HORM Devotional

2 Timothy 2:3-4  ‘Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier..

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

One of the best ways Professional boxers train is by fighting with a sparring partner. A sparring partner is someone who helps a boxer practice and train for a fight. Sparring sessions are like the fight before the real fight. Recently in the News, Anthony Joshua who holds the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO world heavyweight titles highlighted the crucial role his sparring partners played in preparing him to win his fight with Russian challenger Alexander Povetkin on September 22^nd 2018. He told the media that during his training camp  he sparred with fighters from different countries, to prepare physically and mentally.  He hailed these sparring partners for providing him with hard sparring and tough competitive rounds that prepared him to eventually win.

Hard sparring is essential to sharpen skills and develop true fight shape conditioning for fighters. Often people who are used to hard sparring, can endure a hard fight without getting knocked out. Therefore, when a sparring partner is hitting the boxer hard, he knows it is for his own good, he endures it, knowing that it is only preparing him to win in the real fight ahead.

2 Timothy 2:3-4 says ‘Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.’

We must understand that there is a training that precedes our reigning.  Preparation must precede manifestation. Many of the things we pass through in life like sparring partners are only training us to reign. And as good soldiers of Christ we must endure, knowing we are being prepared for something better and greater.

Often times, the great and effectual door God opens for you also comes with many adversaries. And you have to be prepared beforehand to overcome.  When the door to become king of Israel was opened for David, it came with many adversaries; including Goliath and Saul. However prior to this time God had trained David. Though David had no idea of the future that lay ahead of him, he had been faithful to prepare by fighting the bears and lions.

Like David, sometimes it may feel as if  you have been alone in the bush for so long fighting the bears and lions. But be patient, God is training you. God has a plan for you. He is preparing you for where He has preordained for you. No matter the level of success you think you have seen, God still has greater things in store.  For eyes have not seen, nor ears heard, neither has entered into the hearts of men the things which God has prepared for those that love Him. Do you love Him? Then get ready, God is set to give you, eye-popping, ear-tingling, mind-blowing blessings.

1 Timothy 6:12 says ‘Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, ‘

Let us be prepared to fight and win every fight of faith that comes our way. Each of these battles are training  us for reigning. Some of the things you passed through this year only came to better prepare you to face the coming year, which is the year when God’s glory will be unveiled. Indeed our light and momentary afflictions are achieving for us a far more eternal weight of glory. Maybe you had a setback in past years, but 2019 will be your year to see beauty for ashes. There is coming a reaping season. We are therefore encouraged not to become weary in well doing; do not be weary in maintaining a lifestyle of purity, fervent prayers, fasting and study of God’s Word.  God is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him. And He has not called the sons of Jacob to seek Him in vain. Therefore, get ready, for indeed your due season has come!

PRAYER: Lord, please help me to always submit to Your training for reigning. Grant me the grace to never be weary in well doing. I thank You because the due season has indeed come for the unveiling of Your glory in my life in Jesus name. .  

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God is preparing you for the season He prepared your breakthrough. – WORDBITE 222

Habakkuk 3:17-19

 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

 DAILY READING          Acts 6; Deuteronomy 28; Job 17

When he was the American President, Abraham Lincoln had to keep a heavy schedule of appointments day after day. However one day, in the midst of his very busy schedule, he was told an elderly Lady wanted to see him. Graciously he asked his aides to allow her in. He thought perhaps she required his help and assistance in one way or the other.  As the elderly lady entered Lincoln’s office, he rose to greet her and asked how he might be of service. She replied that she had not come to ask a favor. She rather said she had heard that the President liked a certain kind of cookie, so she had baked some for him and brought them to his office.

With tears in his eyes, Lincoln responded, “You are the very first person who has ever come into my office asking not, expecting not, but rather bringing me a gift. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

In the same way, many times we are more interested in what we can get from God in prayer, rather, that what we can give to Him. We know that God delights in praise.

Psalm 69:30-31 says 30  ‘I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.  This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.’

