HORM Devotional

Exodus 14:13 ‘And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever’

DAILY READING; Acts 11:1-18; Joshua 11-12; Job 26

In October 2015, 70 hostages faced immediate execution by Isis in a school compound near the northern Iraqi town of Hawija. At that time the school was being used as a base by senior military commanders of Isis. The town had been captured by Isis the year before, and become their stronghold.
The fate of these 70 prisoners seemed sealed because trenches had already been dug for their burial. As the minutes ticked down to their execution, their captors got ready to release the bullets.
However unknown to them a secret raid was underway. Somehow intelligence information of the impending mass execution had reached a special operations unit comprising of Iraqi and American forces.
Around 3 am that morning, the sound of explosions rent the air as the special forces unit arrived in helicopters in a pre-dawn raid. They bombed the roads to foil escape of the Isis forces and then struck and raided the Isis stronghold.
They killed and captured many of the Isis terrorists and released the hostages that were about to be executed.
These 70 hostages had already given up hope of being alive, but when they least expected it, help and deliverance arrived from unexpected quarters and suddenly they were freed from captivity.

For some people this year, this has been their story. They had come close to the jaws of death, destruction seemed inevitable, but suddenly, in the nick of time, God brought swift deliverance. Just when it seemed to be game over, the Blood of Jesus arose and spoke ‘passover’.
Certainly, this year, the world in general has walked through the valley of the shadow of death. But for us believers, the Blood of Jesus brought deliverance from every evil.
The Blood of Jesus is as powerful today as it was over 2000 years ago, when it brought deliverance to mankind. At that time it seemed humanity’s fate was doomed as death reigned over the earth, but while the enemy oppressed mankind, God was planning a ‘secret raid.’.
In an unexpected move, Jesus arrived on the earth to rescue men from destruction. At the cross, Jesus sacrificed Himself so that we can receive the priceless gift of salvation. Through His shed Blood we were redeemed from death, hell and the grave.
And today, Jesus is still alive, setting captives free. He is still delivering men from the works of the devil and his evil agenda of stealing, killing and destroying.
Today, Jesus is still offering deliverance from every captivity and bondage. It doesn’t matter what problems may face you today, Jesus is greater than them all. As you plead the Blood and run into its stronghold, you will be preserved from every evil.
As we prepare to cross over into the new year, the Blood of Jesus is available to stop every pharaoh still in pursuit. Certainly, the Egyptians we saw in 2020 we shall see them no more forever.
Just like the red sea swallowed pharaoh, so also every evil bondage, attempting to cross over with you, will be swallowed by the red sea of the Blood of Jesus. None of the sickness, financial instability, relationship crisis and other troubles of 2020 shall cross over with you. Surely affliction shall not arise a second time.
Let us therefore keep praising God for His divine deliverance. As we do, He will certainly go before us to break the gates of brass, cut asunder the bars of iron and usher us into our new season of freedom and unending blessings.

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for Your great deliverance in my life. Certainly the Egyptians I saw in the year 2020, I shall see them no more forever. As I praise You today, I know that You are granting me victory in every area of my life in Jesus Name. ..

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

Proverbs 3:5-6 ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.’

DAILY READING; Acts 10:34-48; Joshua 9-10; Job 25

Reinhard Bonnke was someone who had a great desire to be “truly led” by the Holy Spirit in all things.
After arriving from Western Germany to begin his ministry in Africa, in 1977 he felt he was being guided by the Lord to move to Johannesburg, South Africa. And so he and his wife, Anni and their three young children then moved to Johannesburg and there Bonnke waited to receive the next instruction.
He did not receive a further instruction from the Lord for two years. While Bonnke waited, he continued preaching, and even started up a radio ministry, broadcasting the Gospel throughout Africa.
Then, in 1979, while on a street-preaching trip in Botswana, he finally felt the Lord leading him to rent the National Stadium and the stadium for a crusade.
By this time, the people who attended Bonnke’s preaching were very few, so he didn’t know how he could fill a stadium. But he told the Lord ‘if you say so, I will. It is finished. I will.’
And so he approached a local church—which numbered 40 members—to assist him to organize the crusade, but they disbelieved his claims of divine guidance, and so did believers in other denominations in the city.
With no one willing to assist him, Bonnke continued alone, realizing he would have to depend solely on the Lord. And so he told the Lord “I’ll do the preaching and You bring in the people,”.
For the first night of the crusade, Bonnke rented an 800-seat town hall. However when only 100 people showed up, he was disappointed, wondering how he could ever fill a stadium. But then after 10 minutes, without his preaching upon divine healing, the power of God erupted in the hall. People jumped up from their seats shouting, `I’m healed!'”
Within days the town hall was packed to capacity with people sitting two to a chair. From there the crusade moved to the National Stadium. There, Bonnke preached to 10,000 people.
By the seventh night of meetings in the National Stadium, attendance had reached 40,000.
And from then on Bonnke’s ministry continued to see enormous crowds, with manifestations of mighty miracles and power.

