HORM Devotional

Hebrews 11: 33 -34 ‘Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.’

DAILY READING – Revelation 5; Nehemiah 7:5-8:12; Psalm 100

On February 29, 1948, Pastor Richard Wurmbrand was walking down a Bucharest street towards his church, when a black car braked sharply beside him and two men jumped out and grabbed him. They seized his arms and shoved him into the back seat of the car, while a third man, beside the driver, pointed an automatic gun at him.
Pastor Richard Wurmbrand was abducted by the Romanian government due to his resolute stand against their attempt to take control of the Churches.
After the Communist government seized power in Romania, in 1945, Pastor Richard Wurmbrand had begun an effective, vigorous “underground” ministry to strengthen believers. He also ‘illegally’ published 100,000 Russian-language copies of the New Testament Bibles and began distributing them in Bucharest bars, cafes, train stations and parks.
Pastor Wurmbrand’s strong stand of faith and refusal to compromise had made the communist government decide that he needed to ‘disappear’.
Thus he was abducted and taken to Calea Rahova, a prison for dissidents, enemies of the people and criminals of various stripes.
Several attempts to make him give up his faith proved abortive. During his first year in the prison, he was subjected to such physical and psychological depredations and humiliations that he nearly died. He was subjected to horrific tortures: sleep deprivation; starvation diet; beatings with truncheons and boots;
In his book,’Tortured For Christ’, Pastor Wurmbrand recounted how for nearly three years, he was kept in solitary confinement, speaking to no one except inquisitors.
After enduring 14 years of Communist imprisonment and torture, he was eventually released through a general amnesty in 1964. He is widely recognized today as one of Romania’s greatest Christian leaders, author and educator.

We may wonder how people like Pastor Richard could endure such gruesome trials and still refuse to compromise their faith. For such people, just like Apostle Paul, they have to come the point where to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Hebrews 11 gives us a list of heroes of faith, who stood against all odds and overcame through strong faith in God. They conquered kingdoms, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, escaped the edge of the sword and became powerful in battles [Hebrews 11: 33 -35].

God has given us such examples of fervent faith to enable us stand strong, especially in these last days.
We need such strong uncompromising faith in order to quench the oppositions, clear obstacles and access our possessions.
With the increasing fiery trials of these end times, every serious believer must come to that point where nothing can be able to separate us from the love of Christ.
We are in the days when the enemy is rolling out his greatest temptations and trials. But we must decide that, no matter what comes our way, turning back is not an option, we must be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Though you may walk through the valley of the shadow of death, refuse to fear any evil, as you abide in God’s Word, He will strengthen your heart to overcome.
Psalm 27:1-3 says “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?’
Despite any setback, hardship, financial challenges or other negative situations, refuse to give in to fear or compromise; the Lord is able to see you through.
As you stay strong in faith, you will surely overcome every fiery trial and temptations. When you decide to stand your ground, God will send you help out of Zion.
God’s promise in Deuteronomy 31:6 says ‘Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.’
Indeed, God will never leave us nor forsake us. He is forever faithful and will always help us and give us the victory in the end.
Let us therefore constantly build up our faith for victory through a daily habit of deeply studying the Word of God. Through the Blood of the lamb and the Word of our testimony, we will always overcome.
Surely, today, through the power in the Blood of Jesus, every trial and opposition in our lives will be levelled. We will overcome the forces of wickedness and stand victorious and triumphant in every battle.

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for the victory I have through Your Blood. Today as I stand in faith and invoke the Blood against everything fighting my destiny, I know that I have the victory in Jesus Name.
QUOTE;
God knows how to work everything together in your life for your own good. WORDBITE 222

Mark 5:36 “As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.”