Sometimes we need to sit down and deliberately offer God praise for all His goodness in our lives. To take God for granted is to be grounded. As the year rolls to an end we need to take time to count our blessings and specifically thank Him for each and every blessing we can recall; the many deaths we could have died but God’s mercy intervened, the many times the enemy organized shame for us, but God’s mercy prevailed and His glory covered us from seeing shame. . Do you know how many times death came for you, but God said ‘No’. The same road you passed through without harm, some people passed through it and their blood got shed. The sickness you passed through and recovered, some people suffered it and died from it.

The reason why you are still alive today is because of God’s faithfulness. Left to your enemies you would have been dead  and buried long ago. Indeed it is because of His mercies that we are not consumed. So before you think of  your unreached goals this year, or worry about the size of your bank account;  thank God first for the very breath in your nostrils. The psalmist said let everything that has breath praise the Lord. As long as we have breath, we owe God praise.

Don’t let the enemy deceive you from praising God, by showing you the things that are not working in your life. Though things may not be perfect yet, you are still alive. And to him that is joined to the living there is hope. So there is hope for you. Truly a living dog is better than a dead lion.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 says  ‘ Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.’

No matter what it may look like around you, be thankful. The wonderful thing is that when you praise God, deliverance comes to bring you out of every tight corner. Paul and Silas were shut up in prison, but when they praised God at midnight there was an earthquake and their bonds were broken. There is a mystery about  praise that breaks every prison and bondage around you.

Let the thing the enemy thought would hinder you from praising God, be the very reason why you praise Him. When you praise God He raises you and causes you to walk upon your high places.

PRAYER:  Father, I truly bless You today because indeed You have been so good to me. If it had not been for Your grace and mercy all through this year, where would I be? Father, I am truly grateful. Be Thou glorified in my life now and forever in Jesus Name. .

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Praise is proof that you believe God to do what He said, He would do in your life, – WORDBITE 201.

Philippians 4:6,7  “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God…shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”.

DAILY READING       Acts 5:17-42; Deuteronomy 25-27; Job 16

Thanksgiving is a  National holiday in the United States, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It is a day well known for eating lavishly and celebrations. For instance during Thanksgiving of 2010, around 46 million turkeys were eaten in the US. That’s around one fifth of all the turkeys eaten for the entire year. It is also a period of lavish shopping. The day after Thanksgiving is called Black Friday. It is the biggest shopping day of the year.

However though widely celebrated by Americans today it was  a day that originated out of the sacrifice of praise.  The founding fathers of the American Nation had suffered a great tragedy, yet despite their pain they decided to give God thanks.

It all started in the 1500’s when England broke away from the Roman Catholic Church and created a new church called the Church of England. .The King controlled the Church of England, and ordered that everyone in England had to belong to this church. Anyone who dared to disobey would be sent to jail. However, a group of people in England known as the Puritans., wanted to pray and worship God in their own way.  Of this group, 102 pilgrims, not wanting to adhere, preferring to practice religious freedom decided to leave England and start a settlement of their own.  So the Pilgrims set sail on a ship called the Mayflower in September 1620. They landed in Plymouth after their long six-week journey on December 11, 1620. After a prayer service, the Pilgrims began building hasty shelters. However, they were unprepared for the harsh New England winter. As a result, half of them, about 50, died from sickness and starvation. Although their hearts were still heavy from these losses, they remained grateful and thankful to God.  The first thanksgiving was held by these pilgrims, in a show of gratitude to God for the bountiful harvest God gave them. They called together their Indian neighbors, and spent 3 days in celebration praising God. And year after year it became a tradition to set apart a particular day of praising God for His faithfulness. And God showed these pilgrims many miracles to prove He was with them. When they lost 50 members of their community and chose to keep praising God, today, God has multiplied that little group into the great American nation that exists today. And ever since the thanksgiving event has become entrenched in the American tradition. In 1941 President Franklin Roosevelt made Thanksgiving a national holiday.

