known to science. Yet the amazing thing is that they return back to the exact  place they started their trip from.  They return back to the same nests left months ago, to the same tree, same back yard. On a long journey, humans need at least a map and a compass to find their way—a map for route and distance, and a compass to stay on course. Yet it is amazing that these birds can travel thousands of miles without any gadget and still locate their exact destination. Humans have studied  the phenomenon of bird migration for  thousands of  years , yet the mysteries of how they do it remains unsolved. 

However in recent times, scientists have begun to grasp a bit of how birds may manage such a feat. They are finding that some bird  species are born with migration routes genetically encoded in their brains. In other words they have a kind of inborn inner vision and guidance  that leads them on these  flights. 

Inner vision is a mystery not only in birds, but also in humans. It is  like a homing device that guides men to their destiny. It is often a puzzle how men, though vision, can arise out of seemingly impossible situations,  to become great.  The Bible abounds with such examples; Joseph, Moses,  David, Daniel, Esther, all rose from very obscure backgrounds to arrive at great destinies. This is what The guidance of The Holy Spirit does. Jesus speaking in John 3:8 said  everyone born of The Spirit is like a wind, that  blows, you just hear the sound , but cannot tell whence it comes, and whither it goes.  

A man with vision, being guided by The Spirit, is  unfathomable. You cannot predict his movements. He is unstoppable. He is headed for greatness. He may not look like it at the moment, but he is on his way there. It is only a matter of time before he arrives.  

Inner vision is the light that leads men out of the darkness. Your physical sight may show you the problems that surround you, but inner vision shows you the way out of them. Where no vision is the people perish. But where vision is the people flourish. 

vision enables you to see beyond the limitations of the physical realm, and see  possibilities in the spirit. Inner vision enables you to see God at work in your life despite negative circumstances. This is what makes you count it all joy. 

Inner vision comes from the light The Holy Spirit imparts to us as we study The Word. It is the entrance of His Word that gives light.  His word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. When you are connected to The Word, you are no longer walking by sight, but by faith.

It really doesn’t matter where you may be right now, once you can see beyond your present situation through the light of The Holy Spirit, victory is sure. To arrive at our destiny of greatness let us walk by The light of The Spirit. Let us seek His guidance. As we study The Word, from within He will begin to show us which way to go and as we follow, we are sure to arrive at our glorious destination. 

PRAYER: Lord, please help me to walk by faith and not by sight. Show me the way to the great destiny you have stored up for me, guide me by Your Spirit until I arrive at my great future in Jesus Name. . 

QUOTE 

There is more to you than meets the eyes.  Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. – WORDBITE 222.  .  

[ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK FAITH CLASSICS] 

Isaiah 55:12-13
For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace, the mountains and hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorns shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the briar, shall come up the myrtle tree.’ 
DAILY READING –   – Acts 16:1-15; Judges 2-3; Job 34

It is said, man has created more information in the last decade, than in all of past human history. We are living in an age of Information overload. Daniel rightly predicted that at the time of the end, knowledge shall be increased. [Daniel 12:4]. That is what we are seeing now. Our minds are constantly under the barrage of news and information. And unfortunately, men seem to have become addicted to the hyper stimulation of this information super highway. Many people simply cannot do without information constantly coming from their phones, ipads, computers etc. Indeed, this is the most distracted generation ever.

In this information bombardment, it has become increasingly difficult for people to find time to be quiet, to think, and to pray. Man seems constantly on the run. Early each morning, as the alarm clock goes off like a whistle, the race begins. There seems to be so much to do daily; a job to get to, appointments to keep, places to go, datelines to meet etc. Again Daniel had predicted that at the time of the end, many shall run to and fro. And today, people are in an unending race, racing from one thing to another. No wonder we are called the ‘’human race.” 

Yet the Bible in Romans 9:16 says ‘it is not of him that willeth or of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.’ It is the grace of God that makes the race great. All of man’s race, if it lacks grace, will end in disgrace. Indeed without Jesus we can do nothing. We must therefore  set our priorities right.

As Christians, in this end-time God must have the first place in our lives. He must have the first place in everything. Time spent with Him each day in fellowship must be top priority. It is none negotiable. No matter how busy we are, we cannot compromise our quiet time. It is a total necessity. We must break out of the vicious circuit of the ‘human race’ and daily ensure we maintain God’s Presence. 