It is indeed good to trust in the Lord at all times and not lean on our own understanding.
Though sometimes things may appear rough at the beginning, when we continue to trust in God and believe His Word, we will eventually see His promises come to manifestation.
Sometimes great achievement starts with crisis. It is said, the night is often darkest just before the day dawns. But no matter how rough the road, you have to persevere, and keep your eyes on Jesus. You have to maintain a winner`s attitude and keep pressing forward.
This is why it is important to take time to hear from God on every issue. When you seek God and hear from Him, you will be infused with unshakeable faith to keep moving forward no matter the obstacles. People may refuse to help you or be against you, but when God is on your side nothing can stop you. It is only a matter of time before you win. Though your beginning may be small your later end will greatly increase.
One key lesson the year 2020 should teach every believer is to always keep our eyes on Jesus.
This year we saw the foundation of the world system being shaken, yet Christ remained for us the solid rock upon which we stand. This year taught us that our hope is in Christ alone, not in a job, a house, car, bank account etc. And for those who put their trust in the Lord, He didn’t allow anyone to be ashamed. Despite all the trauma and drama of 2020, His grace has carried us through.
Certainly, 2020 was the year of the press, the stretch, the shift, and the strain. Yet in all these things, through Christ we have been more than conquerors.
Where our strength stopped, God’s grace took over. When we should’ve gone under, God caused us to go over. When we didn’t see a way, He made a way.
When we look back at the events of this year, we can see that God’s faithfulness manifested at every turn. He not only gave us the grace to start out this year, He is also giving us the grace to finish well and strong.

Philippians 1:6 says ‘I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it…”[AMP]

Certainly what God has started in our lives this year, He will bring to a flourishing end. God is not only the author, He is also the finisher of our faith. He will surely perfect all that concerns us. Let us therefore in this season, tap into the grace of divine completion, by praising and blessing God for the great and mighty things He is set to do in our lives.

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for all Your marvelous doings in my life this year. I know indeed you are working out all things together for my good. By Your grace, certainly I am finishing this year well and strong in Jesus Name. ..
QUOTE
To get into the next level of your life, God will always give a specific instruction. – WORDBITE 222.

Psalm 34:1-3 ‘I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.’

DAILY READING; Acts 10:1-33; Joshua 7-8; Job 24

The performance of George Frideric Handel’s ‘Messiah’ has become an inseparable part of the Christmas festivities. However the story behind the composition of this classical music, is a remarkable reflection of God’s faithfulness.
Though George Frederick Handel had been a famous musician, by 1741, he faced a health and financial crisis. He found himself heavily in debt after a string of musical failures, and it seemed he was headed for the debtors’ prison. Added to that, a cerebral hemorrhage had paralyzed his right side. He could no longer write, and doctors gave him little hope for recovery.
Often he would wander through the streets of London, angry at life.
However, despite his seemingly hopeless situation, God’s faithfulness showed up. When he travelled to France and underwent treatment for his paralysis, his health greatly improved and he was able to write music once more. But then he was still faced with great financial challenges. At that time, England was passing through hard economic times, and many of his intended concerts and performances had been canceled.
Then one night, a friend of his, showed up at his home and explained that he had just written a libretto from the Bible and believed that Handel was the man to set it to music. Reading through it, Handle identified with Christ’s suffering when he read such lines as “He was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief”.
As Handel picked up his pen to begin writing the music, he could feel the presence of God. Handel composed ‘Messiah’ in a record 24 days, without much sleep or food.
The first performance in Dublin on April 13, 1742, was a huge success. The ‘Messiah’ would become one of the greatest music in history. It changed Handel’s fortune and became his crowning achievement. Today George Frideric Handel is regarded as one of the greatest composers of all time..