Philippians 4:6,7 which exhorts us to “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God…shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

There was no way those pilgrims could have seen the greatness of the future generation, but when they gave thanks to God despite their loss, God brought amazing multiplication. It doesn’t matter what you think you may have lost, when you thank God for what is left he will surely multiply it beyond your wildest expectation.  A wise man said if you have lost anything God is the reason why you have not lost everything. So let’s thank God for what is available. When you thank God for His finger, He will unveil His arm for you. Thanksgiving is a multiplier.

To feed five thousand men, Jesus had just five loaves and two fishes, but when He lifted up the little that was available in thanksgiving to God,  great multiplication came.

Do not let any situation rob you of your thanksgiving. When the one leper came back to thank Jesus, his healing was perfected.

In everything give thanks. When we trust God we thank Him in everything. We trust that He is working our everything for our good.

Ephesians 5:20 says  “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”.

In everything we give Him thanks. In every situation we give Him thanks.  We do not look at what is happening we look at what is written. And it is written that everything works out together for good for those that love God, do you love Him? then praise Him and it will all work out for your good.

Yes, you can be in the storm, but don’t let the storm get in you, don’t let the happenings around tamper with the joy in your heart. But when you praise God, He will raise you out of the valley. He will turn your mourning into dancing. He will turn your darkness into light. Be radical. Praise God even in the storm. If you can do the ridiculous, you will see the miraculous.

Like the American pilgrims do not look at what you may have lost, rather bless God for what you still have, and he will multiply that remnant beyond your wildest imaginations.

PRAYER: Lord, please help me to praise you despite any situation, let nothing ever stop the continual flow of your praise from my mouth. You are forever faithful and I know that indeed all things are working out together for my good in Jesus Name.   

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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.

Psalm 34:1 KJV

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 Acts 5:1-16; Deuteronomy 23-24; Job 15

It is said that your attitude determines your aptitude. 

Viktor Frankl is the author of the book “Man’s Search for Meaning.”  In it he tells of his experiences as an inmate in several of the Nazi death camps during WWII. On 19 October 1944, Frankl was captured with his family and transported to the Auschwitz concentration camp. The Nazis killed his family in front of him. They cut off his wedding band from his finger, he was tortured and worked to exhaustion. Later he was moved to Kaufering, a camp affiliated with Dachau, on 25 October, where he spent five months working as a slave laborer. In March 1945, he was moved to Türkheim, also affiliated with Dachau, where he worked until 27 April 1945, when the camp was liberated by American soldiers. Frankl’s wife mother, and brother were all  murdered at the concentration camps. However Victor instead of becoming bitter decided to become better. Out of his pain and loss, out of the hell of it all, he came away with a deeper faith in God and, ironically, in humanity. When asked how he handled his ordeal in the worst place his response was this: ‘Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: To choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s way’

Indeed one of the greatest limiters or greatest releasers in life is simply your attitude. Ultimately the difference between winners and losers, is the way they view setbacks and adversities. Losers see setback as the end of the road, but winners see it as a bend in the road. 

The Bible says in Proverbs  23:7; “For as a man thinks in his heart, so he is…”

We really do have a choice about our attitude.  Like the Israelites, after God took them out of Egypt and into the Wilderness, we can be critical and complain about everything that happens to us.  Or we can look on the positive side with an attitude of faith that the God who parted the Red Sea is still at work in the world.

The Israelites got really tired of quail and manna after they had tried Manna Soup, Manna & Quail Casserole, Quail & Manna Casserole, Hot & Spicy Shredded Manna, Baked Quail with Sour Manna Sauce, and Sweet & Sour Manna.  They got tired and complained of the same food every day, but they had the wrong attitude.  They forgot about their life of slavery in Egypt, how bad things had been until God brought deliverance. No matter where we find ourselves in life we should always realize it could have been worse without God’s help. And rather than complain we should make it a habit to praise God in everything, no matter the situation.  

1 Thessalonians 5:16 says we should rejoice evermore. In everything we should give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us.