DAILY READING; • • Revelation 4; Nehemiah 5:1-7:4; Psalm 99

On 12th July 2018, Fox News reported the amazing story of 19-year-old Blake Spataro who survived nearly 10 hours of fighting for his life in the Atlantic Ocean.
In July 2018, Blake and his father, were on a holiday trip and visited the St. Simon Island in Georgia. On Tuesday, 19th July, Blake was all alone just sitting in the shallow waters of the Island, when he was suddenly hit by a strong rip current. This wave pulled him out into the Atlantic Ocean. Blake screamed for help, but no one heard his cry.
He tried to swim to safety but the waves were too strong for him and he only found himself drifting further away into the ocean.
When his father could not find him, the U.S. Coast Guard were alerted and a frantic search began for him.
Blake’s mother, who was not part of the holiday trip, was alarmed to receive the devastating phone call that her son was missing. But being a strong Christian, she kept her eyes on Jesus.
Though it appeared unlikely her son could survive that night of being all alone in the wide dangerous ocean, she stood in faith and prayed to God for his rescue.
Throughout that night she called upon God, and refused to accept the inevitability of her son dying in the deep waters.
Meanwhile, Blake kept fighting for his life for nearly 10 hours. When he got exhausted from swimming and treading water, he drifted on his back. As he faced grave danger all alone in the dark sea, he kept talking to God to deliver him.
In the wee hours of the next day, exhausted and dehydrated, Blake was almost about to give up, when he saw lights from a nearby Coast Guard ship. This sight gave him hope and the renewed strength to begin pushing through the waves and swimming towards shore. It was with joy that Blake finally reached the shore and set his foot on dry land. He discovered he had swum to a golf course, miles away from St. Simon Island, where the waves had dragged him into the ocean.
He borrowed a stranger’s phone to call his parents. His mother’s faith and prayers were rewarded when she picked up the phone and heard Blake’s voice say, “hey, mom, I am alive”!
When his parents later located him and he was taken to the hospital, amazingly, after spending ten hours in the dangerous waters, Blake did not suffer any harm or injury. His mother knew that as she had called upon God throughout that night, He had faithfully shielded her son from coming to any harm.

In Mark chapter 5, Jairus’ 12 years old daughter was on the verge of death.
Jairus ran to Jesus for help, but while they were coming back to the house, Jairus received the devastating news that his daughter had died.
But at that very crucial moment, Jesus told Jairus, ‘Do not be afraid, only believe.’
In other words, Jesus was telling him that despite how hopeless the situation may look, through faith, he would see a miracle. And truly, as Jesus had said, Jairus saw the miracle of his daughter’s resurrection.

Indeed to him that believes nothing is impossible. One of the greatest abilities God has given each one of us is our ability to believe. If you can believe, you will see the miraculous.
Today, we live in perilous times, when the enemy is fighting fiercely because he knows his time is short.
When we look at all that’s going on in the world, it’s easy to live worried and afraid. We watch the news and see violence, killings, kidnappings, natural disasters, sicknesses, accidents etc.
Yet in the midst of all these we must remember what God says in Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.”
God is our ever present help in trouble. And He has given us the incredible power of faith to overcome the world and its problems.
When you have faith in God’s Word, it can overcome any negative report, supersede even natural laws and achieve the incredible.
Though the enemy may sometimes send bad news your way or organize discouraging situations, as long as your faith remains strong, you will surely experience a miracle.
It is important to constantly build up our faith because the battles of life have no timetable. We need to live in spiritual preparation, holding up the shield of faith, ready to quench every fiery dart of the wicked.
With arrows flying by day and by night, our shield of faith needs to be constantly up and functioning.
Anytime any bad news or evil report comes your way, you immediately quench it with words of faith.
Strong faith is built through diligent study of the Word, prayers and fellowship with the Spirit.
As we commit to a life of faith, we will constantly experience miracles, signs and wonders. Truly, as long as we keep believing God’s Word, nothing shall be impossible to us.

PRAYER: Lord, Please enable me to accept the responsibility of building up strong faith. By Your grace I will surely experience the speedy manifestation of Your wonders and miracles in my life in this season in Jesus Name.
QUOTE;
Nothing liberates like truth, the truth you know and act upon will set you free.- – WORDBITE 222.

Habakkuk 2:1-3 ‘For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come..’

DAILY READING – • Revelation 3; Nehemiah 4; Psalm 98

Caleb Byerly is a young missionary who in 2013 had an unusual dream. In this dream, he saw a tribe of people he had never seen before. When he asked them who they were, they replied “We’re the Tinananon tribe,”
Caleb then saw their tribal chief walk forward carrying a musical instrument which had 30 strings over a golden bowl. As the tribal chief, played the instrument it produced a beautiful sound and the whole tribe started to dance and worship.
When Caleb woke up, he wrote down this dream. He then began to search online for the name of the Tinananon tribe. Having been previously engaged in mission outreaches he contacted different organizations like Wycliffe Bible Translators, to see if they knew anything about this tribe. But everywhere he searched, there was nothing.
However, six months later, everything changed. He went on a mission trip to the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines. While riding a public bus, he noticed a man who kept staring at him. So Caleb spoke to the man and was surprised to find out that he was a fellow believer! Caleb then felt the Lord telling him to ask the man about the Tinananon tribe. On hearing the tribe’s name, this man’s eyes grew big in amazement and he said that it was his native tribe. He explained that his tribe lived in a deep and dangerous mountainous region of Mindanao.
When Caleb shared his dream, the man who was named Manigos, began shading tears. He then told Caleb, that the reason while he had been staring at him in the bus was because he too had seen Caleb in his dream as they went together to preach to his people.
Both men were filled with wonder and awe at the way God brought them together.
Encouraged by what had happened so far, Caleb then worked hard to recreate the instrument he had seen in his dream. Weeks later he, Manigos and another missionary embarked on a very dangerous trip through the mountains to go to the area where the Tinananon tribe lived.
On arrival, Manigos took Caleb to see their chief, who was shocked to see an American in this remote area. He was even more shocked when Caleb unveiled the musical instrument he had reproduced from his dream. The chief explained that it was a replica of a golden musical instrument of their tribe called the ‘Salimbaa’. He said it was what their ancestors had used in worshipping the God whom they knew as the Creator of the world. But it had been stolen from them over a hundred years ago during a great war.
He then gathered the tribal leaders, who all exclaimed in wonder when they saw and heard the instrument played.
As a result of all these prophetic manifestations the chief and many of his people gave their lives to Christ.
Since then, there have been amazing movement of God in the tribe with Churches being planted and the Bible translated into their native language.