Galilee in Hebrew means ‘circuit’. Joseph and Mary had to get out of Galilee, break out of the ‘circuit’ and get into Judea [meaning Praise] before she could give birth to the savior. To birth God’s divine plan for our lives, we must break out of the circuit and come into the place of worship. It is in this place of intimacy that we receive from Heaven. We cannot allow the distractions of this age, to keep us from God’s Presence. God is the source of all our victories. When we bow in God’s Presence, men will bow to us.  Job  29 :19 – 21 speaks of how the dew lay all night upon his branch, and  his glory was fresh in him, and as a result men gave ear to him and  kept quiet at his counsel. As you fellowship with God, His Glory rubs off on you. And like Moses when you come out of the place of fellowship, your face will be shinning. It is a light which darkness cannot comprehend, which demons see and flee. Evil people see you coming and they take another route. Because they cannot face the fire emitting from you. Also as a result of  carrying  God’s Presence your environment changes to favor you. Isaiah 55:12-13 declares  ‘for ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace, the mountains and hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorns shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the briar, shall come up the myrtle tree.’ 

This signifies a divine change of story. His Presence will always make a  difference. Why environments resist men’s advance is because of lack of God’s presence. Psalm 114 speaking of when Israel left Egypt, and God’s Presence was their sanctuary, said ‘ the sea saw it and fled, Jordan was driven back , the mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs.’ The sea, river, mountains and hills, which  represented resistance  and hindrances on their way, all fled at God’s Presence.  Isaiah 64:1 says the mountains flow down at God’s Presence. Indeed His Presence makes the difference. This is why we must not disconnect from  fellowship with God. Let us therefore avoid the distractions of this age. This world and everything in it is fast passing away. Let us not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. Let us invest time in fellowship with God. Let us feed on His Word. That is what will matter at the end of the age. For the grasses will wither and the flowers will fade, but The Word of our God shall stand  forever. 
PRAYER: Lord, please help me to make You top priority in my life. May I always spend time in fellowship with You so as to carry Your Presence that will make the difference in my life, in Jesus Name. .  

QUOTE 

Praise always guarantees you power for a raise, learning to praise God in season and out of season is key to fulfilling destiny. – WORDBITE 222. 

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK REJOICE] 

 Isaiah 57:15 KJV

‘For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit.

DAILY READING –  – Acts 20:17-34; Judges 14-15; Job 42

The life of astronauts in outer space is fascinating. Of the over 7 billion people on earth, only 530 have been in outer space. And these, who have been there, say it is a dream-like life. The International Space Station is the home where these astronauts live when they travel into space. Countries as United States, Russia, Japan and Europe worked together to build this spacecraft. Though it is a big ‘house’ with five bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a gymnasium, it is not really like the typical house on earth. This house is a spaceship, orbiting the earth at 17,500 miles an hour. In this house there is no up or down, or difference between a floor and a ceiling. Because of lack of gravity, the astronauts just float around. They can either stand on their feet or stand on their head. They do not walk to their rooms, they float in mid-air to where they want to go. Weightlessness also allows astronauts to appear super-strong, as they can move, even car-sized objects, with a flick of the finger. 

Clearly they live a life different from the life of ordinary men on earth. This is mainly due to the lack of gravity in space. The more astronauts rise above the earth, the less gravity has a hold on them. The same can apply spiritually. As men of the spirit, we are to rise above the flesh realm. We are to dwell in the place where we are free from the force of sin. Though we are in this world we are not of this world. We belong above.  

God Himself dwells on high. In Isaiah 57:15 God says ‘For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.’

God dwells in the high and holy place. And He also has a plan for His people and His church to dwell in the high and holy place. 

Isaiah 2:2 says ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it’. 

Mountains suggest and represent elevation, ascendancy. In the scriptures, many times, the mountains are where people encounter God. In these last days we are to live on this higher plane. During the ministry of Jesus mountains played a significant role. Matthew’s Gospel, begins in chapter 5 with the Mount of Instruction and ends in chapter 28 with the Mount of Commission. All through the ministry of Jesus peak events, such as the temptation, transfiguration, crucifixion, were all associated with mountains. His activities of praying and teaching were mostly carried out on the higher planes. At night He abode in the mount of Olives. [Luke 21:37]. Born after the order of Christ we are also meant to live above. When we live above we are liberated from the shackles of life beneath.