We need to discipline ourselves to find something in every situation to be thankful to God for.

Psalm 92:1-2 reads, “It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night.” This means we are to praise and thank God day and night. Philippians 4:6 says we are to do everything with prayer and thanksgiving.

 Every morning thank God for the day before, praise Him for today and what He is going to do. David committed himself to praise God at all times no matter the situation.  David knew how to celebrate God in season and out of season. And so should you! David recognized that by praising God, you make room for Him to come and change the situation and turn it all around to your favor. Because all things work together for good to them that love Him, and they that love Him are those that praise Him. God is God and He is good all the time!

If you are going through a bad situation, go into clamorous praise. It is no time for you to complain or murmur, rather  it is time for you to praise  God so that He can step into your situation. And when God appears every devil must disappear. So turn up the volume of your praise! God is still on the throne, He reigns even in that situations and He is more than able to turn everything around for your good. Give Him the Praise and watch Him work your miracle!

PRAYER: Lord, I really thank You for Your continual faithfulness to me. You are always good all the time and no matter what happens around me, Please grant me the grace to always give You worthy praise in Jesus Name. .

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

Romans 8:18  ‘For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

DAILY READING – Acts 4:23-37; Deuteronomy 21-22; Job 14

The California Gold rush was the most famous gold rush in American history. It all began on January 24, 1848, when a man named James W. Marshall while building a sawmill saw something glitter in a nearby creek. When he went to check the glittering, to his greatest surprise he discovered nuggets of gold. And though he tried to keep the news secret, the story of his gold discovery soon began to spread. People in other towns hearing the story began to rush to California hoping to discover gold too and strike it rich. This marked the beginning of the California Gold Rush. The sparsely populated town soon saw an influx of about 300,000 people. Roads, churches, schools and other towns were built throughout California. And in a few months, on September 1850., the sudden population increase caused the town of California, to become elevated to a state.

It is indeed amazing how the discovery of gold suddenly transformed  California.  Throughout history, gold together with silver have been highly sought after. However, the process of refining silver and gold to become valuable metals is not easy. It involves putting the metals through intense heat that literally burns and consumes all the impurities in them. In refining silver for example, the silver smith, keeps the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames are hottest so as to burn away all the impurities. He knows the silver is ready when he heats it to the point where he can see his reflection in the metal.

Likewise God often allows us to pass through processes where we are refined and purified until the image of Christ is reflected in us.

1 Peter 1:6–7 says “Now for a little while you may have to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold, which though perishable is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Though  the enemy may  bring trials and temptations, God still causes it all to work out together for our good. Life is in phases and seasons. There are times it may feel as if  we are in the fiery furnace. But whatever we go through, we should know that it is all for a reason and it will last only for a season. And the end result should always culminate in praise to God. The Bible says that, Jesus for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross. The same way, we should be joyful even in the midst of trials knowing that the end result is for glory to be revealed in and through us.

Romans 8:18 says “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

And 1 Peter 4:12-13 says  “ Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trail which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

We should praise God at all times.  Sing in the midst of your stress. Celebrate God in the face of trials. The battle is not yours, but The Lords. Shout Hallelujah, for your God is mighty. Never forget His benefits. God has indeed done great and mighty things for us this year, when we look back and deliberately count our blessings we will be amazed. Therefore in everything lets keep praising God. In the midst of high praises, God causes us to ride upon our high places.

PRAYER: Lord,  I know that You are good and You have indeed done all things well for me. Therefore, let nothing ever stop the continual flow of Your praise from my mouth  now and forever in Jesus Name.    

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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.

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

DAILY READING •          Acts 4:1-22; Deuteronomy 19-20; Job 13

Eric Liddell, often called the “Flying Scotsman” was the fastest runner in Scotland in the 1920’s. Born to China-based  Scottish missionary parents, he was a devoted Christian who not only persevered in athletics but also in the race of faith. While still a student at the University of Edinburgh, he became well known for being the fastest runner in Scotland. Newspapers carried stories of his feats at track events.

