HORM Devotional

Exodus 12:13 ‘And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.’

• DAILY READING – 1 Corinthians 9; 2 Kings 1-2; Amos 7

In the 2nd century BCE, the Jews were conquered by the Greek king Antiochus Epiphanes. He appended the title Epiphanes (“god Manifest”) to his name; but the people referred to him instead as Antiochus Epimames (“The Madman”). He sought to assimilate the Jews into the Greek culture and outlawed Judaism; forbidding Jewish practices such as the rite of circumcision, the study of Torah and the Shabbat ― under penalty of death.
He stripped the Temple of its sacred vessels, including the seven-branched golden menorah, and stole the silver and gold coins. The final blow came when in the Jews’ Holy Temple, he placed a statue of Zeus — the god he believed he was manifest— and sacrificed a pig on the altar. This ultimate desecration of Israel’s most holy place sparked a rebellion among the Jews. A small band of pious Jews called the Maccabees began to use guerrilla warfare – to oppose Antiochus.
Antiochus sent thousands of well-armed troops to crush the rebellion. After managing to hold them off for three years, the Maccabees beat insurmountable odds and miraculously succeeded in driving the mighty Greek army from their land. This victory was unimaginable because the Maccabees were hugely outnumbered both in manpower and weaponry.
After their miraculous victory, when the Jewish fighters entered Jerusalem, they found the Holy Temple a total mess, desecrated with idols. The Maccabees then cleansed the Temple and re-dedicated it on the 25th of the Hebrew month of Kislev, to which December frequently corresponds. When it came time to relight the seven-branched Menorah, they searched the entire Temple, but found only one jar of pure oil bearing the seal of the High Priest. They knew it would take eight days for more pure oil to be prepared and brought to the Temple, but they lit the Menorah anyway. Their trust in God was rewarded with a miracle: The one small jar of oil burned for eight days, until a new supply of oil could be brought.
From that day forward, Jews have observed the holiday of ‘Chanukah’ each year in honor of this historic victory and the miracle of the oil. They light candles or oil lamps every night for eight nights and sing special songs of praise and thanks to God for His awesome deliverances.
Though the battle before the Maccabees seemed insurmountable, because their desire was to please God, He gave them the victory. Today, the battles facing the people of God, may seem more than we can handle. Reports from medical experts and the facts may indeed appear overwhelming. But then God has a way of sweeping aside the obvious facts, transcends time and space to do what only He as God can do. He has a way of doing miracles that beats sense and logic. God has promised He will destroy whatever seeks to defile His temple [1 Corinthians 3:17]. And in this dispensation our body is the temple of The Holy Ghost. Therefore whatever disease or affliction that aims to defile our body will be destroyed by God.
Like the Maccabees we need to rise in holy anger and declare a war against every agent of defilement. We cannot just fold our hands and watch. We have to look beyond the medical facts and understand that we are in a spiritual warfare. And we are not wrestling against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places. We must therefore put on the whole armour of God and fight the good fight of faith.
The good news is that we have been guaranteed victory through the Blood of Jesus Christ. Let us therefore arise daily and enforce that victory. Just as the angel of death passed over the households with the mark of the blood, so it is today [Exodus 12:13]. The blood is speaking Passover to every evil. Indeed the rod of the wicked shall never rest upon the lot of the righteous.
It doesn’t matter how the great the opposition may seem, when God is on our side we have the majority on our side.
I2 Chronicles 20:12, says ‘For we have no might against this great company that comes against us; neither know we what to do, but our eyes are on you.’
In this season we must keep our eyes on Jesus. We must focus on The Word and deeper fellowship with The Spirit. Truly there is no impossibility with God. He is the God of all flesh and there is nothing too hard for Him to do. Our case is different. And as we rely on God’s strength and help, He will indeed defeat every enemy of our destiny and give us the victory.

PRAYER: Lord, Please help me not to be discouraged by what I may see physically around me, I know indeed You are greater than every battle I may face today. Thank You for working out all things together for my good, and giving me the victory 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

Romans 8:19 ‘For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. ‘

DAILY READING    •1 Corinthians 8; 1 Kings 22; Amos 6

When the great British evangelist Smith Wigglesworth died in 1947, doctors found that some of the bones on each of his knee caps were missing. This was later attributed to the much time Wigglesworth used to spend on his knees in prayer before God. Also found in his house, at the place where he usually knelt to pray were two indents on the wooden floor, about a foot apart. These indents had been made by his knees as he constantly knelt on the wooden floor in prayer. These discoveries indeed confirmed that during his life time, Smith Wigglesworth had spent much time kneeling in prayers.