In Isaiah 52:1-2 God calls us to wake up from spiritual slumber and loose the bands of bondage. ‘Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean. Shake thyself from the dust; arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion.’ The troubles, weaknesses and temptations men suffer is due to still dwelling in the dust, in the flesh realm, where the enemy has dominion. Recall that in Genesis 3:14 God mandated the serpent to eat dust. So if you remain sitting in the dust, you are in the realm where you can be eaten. There is need therefore to rise up to the place where you can no longer be reached by the forces of wickedness,  Jesus said in John 16:38 that in Him you shall peace, but in the world you shall have tribulation.

Dwelling in the earthly realm therefore, is dwelling in the realm of tribulation and troubles. There is a need to rise higher in Christ, to the place where we are seated in Heavenly places, far above principalities and powers. The high ground is the places of our defense, it is our stronghold and refuge. 

Isaiah 33:16-17 says ‘He shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.’

Mountains are places of visions, it is the place where we can see The Lord and know His next move. It is also where we can see the coming Glory. There is a better life up there, a life of joy peace and liberty. We must make up our minds to rise up to it. We must depart from the fleshly realm and get into the spirit. To be carnally or fleshly minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Enough of afflictions and troubles, enough of bondages and tribulations. Decide today to begin to rise higher spiritually by increasing fervency in your spiritual life. Begin to study the Bible, to fast and pray like never before. As you do, you will rise into the higher realm of peace and power, into the realm where you are no longer bound by the enemy’s shackles, to the place where you are free, seated far above with Christ. 
PRAYER: Lord, I know your Word is always true, please  grant me the grace  to access the higher realm of peace and power in Christ, help me to live above and never beneath in Jesus Name. ..   

QUOTE 

Nothing liberates like truth, the truth you know and act upon will set you free.- – WORDBITE 222. 

[ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK METAMORPHOSIS

Isaiah 49; 2   
He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of His hand hath He hid me, and made me a polished shaft, in His quiver, hath He hid me.

DAILY READING • Acts 20:1-16; Judges 13; Job 41 

They call it the silent years. In cognitive psychology they found that for everyone who ever became great, there were a certain number of silent or hidden years that preceded their greatness.  A professor of cognitive psychology at Carnegie Mellon University, did a research on the most talented people in history. Part of the research examined 76 successful composers such as Mozart and Beethoven; analyzing 500 musical masterworks, produced by them between the years of 1685 to 1900. It was amazing to discover that virtually all of them produced their masterpiece after a decade of obscurity. Only 3 exceptions were found written after eight to nine years of a composer’s career. Even a genius like Mozart had to work for at least ten years before he produced something that became popular. This obscure period of long preparatory hard work before recognition has become known as “ten years of silence.” In follow up study of 131 famous painters such as Leonardo da Vinci and  Picasso; along with 66  poets, the same pattern was found. Though there were a few who produced notable works in less than ten years, none was found who managed it in less than five years. 55 out of the 66 poets needed ten years or more to produce significant works. 

The pattern of greatness this researchers are finding out is already set forth in the scriptures. There must be a hidden season of preparation before there can be a manifestation. Though the ten year rule, is not strictly followed in scriptures, we however find that there must always be a season of training before a presentation. These are hidden years, when God hides you as a quiver in His shaft and polishes you. Isaiah 49:2 says ‘He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of His hand hath He hid me, and made me a polished shaft, in His quiver, hath He hid me.’ Though God calls us from the womb, but before we can access the promise we must pass through the process. And it is only when we have been trained that we are presented to our world. David was in the bushes tending sheep for years before the time of his manifestation. And even when David had already been anointed to be the next king of Israel; Saul was allowed to occupy the throne until David was fully trained. John the Baptist was in the wilderness for years before his manifestation to Israel. Luke 1:80 says ‘And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.’

By age 12, Jesus was already conscious of His assignment. He was teaching the doctors of the law in the temple, and knew He should be about the Father’s business. But God still waited another 18 years until He was 30, before announcing Him to the world. Moses realizing God’s call on him to be a deliverer, at age 40 rebelled against Pharoah. But it took another 40 years of training in the backside of the desert before God empowered him to go forth and deliver His people. 

Everyone called by God must be processed. And it doesn’t matter how long the training, until you are ready you will not be released. God did not save us to leave us as He found us. He saved us to change us and transform us into the image of His Son. 

