HORM Devotional

 MATHEW 13:44

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field

• DAILY READING – 1 Timothy 4; Isaiah 38-39; Psalm 119:121-144

Under the world’s sea beds lie treasures worth  billions of dollars. These are mostly from ships that capsized at one time or other over the centuries. According to UNESCO, there are  many shipwrecks scattered across the world’s seabed, many carrying treasures.  Under international maritime and salvage law, apart from military wrecks, all other shipwrecks are accessible to anyone in international waters.

The question is; with so much treasure buried under the sea, and available, why is everyone not out there digging up these treasures? Because the cost to access them is not cheap. Buried thousands of feet under the sea, it requires great funds, equipment, time and tireless search to locate them. This is a price, not everyone is willing to pay.

In the same way The Word of God is full of treasures, but it is only accessible to those who are willing to pay the price to access it, because the treasures are stored up in the depth of The Word of God.

Jesus said to Peter in Luke 5, ‘launch out into the deep and let down your net for a draught’

It is only when you launch out into the deep that you can get a net breaking catch.

The treasures of life are in the deep. We have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places. God has freely given to us all things in Christ Jesus, but it takes the depth of revelation by The Spirit for us to have access. Treasures are available, but the issue is the ability to pay the required price to access them.

Jesus said in Mathew 13:45, ‘The kingdom of God is like a man that discovered a pearl of great worth and went and sold all that he had to purchase it.’

And God says in Jeremiah 29, ‘you shall seek Me and find Me when you shall search for me with all your heart.’

When you find God you have found the greatest treasure of all. Good things are found in Him. It is His power at work in us that brings divine supplies and all else we need. God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think according to the power that works in us. This was why Jesus never bothered about supplies during His ministry, He had God’s Presence and power around Him, He could multiply loaves and fishes, turn water into wine, bring money out of the mouth of the fish to pay taxes, have people give him their donkeys and houses without fee. The truth is that He didn’t need money, God’s Presence guaranteed supernatural supplies and favor.

When you find God’s tangible Presence, you have found life’s greatest treasures. And God’s Presence is not found on the surface, it is found in the depth of The Word, through spending time in payer and fellowship with Him. Let us therefore make a fresh commitment today to begin to search the depths of The Word. There are treasures embedded there, there are divine encounters that can transform us.  Let us seek God like never before. When we find Him, we have found life’s greatest treasure.

PRAYER: Father please open  my eye to behold the wonders and treasures in Your Word. Please grant me the grace to dig deep to  access great depths in your Word, help  me to move from the shallow waters to the depth of The Word where Your Presence abides in Jesus’ name.

quote :

The treasures of God are never on the shallow end, but are always buried in the depth of God’s Word. It takes a personal discovery to get there. – WORDBITE 222.

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK TRIUMPH OF LIGHT OVER DARKNESS]

1 Thessalonians 5:18, 

 ’In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’

• DAILY READING        1 Timothy 3; Isaiah 36-37; Psalm 119:97-120
Thousands of tiny pieces of space rocks, called meteorites, fly around in outer space. And scientist warn that if any of these space rocks, of considerable size, ever hits the earth, the planet may be destroyed.

Five years ago, in 2013, a meteor that was 10,000-ton in weight and 56-foot in length, fell from the sky and exploded over Chelyabinsk, Russia, with the force of 30 atomic bombs. Though it caused much damage to the ground, and the environment, yet amazingly it didn’t kill anyone. 

This year, in April 2018, scientists noted that an asteroid, about six times larger than the rock that hit Russia in 2013, passed by the Earth at a very close distance, Yet miraculously it didn’t hit the earth. And the most disturbing thing about it, was that it wasn’t even spotted until it was very close to Earth. This means that scientist had little or no time to prepare or assess what the damage might be if the asteroid entered the earth’s atmosphere. 

With so many of these objects, flying around in outer space, even scientists admit that it is a miracle that life on our planet has continued without any fatal interruption. However, the truth is that, it has only been so, because God is in control of the universe.

In Matthew 10:29-31, Jesus said ‘Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered’

Nothing happens without God’s knowledge, and nothing ever takes Him by surprise. He is in perfect control. He even knows the number of hair on our heads. And we praise Him, knowing He is also in perfect control of our lives.  