During his second missionary journey, Apostle Paul had a strange vision while he was in the city of Troas. During the night he saw the figure “of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us’” (Acts 16:9-15).
Earlier, Paul had planned to preach in Asia and Bithynia, but the Holy Spirit stopped him.
But through following the vision from God, Paul saw amazing manifestations of God’s plan and power in his ministry.
God is the Lord of the harvest and He alone has the master plan for the building of His Church. We will see amazing manifestations as we remain spiritually sensitive and follow His leadings and dealings.
God has positioned circumstances and people who will help us to succeed, but it will take our faith and obedience to connect the dots.
When we follow the leadings of the Spirit, He will guide us inch by inch into the amazing destiny He has for us.
Even if the vision tarry, we must wait for it, because in the end it will surely speak.
Sometimes before the fulfillment of a divine plan, you may face discouragements and delays. But despite the setbacks, what matters most is the faith and resilience power within you.
Never stop believing God’s Word no matter what you may face. As a child of God, you are ordained for continuous breakthroughs, because the path of the just is as a shining light that shines more and more until the perfect day. As you continue to walk by faith and refuse to walk by sight, you will surely see the amazing fulfillment of God’s Word in your life.
Having come to the sixth month of this year, let us continue to believe God for the the prophetic fulfilment of His Word. This will surely be for us a year of divine turnarounds and miraculous change of story..
It is a turning point season where the lines will suddenly fall for us in pleasant places.
Let us continue to strengthen our faith through diligent study of the Word, prayers and praise.
As we keep giving glory to God, surely, we will soon see the amazing fulfillment of every prophetic word over our lives!

PRAYER: Lord, I know that this is certainly my season to see speedy manifestations of Your wonders in my life. Please grant me the grace to always keep my faith strong in Your Word at all times in Jesus Name.
QUOTE
There is something that God has placed within you that the world is eagerly awaiting to see. WORDBITE 222

MARK 9;23 ‘Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

DAILY READING –Revelation 2; Nehemiah 3; Psalm 97

In the 18th century, there was a well-known female preacher in Britain named Mary Pryor. She was a woman of faith and teacher of the Word, who in her later years felt called to preach the Gospel in America.
When she was in her 60’s, after her last child had married, Mary Pryor decided it was time to embark on her mission to America. She then boarded a ship to go to Philadelphia. However, unknown to her the ship was in a terrible shape.
On the way, the ship sprung a serious leak, that caused the sailors and passengers to work the pumps night and day to keep it afloat. But despite all their efforts, they could not control the leakage and it appeared the ship faced the danger of sinking.
Mary resorted to constant prayers and seeking the face of the Lord until one day she received an assurance of divine deliverance.
That day, Mary emerged from her cabin, declaring to the people on board that God had shown her that all would be rescued that very day.
But this seemed unlikely as water was now entering faster into the ship than they could pump it out. Finally the ship began to sink under them. It appeared all hope of rescue was lost as they were faraway from any shore.The coast of America was still 600 miles away! But Mary urged the men to have faith and that rescue would come within two hours.
Just as Mary had promised, within the two hours, a rescue ship was spotted. It was just a sixty-ton fishing boat. But the fishermen agreed to take the sinking ship’s entire crew and passengers on board.
Following their rescue, the Captain, the crew and the passengers of the ship, gathered around Mary, in awe of the God she served.
Mary remained full of gratitude to God for His faithfulness to His Word. The ship landed in Philadelphia on March 15, 1798 with the rescued passengers thanking and praising God for His miraculous deliverance.