The mighty miracles, signs and wonders prevalent in his ministry were traceable to these times spent in intimate fellowship with God. Those who knew him closely said, Smith Wigglesworth would spend his days communing with God in “prayer, prayer, and more prayer.” Friends who sometimes joined him in prayer said  that he would “leave himself and enter a different realm”, in his sincere communion with The Lord. One day, a pastor asked if he could spend time with Smith, in his prayer chamber. Smith invited him in. However after a while, the door slowly creaked open a bit and the pastor, sobbing and broken, crawled out saying, “there is too much of God in that room.”

Smith Wigglesworth was clearly a man who greatly loved God and enjoyed spending time in His Presence. No wonder God used him mightily.

When we truly love God, seeking Him becomes our top priority. And it is through such time spent with Jesus in prayer, that His power is imparted into us.

Today in the world, God’s power is needed more than ever before. However, to see the manifestation of His power we must be willing to pay the price of intimacy with God. There is no shortcut to power. No relationship, no power. Our love walk with God is what will lead to the mighty manifestations of His power in our lives. And the manifestation of God’s power is what will bring deliverance to men and set them free from every demonic oppression.

Romans 8:19 says ‘For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. ‘

Men like Smith Wigglesworth brought deliverance to their generation through the manifestation of God’s power. Many of them stood as watchmen on the walls and gatekeepers and stopped the encroachment of hell in their environment. And so should we today.

It is indeed time for the sons of God to manifest and bring solutions to the woes in the world. Especially at such a time  as this, when scientists are at their wits’ end and no one seems to have an answer, God’s power is needed to bring solutions.

And to see His power, we must develop intimate relationship with Him. We have to consciously, deliberately, intentionally, willingly, excitedly make ourselves available through deep Word study, prayers and constant fellowship with The Spirit.

Indeed to see a manifestation of miracles, signs and wonders we must seek God with all our hearts. And when we find Him there shall be a reward and our expectations shall not be cut off.

PRAYER: Father, please grant me the grace to pay the required price to manifest Your power in this generation . May I not miss my place in the end time army You are raising to display Your power in these endtimes  in Jesus’ name.

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When we fight by God’s help, we are sure of victory. WORDBITE 222

Luke 10:19 ‘Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.’

DAILY READING; • 1 Corinthians 7:25-40; 1 Kings 21; Amos 5

In 2019, prayers from believers in Florida stopped Hurricane Dorian from coming onshore. The monster Category 5+ storm of Hurricane Dorian was originally forecast to hit Florida because the city was directly in its path as it approached. Meteorologists had announced that they were pretty sure the major storm would hit Florida around Labor Day. However it didn’t happen because believers took authority over the storm.

Christians had gathered at the Jacksonville Beach Pier and prayed to keep the storm away. They stood in a circle and prayed and sang praises to God. They declared God as the Lord over the wind and the waves and the storm. Also the rabbis in Florida were praying as well. At this time the Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, who was visiting Israel had gone to the Western wall and prayed to God to deliver Florida. And God did answer their prayers.

Miraculously Hurricane Dorian stopped dead in its tracks, as the steering winds ceased. This was unusual because hurricanes typically don’t suddenly completely come to a stop. The storm then turned, took a hard right turn and started going north and spared Florida from a direct hit. It was just as if a wall had been erected against the storm that caused it to turn and stay off of the coast of Florida until it was gone away from them. As the hurricane watch was called off, believers praised God for this miraculous answer to prayers.

God has given us the power as believers to rise up and stop any storm that comes against us. In Mark chapter 4 when Jesus and His disciples were in a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee, a great and fierce storm suddenly hit them. The windstorm was so great that the waves were beating the boat and breaking over it filling it with water. And the disciples became fearful and thought they would perish.

This seems like what is happening now globally. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, an unexpected storm of pandemic has come that is suddenly changing structures and halting systems and filling many hearts with fear.

However, during the storm in Mark 4, while the disciples were afraid, Jesus was asleep! And as the disciples called on the Lord to save them, He simply got up and rebuked the wind and the waves saying, “Peace be still.” And the winds and waves were calmed. This is an amazing picture of the power Jesus has over the elements. And he has given us this same power today.