1 Thessalonians 5:18, says ’In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’ 

Indeed when we realize that life on earth is a continual miracle and it is only by The Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed; then we are bound to give God thanks always. We thank Him for the miracle of sleeping and waking up, for the gift of life, for the salvation of our souls, for divine health, for the ability to use every part of our body; for the ability to eat, drink, see, walk, speak, learn and interact with people etc.

To take God for granted is to be grounded. Therefore let us continually praise Him, in all things, knowing that He is in perfect control. And no matter what comes our way, our life is in His hands. And if God has not yet failed in the running of the universe, then we can be assured that He will never fail with running our lives. 

PRAYER:  Father, I thank You for being in complete control of my life. And I know indeed that no matter what comes my way, You are able to perfect all that concerns me 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. 

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK REJOICE] 

Psalm 30:5
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning..

• DAILY READING          1 Timothy 2; Isaiah 34-35; Psalm 119:65-96

Evander Holyfield, is history’s only four-time heavyweight champion of the world. He became a devoted born-again Christian in 1992 and would publicly profess his faith especially before and after his boxing fights. However in 1994, two years after he got born again, he faced a great test of his faith. 

That year, suddenly, everything seemed to go against him. He lost his heavy weight title in a 12 round decision to Michael Moorer. Not only that, but after the fight, doctors and specialists at the respected Mayo clinic, after examining him, had just told him that he had a very serious heart problem and therefore his career as a professional boxer was over. This was devastating news. First losing his title and then losing his career. It looked indeed like the darkest night of his life.  But then Evander knew God. He knew that no matter what the doctors said, God alone had the final say. So he threw the doctors report behind him and went to God in prayer. He prayed and prayed, and even when it seemed as if nothing was happening, he continued to pray to God. And then one day he knew he had his answer. Confidently he went back to the doctors, and when they examined him, they were all amazed. They could hardly believe it. Evander’s heart was perfectly alright. He told them that God had healed his heart. The same doctors who declared him unfit to ever fight again, now gave him a clean bill of health. Evander went on to win back his heavy weight title. And  after a  successful boxing career, in 2011, he resigned as the undisputed world champion in both the heavyweight and cruiserweight division. 

Indeed what could have been Evander’s darkest night turned around to become his brightest day

Psalm 30:5 says ‘Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning’.

Joy is coming, that is why you should  never give up. No matter how difficult it may seem, hold on to God and keep pressing forward. When Evander at first began to pray and it seemed as if his heart condition was not improving, he could have given up and accepted the doctor’s verdict. But he understood that God is too faithful to fail, so he pressed on, until his answer came. 

Perhaps you too have been praying concerning your situation, though it may look as if nothing is happening, understand that God is indeed up to something. He is at work. Delay is not denial. Your day is coming. When Daniel prayed for 21 days, what he did not know was that from the first day he began to pray, an angel was dispatched on his behalf. So no matter how silent things may look outwardly, understand that a lot is happening spiritually. The ground may be still, but it does not mean the earth is not rotating. 

Though you may not sometimes see it clearly, you can trust that God is at work in your situation. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will always make a way even where there seems to be no way.

Therefore, keep holding on to God’s Word and His promises. You will not be defeated, you will not be overcome. Your strength will be renewed like the eagles’ and you will rise and soar again. No matter how dark your night, it will surely break forth into your day.  Your joy is coming, your victory is on the way and your testimony is sure in Jesus Name.
PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for Your continual goodness and faithfulness in my life. And no matter what situations I face, I know that You are indeed working it all out for my good 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. 

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK REJOICE] 

Eph. 6:12  
‘“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”.

DAILY READING –     1 Timothy 1; Isaiah 31-33; Psalm 119:33-64

George Foreman, former two-time world’s heavyweight boxing champion, is a well known Christian. However before he got born again, he used to drink heavily. In his book ‘God in My Corner’  he told the story of an incident that brought a turning point to his life. On his 19th birthday, he got so drunk that he couldn’t remember what happened that night. The next day, he ran into a friend who had been badly beaten up. His eye was swollen and he had cuts and bruises on his face. George wanted to get revenge on the person who hurt his friend. He said, “Man, you look terrible! Who did that to you?”