At a time when Handel thought his life and career was over, God’s faithfulness showed up, and his later end became greater than his beginning.
Just like Handel, at some points in life, we have faced situations that left us feeling broken. Perhaps you had challenges that seemed overwhelming or went through such rough situations that made you think you might never make it. .
Especially this year, perhaps there were moments you felt ‘pressed beyond measure’ and times you almost felt tempted to give up.
However, no matter what you went through, you must understand that God has remained faithful and steadfast and it was only by His mercies that you were not consumed.
Despite all the rough rides and tough times here you are, finally about to cross over into the New year. Certainly God’s grace and mercy has preserved you. Even in those moments you came close to the edge, God did not allow you to fall off, He had His arms of love wrapped all around you.
You only have to look at the news to see how many people died this year, even the rich and famous. Yet in every situation the Blood of the covenant kept speaking ‘mercy’ over you.
Therefore in these few remaining days of this year, it should be a time of sober reflection for us. We should take time to sit before God like David did in 2 Samuel 7:18. From a heart of gratitude David had said to God. “Who am I, Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?’
Certainly, we are not the smartest, hardest working, or most knowledgeable, yet God has kept us and brought us through this notable year.
Truly God has been good. God has been faithful. God has done exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask, think or imagine.
Let us not take God’s goodness for granted so that we do not become grounded. If perhaps some expectations were not fulfilled this year, let us still thank God for our lives. As long as you are joined to the living there is hope for you. The God who has brought you this far will not leave you nor forsake you. What He has promised He will surely bring to pass in your life. What you need to do is keep aligning yourself to His will, through a lifestyle of diligent study of the Word, worship and fervent prayers.
Certainly His hand that has preserved us thus far, will yet take us to even greater heights.

PRAYER: Lord, I am truly grateful for how far You have brought me this year. Thank You Lord for Your steadfast love and continual faithfulness in my life. I indeed judge You faithful. May your praise continually be on my lips now and forever in Jesus Name. .

QUOTE
God’s promises in Christ in your life may appear delayed, but never forget that delays are not denials. WORDBITE 222.\

Matthew 2:11 ‘And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

DAILY READING – Acts 10 Joshua 4; Job 23

At Christmas, it sometimes seem as if Jesus is a stranger at His own birthday. Christmas is meant to be the season we remember Christ’s birth, but rather globally it has become the reason for hyper-commercial frenzy.  Christmas is typically a peak selling season for retailers in many nations around the world. Sales increase dramatically as people purchase gifts, decorations, and supplies to celebrate. In the U.S. sales run into trillions of dollars during the Christmas holidays and the shopping season can start as early as September. For many families, the Christmas season is also full of activities. It is a time for traveling, family get-togethers, parties, eating copious amounts of delicious food, and opening presents. This cultural celebrations of Christmas have indeed made it hard to focus on the origins of this day.

Matthew 2:11 says ‘And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.’

The wise men not only brought presents to Jesus but they also worshiped Him. Beyond the presents of this season, let us focus on His Presence. Jesus is the reason for theseason.The true meaning of Christmas is appreciating God for the greatest gift of all; The gift of His son Jesus Christ. Can you imagine what the world would have been like if Christ hadn’t come. We would have been lost, hopeless, miserable and condemned to eternal damnation. It is true we desire miracles from God, but let us always thank Him for the greatest miracle of all, which is salvation through Christ.

Truly God deserves our praise in this season. And as we celebrate Christmas today let us pause and ask ourselves, what birthday gift do we have for Christ? Presenting our bodies to God as a living sacrifice will be a worthy present.

Romans 12:1 says ‘I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.’

Christ will be pleased when we gift him with a life focused and centered on pleasing Him. John 4:23 says God is seeking for worshippers in spirit and in truth. Let us therefore decide today to gift Christ with re-dedication of our lives to His service. Indeed may our lives become a sweet smelling savour, holy and acceptable unto Him..

PRAYER:  Father, I  thank You for the amazing gift You have given  to us through the birth of Christ. In appreciation of Your gift, please grant me the grace to live a life that constantly pleases You and glorifies You always in Jesus name. .

 quote

It takes a heart for God to make a mark in the sands of time. – WORDBITE 201.