In Luke 10:19 Jesus says ‘Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.’

We have been given power through Christ to overcome every demonic storm . Every child of God can exercise spiritual authority to stop plagues from accessing their environment. The Holy Spirit is able to raise a standard against every flood sent by the enemy. In Revelation 12;16, when the enemy sent a flood to swallow up the man child representing the Church, the earth opened her mouth and swallowed up the water.

Indeed God is able to protect His people and defend His Church. Therefore as He has given us power and authority, let us begin to use it. Do not keep quiet and watch events unfold, draw a spiritual boundary and tell the plague ‘thus far and no more!’ And what you say, is what you will see. Remember, you have nothing to fear when Jesus is in your boat!

PRAYER Lord, I know that You are able to deliver me from every storm of these end-times. Thank You Lord for the divine protection I have in Christ Jesus, indeed no weapon formed against me shall ever prosper in Jesus’ name.

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Faith is more than just believing, it is acting upon the Word that you believe. WORDBITE 222.

.Acts 4:13 
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

DAILY READING –  1 Corinthians 6, 1 Kings 19, Amos 3:

The life of Mary Slessor, is a glaring example of what God can do with anyone who would believe and step out in faith.
On August 5th, 1876, Mary Slessor arrived in Calabar..Her only great desire was to preach where other missionaries had not been.  Mary would begin working as  a missionary among the most savage tribes of the hinterland. She lived among these natives and practically singlehandedly tamed and transformed three pagan communities in succession. On her long trips through the jungles and in canoes, she was often found barefoot, carrying in her arms twin babies whom she had rescued from being murdered. Her missionary career was marked by strange adventures, daring feats, signal providences, and wonderful achievements. From an ordinary factory girl, Mary Slessor advanced into the foremost rank of missionary pathfinders. 

Indeed Goers for God are getters for God. If Mary Slessor  could face the darkness of the African continent and overcome it with the light of God so can anyone strike out in faith and do the incredible. We  have to realize that it is not us but God working through us. 

Whatever assignment God has called us to do, will require boldness and faith to accomplish it. And the secret of boldness is being with Jesus.

Acts 4:13  says ‘Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.’

When we spend time with Jesus in His Word, boldness is imparted into our hearts. Knowledge of God is what causes us to do exploits. They that know their God they shall be strong and do exploits. When the Word dominates your heart you will be turned into another man. Your heart will receive an inoculation of Faith and boldness that will cause you to do extra ordinary things. indeed when we meditate on The Word we become bold and courageous, to possess the land.

When we keep our eyes on God we will be full of faith and be dependent on His abilities.
There is still so much God wants to do with our lives. There are territories to be explored and new chapters of exploits to be written. Therefore refuse to end up as another statistics. Dare to be different, dare to accomplish the extra ordinary by the help of The Spirit of God. It is God that works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Mary Slessor would often repeat, “It is not Mary Slessor, but God ..”

We are in a time when kingdom stars are rising. Don’t be left behind. Determine to stand out and shine for Christ. 

PRAYER: Lord, by Your grace, I will not end my life’s journey in obscurity, by Your light may I be distinguished from my peers in Jesus mighty name.  

QUOTE 
The battle you are faced with today is a good warfare because God has already foreordained  victorious end for you.  WORDBITE 222

Nehemiah 8:10
‘Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.’

DAILY READING – 1 Corinthians 5, 1 Kings 18, Amos 2: 1-32.

Known most notably as one of the biggest comeback stories in sports, Bethany Hamilton has become synonymous with inspiration. Her story of determination, faith, and hope has resounded in encouragement worldwide. At the age of 13 Brittany was already a rising surf star. Her future seemed very bright. However one day, while surfing, Bethany was suddenly attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark, which bit off her left arm.
She was immediately rushed to the hospital. Although she lost approximately 60 percent of her blood and underwent several surgeries, she was stabilized and released after a few days. Yet, despite what happened Brittany remained cheerful and kept trusting God. Just one month after the attack, Bethany returned to surfing, using only one arm, and within two years had won her first national surfing title.

Bethany’s foundation of faith in Christ was her backbone; and source of strength.

At 17 years old, she realized her dream of surfing professionally and she is still an active surf competitor to this day.