Galatians 4:4  says “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,”. The fullness of time is when God sends us forth, but it must first be preceded by the process of time when we are trained. In this age and in this era God is preparing His church for a mighty end-time move. God is training His army, He is raising His generals. The whole earth is awaiting the manifestation of the sons of God. We must therefore be ready. Isaiah 2:2 says ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of The Lord’s House shall be established in the top of the mountain , and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it.’ God has an agenda to uplift the end-time church to a place of prominence and dominion. It shall be as a city set on a hill that cannot be hid. To be partakers of this endtime uplifting we must begin to prepare in the place of prayer and consecration, because Jesus is coming for a glorious church without spot or wrinkle. God is placing a higher call on His people, and we must begin to answer that call. God is calling us to begin to  pursue His purpose and plans. To follow vision and not ambition. 

Perhaps you have been in the hidden season, seeking the face of God in intimate fellowship, and serving Him with all  your heart; and yet it seems you have remained in obscurity, unknown and unrecognized. Understand that your time of showing  forth is coming. Many who will be used mightily by God in this end-time are still in the hidden place of training. Just be faithful to continue to obey the Word of God and The Spirit of God. When you are due, you will not be denied. As you continue in the place of obedience soon it will be your turn for manifestation, because there is nothing hidden which shall not be made manifest.[Mark 4:22]

PRAYER: Lord, help me to be rightly positioned to be a part of the mighty army you are raising in this end-time. May I never miss my place in Jesus Name. .

QUOTE: 

When you are living and walking in the supernatural everything natural becomes subservient to you, as long as you can ‘see it’, it is changeable. – WORDBITE 222.    

[ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK METAMORPHOSIS] 

Isaiah 49; 2   
He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of His hand hath He hid me, and made me a polished shaft, in His quiver, hath He hid me.

DAILY READING • Acts 20:1-16; Judges 13; Job 41 

They call it the silent years. In cognitive psychology they found that for everyone who ever became great, there were a certain number of silent or hidden years that preceded their greatness.  A professor of cognitive psychology at Carnegie Mellon University, did a research on the most talented people in history. Part of the research examined 76 successful composers such as Mozart and Beethoven; analyzing 500 musical masterworks, produced by them between the years of 1685 to 1900. It was amazing to discover that virtually all of them produced their masterpiece after a decade of obscurity. Only 3 exceptions were found written after eight to nine years of a composer’s career. Even a genius like Mozart had to work for at least ten years before he produced something that became popular. This obscure period of long preparatory hard work before recognition has become known as “ten years of silence.” In follow up study of 131 famous painters such as Leonardo da Vinci and  Picasso; along with 66  poets, the same pattern was found. Though there were a few who produced notable works in less than ten years, none was found who managed it in less than five years. 55 out of the 66 poets needed ten years or more to produce significant works. 

The pattern of greatness this researchers are finding out is already set forth in the scriptures. There must be a hidden season of preparation before there can be a manifestation. Though the ten year rule, is not strictly followed in scriptures, we however find that there must always be a season of training before a presentation. These are hidden years, when God hides you as a quiver in His shaft and polishes you. Isaiah 49:2 says ‘He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of His hand hath He hid me, and made me a polished shaft, in His quiver, hath He hid me.’ Though God calls us from the womb, but before we can access the promise we must pass through the process. And it is only when we have been trained that we are presented to our world. David was in the bushes tending sheep for years before the time of his manifestation. And even when David had already been anointed to be the next king of Israel; Saul was allowed to occupy the throne until David was fully trained. John the Baptist was in the wilderness for years before his manifestation to Israel. Luke 1:80 says ‘And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.’

By age 12, Jesus was already conscious of His assignment. He was teaching the doctors of the law in the temple, and knew He should be about the Father’s business. But God still waited another 18 years until He was 30, before announcing Him to the world. Moses realizing God’s call on him to be a deliverer, at age 40 rebelled against Pharoah. But it took another 40 years of training in the backside of the desert before God empowered him to go forth and deliver His people. 

Everyone called by God must be processed. And it doesn’t matter how long the training, until you are ready you will not be released. God did not save us to leave us as He found us. He saved us to change us and transform us into the image of His Son. 