With his amazing performance during races, it soon became obvious that he was divinely helped. One of such remarkable incidences of divine help was a race that took place in England on July 1923. This race was a 440-yard race between runners from England, Ireland, and Scotland. At the start of the race, as the runners took their first bend, an athlete from England, J. J. Gillies tripped Eric Liddel, who fell to the grass. Gillies quickly took the lead. As Eric sat forlornly on the ground, with other runners quickly passing him, he was tempted to give up. Indeed for a moment it seemed as if the race was over for Eric. It seemed he could never catch up with the others. As he got back on his feet the last of the other runners was 30 yards away and moving fast.  However, despite the discouraging situation, Eric decided to trust God for a miracle, and so he lifted up himself and ran with all his might. He attacked with such pace that he finally overtook Gillies, who was in the first position. Amazingly, Eric took the lead, crossed the finish line two yards ahead of everyone else and won the race. Eric’s win in this race was considered by many as the greatest track performance ever seen in the history of athletics in Scotland. The media reported it as bordering on the miraculous.

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

As we run the race of life there may be times we may feel faint and be tempted to give up. Challenges can seem sometimes to overwhelm and discourage us. But then we must never forget that it is he that endures to the end that will reap. Enduring to the end is where the work really is. Starting sometimes, may be easy, but staying on to the finishing is what can be difficult. Anyone can have a dream but it takes perseverance to see it come to pass. Thus the question often  is not ‘will you start, but will you finish?’

When we are hit by setbacks in the race of life, we can get discouraged. However God has not only given us the grace to start, but He has also given us the grace to finish. He is called the author and finisher of our faith. We must therefore constantly remind ourselves  that we are not created to give up or quit – but to finish. No matter the discouragement, do not give up, do not give in. Keep moving forward  in faith. God, the finisher of our faith, has furnished you with finishing grace. Tap  into it and decide never to give up. If you don’t quit you will surely win.

Indeed you can do all things through Christ that strengthens you. Tap into the finishing grace, by daily receiving strength from the Word of God. There is power in The Word to propel and move you forward. The race may not be easy, but you are not running by power or by might, but by the empowerment of The Spirit of The Lord. Therefore shake off self-pity and believe that He that has begun this good work in you is able to perfect it. God who helped you to start, will also help you to finish.

Indeed you have the grace to finish, therefore never accept defeat. Challenges will come, but that shouldn’t stop you. Oftentimes opposition is an indication you’re moving ahead, because progress gets the enemy’s attention.

No matter how tough the race may seem right now, keep pressing forward. Do not quit, do not give up. Surely there is an end, and your expectations will not be cut off. He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. [Phil 1:6]. He will surely see you through. His grace to finish well and finish strong has been released to you. Receive it in Jesus name!

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

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The Treasures of God are never in the shallow end, but always buried in the depths of God’s Word. – WORDBITE 222

Zechariah 9:11 ‘ As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water. Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee;

‘DAILY READING       Acts 3; Deuteronomy 17-18; Job 12

Joel Osteen is the pastor of the Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, which has one of the largest congregations in the United States. He once told the story of how his father, John Osteen who was the founding pastor, gained victory by the Blood.

At the early stage of the ministry Pastor John Osteen used to travel overseas on evangelism. However at one time he noticed that the enemy began to attack his overseas evangelistic efforts.  At that time he had five kids all under the age of 12. And every time he was about to leave on a trip, invariably one of the kids would get sick. For weeks everything would be fine but as soon as he started packing up to travel, a child would come down with a cold or perhaps get hurt playing. One time, when he was about to go on a major trip, one of his sons was jumping up and down on his bed and suddenly fell backwards and hit the headboard, knocking himself out, and sustaining a big gash on the head that required stitching. It soon became obvious that the enemy was trying to keep Pastor John Osteen from ever preaching overseas. He became quite frustrated, wondering why his own family would start falling apart each time he tried to take the Gospel to the world. One day he finally  decided enough was enough. He knew there was power in the Blood of Jesus to halt demonic attacks and so he decided to apply it. The next time he was about to travel and one of his children fell ill, this time, he asked all his kids to come outside. He lined them up from the oldest to the youngest, and got infront of them and said, “I want you to follow me and say what I say”. He started marching them around the perimeter of their property, saying, “We plead the blood, we plead the blood”. Though the children were embarrassed because neighbors were looking at them and cars driving by were honking, Pastor John Osteen  didn’t seem to mind. He was determined to gain victory by the Blood. And after pleading the Blood around his home, amazingly from that day forward when he traveled none of the children ever got sick, or got hurt.