1 John 3:8 ‘..For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

DAILY READING; • Acts 9:1-25; Joshua 3:1-5:1; Job 22

If you spend Christmas in Japan, you might be a little surprised or even confused. Though only about 1 percent of the Japanese population are Christians, Christmas is celebrated in a very big way. However the celebration is not about the birth of Christ, rather it is only a cosmetic and commercial event with plethora of Christmas markets and stunning illuminations dotting every corner.
The Japanese follow the western Christmas traditions of exchanging gifts, singing yuletide songs, decorating trees, special seasonal treats etc. However, the general Japanese populace do not do is honor Christ at Christmas.
This is because Japan is nearly 99% Shinto and Buddhist. However, they make a big fuss over St Nick, Rudolph, Frosty and santa. Their santa is sometimes dressed like a Samurai. A missionary to Japan was even once asked if Christmas was Santa’s birthday.

Their Christmas Eve is often celebrated more than Christmas Day. The Japanese Christmas Eve resembles Valentine’s Day celebrations in the UK and the USA. On that day, couples spend time together, exchange presents, go for walks to look at the Christmas lights and have a romantic dinner.
Indeed the Japanese are greatly attracted to the glitter and sparkle of Christmas, and have adopted nearly every of it’s tradition except the spiritual significance of the season.

Just like the Japanese, many people today are only attracted to the glitter of Christmas. They revel in the traditions and celebrations of the season, but never grasp the spiritual significance. Certainly, Jesus did not come to the earth to establish the commercial chaos that the world today calls Christmas. He came to execute God’s well laid out plan to destroy the devil and set men free.
Jesus came to fulfill the promise that God made in Genesis 3:15, which was that the Seed of the woman, would crush the head of the serpent.
Indeed the arrival of Jesus at the manger in Bethlehem marked the beginning of the destruction of every works of darkness.

1 John 3:8 says ‘..For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Jesus came to bring an end to the enemy’s threefold agenda of killing, stealing and destroying.
Therefore the celebration of Christmas is the celebration of the Child that was born to save the world and set it free from bondage. We rejoice that God’s Son has come to free the captives and lift the burdens of men. His coming to earth means that God has come to tabernacle with man.

Mathew 1:23 says “Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel” (which being interpreted is, “God with us”).

Indeed Jesus is our Emmanuel. He is our Jehovah Shammah – the Lord Who is there. He is our ever present help in every time of need. In the darkest of nights, in the toughest of trials, Jesus is always there. Those times it feels as if you are alone and no one understands, He is your Emmanuel, God with you. In fiery trials, He will be for you the fourth man in the fire.
When there seems to be no way, He says to you ‘I am the way’. He is there to catch your tears and chase away your fears.
He is the friend that sticks closer than a brother.
Jesus has come to be your burden bearer. He has come to fight your battles. In situations that seem too tough, He tells you ‘you do not need to fight in this battle, stand ye still and see the salvation of the Lord’
Therefore let this season remind you that you are never alone.
While the world may focus only on the glitter of Christmas, let your focus be on the fact that God is ever with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Therefore, purpose in your heart to draw closer to God through study of His Word, prayer and fellowship with the Spirit. Indeed as you draw close to God, He will draw close to you. Certainly His Presence around you will make all the difference in your life.

PRAYER; Father, I thank You because You are always there for me. Please grant me the grace to do all I need to do spiritually to draw closer to You because I know Your Presence is my guarantee of constant victory 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

Isaiah 9:6 ‘For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’

DAILY READING; Acts 8:26-40; Joshua 1-2; Job 21

World War 1 was one of the most brutal wars in history. By Christmas Eve of 1914, the war had been raging for almost five months. When Pope Benedict XV called for a Christmas truce, the idea was officially rejected. But something amazing happened on the Western front. No one knows how it actually started, but on that Christmas Eve, there was sudden peace on the warfront.
German soldiers began singing “Silent Night” in German, and the British soldiers on the other side of the great divide joined in English. These men sang Christmas carols in two different languages – in the middle of a war. Soldiers who hours before had been attempting to kill one another were now singing together about the wonder of Christ’s birth.
Then the Germans started calling out, “Merry Christmas, Englishmen.” The British soldiers also responded, wishing the Germans a merry Christmas in return.
The next morning which was Christmas Day, soldiers from the British and German sides, all climbed out of their trenches, unarmed. A system of trenches had separated the two warring sides, with the area in between regarded as “No Man’s Land.” These soldiers walked across this area and exchanged gifts of drinks, food and even souvenirs such as hats and buttons. Recently killed soldiers were allowed to be retrieved and buried, and the soldiers held joint services. These enemies smiled at each other and shook hands. There was even a report of soccer matches between these enemy troops.
For a brief moment, in that sacred interlude, there was peace and good will among these warring men. Historians continue to be amazed at this inexplicable truce in WW1, when the celebration of Christ’s birth brought cease-fire in the midst of the fierce war.