Galatians 4:4  says “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,”. The fullness of time is when God sends us forth, but it must first be preceded by the process of time when we are trained. In this age and in this era God is preparing His church for a mighty end-time move. God is training His army, He is raising His generals. The whole earth is awaiting the manifestation of the sons of God. We must therefore be ready. Isaiah 2:2 says ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of The Lord’s House shall be established in the top of the mountain , and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it.’ God has an agenda to uplift the end-time church to a place of prominence and dominion. It shall be as a city set on a hill that cannot be hid. To be partakers of this endtime uplifting we must begin to prepare in the place of prayer and consecration, because Jesus is coming for a glorious church without spot or wrinkle. God is placing a higher call on His people, and we must begin to answer that call. God is calling us to begin to  pursue His purpose and plans. To follow vision and not ambition. 

Perhaps you have been in the hidden season, seeking the face of God in intimate fellowship, and serving Him with all  your heart; and yet it seems you have remained in obscurity, unknown and unrecognized. Understand that your time of showing  forth is coming. Many who will be used mightily by God in this end-time are still in the hidden place of training. Just be faithful to continue to obey the Word of God and The Spirit of God. When you are due, you will not be denied. As you continue in the place of obedience soon it will be your turn for manifestation, because there is nothing hidden which shall not be made manifest.[Mark 4:22]

PRAYER: Lord, help me to be rightly positioned to be a part of the mighty army you are raising in this end-time. May I never miss my place in Jesus Name. .

QUOTE: 

When you are living and walking in the supernatural everything natural becomes subservient to you, as long as you can ‘see it’, it is changeable. – WORDBITE 222.    

[ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK METAMORPHOSIS] 

James 1:2 KJV
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations . 

Daily Reading;  Acts 19:21-41, Judges 11:34 – 12:15, Job 40
Professional boxers can be intriguing as they fight in the ring. They artistically blend several skills into a single sequence. They feint a jab, throw a body shot, avoid an incoming hook, and respond with several counter-punches. However, they are able to do all these, because of the time they spend in the gym, devoting themselves to training. And one of the best ways they train is by fighting with a sparring partner. A sparring partner is someone who acts as the boxer’s opponent during  training. A sparring session tries to reflect the actual fighting conditions the boxer will face in the ring. The purpose is to improve the boxer’s current abilities and help him learn new skills. Sparring is the most important exercise available for boxers. It is the fight before the real fight. Hard sparring is essential to sharpen skills and develop true fight shape conditioning. There is no better way to prepare for the sport than to practice the sport. Even when a sparring partner is hitting the boxer hard, he knows it is for his own good, he endures it, knowing that it is only preparing him for the real fight ahead. 

Challenges can be our sparring partners. They train us and prepare us for the battles ahead. The things we pass through now, train us to be stronger for our tomorrow. This is why James 1:2-6 tells us to consider it pure joy, whenever we face fiery trials. The fire is not meant to burn us but to purify us, so that after we have been tried we  can come forth as gold. God sometimes allows these trials,  not to kill us, but to train us. We are God’s army and God has to train His troops. Paul tells us to endure hardship as true soldiers of Christ. This is why we do not  lose heart. Though outwardly it may seem we are perishing, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. We are being strengthened, we are being made stronger. For our light and momentary afflictions are achieving for us a far more eternal weight of glory.

In other words,  after the trial, greater rewards are coming. After the tests come our testimonies. After the rain comes the sunshine. In all that we go through, God works behind the scenes to ensure that it all works out for our good. We are therefore encouraged not to become weary in well doing, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So no matter what you may be going through, keep persevering, knowing that  after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. 

The wilderness will always precede your promised land. The wilderness is the place of your training. God is taking you somewhere, if He does not train  you now and prepare you, you  may be swallowed by the giants in the land. You will not walk into your Canaan without a fight. And every level comes with new devils. You are being trained at the level where you are now so that you can be able to ascend and prevail when you get to your ordained place.  A fighter who would not train before the fight will most likely lose. God knows the level of oppositions ahead.  The great and effectual door He is opening for you is also coming with many adversaries. And you have to be prepared beforehand to overcome. When the door to become king of Israel was opened for David, it came with many adversaries; including goliath and Saul. 

While in the bush, David had no idea of the future that lay ahead of him, but he was faithful to prepare by fighting the bears and lions. Sometimes it may seem you have been alone in the bush for so long fighting the bears and lions. Be patient, God is training you. Though sometimes you may not understand it, as long as you stay in God’s will, He is working it all out for your good. 