Revelation 12:11 says, “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.”

Pastor John Osteen overcame the enemy through knowledge of the power in the Blood of Jesus. We may not need to march our children around our compounds, but the point to be gained is that there is power in the Blood of Jesus to arrest any demonic attack. We are in a warfare and there is an enemy who is doing all he can to stop you from going forward, he is going about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. You must therefore know how to attack back with the spiritual weapons available to you. Our ultimate weapon in this war is the blood of Jesus. At the cross Christ paid ultimately with His blood for our deliverance, therefore affliction is not permitted to arise a second time anywhere in your life.! You have the victory by the blood!

Zechariah 9:11 says ‘As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water’

Through the Blood of Jesus you have been delivered from every satanic imprisonment. Through the blood we have been ushered into our year of Jubilee and freedom. When Jesus declared ‘it is finished’ at Calvary it truly means it is finished. Indeed it is finished with sickness, diseases, poverty, ill fortune and every demonic assault in your life. You now have the ticket to rudely walk out on the devil. But what you do not know you can not own. The Mystery of the Blood Covenant is a Kingdom secret that guarantees our mastery over life circumstances. To take maximum delivery of this benefit we must know it, believe it and put it to work..

God says in Hosea 4:6 ‘My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge’

We must therefore go for knowledge. It is time to seek for a personal revelation from God’s Word of the benefits of the blood of Jesus. There is no situation you face today that cannot be handled by the blood of Jesus, but the key to your victory is knowledge. Certainly when you know the truth, you shall be set free.

PRAYER: Lord, Please grant me a deeper revelation of the power available to me through the Blood of Jesus. By the Power in the blood I declare my deliverance today over every form of demonic harassment. Truly by the Blood I have total victory in Jesus Name.

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Your heart needs to be filled with The Word of God to the point of overflow. – WORDBITE 222

2 Corinthians 3:18 ‘But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the LORD, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the LORD.’

• DAILY READING       Acts 2:14-47; Deuteronomy 15-16; Job 11

George Frideric Handel is one of the greatest musicians in the history of the world. Born in the 18th century, he achieved early success in his  musical career. He quickly found fame, favor, and fortune, especially among royalty and noblemen. He fared so well that by the age of 32, he had become a very famous composer.  But years later, he experienced a change of fortune. By 1741 at the age of 56 Handel found himself in great debt and plagued by  health challenges, He had a cerebral hemorrhage and was paralyzed on his right side, so that for four years he could neither walk nor write. The doctor who treated him said, “We may save the man—but the musician is lost forever. It seems to me that his brain has been permanently injured.”

Though Handel later recovered from the sickness, he thought his musical career  was finished  and so he scheduled a “farewell” appearance in London in April. He was set to bid a final farewell to music. However before then miraculously, God gave him a change of story. At that time Handel was challenged by a friend to begin a new musical work which detailed the life of Jesus Christ from His birth and ministry to His crucifixion and resurrection.  Following a season of prayer and reading the Scriptures  Handel began work on this new music. He worked frantically, and after  24 days of near constant writing, he completed a 260-page oratorio, which he titled ‘Messiah’. At its debut performance, this music received rave reviews and exceeded expectations. It would quickly become the most widely performed musical in the  world. And to this day thousands of performances of the ‘Messiah’ are heard each year during the holiday season. Indeed at a time when Handel thought it was over, God visited him and gave him a change of story.