This momentary truce on Christmas day was very significant of the reason why Jesus was born. The saving power of His birth, death and resurrection has made it possible for us to have peace even in the midst of wars, woes and troubles in the world. Indeed peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God in any situation.

Today, while there is a global threat of pandemic, financial uncertainties and social unrest; through Christ we can continue to have the peace that passes all understanding.
At Christ’s birth, angels made it known that He was to be the great peace–bringer. On that night, they proclaimed to the shepherds in the field “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” [Luke 2:14-17]
Jesus indeed has come to bring peace to mankind. He has come on a rescue mission to end every storm and establish His reign of peace in our lives.

Isaiah 9:6 says ‘For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’

Truly Jesus is our prince of peace. The earth will know real peace at His millennial government when wars will cease and armies will be dismantled. However, before that time, Christ’s rule of peace has already started in the life of every believer. He paid the price for our peace at the cross. Isaiah 53:5 says that the chastisement of our peace was upon Him. He was beaten to bring us shalom.
Shalom is a Hebrew word that means peace, harmony, completeness, prosperity, welfare and tranquility. It means wholeness – nothing missing and nothing broken.
Jesus is our shalom, and as long as we abide in Him through His Word, we can have inexplicable peace and joy despite the storms in the world.
In John 16:33 Jesus said ‘..in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’
Truly Jesus has overcome the world for us. He has come to calm every storm in our lives. He has come to be our bridge over every troubled water. It doesn’t matter what you may be facing, Jesus is declaring peace over every storm in your life today. Because He lives, you shall live also.

In John 14:27 Jesus said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Through Christ we never have to be afraid or have our hearts troubled for any reason. Though fear and anxiety may be gripping the world, our insurance remains the assurance of God’s Word.
Therefore today, as we celebrate Christmas, let us deliberately thank God for the peace that Christ brought to us. Let us thank Him for peace in our health, finances, family and all that concerns us. May indeed the celebration of Christmas today, mark the beginning of a new season of wholeness, soundness, joy, peace and tranquility in our lives.

PRAYER. Father, I thank You for constantly surrounding me with Your peace that passes all understanding. Let the celebration of the birth of Christ today truly mark a new season of complete peace in my life in Jesus Name.

QUOTE
You don’t have light until you have The Word of God. The Word of God gives light on any issue in your life. WORDBITE222

Acts 10:38 ‘How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.’

DAILY READING; • Acts 8:1b-25; Deuteronomy 33-34; Job 20

On December 17, 1903, an event took place that drastically changed the world’s history. On that day, after many attempts, the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, finally succeeded in achieving the first human flight. They were able to get their “flying machine” off the ground and into the air.
News of the Wright brothers’ successful first flight would ignite great excitement across the world. However, before the news became global, the first person the brothers informed of their achievement was their father. On that very day, the brothers sent a telegram to their father, Bishop Milton Wright, informing him of the good news. The telegraph essentially said;
“We have actually flown 120 feet. Will be home for Christmas.”
When the news got to their family, their sister Katherine was so thrilled that she took the telegraphed message and hurried to the editor of the local newspaper in their hometown Dayton and showed it to him.
It was explosive Headline news that would have immediately catapulted that local Newspaper to national limelight. But when the editor glanced at the telegraph and read it, all he said, was “How nice. The boys will be home for Christmas.”
He totally missed the big news. He didn’t see the most important content of the message, which was that for the first time in human history, man has actually been able to fly!
It was news that would change the world and forever affect the mode of human transportation.

