HORM Devotional

Mathew 5:44 “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you”

DAILY READING; Romans 11:25-36; 1 Samuel 21-22; Psalm 66

During WW1 and WW2, there were soldiers who refused to fight due to their religious beliefs. They were known as conscientious objectors. These men who were conscripted into the army against their will, refused to carry any weapon or fight in battles.
While other countries jailed them or even sentenced them to death, the America government allowed conscientious objectors to perform alternate services. They served as medics who cared for wounded soldiers or as chaplains or filled other support roles. The most famous of them is an army medic named Desmond Doss.
When Desmond Doss joined the United States Army during WW2, he refused to carry any gun because of the Biblical Commandment, “Thou shalt not kill”. His only weapons were his Bible and his faith in God.
Due to his refusal to carry a gun, other soldiers ostracized him, bullied him, and even threatened to kill him. His commanding officers attempted to have him discharged for mental illness, because they felt he was a coward. At night when he prayed, boots and other items were often thrown at him. However, despite the maltreatment, Desmond always responded with love. While serving as a medic, he exhibited extraordinary dedication in treating the wounded soldiers, including even those who had abused him.
On May 5, 1945, the men in Desmond’s division were engaged in a bloody battle on a mountain area, called Hacksaw Ridge. More than half of the men were wounded and officers ordered an immediate retreat. While all the soldiers ran away, Desmond alone ran back into the battle field to rescue the wounded soldiers. His risked his life to save at least 75 soldiers. Desmond’s heroic actions won over his fellow soldiers and he became greatly celebrated among them.
In recognition of Desmond’s heroic acts, on October 12, 1945 at the white house, the American President, Harry S. Truman, honored him with the nation’s highest medal.
Desmond Doss became the first conscientious objector in history to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

Jesus said in Mathew 5:44 ‘But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;’

The above verse is the first recorded statement from the lips of Jesus concerning prayer. Interestingly the first thing He said to us about prayer was to pray for our enemies!
Ability to pray for our enemies and love them is indication that the nature of Christ has truly taken root in us.
The truth is that oppositions reveal our spiritual positioning and trials of life expose what is in our heart. How we respond to wrongdoings against us, reflects how deeply rooted we are spiritually.
We must pass the love test to qualify as true believers in Christ.

There is no question that we live in a dark world where we sometimes encounter people and situations that challenge our ability to demonstrate the love of God. But in the dark places is where your light is meant to shine best.
No matter how you may be maltreated, always respond with love and kindness.
If your goal is to pursue a life of obedience to God, you have to understand that not everyone is going to like you. People will sometimes criticize you, maltreat you and abuse you. Rather than pay them back in their own coin, we must obey Jesus’ commandment to respond in love. No matter how you may have been hurt, always remember the battle is not yours, it is the Lord’s and vengeance belongs to Him alone.

Learning to operate in the God-Kind of Love insulates you from the offences and tactics of the enemy that try to hinder your spiritual growth and stop the manifestations of God’s blessings in your life.
To show the God-kind of love we must continually receive His Word into our hearts. When we are dominated and influenced by God’s Word, we will receive the ability to manifest His love to the world.
Though it may not be easy, but as you keep showing love, God will surely honor you. He will prepare a table before you in the presence of your enemies, He will promote you, and you’ll be great and celebrated in the midst of your critics!

PRAYER
Lord, please help me to love even people that may sometimes maltreat me. Help me to forgive those who have hurt me. Please enable me to always shine Your love and Your light wherever I go in Jesus Name.
Quote
Illuminate your world, for you are a star destined to shine- – WORDBITE 222

Psalm 71:7 ‘I am a wonder unto many but though art my strong refuge’.

DAILY READING • Romans 11:1-24; 1 Samuel 20; Psalm 65

Tumbleweeds are susceptible to the wind because they only grow one very shallow root. So, tumbleweeds are easily uprooted and carried away when the wind blows.
In contrast to tumbleweeds, Sequoia trees grow massive and deep roots, which in the midst of strong winds, stand firm and strong.
The largest tree in world is a sequoia tree named General Sherman. It was so named in 1879, after the American Civil War general, William Tecumseh Sherman.
The Sherman tree is a big tourist attraction in California. It has been long recognized as the world’s largest tree in terms of overall volume. The Sherman Tree appears to be perhaps 1,500 to 2,000 years old. Its height equals that of a 25-story building. One branch of the General Sherman is so big—almost 7 feet in diameter.
However its amazing heights is attributed to its very deep roots.
The complex root system of sequoia trees keep them firmly grounded and is responsible for their towering heights and astonishing weights.