Psalm 30:5 says ‘For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning’

Though you may have wept in the night, your joy is coming. Indeed it is never over until God says so. No matter the situation God alone always has the final say. And when God is in your corner, nothing can be a barrier to your triumphant comeback.  Understand that God has ordained His people to be on top of the affairs of this world. Therefore whatever setback you suffer at any time is only temporary. Sometimes to scale a high jump you take a few steps backwards. And many times what looks like a setback is only a set up for a glorious comeback. Indeed as long as you are seeking and serving God, you are destined to end in glory. However, it takes transformation to reach your peak.

2 Corinthians 3:18 says ‘But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the LORD, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the LORD.’

To be informed is to be transformed. The more we look into The Word of God, the more we are transformed from glory to glory. Indeed if you will diligently hearken to the Word of God, and obey scriptural instructions, you are bound to end in glory.  Though the odds may seem against you, God is not moved by the odds. God controls the universe. And when God is for you, nothing can be against you. God likes to overturn the expectations of your enemies so that they can know there is a God in Heaven who rules in the affairs of men.  Though men may have mocked you, God will turn your mockers to become your workers. God did it for Joseph, suddenly placing him above Potiphar and his wife.

Therefore decide today, to trust God for His divine visitation in your situation. Surely, there is an end and thine expectation shall not be cut short.  What men meant for evil God will turn it around for your good. Where you were meant to stumble, God will cause you to soar. He will lift you up, He will give you beauty for ashes and turn your test into your testimony.

PRAYER: Lord, Please help me to always know that with You nothing is impossible. Help me never to limit You. in my thinking.  Grant me the faith to believe for the impossible in my life, because indeed you can do all things for me in Jesus Name. 

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

Psalms 67:5-7  ‘ Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.

 DAILY READING – •           Acts 2:1-13; Deuteronomy 13-14; Job 10

 In December 1997 Newsweek magazine carried the fascinating story of Karen Hartley, who was lost in a snowy night, but survived from freezing to death through dancing all through the night. On 24^th December 1997, during a skiing trip, 32 years old Karen skied out of bounds at the ski resort where she was holidaying and became trapped in a gully.  Her husband noticing her prolonged absence reported her missing just before 8 p.m that day. Immediately search crews went out to look for her and combed the region  searching for her. However, High winds erased any tracks that could have led them to finding her. Though the crew searched frantically, eventually the bad weather forced a halt in the search. And so  that Christmas eve, Karen found herself stranded and alone in the snow. As the darkness and cold of night descended, she wondered how she would survive the freezing cold night. What came to her was to dance so as to keep warm. And so Karen stayed under a large tree for shelter, and spent that Christmas Eve night in frigid temperatures singing Christmas carols and dancing throughout the night. Though she felt very weak and tired and several times wanted to curl up into a fetal position to rest or sleep, however she knew doing that would have caused her to freeze to death. So, instead, she chose to dance all night.   The decision to keep singing and dancing saved her from freezing to death. And early Thursday morning, on Christmas day  Rescue helicopters spotted her in the steep gully, and she was rescued.

In Acts 16, Paul and Silas found themselves in such cold night season. They found themselves surrounded by obstacles. Rather than lie down in sorrow and despair they decided to sing praises to God in the midst of their trouble. As they focused on God’s glory and greatness, God came in His might and power and rescued them. They would have given into complaints and depression rather they chose to sing and praise God despite their situation.

Perhaps despite  the many wonderful prophesies spoken over you this year,  you are yet to see the full fulfillment of those prophesies. Or perhaps instead of the promised blessings you have found yourself rather in a contrary situation that looks like a cold and night season. Well, you have a choice you could chose to lie down in sorrow to become depressed and oppressed or you could switch to praise and dancing for a speedy rescue and forceful turnaround.