Her story captured in a book, was later made into a successful movie. Today Brittany has become a celebrity and a great inspiration. She realizes that though the enemy meant to destroy her with the shark attack, God used it rather to propel her to the world stage.

According to Nehemiah 8:10, the Joy of The Lord is indeed our Strength. Joy is not the absence of challenges, it is the reality of the presence and faithfulness of God, even in the midst of the challenges. Joy can be likened to a candle. You light it when it seems you are surrounded by darkness.

God never brings evil or tempts any man, but even when the enemy attacks, God can still turn it all around for us. This is why we should keep celebrating Him. As long as we keep praising Him, we can be sure that all things will work out for our good. God is able to turn our stumbling blocks into stepping stones, turn the test into a testimony and turn our mourning into dancing. Therefore no matter what comes your way, keep judging God faithful.
Indeed in everything we should give thanks. Praise is an expression of love for God, and we know all things work together for those that love God. So do you love Him? Then keep praising Him in every situation. You don’t have to understand or be able to explain it.
Joy Unspeakable means Joy Inexplainable! Just praise God whether you feel like it or not. Doing so shows you love God and trust Him to do what He says He will do. Despite the delay, the family problems, the health challenge, the red Bank account, keep praising God in the midst of it all. And as you do, you will be amazed at how gradually God will turn things around and cause it all to work together for your good..

PRAYER: Lord, let the oil of your joy never run dry in my life. In every situation, may I keep praising and blessing You, because you are indeed faithful, and I know even right now, my miracle is on the way, and my victory is sure in Jesus Name.

QUOTE
When you praise God despite your situation power is released for a raise. – WORDBITE 222

..

Psalm 34:1 ‘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.’

DAILY READING      •          1 Corinthians 4; 1 Kings 17; Amos 1

On Sunday, April 15 2018, an EF-3 tornado tore through the town of Elon in  Virginia,  causing devastation. Six tornados had carved damage paths in the area with winds of up to 150 miles per hour and a 25-mile long path of debris. At the end of it, about 26 homes had been destroyed.  Yet despite the great destruction left by the tornado miraculously no one was killed. And this was why the town’s residents who are mostly Christians chose to praise God, grateful that their lives were spared.

One of the residents, Gary Fink and his wife and five children had hid in the basement of their home during the tornado. After the storm, all that was left of their home was the foundation. Neighbors had to help pull the family from the rubble of their destroyed home.  The family knew they had escaped death only because of God’s grace. And on that remaining foundation where the Fink home had once stood, was where the neighbors all gathered together to sing praises to God.

In a Facebook live video, one of the town’s resident, a 17-year-old boy named Tre Tyree led the small crowd in the popular worship song, “Praise You in This Storm.”

“I’ll praise you in this storm,” Tyree sings in the video “And I will lift my hands. For you are who you are. No matter where I am. Every tear I’ve cried. You hold in your hand. You never left my side. And though my heart is torn. I will praise you in this storm.”

The residents of this town didn’t let the tragedy steal their joy or  praise, rather they chose to praise God. Despite all they lost, they remained grateful to God that they didn’t lose their lives.  After the storm, help came from various quarters as people and organizations rallied round to assist the community in rebuilding. And today, their homes have not only been rebuilt, but they are better and stronger than what they used to be.

Psalm 34:1 says ‘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.’

To rise to the mountaintop, you must learn to praise God while in the valley. Challenges are often fuel or catalyst that propel us towards our destiny. It will either make you better or make you bitter. However, our attitude of gratitude will always determine our altitude.

When Paul and Silas were put in jail for preaching the Gospel, they had a choice; either to praise God or to  complain. Bloodied and bruised, they chose to praise God rather. And God came down in an earthquake and delivered them from prison.

Praising God in the storm, which is a sacrifice of praise, moves God to act in your favour. Instead of complaining  over your health, choose rather to thank God for restoration. Rather than be discouraged over your finances, choose rather to thank God  for overflow,  thank Him that according to scriptures you will lend to many nations.

Psalm 40:2-3 says ‘He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.  And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God’

Praise will always guarantee you a raise out of any pit. When Joseph was thrown by his brothers into the pit, it looked like the end for him. However, it is interesting that it was Judah that convinced the other brothers not to kill him. Judah means “Praise”.  In other words, praise saved Joseph from death and he was delivered out of the pit.