Luke 6:48 says “He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.’

If you have shallow roots in your spiritual life, you stand the risk of being uprooted when the winds, rain and storms of life come. But if you have deep spiritual roots, you’ll stand firm no matter what comes your way.
As Christians, the deeper our spiritual roots in God, the more secure we are and the greater the heights we can attain in life.
God first prepares us before He presents us to our world.
A hidden season of spiritual establishment and preparation is crucial to our outward manifestation. Just as the root precedes the tree’s outward growth, things are first established spiritually before they can manifest physically. That is God’s order of things.

When David defeated Goliath many saw the public success, but few knew about his private preparation. God had first prepared him in a hidden season before taking him to greatness. It was in the bush, that God prepared David for the throne. In this place God expanded his root system.
This is why David said in Psalm 71:7 ‘I am a wonder unto many but though art my strong refuge’.

David became a wonder to all because he learned to first make God his strong refuge. Likewise to be a wonder to our world we must first seek God and develop such faith in Him that makes us unshakeable and indefatigable.
Before attaining great heights we must first develop deep roots of intimacy with God. As we learn to patiently release ourselves to God in the place of training and preparation, we will eventually attain the great heights He has ordained for us.
Our seasons of preparation will involve times of separation spent in prayer, fasting, worship and studying the Word. As we pay this price of spiritual preparation, we shall surely experience the manifestations of amazing signs and wonders in our lives.

PRAYER: Lord, please help me to pay the required price of spiritual preparation so as to see the manifestation of Your wonders in my life. Please enable me to fully submit to Your will and to obediently follow Your Word throughout this year in Jesus Name.

Quote
Everything that ultimately has a glorious ending usually has a humble beginning. WORDBITE 222

1 Peter 1:8 ‘Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary goes about as a roaring lion, seeking for whom to devour.’

DAILY READING – • Romans 9:30-10:21; 1 Samuel 19; Psalm 64

Women have served in Israel’s army ever since the Nation’s establishment in 1948. This became necessary because of Israel’s small population.
The Israeli Defense Force [IDF], is one of the only armies in the world in which women are drafted to military service by law. Women make up roughly a third of Israel’s military, compared with about 14 percent in the U.S. armed forces and lesser numbers in other nations.
At first women served mainly in administrative jobs or as instructors in a variety of fields, but they have gradually moved into operational positions.
Due to a shortage in combat soldiers, since the 1990s, women have been allowed to take on combat roles, and today around 90 percent of all military jobs are open to women.
Recently, the Israel Defense Force has recorded a surge in female recruits because women are increasingly choosing to serve in the military to help defend Israel.
Since the tiny nation of Israel became a state in 1948, they have endured repeated wars and attacks. Apart from the occasional wars, Israel also daily has to contend with terrorist attacks.
These constant battles has caused everyone in Israel’s military, both men and women to live in a state of constant alertness. Media pictures have sometimes shown Israel’s military women holidaying on the beach, yet with guns slung across their shoulders.
This constant state of alertness and readiness has contributed in making Israeli military one of the best and finest militaries in the world.

As Christians, we are all required to live battle ready. Age or gender does not exempt anyone from battle.
There is a spiritual warfare being waged against everyone on earth. In this ongoing spiritual warfare, you will survive based on the level of your spiritual readiness. This is why Jesus severally admonished believers to always watch and pray and live ready.

1 Peter 1: 8 admonishes us to be sober and vigilant, because the enemy is going about as a roaring lion, seeking whom to devour.