Certainly, all things are possible to those who believe.
In Acts 28, Paul was on his way to Rome, when their ship got caught in very dangerous winds.
Though all hope seemed lost and everyone else was panicking, Paul chose rather to seek God’s face .
When he heard the assurance of deliverance from the Lord, it gave him the boldness to face the situation with faith. And just as God had told him, every single soul on that ship arrived safely to Rome.
Certainly, no situation is too hard for anyone who has faith. In times of trouble the depth of our connection to God and our ability to hear His voice, will make the difference between life and death. We therefore have a personal responsibility to build up our faith as our guarantee of deliverance from any tight spot in life.
To be victorious in trials, we must keep our gaze on God’s Word. There is deliverance power and wonder-working power in the Word.
Even in situations where things may look hopeless or there seems to be no way out, always be assured that Jesus is always the way-maker and miracle worker.
As long as we abide in faith and stay focused on His Word, He will carry out an amazing rescue operation to deliver us, in ways and means we could never have fathomed.
This is why in times of trials, rather than focus on how bad the problem, keep the focus on how big your God is.
As long as our faith is in Him, He is able to deliver from every trouble and make a way where there seems to be no way.
This is why we should use every opportunity to build up our faith through diligent study of the Word and fellowship with the Spirit. As long as our faith in God remains strong we will always overcome.
What dominates your heart will determine your response to issues of life. The more God’s Word dominates our heart the more we will react in faith to whatever comes our way. If you lack the Word, you will automatically react in fear and fear is what breeds failure and defeat. But when faith in God dominates our heart, certainly, we can be sure of victory at all times.
While fear comes from looking at the impossibilities in the world, faith comes from looking at the possibilities in God’s Word.
Even when outward circumstances appear too difficult, through faith in God’s Word we can experience a supernatural turnaround.
Certainly today, as we keep blessing God and keep declaring Him faithful, surely He will show up and establish His Word and cause us to experience His amazing divine rescue from every tight situation.

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for causing me to keep growing from strength to strength; and from victory to victory. Please help me to continually build up my faith through diligent study of Your Word so that I can always overcome the world in Jesus Name

QUOTE
Illuminate your world for you are a star destined to shine. WORDBITE 222.

!

Philippians 4:13 ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’

DAILY READING; Revelation 1; Nehemiah 1-2; Psalm 96

Few years ago, a TV commercial featuring Mike Tyson returning the piece of Evander Holyfield’s ear he bit off became an instant hit.
In the advert, Tyson turned up at Holyfield’s door, presenting him with a small box.
‘I’m sorry, Evander,’ Tyson says. ‘It’s your ear, I kept that in formaldehyde.’
The piece of the ear Mike Tyson was “supposedly” returning, was bitten off in 1997 during their heavyweight world title fight in Las Vegas. In the third round of the fight, Mike Tyson lost control and bit off the top of Holyfield’s ear. It became one of the most bizarre and most iconic moments in boxing history, which eventually led to Mike Tyson being disqualified.
However, it was also an event that attested to the triumphing power of faith. Before the fight hardly anyone gave Evander Holyfield a chance, yet he remained confident in his belief that God would help him win. The news Media laughed at his outrageous faith and many believed he was only fooling himself.
Evander was so mocked because his opponent at that time, Mike Tyson, was the most feared and fiercest fighter in the boxing world, who had remained undefeated. But though it was clearly a David and Goliath situation, Evander shocked and surprised everyone by winning the first fight.
It was during the rematch, that a frustrated Mike Tyson, then bit off Evander’s ear. Years later the two men reconciled and became friends and the TV commercial about their 1997 face-off became an instant hit.
Evander’s faith that led to his victory has continued to inspire many people to know that God still does the impossible. Evander’s faith made him to emerge as the only boxer in history to win the undisputed championship in two weight classes in the three belt era and also the only four-time world heavyweight champion.

As far as destiny is concerned, it is to everyone according to his faith. Faith is the master key to a world of unlimited possibilities. Through faith we are able to see the invisible, dare the impossible, and do the incredible.
This is why we don’t become intimidated by the size of any obstacle. In fact, the bigger the test, the sweeter our testimony.
Faith is the key to our victories.
The tests and trials of life are not the issue; what matters most is our ability to react to them in faith. Our faith is the victory that overcomes the world.
Certainly, through Christ we can do all things and with solid faith in God, every test can be turned into our testimony.
Sometimes, tests are necessary examinations for our next levels in life.
Our life will be void of miracles if there were no obstacles.
Therefore, just as a student reads and prepares to pass an examination for the next class, we diligently study the Word and build up our faith to overcome and move to our next levels in life.
The strength of your faith is directly related to your depth in God’s Word. When we believe God’s Word, it births supernatural ability in us that can supersede any natural law.
Today, if perhaps you are facing an overwhelming situation in your health, finances, or relationships, learn to acquire the faith to overcome through in-depth study of the Word.
Refuse to magnify the negative circumstance, but rather magnify God through giving Him worthy praise.
Truly, your faith can alter your fate. As you stay in faith and keep giving glory to God, things will start turning around in your favor. Suddenly, those tests will turn into testimonies and the obstacles will become miracles.