In Jeremiah 29:11 God says ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ God has a plan for you. He is preparing you for where He has prepared for you. No matter the level of success you think you have seen, God still has greater things in store.  For eyes have not seen, nor ears heard, neither has entered into the hearts of men the things which God has prepared for those that love Him. Do you love Him? Then get ready, God is set to give you, eye-popping, ear-tingling, mind-blowing blessings. As long as you love God and you are proving your love through obedience, God Has incredible things lined up for you.  

Every experience is coming to make you stronger and better positioned for where you are going to. We therefore praise God at all times,  trusting that He is working out His perfect plan for us. And no matter what happens, we always remain thankful, for this is God’s will for us in  Christ Jesus.[1 Thess. 5:16-18]

PRAYER: Lord, please help me to be thankful always. I know You are working out your perfect will in my life. I know You are good and too faithful to fail, therefore I trust You with my journey. Let only Your will be done in my life now and always in Jesus name. .   

QUOTE 

Praise always guarantees you power for a raise, learning to praise God in season and out of season is key to fulfilling destiny. – WORDBITE 222.. 

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK TRIUMPH OF LIGHT] 

 Philippians 1:6 
Being confident of this very that thing He which hath begun a good work in you , will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. 

DAILY READING –  Acts 19:1-20; Judges 10:1-11:33; Job 39

In the 1968 Olympic Marathon in Mexico City, there was jostling between some runners and John Stephen Akhwari , a Tanzanian runner fell badly. He wounded his knee and his shoulder, his leg was bleeding and his knee was apparently dislocated. However he continued running. Actually, it was a mix of walking and a slow limping. Yet he persisted and  finished last among the 57 competitors who completed the race. The winner of the marathon had finished in 2:20:26. Akhwari finished well over an hour later, in 3:25:27. By then, the sun had set, and there were only a few thousand people left in the stadium. But, as he finally crossed the finish line a cheer came from this small crowd. A television crew was diverted from a medal ceremony and caught this courageous man’s agonizing finish. When interviewed later and asked why he ignored the advice to pull out and continued running, Akhwari said, “My country did not send me 10,000 miles just to start the race; they sent me to finish the race.” And today, hardly anyone remembers the name of the gold medal winner that year, but the name of this runner who endured to the end, has been more remembered. 

As we run the race of life there may be times we are tempted to give up. Challenges can seem sometimes to overwhelm and discourage us. But never forget that it is he that endures to the end that will reap. So no matter the discouragement, do not give up, do not give in. You weren’t created to quit. Dig in your heels and be determined to finish your course. 

Starting sometimes, may be easy, but staying on to the finishing is what can be difficult. Enduring to the end is where the work really is.. Any two people can get married but sticking it out together takes commitment. Any young  woman can have a baby,  but raising that child is work Anyone can have a dream; it takes perseverance to see it come to pass. The question is not will you start, but will you finish?

When we are hit by setbacks along the way, we can get discouraged. However God is called the author and finisher of our faith. He has not only given you the grace to start, He has also given you the grace to finish. Therefore constantly remind yourself  that you are not created to give up or quit – but to finish. Shake off self-pity and discouragement. Keep moving forward  in faith. God, the finisher of our faith, has furnished you  with finishing grace. Tap  into it and decide never to give up. If you don’t quit you will surely win. 

 You have the grace to finish. Don’t accept defeat. Keep pressing forward to the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. God who helped you to start, will also help you to finish. He has not left you alone. Therefore never allow yourself to be tempted to give up too soon. It may not be easy, but He that has begun this good work in you is able to perfect it. Challenges will come, but that shouldn’t stop you. Giants are indication that you have arrived your Canaan. The opposition is a sign you’re moving towards the goal. Progress gets the enemy’s attention, he fight those who are making progress on their life assignment. 

And when the going gets tough then the tough get going. Do not look to your own strength, do not look at your inabilities or inadequacies. Looking at yourself will only make your appear as grasshoppers before the giants, because by strength shall no man prevail. You are not going to win by power or by might, but by the empowerment of The Spirit of The Lord. So keep looking unto Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith. He begun it, He will also finish it for you. Though the enemy tries to hinder or stop your progress, also understand that the greater one lives in you, and through Christ  who is strengthening you from within, you can do all things. 

In Isaiah 43, God says when you  go through the fire, He will be with you. He will never allow the waters to overflow you. He is your keeper on the right hand and on the left. 