To be victorious in this battle, there is need for us to always store up spiritual strength. The Bible says in Proverbs 24:10 that if you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.
Because life’s battle can come suddenly, we are to live always prepared for war. And we prepare by maintaining a fervent spiritual life, diligently studying the Bible and keeping the fire always burning on our prayer altar. Don’t wait for battles before you know you have to get ready, always live prepared because life’s battles have no timetable!
When life’s storms come, your spiritual preparation could be the difference between what kills you or what makes you stronger.
Our level of victory is determined by our level of faith. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world and faith comes from hearing God’s Word.
The more of God’s Word we store in our hearts, the more our faith is built up and the more we are prepared for victory.
Therefore to become a wonder to the world this year, we must embrace the necessary spiritual responsibility. Nothing of value is free! Your spiritual input will determine the level of wonders you can experience.
Indeed when your spiritual strength is built up, no matter the battle that comes your way, by God’s grace, your victory will always be guaranteed.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to engage in the necessary spiritual exercises that will help me build up spiritual strength in this season. Thank You Lord for indeed establishing my victory in every battle in Jesus Name.

QUOTE:
As a child of God, you have to recognize that you are in the middle of an ongoing battle. WORDBITE 222

Ephesians 2:4-6 says ‘ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, ..’

DAILY READING; Romans 9:1-29; 1 Samuel 17:55-18:30; Psalm 63

Most banknotes have traces of cocaine on them; this has been confirmed by studies done in several countries.
Out of every four banknotes, on average, more than three are tainted by cocaine or another illicit drug. The predictable reason for contamination is often the handling of money during drug deals and the use of rolled up notes for snorting drugs. After the initial contamination, such money also “infects” other notes they come in close contact with.
Forensic scientists have said that around 80% of all British banknotes contain traces of drugs. Scientists also found that 90 percent of paper money circulating in U.S. cities contains traces of cocaine. In some cities the bills were 100 percent contaminated.
Apart from drugs, money often get contaminated with dirt and germs. In the course of its circulation, currency gets clutched, touched and traded many times. Every touch brings specks of dirt, food, germs and drug residue. However, no matter what paper money is passed through, as long as it has not been destroyed, it will still retain its value.
Consider this: if you have a $20 bill, it has most likely been used for both good and immoral, unethical purposes. However, no matter how badly or roughly used, it will still retain its value. This is because its value is not determined by what it has been through, its value was determined by its maker, the Country’s national Treasury.

Likewise, many people have passed through so many rough places and tough situations in life. But no matter what you have been through, your value is not determined by those things. Your value is determined by your maker, God.
The negative things that happened in your life does not disqualify you because in God’s eyes you are still precious. You are still greatly loved by Him.
Often times the enemy will try to use past failures and mistakes to make you feel worthless, but don’t forget that some of the people God chose to use in the Bible were broken people with terrible pasts. God used Moses, a murderer, to become a deliverer. God used Jacob, a liar and a trickster, to raise the great tribe of Israel. He even used Rahab, a harlot, in the messianic family line.
No matter how you may have been battered or manhandled by life’s experiences, your value has not been reduced in God’s eyes. God has not changed His mind concerning you. He loves you with an everlasting love. Indeed God’s love is unlimited. The scripture talks about the great love wherewith God loved us.
Ephesians 2:4-6 says ‘ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:’

We have been lifted by God’s love to sit in Heavenly places with Christ. Despite past failures or mistakes, the One who created you still sees you as beautiful, precious and worth dying for. And so should you see yourself.
The Gospel of John was written by Apostle John. John had an incredible confidence in how much Christ loved him. He never referred to himself as John. Instead of using his name, he would rather say, “The disciple whom Jesus loved”.
We can take on John’s attitude and truly see ourselves as the ‘one that Jesus loves”. A revelation of God’s love will indeed revolutionize your life. It will stop the feelings of guilt and unworthiness that often leads to defeat.

And we receive this revelation through a diligent and in-depth study of God’s Word.
Indeed when you receive God’s love and know that in His eyes, you are His amazing masterpiece, it will lift your spirit. It will give you the strength to break the chains that are holding you back. It will cause you to come with boldness to the throne of grace to obtain help in the time of need.
Indeed a revelation of God’s love will cause you to live confident, secure, overcoming obstacles, rising higher, and truly becoming a wonder to all.

PRAYER: Lord, please help me to receive a deep revelation of Your great love for me. I thank You Lord that no matter what I may have passed through in life, Your love continues to give me great value and keeps lifting me higher in Jesus Name.
Quote
When God places His hand upon a man in life nothing can come against him, this is because the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. WORDBITE 222

Exodus 15:11 says “Who is like unto Thee, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like Thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?’