PRAYER: Lord, Please help me to pay the price of spending quality time in Your Word so that my faith can be strengthened to see You at work in my situation. I Thank You Lord for always exceeding my expectations in Jesus Name.
QUOTE;
When you are living and walking in the supernatural everything natural becomes subservient to you – WORDBITE 222..

Luke 1:45 ‘And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.’

DAILY READING ; Jude 1; Ezra 9-10; Psalm 95

Adoniram Judson is remembered as America’s first significant missionary in Burma, as well as one of the first missionaries from America to travel overseas.
He was a man of purpose and perseverance who through faith overcame monumental challenges in his ministry.
In 1812 Adoniram Judson and his new wife sailed from England to India to preach the Gospel. But when they arrived, they were prevented from preaching to the Hindus and driven out from the region. Refusing to quit, they then sailed to the French island of Madras. Again they were deported from the region.
Undefeated, they headed for Burma, where finally they were able to embark on their missionary work.
But in Burma, they suffered hardship after hardship. They were plagued by illness, and miserable living conditions. They had no friends, and among Burma’s population of millions, they found not one Christian. Rather they were surrounded by the various fetish practices of the people who were mainly idol worshippers.
For five years they laboured preaching the Gospel, but had not a single convert. After 6 years, their mission board wrote, asking what the prospects were of seeing any results from their mission work. Judson responded with faith and wrote back saying: “The prospects are as bright as the promises of God.”
Soon afterwards, Judson finally had his first concert who was baptized on June 27, 1819.
This marked the beginning of other conversions, as souls were won in increasing numbers.
Though there were no Christians when the Judsons first arrived in Burma, yet,, by the end of thirty eight years of their missionary work, there were hundreds of thousands of Christians in Burma.
Today, many Christians in Burma and Thailand trace their spiritual roots to the work of AdoniramJudson who firmly stood in faith and believed in the promises of God.

Truly, our prospects in life are as bright as the promises of God. In times of trials, it is important that we hold fast to God’s promises because whatever God says, will always come to pass.
One strategy the enemy often uses against believers is to try to wear them down with delayed manifestations of desired results.. When you are working hard but not seeing the immediate effect, the tendency is to become weary. If a battle is taking longer than we thought, we often tend to become battle fatigued. However, in Galatians 6:9, God said “Don’t be weary in well doing”. Though some battles may seem long and tough, but as we peservere in faith, surely in due season we shall reap our reward.
As long as we believe, we will see the performance of God’s Word in our lives.

Luke 1:45 says ‘And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.’

Persistence means not giving up, not quitting, not giving in and not becoming discouraged no matter how contrary things may seem.
Numbers 23:19 says ‘God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?’
Though we may sometimes encounter giants on the road to our Canaan, God is committed to causing us to triumph always through Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:14).
It’s true battles are real to life, but more real is our victory.
No matter the trial or temptation one thing is always certain; God is forever faithful.
God will never allow you to face a battle that you cannot handle.
Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. As long as you keep faith alive, through diligent meditation in God’s Word, you will always emerge victorious.
If you refuse to quit or give up, surely in the end you will win.
And though it may sometimes seem as if you have been waiting too long for your breakthrough, divine healing, or miraculous answers to prayers; if you refuse to be weary, you will surely reap at last. Indeed, if you will persist in God’s Word, stand strong in faith and refuse to give up, you will certainly see a performance of God’s promises in your life..

PRAYER: Lord, I know indeed that You are able to handle any challenge I may face today. I therefore ask You for the grace to always diligently study Your Word so that I can have the faith to see great manifestations of Your power in my life in Jesus Name.

QUOTE :
Your present frustrations are God’s opportunities for manifestations. – WORDBITE 222.