His friend looked at him in disbelief and said, “Are you kidding me? You beat me up last night!”

George was stunned because he couldn’t remember beating him up. This was a turning point in his life. The hurt he inflicted on his friend jolted him so much that George never took another drink of alcohol after that. 

Alcohol influenced George to beat up his friend, something, ordinarily he wouldn’t have done. Likewise, there are forces of ungodliness that  can influence men into acting in ways contrary to their desire. 

Romans 7:19,22-23 ‘For the good that I would, I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.’ 

If you see yourself doing things that you hate and yet you can’t seem to help it, realize it is a negative influence. For instance you know that scripture says that all liars will have their place in the lake of burning fire. And you really want to stop telling lies, but yet it seems you can’t help it. Or perhaps you find you can’t help gossiping, backbiting or engaging in any other habit that is contrary to the Word of God.

Well, don’t just keep making excuses for that habit, don’t keep saying “It is my nature!” “It is my weakness!” No, it is a demonic influence. See it for what it is and stop it! Don’t nurse it, fight it!  Destroy it before it truncates your destiny. By the blood of Jesus fight against it until you have the victory!

Eph. 6:12  says ‘“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”.

You must understand that we are engaged in a serious spiritual warfare.  Therefore you can’t afford to have a casual approach to sin. Don’t just keep watching situations, secure your freedom by the blood of Jesus. Rise up and begin to engage the weapon of The Blood against every negative influence in your life!  Our battles are essentially spiritual, therefore we need a spiritual approach for victory. With your heart loaded with God’s Word begin to speak against every evil habit. And as we fight we are guaranteed victory because God always causes us to triumph through Christ Jesus. 

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You today, that I have victory by the blood of Jesus, indeed today I declare my freedom from every negative influence in my life in Jesus Name. .   
QUOTE 
The battle you are faced with today is a good warfare because God has already foreordained a victorious end for you. WORDBITE 222. 
[ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK ESTABLISHED IN THE WORD OF GOD] 

Proverbs 11:24
‘There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.’.

• DAILY READING –  2 Thessalonians 3; Isaiah 29-30; Psalm 119:1-32

During the Dark Ages, a savage tribe called ‘the Franks’, repented and were being baptized in mass.  But they were professional warriors and proud of their vocation. And to make certain that they could continue to engage in fighting and killing, many of them entered the water holding their battle-axes above their heads.  As they were immersed, they made sure their battle arms never touched the water. They would then later claim, their battle arm was never baptized, so that they could swing it again in the slaughter of their enemies. 

Like this tribe, some of us sometimes tend to withhold some areas of our lives from God. But giving God everything is the only acceptable response in light of all He has done for us. He made a full purchase of us at Calvary and we are to respond with a full surrender. 

And one area where it seems some believers struggle with letting God take full control is finances.  

The story is told of a junior Sunday School Teacher who asked her eager 10-year-old boys class, if they would give $1,000,000 to the missionaries. “YES!” they all screamed!! “Would you give $1,000?” Again they shouted “YES!” Then she asked  “Would you give just a dollar to the missionaries?”. The boys exclaimed “YES!” just as before, except for Johnnie. “Johnnie,” the teacher said as she noticed the boy clutching his pocket, “why didn’t you say ‘YES’ this time?” “Well,” he stammered, “I have a dollar.”

Like that little boy, some of us clutch our pockets, when it comes to practically giving to the Gospel. Yet, in the scriptures, we find another little boy who dared to release what he had. And when he gave his lunch to Jesus it became enough to feed more than 5000 people and there were 12 baskets left over! That’s what happens when we give God what we have. We may sometimes feel what we have is not enough, but when we give it to God, He multiplies it and gives back to us. Giving  is the gateway to having all our needs met.

The truth is that no seed ever leaves your life. Whatever we give comes back to us, as a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over. God can do what you can’t do when you give Him what you have!

We have to get rid of the mentality of holding back. 

Proverbs 11:24 says ‘There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.’