Indeed praise raises men out of the pits of life.  Every time you praise despite the pain,  you’re making preparation for the rain. Though there may not be any sign yet, keep praising God; there is coming the sound of the abundance of rain. Indeed  as you keep praising, downpours of favor, blessings, restoration and abundance of God’s goodness are headed towards you.

PRAYER: Lord, I know You are always good and faithful. No matter what happens around me, I know You are in perfect control of my life. Please grant me the grace to always give You worthy praise at all times  in Jesus Name.

Quote

Your attitude always determines your altitude in life. –WORDBITE 222

Isaiah 40;1-2 ‘Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned’

DAILY READING 1 Corinthians 3; 1 Kings 15:33-16:34; Joel 3.

In January of 1815, a massive British force was bearing down on the city of New Orleans. The Americans, under General Andrew Jackson, dug into their defenses and did their best to prepare for what would be the final battle of the War of 1812. The Americans won an overwhelming victory, which saw one third of the entire British force either killed, wounded, or captured.
However, the most unusual feature of the Battle of New Orleans was not the lopsided outcome, but that it was fought after the peace treaty to end the war had already been signed. On December 24, 1814, the Treaty of Ghent had been signed in Paris, which laid out the terms for the end of the war. If news had been able to travel more swiftly in those days, the battle would never have been fought at all—and hundreds of lives would have been spared.

Isaiah 40;1-2 says ‘Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned’

Many people are dying today in the world because they lack the knowledge that their warfare is over. Many are battling all sorts of negative conditions and dying unnecessarily because they are unaware that Jesus has already paid the price in full and declared that ‘it is finished.’
Today many are living in fear, panicking from the news of global pandemic, without the realization that the Blood Jesus was shed to save them from plagues.

We therefore have an urgent duty to take the good news to the world and let them know that the warfare is indeed over. Christ has won the victory at the cross . It can be easy for us to become satisfied merely with our own salvation and membership in the church, while neglecting the dying world outside the church walls. The many truths we take for granted is what many people are dying for lack of. How can we then be content to hoard the truth, while many die in ignorance.
The urgency to preach the gospel must fill us with holy zeal to be faithful and diligent to perform our calling. Over the centuries many faithful saints of God have suffered severe persecution for the cause of this work, many have given their life’s blood for it. We therefore cannot become cold and complacent towards the spread of the Gospel.
Apostle Paul said in I Corinthians 9:16, “For though I preach the gospel I have nothing to glory, for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” Indeed necessity is laid upon us to proclaim liberty to the captives. We must preach the word in season and out of season.
It is a burden we each should take personally. We can’t afford to continue to keep quiet. Let us indeed go into all the world and proclaim the Good News of liberty to every creature!

PRAYER: Lord, I am available, please use me in this generation to affect my world. Let my light so shine that men may be brought into Your Kingdom.

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There is something that God has placed within you that the world is eagerly awaiting to see. WORDBITE 222

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

DAILY READING – -•     •  1 Corinthians 2; 1 Kings 15:1-32; Joel 2:12-32

The shroud of Turin is the most studied artifact in the world. It is a 14-foot linen cloth bearing an image of a crucified man, which many believe to be the image of Christ. Since 1578, the shroud has been housed in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin, Italy. When it first surfaced in 1354, many believed it to be the piece of cloth that wrapped Jesus when he was taken down from the cross, and which had covered Him in the tomb.

However, over the centuries, controversy has continued to trail its authenticity as scientists can’t seem to agree whether the shroud is the original burial clothes of Jesus or simply a fake. As a result, the Shroud has undergone more scientific testing than any other relic in human history. Yet no matter how much scientists test the shroud of Turin, they never seem to come to a conclusion.

The dilemma of these scientists seem similar to that of the Jewish leaders, who kept questioning Jesus to know His true identity. The Bible records in John 10:23-24, that as Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch, then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, ‘How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.’

These Jews wanted factual explanation of who Jesus was. Despite all the miracles and evidences before them, the Jewish leaders still couldn’t believe Him, and kept questioning Jesus about His identity until the last moments of His life on earth.

The truth is that Jesus can only be known through revelation based on relationship. No matter how much scientists test the shroud of Turin, they will only end up with more questions than answers, because Christ can only be known through revelation and not scientific evidence.

And Jesus only reveals Himself to those who are in a relationship with Him. When we are connected to Him in intimacy and love He will reveal Himself to us.