1 John 5:4 ‘For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.’

DAILY READING; 3 John 1; Ezra 7-8; Psalm 94

Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh, are two young women from Iran who were imprisoned for 259 days in a maximum security prison because of their faith.
They had been Moslems, but found faith in Christ at a Christian conference in Turkey in 2005.
Afterwards, they became close friends and resolved to go back to Iran to share the Gospel with their people. However, while in Iran, they had to secretly practice their faith because penalty for being a Christian meant imprisonment or death. They turned their home into a “house church” and at night they went through Iranian cities distributing an estimated 20,000 copies of the New Testament Bible.
However, one day, a knock at the door changed their lives drastically. Iranian government officials arrested them for preaching the Gospel and threw them into one of Iran’s worst prisons- Tehran’s Evin prison. There, they were forced to sleep on the floor in a room with about 40 other prisoners. Prison officials regarded them as “dirty infidels” and treated them like animals. They were asked repeatedly to deny their Christian faith, or be beaten mercilessly. Yet, these two women held on to faith in God and refused to bow to the threats and intimidations. Rather they began to use the opportunity of being in jail to share the Gospel with the other women prisoners.
Their steadfast faith in God eventually prevailed in the end.
After spending 8 months in the notorious prison, their story became known to the international media, who widely reported it. Consequently, international pressure from the United Nations, Amnesty International, and other human rights groups forced Iranian government to release them in November 2009. They left Iran to live in the United States where they have continued their ministry of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their story of unyielding faith is contained in their book, ‘Captive in Iran’.

Often in the midst of trials, the tendency is to wonder, “Where is God”? But the Bible says God is our ever present help in the time of trouble.[Psalm 46:1-2 ].
The presence of the storm does not mean the absence of the Lord.
Right in the midst of problems, when the night appears to be darkest, through steadfast faith in Christ we will always overcome.
Despite the trials and tribulations, we will eventually emerge victorious, as we remain rooted in God’s Word.
It is the Word within us that births the faith that will cause us to triumph always. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith(1 John 5:4).

By virtue of our birth we are world overcomers. Because the greater One is in us, we are destined to be winners in every conflict. The problems may look stern. The seas may rage and the storm may be tempestuous but in all these we are more than conquerors. Though many troubles may seek to separate us from the love of Christ, they cannot, rather they will end up as stepping stones to our greater destiny.
Therefore in every situation, let us always choose to stay strong in faith and give glory to God, because He is working behind the scenes for our good. We must abide steadfast in faith because it is the key out of seemingly impossible doors.
The outcome of every situation is determined by our level of faith. Therefore, it is wisdom to invest in our faith and keep it strong, through diligent study of the Word because faith comes by hearing God’s Word.

Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” This means you soak up the Word just as a dry sponge soaks up water until you are saturated with faith..
Through faith, God will cause you to triumph over every situation. His grace will sustain you and see you through every tribulation.
Therefore today, fear not and let not your heart be troubled, for your God is faithful. Surely, He will preserve you through every storm and cause you to emerge victorious in every confrontation.

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for granting me the strength from Your Word to stand strong in faith at all times. No matter what I may pass through, I know I am coming out stronger and better in Jesus Name.
QUOTE
There is something that God has placed within you that the world is eagerly awaiting to see. WORDBITE 222.

Isaiah 43:18-19 [NIV] “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.’

DAILY READING• 2 John 1; Ezra 5-6; Psalm 93

The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir has recorded 40 albums, won seven Dove Awards and six Grammy Awards. They have featured in prestigious events including singing at the Billy Graham Crusades, and at the 2012 Presidential inauguration in Washington, DC.
The story of Brooklyn Tabernacle is nothing short of a miracle because it was a dream that was almost terminated by initially discouraging beginnings.
The Pastor of Brooklyn Tabernacle Jim Cymbala and his wife Carol, began ministry in the 1970’s as newlyweds with no formal training. They pastored a small, struggling Church on the verge of closing down in Brooklyn, New York. The Church had a handful of members, who met in a rundown building.
While trying to pastor in the tough environment of inner-city neighborhood in New York, Pastor Cymbala had so much discouragement until he felt defeated and decided to quit. But during that dark period, he received a distinct and unexpected call from God to lead the people to pray.
The following Tuesday night, the pastor and the few Church members joined hands, stood in a circle and prayed. This marked the beginning of a weekly prayer meeting.
Also in these rough beginnings, Carol Cymbala felt led to start a choir to glorify God. In spite of not being able to read music, with nine people, she started a choir dedicated to giving God quality praise.
As Pastor Cymbala, his wife and the few Church members sought God in prayer and worship, things started to change. God began to bless the small congregation as they witnessed Him move powerfully in their lives.
From only nine members in the beginning, the Church continued to grow until today, it has about 10,000 people in attendance every Sunday.
Also the small prayer meeting of few people has grown to about 3,000 people who weekly gather in the Church to call upon the Lord in prayer.
It doesn’t end there. The small choir of nine people that Carol Cymbala started has today become the famous world class choir of 300 members, known as the Brooklyn Tabernacle choir. They have won many awards and written hundreds of songs.
Today, the Church continues to emphasize God’s Word, prayers and worship as the spiritual engine that drives them as they use the worldwide platform God has given them to proclaim His praise and faithfulness throughout the world.