Each time God asks for our Isaac, it is usually for our promotion. When Abraham laid down what was precious to him, God swore a blessing over him. And today, as we decide to make seeking God’s kingdom our priority, God will indeed add everything else to us
PRAYER: Father I thank You for releasing the giving grace upon me today, by Your grace I shall freely sow towards the spread of the Gospel, knowing that as I seek first Your kingdom everything else shall be added unto me in Jesus Name. .

QUOTE : 

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

[ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK ESTABLISHED BY THE WORD] 

Proverbs 29:18 KJV

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

DAILY READING   2 Thessalonians 2; Isaiah 27-28; Psalm 118

As Nigeria plays in the FIFA world cup, Victor Moses is notably one of Nigeria’s best footballers. For Victor, becoming a professional footballer is a dream come true. However it is a dream that has come at a very great cost.

16 years ago, Victor’s parents were pastors serving as missionaries in Kaduna. When the 2002 religious riot erupted, despite the danger to their lives, his parents stayed back to help the injured, and preach the Gospel of peace. They opened their homes to all seeking refuge. However in the heat of the riot they were attacked, their church was burnt and they were both burned alive. Young Victor narrowly escaped death himself.  At that time even at the tender age of 11 years, he was already nursing a football dream, and had been out playing football with friends. After the game he was returning home with excitement only to meet his parents in ashes.  Apart from the shock, he was notified that he was to be the next target, so his friends smuggled him to a hiding place. A week later, he was taken to London by an uncle to seek asylum. He found himself in Croydon, England knowing nobody and residing with a foster family. Despite the heartbreak and pain he passed through, he didn’t give up on his football dream. Even at school, he continued to excel in the game. With his excellent display of skills he was chosen to play in the English under 16, 17, 19 and 21 teams. And today he is currently the winger for Chelsea, the Premier League club, and a member of the Nigerian national team.

Victor could easily have given up, when his parents were killed. But he understood, God has a plan for his life. And so he persevered, holding on to his dream, despite all.

In the process of pursuing your dream, things will happen that will try to shake you off-course. In Genesis 37, God gave Joseph a dream. When his brothers heard it, they planned to kill him. They threw him into a pit in the wilderness, and later sold him into slavery. At the bottom of the pit, it looked like Joseph’s dream was over. But despite all that he went through, Joseph with God’s help eventually fulfilled his destiny.

Often along life’s highway, situations will arise to try to kill your dream. But it is not what is happening around you that matters, rather what is happening within you. What do you see ahead of you?  As far as your eyes can see, is what will be given unto you.

If you’re going to see the fullness of God’s promises in your life, you have to develop the ability to see beyond where you are right now. God has amazing things in store for you, but your eyes have to be lifted up to see Him and what He is doing.

When peter kept his eyes on Jesus he was able to walk upon the water, but the moment he looked at the raging storm fear accessed his heart and he began to sink.

Don’t get distracted by the storm. Realize that beyond what you see now, are greater heights, greater victories, greater strength and greater anointing.

2 Corinthians 2:14-16 says ‘Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ,’

It doesn’t matter how the enemy tries to destroy your dream, you will always triumph through Christ. Hold on to God’s Word, hold on to His promises. And as long as you don’t give up on your vision it is only a matter of time before you arrive at your destiny. Where no vision is the people perish, but where vision is people flourish. Therefore keep your eyes on Jesus, and no matter how the storm rages, you will never sink.

PRAYER: Father please help me to always keep my eyes upon Your Word and Your promises. Thank You for causing me to triumph always, by Your grace I will surely fulfill Your destiny for me in Jesus Name.

quote :

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

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK TRIUMPH OF LIGHT OVER DARKNESS]

 Isaiah 51:9 KJV

Behold The Lord’s hand is not shortened that He cannot save neither His ear heavy that it cannot hear but you iniquities have separated between you and your God..

DAILY READING      2 Thessalonians 1; Isaiah 25-26; Psalm 117

It is interesting when science collaborate scriptures. A startling find from Babylon record the actual names of Daniel’s three friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. A five sided clay prism found in Babylon and now housed in the Istanbul museum gives a list of men and their titles. Three men listed on the prism have names very similar to the names of Daniel’s three friends.