It will take praise for the earth to yield any harvest. Psalms 67:5-7 says ‘Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase’

Praise is the platform through which God intervenes in the affairs of our lives. To see prophecies fulfilled without sweat and to secure God’s presence, we must engage in praise as a lifestyle, God will only come down in response to our praises. That means, to experience full delivery of prophecies we must engage in praise warfare. (Psalm 22:3).

As the year is about to round up, any unfulfilled prophesy can still be brought to speedy fulfillment and manifestation through praise. To enforce our harvest and experience a forceful turnaround, praise is the sickle. Every seed delivers on praise.

Therefore instead of dwelling on negative thoughts, turn up your praise. Learn to bless God at all times. When you learn to give God praise in the cold and night seasons of life, your victory is sure. It doesn’t matter how big that obstacle is, you and God are a majority. He will always cause you to triumph!  If you’ll dig your heels in and offer up that sacrifice of praise, God promises He will show up for your rescue. No matter how cold or dark the night, through praise you are coming out of every pit, you are coming out victorious. As you engage the weapon of high praises to secure God’s presence into your circumstances,  every mourning shall be turned into dancing for you in Jesus Name!

PRAYER: Father I thank You for granting me amazing testimonies as I engage the sickle of praise for the speedy delivery of my harvest. Every word of prophesy spoken over me this year must find speedy fulfilment in Jesus Name. 

QUOTE; For you to enjoy victory in The Kingdom of God, you need to develop a kingdom mind, that thinks in line with The Word of God. – WORDBITE 222.

Psalm 30: 11  KJV  ‘Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;’

DAILY READING – Acts 1; Deuteronomy 11-12; Job 9

In 1962, Victor and Mildred Goertzel published a revealing study of 413 “famous and exceptionally gifted people” called Cradles of Eminence. They spent years attempting to understand what produced such greatness, what common thread might run through all of these outstanding people’s lives.  Surprisingly, the most outstanding fact was that virtually all of them, 392, had to overcome very difficult obstacles in order to become who they were.

The truth is that adversity is a fact of life. And challenges often prepare us for the next level. Warriors are made from wars and champions come from challenges. Don’t expect to stroll to the throne God has prepared for you, there are always giants on the road to Canaan, so be ready to do battle. Obstacles are part of every success story therefore we must decide how to react to them. Instead of complaining we can react with thanksgiving, knowing that God is causing all things to work together for our good. When we trust God, what may initially appear as obstacles end up becoming stepping stones to greater heights in life.

The truth is that Challenges always come at the point of growth or moving to a new level. Tests often come before testimonies. Many times when you are about to soar to the next level God will allow you to receive an ‘examination’. This is to prepare you to handle that new height. Because each level comes with new devils, and you must be prepared beforehand to overcome, so that what was meant to become your throne does not become your tomb.

 So the challenges you are facing now may just mean you are about to go higher. Perhaps you are at the very edge of your promotion, so don’t be discouraged, don’t waver. Rather see every challenge as an opportunity to draw closer to God. Life is a continuous succession of both small and large challenges. It seems no sooner you get control of one situation than another comes along. But yet all these challenges come to make us stronger to prepare us for the heights we are destined to attain. Adversity pushes us to accelerate the development of our greatest potential. Without adversity there will be no growth.

So if challenges come, see them as opportunities for rising, trusting That God is too faithful to allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to handle.

Psalm 30: 11  says  ‘Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;’

Indeed God is about to turn your mourning into dancing. Weeping may have endured through your night season but now the morning has come for you with joy! Believe God for a total turn around and change of story. Never forget that we are serving the God of all possibilities to whom nothing is impossible. What He did before He can do again. What He did for Esther, Joseph, David, Daniel in giving them a change of story, He will do same for you.  Indeed  God is about to raise you. He is about to turn your trials to triumph. Surely as you praise God today, He will cause you to soar to greater heights.    

PRAYER: Father please grant me the grace and strength to overcome every trial and temptation. I thank You that even right now every stumbling block has been turned into stepping stones for me 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.