When we serve God sincerely, His favor will cause us to prosper even in a barren land.
As we commit to diligently obey His Word and become more fervent in our prayers and worship, He will open up new chapters in our lives.
Renewed zeal in our worship of God is a spiritual approach that quickly terminates failure.
As we commit to diligently follow after Him, He will lift us to new phases and levels of life.
Certainly, God is able to make a way even in the desert and turn every wilderness into a fruitful field.

Isaiah 43:18-19 [NIV] says “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.’

Today being the first day of June can be a new beginning of our renewed covenant walk with God.
It is a day that symbolizes hope and new life. It doesn’t matter how discouraging past days could have been like, it’s the beginning of a new season full of divine promises and great possibilities. It doesn’t matter what happened yesterday, last week, last month or last year; today is a new day!
God continually wants to do something new in our lives. Today, as we make a solid decision to seek Him with renewed passion, surely, God who owes no man and keeps covenant, will fulfill His promises in our lives.
Through the power in the Blood of Jesus we will be ushered into a season of new blessings.

Revelation 5: 12 says Jesus is the Lamb that was slain to receive for us power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Jesus was slain at Calvary so that we can enjoy a fruitful new season of life. As long as we abide in Him, no matter how barren any land may initially appear, ultimately it will produce a bountiful harvest for us. What looks like a desolate wilderness will eventually become like the garden of Eden.
And one key way to access this bountiful harvest God has destined for us is through joy.
Joy is the sickle for our harvest. It is when we praise God that the earth yields her increase. Through joy, the harvest of our field will not wither.

Today, we have truly come into a new day!
God is doing something new in this season! He is making a way in the wilderness and turning wastelands into fruitful fields for us!.

PRAYER: Lord, please help me to learn to look beyond the present and keep my eyes on Your promises. I know you have so much in store for me in this new season. By Your grace, my portion shall never elude me in Jesus Name.
QUOTE;
God is preparing you for the season He prepared for your breakthrough WORDBITE 222.

Romans 5:2 ‘Through Him we also have access by faith into this remarkable state of grace in which we firmly and safely and securely stand.[AMP]

DAILY READING; 1 John 5; Ezra 3-4; Psalm 92

On Good Friday 1964, a massive earthquake hit the town of Old Harbor, Alaska.
This earthquake which measured 9.2 on the Richter scale remains the largest recorded earthquake in North America and the second in the world.
The quake and the tsunami that followed devastated the entire town. It resulted in 30 deaths and caused massive destruction, including landslides that destroyed scores of city blocks. On the neighboring Kodiak Island, almost all of the native villages were wiped out. But amidst all these devastations, one structure survived; This was The Three Saints Russian Orthodox Church.
In the midst of the chaos and sounds of destruction, the Church bell was heard ringing loudly as it was shaken by the force of the quake.
Yet miraculously, the earthquake seemed unable to damage the wooden structure of the Church building. Amazingly, when calm returned and some congregants later went in to clean the Church, they found almost everything intact, not even a candle had fallen from its stand. The building was virtually untouched and clean the way it had been before the earthquake.
Today, residents describe the survival of the Church building as the Good Friday miracle.
Structures built with iron and concrete, were all twisted up and destroyed, but this humble, wooden Church building miraculously survived all the devastations.

Just like that small Church building, many times we have survived things that could have destroyed us.
Despite the fierce attacks that came against us, somehow through God’s grace we have miraculously continued to stand strong.
The grace of God is the inexhaustible supply of His goodness, which helps us to overcome what could ordinarily have destroyed us.
Grace is the manifestation of God’s faithfulness and the efficacy of His Word in our lives.
When your foundation is built upon the solid rock of God’s Word, though the storm, rain and winds may come, you will survive them all and still stand strong.
Indeed God has armed you for victory. Therefore never be intimidated by overwhelming situations. The forces for you are greater than the forces against you.
No matter how great or devastating the enemy’s attacks, as a child of God, you have what it takes to constantly overcome. Through faith in God’s Word, you will emerge victorious. You will not only survive you will come forth better and greater. When it’s all said and done you’ll still be standing strong and triumphant.
Just keep drawing closer to God’s Presence through diligent study of the Word, fervent prayers and passionate worship.