Just like that editor, in this season, some people may miss the really big news. Beyond the Christmas celebrations, the most important news of this season is that Jesus came to redeem mankind and lift humanity to greater heights. Because of His birth, we no longer have to remain on the floor, now we can fly high and soar to unlimited realms of success.
The coming of Jesus, marked our triumph over the evil forces that keep men grounded. God specifically sent Jesus into the world to destroy the works of the devil.
Jesus broke the chains and shackles that had kept humanity on the floor and set us free to soar high in life. During his earthly ministry, Jesus shone as light in the world and went about setting the captives free.
Acts 10:38 sums it up ‘How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.’
The essence of Jesus’ coming was to lift men out of the dungeons of darkness and cause them to experience greater levels of glory in God. He didn’t just come to set ideals or moral principles as other religious leaders, rather, Christ came to infuse believers with new dynamic power to live extraordinary lives on earth.
The Power of Christ working through Christians has indeed changed the world. The Spirit of Christ working through multitude of believers has altered the landscape of world history. No group of people has ever made a more positive impact on the globe as the Christian Church.
Many of the most amazing inventions in history were made by Christians whose minds had been renewed and infused with divine wisdom. Through missionary efforts the Church has brought Christian civilization to the ends of the earth. And even today, the Church continues to change the world through education, evangelism, humanitarianism, and social justice works in many nations.
No doubt the birth of Jesus has lifted humanity to greater heights. However, most importantly His birth has brought eternal life and light to every believer. Through Christ we have received the power to live in victory and dominion. In Him we have weapons of warfare which are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.
Let us therefore determine in this season to connect to this victory Christ has brought through living a lifestyle of diligent study of God’s Word, fervent prayers and worship. Indeed, as we celebrate this Christmas, let us focus on the big news of this season; which is that Jesus was born to make us high flyers and lift us to greater heights of power and glory.

Prayer; Father I thank You for the power and victory You have made available to me through the coming of Jesus to the world. In this season may my life indeed reflect the benefits of redemption and may I keep soaring to greater heights of glory in Jesus Name.

QUOTE
It takes a heart for God to make a mark in the sands of time. – WORDBITE 201.

Galatians 3:13-14 ‘Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith’

DAILY REAIDNG; • Acts 7:23-8:1a; Deuteronomy 31-32; Job 19

In 1993, NBC produced a film titled, “For the Love of My Child: The Anissa Ayala Story.”
The film is based on the true story of a sixteen year old girl named Anissa Ayala who was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia in 1988. It was a disease that was killing her inside and the side effects from the experimental drugs was severe. A bone marrow transplant was needed to save her life, but no donor could be found. Thousands of registered bone marrow donors didn’t match and no member of her family was a match either.
After a long and exhaustive attempt to find a living donor, it became obvious that Anissa would die if no donor was found soon. Her parents, Abraham and Mary Ayala, desperate for a solution took one remaining option; which was to give birth to a new baby, with the hope that the baby’s bone marrow would match Anissa’s. But the problem was that there was a less than a 25 percent chance for such a match. Also there was a 10 percent chance of Mary conceiving because she was 43 years old and her 49 years old husband had done a vasectomy, which he had to reverse. When despite these odds, Mary Ayala still become pregnant, she saw it as a sign from God.
However their decision to have a baby caused controversy. As major media outlets in America reported the news, a national debate erupted over the ethics of their having a baby to be a bone marrow donor. This became one of the most controversial medical debates in recent times.
But despite the controversy, Mary went ahead to give birth to a baby girl on April 3, 1990. Fortunately the baby was a perfect donor match for her sister. Anissa had a successful bone marrow transplant and made a full recovery from the Leukemia. The birth of the baby had helped to save Anissa’s life. Both sisters continue to lead healthy lives today.

While Mary Ayala had to give birth to a baby to save her daughter’s life, centuries ago another Mary gave birth to the baby that saved the world.
Jesus was born into this world for the express purpose of saving mankind. The Christmas season that we celebrate marks Christ’s birth, without which there would have been no salvation. Therefore as we go through this Christmas season, let us go beyond the festivities and focus on the real reason for the season.
The birth of Jesus means victory and deliverance for you. It means you don’t have to suffer or die from any plague or affliction of the enemy. There was a penalty of death hanging over humanity. There was gloom and doom hanging over the destinies of men. There was no help or salvation in sight. But God chose to sow the seed of His son into the world to bring the harvest of deliverance to mankind.
When God the Father, perfected the plan of man’s redemption, the birth of Christ was the first step in that glorious plan. His birth was the promise of salvation and His death was the fulfillment of that promise.
Jesus came to the world to be the final and ultimate sacrifice for sin. His body was divinely prepared by God specifically for the purpose of dying on the cross to redeem humanity. His birth, death and resurrection represents the greatest victory over evil that has ever been accomplished in human history.
Through His Blood, Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the law to enjoy the blessings of grace.