DAILY READING; Romans 8; 1 Samuel 17:1-54; Psalm 62

Terri DeShazo-Arnett is the author of the book titled ‘You May Have a Ph.D., But I Know GOD’. This book tells of God’s amazing love, as it chronicles the incredible deliverance of Terri’s 17-year-old son, Jeremy.
On June 24th 2002, Jeremy’s youth group was on a bus headed to a church camp at Louisiana State University.
Moments later when Terri turned on her radio, she was shocked to hear a Radio presenter announce that a bus from Metro Church going to Louisiana State University had just crashed.
The bus had careened off the interstate, crashed into two concrete pillars and was ripped apart. Jeremy had been thrown 15 feet from the bus into concrete pillars. His lifeless body was found burning in a toxic pool of battery acid and diesel fuel. Paramedics initially assessed him as virtually dead, but a church youth director prayed over Jeremy and convinced the paramedics to airlift him to Mother Francis hospital in Tyler, Texas. His heart stopped three times en route and when he arrived, doctors didn’t think he could stay alive for long.
However, his mother, who had immediately rushed to his side, was confident that he would live because for the past two years she had prayed over him with Psalm 91: 11‘He’ll give His angels charge over us.’
Though all the medical facts pointed to Jeremy dying, Terri refused to agree with the facts.
Despite the fearful situation, she would stand over his bed singing praises to God. She kept declaring God’s goodness and great love in keeping Jeremy alive. She said only prayers of faith with God’s Word, which she believed as the ultimate authority.
After two weeks, Jeremy was finally stable. Though doctors said that he would never be normal again, Terri chose rather to believe the report of the Lord; that Jeremy would be totally healed and restored. And so it was.
Defying all the odds against him, Jeremy left the Hospital five weeks after the accident that almost took his life. Six months later Jeremy was back in college, fully recovered and continuing to live a normal healthy life.

Exodus 15:11 says “Who is like unto Thee, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like Thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?’

Indeed God does wonders through praises.
Whenever you are faced with a situation you don’t know how to handle, switch to praise. There is a mystery about praise that breaks every prison and bondage around you.
Praise is a verbal expression of our faith in God and our love for Him. This motivates Him to do signs and wonders for us.
When we magnify God in the face of trials, we are declaring that He is bigger than any mountain before us. .
Indeed everyone faces challenges in life, but how we respond determines whether we are beaten or blessed and whether we are victims or victors.
Faith is the victory that overcomes the world and faith works by love. Galatians 5:6 says faith works by love. That means love is the driving force behind our faith.
Indeed an understanding of God’s love is what keeps our faith strong in trials, because we trust that ultimately He will cause us to triumph. In all things we should trust that our God is able to deliver us to the uttermost as we express our love for Him through our praise.

God says in Psalm 91:14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.’

Indeed God can deliver you from any depth and set you on high. Therefore no matter what you may go through, always maintain your praise. If you are sad, it will be bad, if you are depressed, you will be oppressed, but when you praise, you will be raised.
Through praise, God lifts us up from the depths of despair and sets our feet upon a solid rock. Through Praise, God turns our mourning into dancing and replaces sadness with gladness.
Therefore as you engage the force of praise today, expect God to do amazing wonders in your life and turn every sorrow into joy for you in Jesus Name.

PRAYER: Lord, Please help me to maintain a praise-full lifestyle, so that I can see Your signs and wonders in my life. I know that by Your grace, every opposition against me has been crushed and every mourning turned into joy 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

Romans 5:7-8 ‘For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

DAILY READING – – Romans 6; 1 Samuel 15; Psalm 60

Franciszek Gajowniczek was a Polish army sergeant who was captured by the Nazis during their 1939 invasion of Poland. He was sentenced to forced labour at the infamous Auschwitz death camp. While there, Franciszek met a Franciscan priest named Maximilian Kolbe who was arrested by the Nazis for publishing articles criticizing them.
One day, there was a jail break and some prisoners escaped. The greatly infuriated Nazi officers then ordered that ten prisoners would die as punishment for the escape. Franciszek was terrified when he heard his name mentioned among ten. At 41 years old, with a wife and two sons, he was not yet prepared to die. Full of fear, he began to cry, pleading for his life to be spared.
Maximilian was moved by Franciszek’s tears and asked the Nazi officers if he could take his place in death. He told the officers that he was a priest without a wife or kids, but Franciszek had a family and deserved to live for their sake. When the officers agreed, a switch was made. Franciszek was spared and Kolbe was killed in his place.
After five years in prison, Franciszek was freed when the Allied forces defeated Nazi Germany. Franciszek reunited with his wife and would later live to be 93 years old. He dedicated the rest of his life, to telling everyone about Maximilian’s heroic act of sacrifice and love.
He was invited two times to the Vatican by the pope during events that honored Maximilian’s heroic death. And in 1972, he was also a speaker at an event where over 150,000 people made a pilgrimage to Auschwitz to honor the memory of Maximilian Kolbe.