We all know from the Bible, the story of Daniel Shadrach Meshach and Abednego; the Hebrew boys who were carried into Babylon. More than just a bible story, there is historical account of what really took place at that time. Due to Israel’s disobedience God prophesied through Jeremiah that the people of Israel, would be carried captive into Babylon, where they would serve king Nebuchadnezzar for 70 years, then after that He will bring restoration to them. The historical account of events at that period confirm what God said, came to pass exactly as was prophesied.

In 607 B.C, the Babylonian armies came and destroyed Jerusalem and took the Jews captive. For 70 years the Jews were in captivity in Babylon. At this time, Daniel Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were also carried from Judah into Babylon. During the years of captivity Daniel in Daniel chapter 9, began to pray to God asking for forgiveness  for his people. In answer God brought fulfillment to His word to bring restoration to His people.  Not only were they restored God also brought destruction to their captors.

Though God was angry with His people, the moment they repented God He turned His wrath against their enemies. God set forth into motion events that would culminate in the destruction of Babylon, even as His people Israel would be delivered. Now the destruction of Babylon could not have been humanly predicted. Babylon at that time, was the crown jewel of the Assyrian empire, the epitome of religion and culture in the ancient middle east, seemingly indestructible. But according to history in 539 B.C, Cyrus attacked Babylon. And as foretold the great city of Babylon fell suddenly in one night [Jeremiah 51: 8]. Cyrus destroyed Babylon and restored the Jews back to their homeland, 70 years after their captivity, just as God had said through Jeremiah.

When the children of Israel repented and turned back to God, He sent deliverance.

God is a God of love and mercy. Whenever we stray He is ever ready to receive us back. When we understand the love of The Father instead of running from Him when we sin, we should rather run to Him. He is ever ready to forgive and to restore us back, as long as we acknowledge our sins.

For some of us today, God is waiting for us to turn back from rebelling against His Word, so that He can judge the things afflicting us.

2 Corinthians 10:6 says ‘God is in readiness to revenge all  disobedience when our obedience is fulfilled’

Isaiah 51:9 says ‘Behold The Lord’s hand is not shortened that He cannot save neither His ear heavy that it cannot hear but your iniquities have separated between you and your God..’

Sin is a separator between man and God. At this point we need to pause and ponder; Could the reason why our deliverance have been delayed for so long be because of anything displeasing to God in our lives? Two cannot walk together except they be agreed. By The Help of the Holy Spirit let us ask for grace to live a life totally pleasing to Him so that He can arise and avenge every enemy of our lives.

PRAYER: Lord, help me get rid of anything displeasing to you in my life which could be hindering my long awaited deliverance in Jesus Name. .  

quote

When you obey God’s instruction you are delivered from destruction.

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK TRIUMPH OF LIGHT OVER DARKNESS]

Psalm 61:3-5

‘For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah. For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.

• DAILY READING  1 Thessalonians 5; Isaiah 23-24; Psalm 116

Frail plants like vines can barely survive strong storms on their own. But when these vines cling to the oak, they can survive through the protection of the oak. During a storm the vine clinging to the oak is protected from the force of the fierce winds by the oak’s large trunk. And if the wind blows on the exposed side of the vine, the tempest only presses the vine closer to the oak’s trunk, where it is still protected from being blown away.

In our relationship with God, we can be likened to that vine clinging to the strong oak. As long as we cling to God we are protected from the fierce winds of the storm. And even when  it seems we are exposed to the wind, rather than separate us from God, the winds only succeed in pressing us closer to Him. As Christians we will sometimes face challenges.

1 Peter 4:12 says ‘Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:’ Peter assures us that challenges are normal, and we shouldn’t be bewildered or surprised by them. Yes, it is true we may have challenges, but thanks be to God who causes us to triumph always in Christ.

Times of challenges are therefore times we should draw closer to God so that we can experience victory through Christ. And often, in drawing closer to God in those times, we experience great intimacy with Him. Some of our most profound and intimate experiences of worship have come from those times when we had no one else to turn but Jesus. In the seemingly dark days, when the wind is blowing fiercest, and your heart seems broken, that is the time you have run deeper into the arms of Jesus. And you’ll never know that God is all you need until God is all you’ve got.