Galatians 3:13-14 says ‘Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith’

Because of the price Jesus paid, we have been redeemed from every curse to live a glorious life. It doesn’t matter what the situation may be currently in the world, as a child of God be rest assured that your case is different. As long as you are walking in covenant with God, the rod of the wicked cannot rest upon your dwelling place. Through redemption, you have been purchased by God and the mark of the Blood of Jesus has been placed upon you.
When the Blood was placed on the doorposts of the Israelites, the angel of death passed over their houses. In the same way by the mark of the Blood of Jesus upon you, no devil or disease is permitted to touch you or your household.
However your deliverance is according to your faith. Therefore diligently study God’s Word to build up your faith in the Blood. And also continually plead the Blood of Jesus over your life and over your family.
Let this Christmas season be a constant reminder that God has purchased deliverance for you. Because of the mark of the Blood upon you, surely no evil shall before you nor any plague come near your dwelling place.

PRAYER; Father, I thank You for sending Jesus into the world for my deliverance and salvation. Today I plead the Blood of Jesus over my life, my household and all that concerns me. Thank You Lord for constantly granting me victory by the Blood over every affliction in Jesus Name.
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When you obey God’s instruction you are delivered from destruction WORBITE 222

Genesis 8:22 “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.”

DAILY READING; • Acts 7:1-22; Deuteronomy 29-30; Job 18

William Lewis Douglas was an American businessman and politician who served as the 42nd Governor of Massachusetts. He also founded the W. L. Douglas Shoe Company, a highly successful business that became one of the world’s largest shoe manufacturers.
However before Douglas became nationally known, he started out in life as a struggling young man who couldn’t find a job. One day he was finally down to his last dollar.
That week, while he was in Church, as the collection basket was being passed, he sowed a seed he couldn’t afford to sow. He put half of his last remaining dollar into the offering basket. The next morning he heard of a job in a neighboring town. However, the railroad fare to that town was one dollar. Though he didn’t have the complete fare, he used his last remaining fifty cents to pay for a ticket that could at least take him half-way of the journey. When the train stopped him, he planned to trek the rest of the way to his destination. But in the town where the train stopped him, he heard of a factory in that town where they were employing men. He decided to go there and apply for a job. Within thirty minutes he had a job paying a salary of five dollars more than he would have received from the job he was originally headed to.
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He was apprenticed into the shoe trade. In 1876, he established his own business which grew rapidly over the next twenty years. As he prospered, he entered into politics and soon won the election to become the Governor of Massachusetts in 1905.
His success story began because he was willing to sow a sacrificial seed. The seeds he sowed in his time of need, eventually led to the harvest of a successful future.

Genesis 8:22 says “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.”

In creation God ordained the cycle of sowing and reaping as a fundamental principle of growth.
Everything begins with a seed.
If you had nothing in life, as long as you can have a seed to sow, it is only a matter of time before your seed will produce your needed harvest.
It doesn’t matter your present level, the seed in your hand can determine the direction of your future. You will always reap what you sow in life. Every farmer understands this principle: If you sow an apple seed -you reap an apple tree. We not only reap what we sow, we also reap more than what we sow.
Knowing then that we always reap what we sow – we ought to be very careful about the seeds we sow in life.
Every action creates reaction. The truth is that everything that happens to you in life is a result of the actions you sowed in the past. When we sow obedience to God’s Word we will reap His blessings. We cannot sow disobedience and expect to reap blessing. Let us not deceive ourselves, every man will reap the harvest of the kind of seeds he sows in life.
But unlike the crops of the field, which get harvested at specific times each year, there is no regular timetable for the harvest of life’s fruits. Some actions are reaped quickly; while others take a long time. However, one thing is always certain—the season will eventually come.
The principle of sowing and reaping applies to everyone, both Christians and non-Christians. It is the law that governs the universe and it is a law of life.
Therefore when you understand this principle, you will not be bothered by the actions of evil people against you. You will simply trust in the Lord and rest in Him knowing that whatever any one sows they will eventually reap.
The Scriptures lets us know that “Those who sow wind will harvest whirlwind” (Hos 8:7). “Those who plow evil, sow trouble they will reap it” (Job. 4:8). “He who sows wickedness reaps trouble” (Pr. 22:8).
Indeed understanding the principle of sowing and reaping should encourage us to hold on to God’s Word. His Word will not return to Him void (Isaiah 56:10-11). In every situation, we can stand strong in faith knowing that whatever God says He will do, He will surely do in our lives.
No matter the situation you may face today, you can determine to have a better tomorrow by sowing good seeds. As you sow the seeds of tireless service towards God and humanity you will reap a good harvest in due time. Certainly, your labour will not be in vain. All the tearful seeds you sow today will surely end in a cheerful harvest tommorow.