Romans 5:7-8 says ‘For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’

History sometimes has records of people like Maximilian who dared to die for someone they perceived to be good and deserving to be alive.
But Christ’s sacrifice is amazing and unprecedented because He chose to die for a people completely unworthy and totally undeserving of His life.
The drama at Calvary is the greatest love story ever told. The cross is the symbol of the deepest love and greatest sacrifice ever made in human history.
Mankind didn’t deserve redemption or salvation, yet on Golgotha’s hill, the Lamb of God took our place and was slain to save us from eternal death and hell.
The spiral of sin that began in Genesis 3 was stopped by the precious of Blood Jesus shed at Calvary. He didn’t die for what He did. He died for what we did.
Christ’ death on the cross is God’s statement of love to the world. Christ died young that we might live long. He was forsaken that we might be accepted. He was abandoned that we might be adopted by God.
We now have the responsibility to tell everyone the good news of what Christ has done for us.
In Luke 8:39. Jesus told the man He had healed, “‘Return home and tell how much God has done for you.’
And so should we.
We should go about sharing Christ’s love and shedding His light and telling the world our Redeemer lives!
Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we have been freed from the bondage of sin and ushered into a new life of righteousness. However, we should never take this salvation for granted!
If after Christ gave His life for us, we still chose to live in sin, Hebrews 2:3 asks ‘How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation”?

Indeed let us never neglect the great price paid for our soul. Therefore let us always take heed to live in ways that daily glorifies God.
Through the Blood of Jesus, let us come against any weakness or temptation that attempts to still keep us in bondage.
Indeed by the power in the Blood, our victory is established over every force of sin, sickness and evil afflictions in Jesus Name.

PRAYER; Lord I thank You for the price You paid at the cross for my deliverance and salvation. Please grant me the grace to live a life that glorifies You, even as I continually share the good news of redemption with everyone that comes my way in Jesus Name.

Quote
Whenever God places a demand on you, He is only positioning you to receive more from Him. WORDBITE 222

Isaiah 41: 10 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.’

DAILY READING; Romans 5; 1 Samuel 14; Psalm 59

Jentezen Franklin is an American evangelical pastor, author and televangelist. He is the senior pastor of Free Chapel, and his ministry extends internationally through his televised broadcast, ‘Kingdom Connection’, which is seen on television networks across the world.
In his book ‘Acres of Diamonds’ Franklin shared the story of how God launched him into television ministry through famed Pentecostal preacher R.W. Schambach.
Schambach who was in the heyday of his ministry had preached the Gospel all over the world and was globally recognized.
On the other hand, Jentezen Franklin at that time was a virtually unknown minister, still at the beginning stage of his ministry. He had just finished building a new sanctuary and had so many things he needed, such as to hire staff, buy furniture, equipment etc.
But while he was fretting about how to get these things, God had a bigger plan for him. Jentezen Franklin was surprised when out of the blues he got a call from Reverend Schambach on a Saturday, asking if he could preach in his new Church that Sunday evening. Franklin, of course quickly gave his consent. Reverend Schambach arrived late, so he and Jentezen Franklin did not have time to talk or get acquainted. But as Schambach got up to preach, he told the congregation that he didn’t know Jentezen Franklin, but that God spoke to him that Franklin should be on TV. That night, Schambach took up a cash offering of $138,000, for Franklin to get on TV. With the money, Franklin bought TV cameras and launched his TV ministry.
It wasn’t long before TBN and other major networks saw him and invited him to become a part of their broadcast. From there, Franklin went on to become an international known minister who has today gone to many nations of the world preaching the Gospel.

Isaiah 41: 10 says “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.’