Psalm 34:18  says  “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.”

God really wants us to depend on Him at all times.

Jeremiah 13:11 says ‘For as the waistband clings to the waist of a man, so I made the whole household of Israel and the whole household of Judah cling to Me,’ declares the LORD, ‘that they might be for Me a people, for renown, for praise and for glory; but they did not listen.’

In the above scripture, the Lord had asked Jeremiah to take a cloth and wrap it around his waist tightly, then God said, that is how He wants His people to cling to Him, just as tightly.

Jesus emphasizes the same principle in John 15:4-5  ‘Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.’

Indeed without Christ we can do nothing. Without God we have no value. It is only in Him we can live and move and have our being.  God is our only hope in life. When the storms of life come, our only option is to cling to Him with everything in us. Just as that frail vine clings to the strong oak, we must run to God and cling to Him to survive the storms of life. Afflictions are designed not to break us but to bend us toward God.

Psalm 62:1 says “In God, alone, there is rest for my soul, From Him comes my safety. With Him, alone, for my rock, my safety, my fortress, I can never fall,” –

Don’t be broken by the wind, rather let it bend you towards God.  God is good to those that trust in Him. And He really wants us to trust Him especially in those times when the storm blows the hardest.

Whatever situation you may be faced with right now, learn to run to God. What the enemy meant to bring tears to you, let it be the very reason why you praise God. Trust that God is on your side, and even though you may not see the whole picture yet, trust that He is working it all out for your good.

PRAYER: Lord, please help me to cling to You at all times. Without You I can do nothing, my hope and trust is in You, and I know You will shield me through every storm of life 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.

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK DIVINE ORDER FOR A sLIFE WITHOUT LIMITS]

 Psalm 34:1 

I will bless The Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth…

• DAILY READING -1 Thessalonians 4; Isaiah 20-22; Psalm 115
 A spacesuit is more than clothes astronauts wear in space. The suit is really a small spacecraft that protects the astronaut from the dangers of being outside in space. The suits protect astronauts from getting too hot or cold. Spacesuits also give astronauts oxygen to breathe while they are working in space. The suits hold water to drink. They also keep astronauts from getting hurt by space dust. 

In the mid-1960s, as NASA prepared for the first flight ever into space, they carried out some experiments. One of those tests was to find out how well spacesuits would perform when astronauts wear them in space. For these tests, NASA used simulations to recreate the atmosphere in outer space. They constructed a massive vacuum chamber from which they pumped out all the air, and then put an astronaut named Jim Leblanc inside the vacuum.  However, during the test, the hose that supplied air to his suit became detached, and LeBlanc was exposed to the effect of the vacuum for about 30 seconds. After 14 seconds, he felt the saliva on his tongue begin to boil.  It took 25 seconds for someone to make it into the vacuum chamber and give LeBlanc emergency oxygen. Because treatment happened so quickly, LeBlanc suffered only a sore ear. But if his rescuers had taken a few seconds longer to reach him, he could have suffered severe health effects, and he might not have been able to walk out of the chamber alive.

That is how important the protection of a spacesuit is to an astronaut. If an astronaut in space mistakenly ruptures his space suit, or steps out without it, he will lose consciousness within 15 seconds. After about 30 seconds, the body will begin suffering the effects of the exposure, including oxygen starvation and circulatory failure. Death occurs around 90 seconds. In other words an astronaut without his space suit dies almost  immediately. Astronauts need a spacesuit to survive because in outer space they are strangers in a harsh environment. 

Likewise, from Scriptures we understand that we are strangers and pilgrims on earth. 

1 Peter 2:11,  says “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;”

Being strangers and pilgrims on earth we need the covering of The Spirit to survive the world’s harsh spiritual atmosphere. Originally from creation it is God’s intention that we be covered continually by His glory.  In the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were covered by God’s glory, this was why they could be naked and not ashamed. It was when this covering departed, after they had sinned, that they then began to look for a physical covering of leaves. It was when the glory departed, that their suffering began. 

Today as believers it is God’s plan that we be covered by His Spirit, because the whole world lies in wickedness. To walk around without spiritual covering is dangerous, this means you can be hit by either the arrows that fly by day or those that fly by night. We need a spiritual shield around us to quench these fiery darts of the wicked. 