Our love relationship with God matters more than anything else. It is the basis and foundation of our faith. No matter how much any one works in God’s kingdom, if there is no love relationship with Christ, all the labor would be in vain. Mathew 7:23, spoke about those who did miracles in the Name of Jesus and yet Jesus said He never knew them, because there was no intimate relationship. That is quite frightening.

1 Corinthians 13:3 says,  that even though you give all your goods to feed the poor, and though you give your body to be burned, and it was not done through love, it will profit you nothing and it would all be in vain.

In Revelation 2:2-5 Jesus acknowledged the works and labour of the Church of Ephesus, but then He told them what He had against them was that they had left their first love, which He called their first work.

This means we should set our priorities right. The first and greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, mind and soul. When we so love God, we will come under His divine cover.  His banner over us is love.

When we abide in His love, we will be covered by Christ’s blood and exempted from all evil. Being in a covenant relationship with God exempts us from all harm. When we love and serve God, He will take away all the plagues and diseases of Egypt from us. Indeed by the Blood of Jesus we have fully overcome every plan of the wicked in these end-times.

PRAYER: Father, I thank You for making me an overcomer in every battle of life.  Indeed by the power in the blood of Jesus I have overcome every force of evil at work in the world. Thank You Lord for exempting me and my household from every plague of these end-times in Jesus Name.

Quote :

When God is on your side, anything is possible. WORDBITE  201

Exodus 33:14  ‘And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.’

DAILY READING – 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; 1 Kings 14; Joel 2:1-11

It is said that no country has given so many missionaries to Africa as has Scotland. And one of these sons of Scotland given to Africa as a missionary was Dr. David Livingstone.

As a young Christian, David Livingstone had just completed his medical education, involving two years of study in Glasgow and had a lot of prospects. However, when he went to hear an address by a celebrated missionary, Robert Moffat, all his plans for the future changed. As he listened to Moffat’s stirring appeals on behalf of Africa, speaking of “the smoke of a thousand villages where no missionary has ever been”, Livingstone became convinced that the “dark continent” was where he had been called to blaze a trail for the Gospel.

Later he believed he heard the Voice of The Lord saying: “Go! Preach and explore the unknown continent. Make disciples and open a way for the Gospel.”

At that point it seemed an impossible assignment to Livingstone, but again He heard the Lord say to him: “You will never be alone and you have nothing to fear. Lo, I am with you all the way.”

And so on Nov. 17, 1840, David bade farewell to his family and headed for Africa.

This promise of The Lord never to leave him held good and the Presence of God never failed him.

Often times when he found himself in danger and it seemed his end was near, he would open his tin box, bring out his Bible and read the precious passage in Mathew 28 where Jesus said ‘All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations — and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’

Miraculously God continually preserved him and kept him from all harm. Later, while on his first visit to Scotland, he was the recipient of the degree of Doctor of Laws at the University of Glasgow. As he stood before the convocation audience to speak, his body showed all too clearly the evidences of his journey in Africa; including more than thirty attacks of tropical fever. His left arm, crushed under the lion’s teeth, hung stiffly at his side. The great assembly was awed to silence and melted to tears as he related his experiences and then announced his impending return to Africa. “But I return,” he said, “without misgiving and with gladness of heart. What has supported me through all the years was this: ‘Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world!’ On those words I staked everything and they never failed! I was never left alone.”

Indeed the presence of God makes all the difference. The secret of success, victory and unusual exploits that anointed servants of God achieve in life, is in the fact that God’s presence is always with them.

Today, as we journey through a world filled with growing fears and uncertainties, we need God’s Presence more than ever before. And the key to carrying God’s Presence is maintaining a lifestyle of holiness, diligent study of The Word, prayer and constant praise and thanksgiving

Psalm 22:3 says that God inhabits the praises of His people.

When the Israelites embarked on the journey to the promise land, it looked like an impossible mission. But Moses understood the secret of carrying God’s Presence. In Exodus 33, he prayed God to go with them. And in Exodus 33:14, God said to him ‘My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.’

Indeed it was God’s Presence that made all the difference in their journey.

Though the Israelites, encountered many obstacles in the way, according to Psalm 144, God’s Presence made all the obstacles including the red sea to clear away from before them. Today, you may have situations in your health, finances, relationships, that may seem like obstacles, though the odds may seem high, be rest assured that the God who parted the red sea is still alive today. Those obstacles may look insurmountable, but it is no match for the living God.