Indeed when we look back at our history with God, we can see it covered with His faithfulness. This is why we should not get discouraged by the difficulties of today, because we know that God’s grace is always able to see us through. We are confident that He will exempt us from all harm and evil, despite the devastations going on in these perilous last days.
Having come to the end of the month of May today, let us thank and praise God for His grace that has brought us thus far.
Though the enemy sometimes came like a flood, God continually lifted a standard against him and gave us the victory.. As we look forward to the new month, we are assured that God’s grace will continue to prevail in our lives and keep us standing firm and strong despite life’s storms.

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for Your marvelous help in my life. I bless You for Your grace that has kept me and preserved me throughout this month of May. Thank You for the greater things You have in store for me in the coming days 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.

1 Corinthians 15:10 ‘But by the grace of God I am what I am.’

DAILY READING; 1 John 4; Ezra 1-2; Psalm 91

As a young man, Ron Kenoly planned to seek his fortune in the circular music industry and dreamed of being a famous Rhythm and Blues singer.
As he pursued his dream, he became a sought-after nightclub performer.
He changed his name to Ron Keith, became part of a group called “Shades of Difference.’ He began attracting attention from big record labels and appeared set to make “the big break.”
But it never happened, because at that.particular time, he had a dramatic encounter with God that drastically changed his priorities in life.
Kenoly dropped his pursuit of Rhythm and Blues music and recommitted his life to Christ. He tried to get a Gospel record deal but when that didn’t work out, he then got a job at a College gymnasium. But it was a tough time for him because people who had heard of him as a circular musician, would ask him what brought him down so low.
Kenoly remained persistent in trying to break into the Gospel music scene and wrote songs for various congregations.
Though he began his music ministry in 1978, for eight years, he was virtually unknown. Several demos he sent out to the various Christian labels, received no response.
Meanwhile offers from nightclubs and secular record companies were still coming in, tempting him to change his mind.
As things reached a critical point, one evening a distraught Ron Kenoly sat alone at the piano in his local Church. After playing and singing for a while, he made a definite decision to give up his dream of being a professional singer and just allow only God’s will to be done in his life.
Almost immediately, his situation began to change.
He began to receive a series of invitations to lead the worship at different crusades. He was eventually given a full time appointment as worship leader at the Jubilee Christian Centre in San Jose, California.
One day, Don Moen, who was the vice president of Integrity Music, visited Jubilee Christian Centre and was quite impressed when he saw Ron Kenoly’s performance.
In 1989, Don Moen invited Ron Kenoly to lead worship with the Hossana Integrity music label. They recorded the Album ‘Jesus Is Alive’ in 1990 . This was soon followed by another album ‘Lift Him Up’ which had such a staggering success that finally established Ron Kenoly as an international Gospel artiste.
Kenoly’s decision to prioritize God’s will above all else attracted uncommon divine favor that catapulted him to unimaginable success.

Sometimes God allows us to be broken before He can make us. To be broken means to come to the place where we give up our own will and surrender totally to God’s will.
Pursuing after the heart of God is the secret card for experiencing success in life. Putting God’s will first in all our affairs cause situations to change in our favor. All the labour of man is futile without God’s input, but one day of His favor can be worth more than a thousand years of labor.
Indeed we can only become truly great through God’s grace.
God is the maker of men’s destinies, and it is only through following Him that we become made in life (Matt.4:19).

In 1 Corinthians 15:10 Apostle Paul says, ‘But by the grace of God I am what I am.’

Indeed, every story of greatness in the Kingdom is rooted in God’s grace, and we connect to grace through obedience to His Will.
When you seek God first, you will never end up as last. Even if it seems you experience a setback, you are only being set up for something better and greater.
Though people might laugh at you or think it is all over with you, as long as you remain steadfast in prioritizing God’s will, you will surely have the last laugh.
It doesn’t matter how difficult the road may initially appear, the divine favor that comes through obedience to God will eventually break the barriers resisting your progress. The truth is that mighty men are made by the Almighty God. We do not prevail by our own strength or smartness. God is the Most High God, and all who are joined to Him end up in the high places of life.
Just one touch of His favor is enough to catapult you to unimaginable heights of success.
Therefore today, let us re-evaluate our priorities and resolve in our hearts to give God first place in everything. As we give God our best, He’ll take care of the rest. Indeed as we seek first His kingdom and righteousness, everything else shall be added unto us.

PRAYER: Father, today I choose to put You first in all my affairs and place Your will above all else. As I do so, I thank You for overflowing my life with Your blessings of divine favor in Jesus’ Name.
QUOTE;
The tests you are going through in life today are not for your destruction; they are for your testimony. – WORDBITE 222