Indeed God knows how to send destiny helpers to surface at the right time to take you to your next level. When you walk in God’s divine Will, He will take care of all that concerns you. This is because He is faithfully committed to helping and loving those that fear Him. (Psalm 103:11).
God is a Master planner. He is an Architect. Before He builds He draws the plan. So, before He created you, He had a purpose. Before you were formed in your mother’s womb, God knew you and mapped out your destiny. You are not in the world by accident, neither are you left to fend for yourself. When we walk in God’s plan, He places people strategically at different points as divine connectors to help us arrive at our next levels of destiny.
Indeed God knows how to work behind the scenes, to arrange things in your favor. He can make a way where there seems to be no way. Because of God’s love for us He will even give men for our sakes.

Isaiah 43:4-5 says ‘Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. Fear not: for I am with thee..’

As long as we remain precious in His sight by walking in obedience to His will, God will indeed move men to favor us.
It is true this year has been declared our year of wonder. But looking around, you may be pondering how it will ever come to pass in your life. Well, you don’t have to be worried or stressed out, trying to force things to happen. If you will give God first place and honor Him in all your ways, He will orchestrate events around you that will bring you into an opportunity of a lifetime.
As we commit to a lifestyle of obedience to God’s Word, His instructions will lead us to distinctions.
Certainly, by God’s help, in this season, we will be receiving help from strange quarters. God will send destiny helpers to locate us. Indeed His divine favor is going to thrust us high to surpass every expectation and reach amazing pinnacles of success this year in Jesus Name.

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You because You are always good and faithful. And I know that even right now You are leading me to the right people and the right places. Thank You Lord for Your marvelous help in my life this year in Jesus Name.
QUOTE
When you obey God’s instruction you are delivered from destruction– WORDBITE 222.

Job 5:21-22 ‘..Neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh. At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth.’

DAILY READING; Romans 4; 1 Samuel 13; Psalm 58

The Panic of 1893 was a serious economic depression in the United States that caused widespread bankruptcies and made over 15000 businesses to collapse. It led to huge unemployment, homelessness and famine. However in the midst of this national crisis, God caused one man to prosper greatly.
The book “The Cereal Tycoon” is the story of Henry Parsons Crowell who founded Quaker Oats and was an extraordinary Christian businessman.
Henry began life very disadvantaged. He lost his father at a young age, suffered a deadly childhood disease of tuberculosis and had little education. Yet through reliance on God’s guidance Henry eventually became a huge success in life.
As Henry gave his life to Christ, he was miraculously cured of the deadly tuberculosis. Later, as he went into business, God’s Hand upon his affairs became evident. Shortly after purchasing his first farm in Iowa, a violent tornado ripped through the area and left many nearby farms in shambles, but miraculously Henry’s farm suffered no damage.
After seeking the Lord’s counsel for his next business move, Henry purchased a Mill to produce oats. Though the two previous owners had sold the mill because they incurred huge losses, when Henry took over, the business began to flourish. .
As Henry brought the business before God in prayer, God gave him an idea that would change breakfast tables forever.
Up to that point, oats were presented for sale in unhygienic big barrels or boxes on the floors of grocery stores. But God gave Henry the idea of neatly packaging his oats in fanciful, clean containers that were displayed on grocery store shelves. People loved this concept and demand soon soared.
And so in the midst of the great economic depression of 1893, as businesses were failing in thousands, Henry greatly became successful. His Quaker Oats became globally celebrated as ‘the World’s Breakfast”.
Wherever Henry went, he also promoted the Gospel and many business people and corporate giants came to Christ through him. Henry always tithed faithfully. The more money he gave to God’s work, the more he prospered. Before his death, Henry gave away 70% of his wealth to God’s work and went to be with the Lord at the age of 82, while on a train going to his house with a Bible in his hand.

Just like America’s 1893 economic depression, today, the world is going through a crisis period. The pandemic has created panic! Lives have been lost, unemployment is skyrocketing, and a global famine is looming. Individuals, families, communities, business owners, are all looking for financial relief and a way out of the financial drought
However, while it may be a time of crisis in the world, it is certainly a time of revival, breakthrough and awakening for God’s people. In the midst of the gross darkness we will arise and shine because our light has come. While there may be darkness in Egypt, as God’s people in Goshen, we shall be surrounded with light.