When God parted the Red Sea and the Israelites went through on dry ground, Pharaoh and his men knew that the Israelites served the living God. Likewise, God wants to do amazing miracles in your life and make you an example of His goodness. Indeed we can experience God’s wonders through praise.

just like God drove out bigger and stronger nations before the Israelites, whatever is trying to hinder you today, God is able to drive them out. God’s Presence will preserve you from every plague of these end-times and give you the victory on all sides. As you begin to praise and thank Him, His presence will make all the difference. You are going to see increase, restoration, healing, breakthroughs, and amazing favour. It doesn’t matter what may be going on in the world,  just keep your switch of praise turned on. And as you do, God will keep taking you from victory to victory, from strength to strength and from glory to glory in Jesus Name.

PRAYER: Father, today, I choose to remain ever grateful and continually give You the praise, glory and honor for all Your doings in my life. I indeed judge You faithful and will bless Your Name at all times in Jesus’ Name.

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

Proverbs 4:18 ‘But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.’

DAILY READING – 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; 1 Kings 14; Joel 2:1-11

Bruce Olson, is a Christian missionary who is known for his success in helping tribes of South American Indians to receive civilization and Christianity.
Bruce got born again in his teenage years and immediately felt a distinct calling from God to move to South America and share his faith with a violent Indian tribe called the Motilone Barí, an indigenous tribe in Colombia and Venezuela. And so in 1963, when he was about 19 years old, despite warnings from family and friends, Bruce bought a one-way ticket to South America and with only a few dollars in his pocket he headed out to obey God’s call. Nearly everyone had thought he was crazy –or just plain foolish. Arriving in South America, Bruce Olsson got a mule and set out into Venezuela’s jungles to find the tribe of the Motilones. After wandering around in circles for hours, he eventually did find the fierce, primitive Indian tribe of Motilones. They first shot him through the leg with a five-foot long arrow and captured him, holding him captive for months in anticipation of execution. During those months, God gave Bruce a love and compassion for his Indian captors far beyond anything he had ever expected. Somehow, eventually his captors began to realize that Bruce truly loved their tribe and was only on a mission to help them. Overpowered by such sincere love, they would later release him. He began living and working among their tribe teaching them the love of God. Though Olson had no official sponsorship from a missions board or organization, in the ensuring years, he established medical clinics and schools for the tribe. He also translated Scriptures into their language. And he also led many of them in accepting Christ as their Savior. Today, the jungle people’s lives have been revolutionized through his ministry. Over 400 students from these jungles are graduates. Bruce has built facilities and trained people to work in health centers, schools, agricultural centers, and trading posts. Indeed God has done amazing things through the life of Bruce Olson.

As believers, we have a mandate to go into the world and share the love of Christ with the lost. Nothing should hinder us from answering this call. Oftentimes how to carry out this assignment may look impossible, but as we take the first step, God will gradually lead us into His perfect plan. When you are obeying God it may not always make sense. People may not understand it. But as you begin to walk in faith following what God has put in your heart, miracles will follow.
God will begin to make a way for you even where there seems to be no way. In Joshua chapter 3, when Joshua and the Israelites came to the Jordan River, there was no way to get across. While they stood on the riverbank nothing happened. But the moment they took a step of faith and their feet touched the water, the waters upstream began to pile up. On the other side, it flowed downstream until the whole riverbed was empty. They were able to walk across on dry ground.
When you follow God’s plan, and come to impossible situations, God will cause the river to part before you. God will open doors of favor, provision and miracles for you. Therefore do not be discouraged by difficulties and never halt or stop your journey. Continue to move forward. .Though you may not know all the details, trust that God is leading you step by step.

Psalm 119:105 says God’s word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. A lamp implies you have just enough light to see in front of you. But as you keep going further, then you will see more.
Today let’s begin to take steps of faith to obey God’s mandate to preach the Gospel to the world. In whatever way you can, begin to share the Gospel with the lost. And as you keep going forward, your path will keep shining more and more until you arrive at the fullness of God’s glorious destiny for you.

PRAYER: Lord, Please grant me the grace to fill my heart constantly with Your Word, so that I can be strengthened to follow Your plan and purpose for my life. Thank You for the grace to always walk in your perfect will for me in Jesus Name. .

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When you obey God’s instruction you are delivered from destruction, WORDBITE 222