So keep pressing forward, into His ordained place for you. Don’t settle for the mediocre or mundane, when God has greater  things in store for you. Tap into the finishing grace, by daily receiving strength from the Word of God. There is power in The Word to propel and bring you to your place in destiny. His word is the joy and rejoicing of our soul.  This joy of The Lord is our strength. It keeps us excited when  we should have been depressed. It gives us confidence, when we should have felt defeated. His word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path, it is by the light from His Word that we see our way forward and know what next to do in every situation. 

No matter how tough it may seem right now, keep pressing forward. Never  stop your journey halfway. There is coming a breakthrough. Do not quit, do not give up, your weeping may have endured through the night but now your joy is coming. Surely there is an end, and your expectations shall not be cut off. Keep holding on to the Word, keep celebrating your God, keep trusting Him. God didn’t bring you this far to leave you. He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. [Phil 1:6]. He will surely see you through. His grace to finish well has been released to you. Receive it in Jesus name!  

PRAYER: Lord, please help me to trust you with the journey of my life, no matter how I feel, may I always endure to the end. May I never stop my journey halfway, may I persist until I reach my goal in Jesus Name.   

QUOTE 

God protects and shields us when we are being led by Him. – WORDBITE 222. 

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK SUPERNATURAL LOVE OF GOD] 

Mathew 24:12 KJV
 ‘And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.’ 

DAILY READING – Acts 18; Judges 9; Job 38

During World War II, a small group of men were captured by the Soviets. They were sent to a forced labor camp, called  Gulag, deep in the cold, snowy wilderness of Siberia. Here, the wilderness kills, not because of dangerous animals in the forest — but because of the deep cold and endless snow, mountains, forests, and barren wastelands. The prison authorities didn’t bother putting much walls around the prison, because they were so sure no prisoner could survive the cold, if they escaped. 

Notwithstanding, this group of convicts decided to dare an escape. They did the incredible by not only escaping, but also surviving the cold. Walking on foot for over 4000 miles through the killing cold of Siberia, they would eventually cross through five countries. Their survival, despite the insurmountable cold, was possible because they took along with them one very essential element; fire. They had with them a flint and knife with which they could make fire and keep warm. They also survived because they walked briskly generating heat that kept their bodies warm. After a gruesome  journey, they eventually escaped from the hostile soviet territory, into safety. Their incredible survival story is recorded in the book, “The Way Back”, which was later made into a movie.

As a physically cold environment kills, so also a spiritually cold environment kills. 

Medically we are told that a healthy, safe body temperature has a very narrow window – between 37°C and 37.8°C. And the body must maintain this temperature so as to remain healthy. If the body temperature goes lower by just 3 degrees, to 35°C, a person might experience hypothermia, which can cause cardiac arrest, stroke, or even death. 

In the same way you must maintain your spiritual heat so as to stay spiritually alive. If you lose your fire, spiritual coldness will set in. This will lead to gradually losing interest in the things of God, as sin and iniquity takes over. 

To be spiritually cold or lukewarm is dangerous. In Revelations 3:15-16 Jesus says ‘So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.’

We must be full of fire and fervency to please God in our service. And to maintain this fire, we must stay close to the Word. Proverbs 26:20 says ‘Where no wood is, there the fire goes out.’ Don’t stay days without praying or studying the bible, so that your fire does not go out. Just as germs grow in a cold environment so also sin quickly flourishes in a spiritually cold environment. Sin leads to a cooling of one’s love for Jesus, as love for the world takes over the heart. Mathew 24:12 says ‘And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.’ Let us keep our love for Jesus and zeal for His house burning in us. This is the way to escape the spiritual coldness sweeping through the world.

Leviticus 6:13 says  ‘the fire shall ever be burning upon the altar it shall never go out.’ Let us keep our fire burning, by maintaining a fervent prayer life. And let us keep stoking this fire with wood, by laying up scriptures in our hearts.  This way, we remain always hot, escaping the  cold hands of spiritual lukewarmness.  

PRAYER: Father help me to keep my fire burning, please help me to walk in purity and simplicity, help me to stand strong despite the spiritual coldness and fierce winds of oppositions in the world. I thank you for the grace to stay strong in Jesus Name.

QUOTE 

God will never allow the flames of trial to burn you more than is necessary. – WORDBITE 222. 

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK FAITH CLASSICS]