Today, while it may be a dark time for those who don’t know God, for those who know their God, they shall be strong and do exploits. As God’s covenant people, we are to flourish in the famine and thrive in tough times and laugh over lack.

Job 5:20,22 (NKJV) says “In famine He shall redeem you from death……….You shall laugh at destruction and famine.” –

As a believer, you will prosper even in the desert. Your leaf will not wither because you are connected to the fountain of Living waters. God is our Source. As long as we abide in His covenant we are connected to a supply line that will never run dry.
We are not at the mercy of the fluctuating global economy, God is in control of our lives.
Circumstances may change, as the world goes through a great reset and observes a ‘new normal,’ but God never changes. Heaven’s economy never fails. Let us therefore keep our eyes on God’s kingdom-system rather than on the world system.
Let’s not get so caught up in the news of the world that we forget, that the Most High God is working in our lives.
As long as you serve God, He is going to bless your bread and water and take sickness away from you. Notwithstanding what may be going on in the world, God’s Word abides true forever.
Therefore having recently obeyed God’s Word in observing a season of fasting and praying, let us get ready for our next season of overflow.
In this new month of February, God is about to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings, that you could not contain. Though the world may be striving, we are going to be thriving. Indeed our case is different.
Certainly, by the Blood of Jesus, we are separated from the evil in the world, and turned into a wonder to the world.

PRAYER; Father I know indeed by the Blood of Jesus, my victory is established over the negative circumstances in the world. Because I am connected to a Heavenly Source, I will be blessed even in famine, and will keep increasing and flourishing on every side in Jesus Name
Quote
Illuminate your world, for you are a star destined to shine- – WORDBITE 222.

James 5:16 ‘…pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much, when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power.

DAILY READING; • Romans 3:9-31; 1 Samuel 12; Psalm 57

The efficacy of prayer has been the topic of various studies since at least 1872. These studies have generally been aimed at ascertaining if prayer works or not.
While Christians maintain that the power of prayer is obvious, especially in the healing of the sick, scientists have argued that prayer has little or no effect.
Over this argument millions of dollars have been spent by the American government on studies to prove if there are medical benefits of prayer.
While some of the studies carried out have ended with mixed results, a particular research done in 1982 by Dr. Randolph Byrd indeed proved the potency of prayer.
Dr. Byrd is a born-again Christian who in 1982 worked as a young cardiologist at the San Francisco General Medical Center. While working there, Randolph Byrd had a brilliant insight and
decided to use standard research method to test the efficacy of intercessory prayer with medical patients in the hospital.
His ground-breaking investigation observed 393 patients admitted to the coronary care unit of San Francisco General Hospital. About half of the patients were prayed for by born-again Christians while the other half who served as a control group were not prayed for.
What the research revealed was that the patients who were prayed for fared better than those who were not prayed for.
The prayed-for group had significantly fewer complications than the un-prayed for group. And fewer members of those prayed for died.
Indeed the findings from this research, which was published in the American Heart Association, was an amazing testament of the power of prayer.

Indeed prayer works. Though scientists may be skeptical, God’s Word assures us that there is tremendous power in prayer.
However, the reason why some people may doubt the power in prayer is due to failure to patiently wait for results.
One of the keys to receiving answers to prayers is persistence. Even when outwardly, it may seem as if our prayers are not having any effect, eventually the answer does indeed manifest.

Prayer works. Prayer makes available power that produces signs and wonders.

James 5:16 says ‘…pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much, when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power.

Indeed the fervent prayer of the righteous accomplishes much. Your prayers are never in vain. We serve the prayer answering God. As long as you are praying according to God’s Will, no matter how long it takes, your answer will surely come. Therefore don’t give up on sowing seeds of prayer into situations where you desire to see changes! Your prayer is working! Your harvest is coming!.
Many people miss out on God’s best because they give up too soon. Even when you don’t see anything different, keep praying and keep speaking life over your situation. If you refuse to faint it is only a matter of time before you finally reap.

Galatians 6:9 says ‘And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.’