When we dwell in the secret place of The most high and under the shadow of The Almighty we are totally protected from harm. And Praise is what grants us access into God’s secret place, which is His Presence. When you put on the garment of praise you are completely protected from the harsh atmosphere of the world. Indeed when The Lord becomes your refuge, you become completely inaccessible to every evil. Therefore from today let us ensure that we are blessing The Lord at all times and that His Praise is continually on our lips.  

PRAYER: Lord, please help me to praise You always, so that I can be continually surrounded by Your Presence. I thank You Lord, because  under Your shadow I am completely protected from all harm 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. 

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK REJOICE

Psalm 75:6-7 
• ‘For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. He sets up one and brings down another.’

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• DAILY READING –     1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13; Isaiah 17-19; Psalm 114

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Dr. David Livingstone is celebrated today as  one of the greatest missionaries who ever existed on earth. He was an explorer, missionary, and anti-slavery campaigner, who became a great hero of the Victorian era for his epic discoveries in the heart of Africa. 

However David Livingstone was born into great poverty, living in one room with his parents and siblings. 

When David was ten years old, he worked in the cotton mills, for twelve and half hours a day, six days a week. Ordinarily this would have been a seal for a mundane existence, but young David determined his life will not end that way. His father was a committed Protestant Sunday school teacher, whose religious influence shaped young David’s decision to become a missionary. Though his parents could not afford formal education, David started taking small steps by attending an evening school sponsored by the mill owners at the end of work each day. There he studied Latin, botany, theology, and Mathematics. When he was 21 years old, he was accepted for training in the London missionary society, and later sent as a missionary to Africa. Surviving for decades in the harsh climate of Africa, he did more than any single person to abolish the African slave trade. He is hailed today as a hero and his name immortalized in history.  

Now, imagine if Dr. David had decided to do nothing about his dreams. He would have lived and died, never to be heard of. But rather he decided not to accept the sleight of hand life had dealt him. He decided to rewrite his story with the help of God and today he is celebrated.  

Many of us have visions and dreams God has placed in our hearts. But often times we allow excuses to bury this dreams. Despite hearing clearly from God, we often allow our circumstances to deter us. The common complaint often is insufficient fund, or inadequate qualification or lack of human connections etc. But then we forget that the Bible has already said with God nothing shall be impossible. Promotion comes from Him alone.

Psalm 75:6-7 says ‘For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. He sets up one and brings down another.’

Some of us have dreams of being in politics, pursuing a particular career, setting up a business, serving in ministry etc. But often times we feel too intimidated, and afraid to step out. But if only you can trust God and step out in pursuit of your vision, you will be amazed at how far God will eventually take you. Though you may start small now, there is greatness in store for you. 

Job 8:7 says ‘Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase’ 

Many of the great lives we see today  started their journey in very small ways. Just start from where you are, doing the best with the little that is available, and when you do it faithfully, trusting God, He will surely bless you beyond expectations. Do not let your circumstances weigh you down. Do not let situations defeat you, do not let problems make you think you have no tomorrow. You may look around you and feel you have nothing, or you may think you have no one, but never forget that you have God. And one with God is majority. The truth is all you need in life to succeed is your strong connection to God. It’s not what you have, but who you have that matters. And when God is with you, who can be against you? Nobody. Indeed through Christ, you can do all things. 

So decide today, that there will be no more excuses. Decide to rewrite your history with the help of God. You can achieve all God has ordained for you, if only you are willing to fight for it. Life is a battle, and you will only receive what you demand for. So demand for the best of God’s plan for you, do not settle for anything less. And with God’s help, as you step forward, you will achieve your dreams.   

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PRAYER: Lord, I know with You nothing shall be impossible. Please help me to always focus on your Word so that I can possess the faith to step out and achieve all that You have ordained for me to achieve in this life in Jesus Name. .   
QUOTE 
It is only when you can see God in the light of who He truly is that you can begin to walk in the overflow of His blessings. – WORDBITE 222. 
[ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK ESTABLISHED IN THE WORD OF GOD]