PRAYER: Lord please grant me the grace to always sow good seeds in Your kingdom knowing that my labour will never be in vain. Even in this season, I thank You Lord, for the great and mighty harvest You are bringing my way in Jesus Name. .
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To get into the next level of your life, God will always give a specific instruction. – WORDBITE 222

Romans 8:28 ‘And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose’

DAILY READING; • Acts 6; Deuteronomy 28; Job 17

When the early English reformer, William Tyndale, was translating the New Testament into English, he was living in hiding in northern Europe. Translating the Bible into common English was strictly forbidden at that time because the official clergy were worried it would bring heresy into the church.
While doing the work at a point Tyndale ran short of funds. He anxiously decided to sell copies of the first edition of his translation so that he could raise the fund for further work. But he was faced with the problem of convincing people in England to buy his translated Bible, since it was considered illegal by the Church and they could be arrested if found with a copy.

Then something quite unexpected happened. The Bishop of London heard what was happening and was furious. He was determined to stamp out Tyndale and his Bible altogether. So he commissioned his agents to buy up all the copies they could find and have every last one of them burnt up. Little did he realise he was feeding the problem he was trying to prevent. He got the books and destroyed them. But the money he paid enabled Tyndale to move to the all-important second phase of the project.
Tyndale’s new translation was soon printed and was instrumental in bringing many in England to faith in Christ. His translation became the foundation for the King James Version some years later with more than 80% of the King James’ version New Testament taken directly from Tyndale’s work and more than 70% of the Old Testament from his work

Romans 8:28 ‘And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose’

We don’t always realize how God can use our enemies to bless us. Persecution sometimes is a necessary fodder for our progress. oftentimes, God uses the very things that are trying to push you down, to pull you up. Those things that may look like a setback end up becoming a setup for your lifting.
This is why we should count it all joy when we pass through fiery trials, because it is all working together for our good.
Situations that may look like disappointment, could actually be part of God’s plan to get you to where you’re destined to be.
The truth is that the oppositions that come against you are not meant to stop you, but rather they are there to help establish you. Whatever the enemy meant for evil, God has a way of turning it all around for our good.
Though it may initially look like a stumbling block, it only ends up becoming the stepping stones to your new level of destiny
Therefore today, do not be discouraged by what may have looked like disappointng experiences this year. They could indeed be blessings in disguise. When you diligently serve God, He will use contrary situations to catapult you to success.
As long as your hope is in God, He will always turn things around to favor you.. Surely those that put their trust in Him shall never be ashamed. Just watch how those seemingly negative things that occurred this year, will all eventually work into God’s plan for your promotion.

John 3:32 speaking about Jesus says ‘He that cometh from above is above all’.

By virtue of carrying the nature of Christ we are meant to be above only. Therefore no matter how situations may have tried to push you down this year, you will only rise higher. Though it may have seemed as if you were being cut down in your finances, health or relationships, always remember that when it seems you are down to nothing, God is up to something. Behind the scenes God has been working and very soon you will see a manifestation. Therefore instead of complaining about this year, it is time to turn up our praise. Praise will always release the power for a raise.
God has indeed been good to us. And as we count down to the new year, it is a good time to count our blessings too. Surely, God is going to prepare a table before you in the presence of your enemies. All those things that tried to stop you this year, will be used by God to lift you to greater heights. Indeed everything that looked like a setback, will turn around to become a setup for your glorious comeback.

PRAYER: Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness and all Your goodness in my life. Thank You for granting me the grace to keep rising higher despite how many times situations tried to bring me down. Surely my story will only be from glory to glory 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.