Indeed to every sowing season, there is a reaping season.
And as you continue to press on in faith and keep an attitude of victory, you will soon see your harvest of blessings.
Today, we have come to the end of the month of January and conclusion of our season of praying and fasting. God has indeed heard all the prayers we poured out to Him. Therefore let us get ready to begin to see signs and wonders.
Indeed God is about to amaze you with His goodness. You’ll see favor, health, increase and be ushered into a greater level of your destiny.
Surely, what God will begin to manifest in our lives as this year unfolds, will be bigger, better and more rewarding than anything we could ever have imagined.

PRAYER: Lord I thank You for granting me the grace to have persevered in this season of fasting and prayer. I know indeed that I have been ushered into a new season of unending blessings. Thank You Lord for unveiling Your wonders in my life in Jesus Name.
QUOTE :
Nothing liberates like truth. The truth you know and act upon will set you free. – WORDBITE 222

Mark 10:27 “And Jesus looking upon them saith, with men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible”

DAILY READING • Romans 2:1-3:8; 1 Samuel 10:17-11:15; Psalm 56

While some athletes credit long hours of training, a good coach, or even good genes for their success, US gymnast, Gabrielle Christina Douglas says her victories come only from one source—God.
She says God is the secret of her success and credits Him for giving her the amazing talent and ability that has turned her into an Olympic wonder.
In the 2012 London Olympics, Gabrielle Douglas flew high as the All-Around Gold Medal winner. She became both the first American to claim gold medals in the team and individual all-around events and the first African American to win the all-around title.

Gabby Douglas’ journey to stardom was laid on a foundation of God’s Word and constant prayers. Right from her childhood she had seen the hand of God displayed mightily in her life.
Gabby Douglas did not have an easy childhood, especially since her family was homeless and lived in a van. Also while still a baby, she experienced a life-threatening illness as she was diagnosed with a deadly blood disease. Her mother spent several nights crying out to God to heal her. God answered her prayers and Gabby was made whole.
Gabby has learnt to always rely on God, even in her sports.
Often in the footage of any of her competitions, you’ll see her lips moving in prayers.

While preparing for the Olympics, Gabby knew the road to winning gold would not be an easy one and so she made prayers and Bible study her top priority. She said those foundations kept her on track in her most difficult times. A time came when the odds seemed so great that she almost wanted to quit. But she had to rely heavily on her faith, praying fervently and meditating on scriptures. As a result of her spiritual commitment, she had the faith and confidence to do the extraordinary.
Though she had a lot of doubters, who said she could never win gold, Gabby, through God’s help was able to eventually prove them all wrong. Gabby did not only clinch the gold at the London Olympics, she also made Olympic history.
Through prayers Gabby Douglas was able to engage divine help to achieve what had seemed impossible.

Indeed Prayer is the foundation for unlimited breakthroughs in life. God will do for us even what seems impossible, when we embrace the spiritual responsibility of prayer. Nothing of value is free. There is always a price of prayer to pay for us to achieve our desired results in life..

This year, great prophecies of signs and wonders have gone forth concerning us, but we have to pay the price of spiritual warfare to see their manifestations.

1 Timothy 1:18 says, ‘This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare.’

We do not wait for prophecies; we war with them. You have to fight your way into the fulfillment of the prophecies spoken over you. You have to fight the good fight of faith to enforce a change in your situation.

Indeed to see the manifestation of signs and wonders in our lives, we must pay the price of fasting and prayer..

When Jesus paid the price of fasting at the beginning of His earthly ministry, Luke 4:14 says He “returned in the power of the Spirit” and His fame spread abroad.

Fasting may seem unpalatable but it is a necessary cost to see the extraordinary take place in our lives.. Certain barriers that limit you may not be broken except by fasting and prayer. Jesus said some kinds do not go out except by fasting and prayer. Certain forces holding you bound may never give up except by prayer and fasting.
Therefore as we have prayed and fasted in this season let us be assured that limitations and barriers have been broken off our lives.
Let us therefore get ready to soar to greater heights and see extraordinary manifestations in all our endeavors.
This year, by God’s grace, our story must change for the better and we shall indeed become signs and wonders to our world.

PRAYER
Father, I am grateful that nothing is impossible with You. Thank You for granting me the grace to become spiritually responsible.. Surely, as I pay the price of prayer in this season, I know I shall see Your glory manifested in my life in Jesus’ Name.
QUOTE
Until you cry out in the place of prayer, certain things won’t happen.
– WORDBITE 222.