HORM Devotional

Ephesians 1:7

 ‘In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;’

• DAILY READING  John 11:1-27; 2 Chronicles 10-11; Psalm 75
Leading the way, is an international ministry that has an outreach arm in Syria. Their outreach has been very active in preaching Christ in that region. Recently they came into the news limelight when a highly ranked religious leader in ISIS, became converted through their ministry.

According to the story carried in Charisma magazine, this ISIS leader, Mohamed, had originally intended killing the outreach coordinator, a man named Peter. Mohamed had gotten Peter’s contact information and called him, pretending to want to convert to Christianity. But after the call, Peter had an uneasy feeling that he was really from ISIS and planned to kill him. However, Peter also had  an inner peace, that The Lord had a plan for the meeting and would protect him. Peter did see Mohammed, but strangely enough, Mohamed could not carry out his intended plan, but rather found himself overwhelmed by God’s Presence. He broke down and began to cry, then he got up abruptly and left. 

Soon after that, Muhammad began to dream about the Blood of Jesus. He couldn’t understand what it meant and the dream scared him. He then called Peter, urgently asking to meet him. This time he was truly seeking for answers. Peter then preached Christ to him and told him about the power in the blood of Jesus. Muhammad then confessed to Peter his intended plan to kill him the first time they met. He apologized and then repented. Afterwards, Mohamed committed to live for Jesus and became baptized. And today, the former ISIS leader is now conducting a Bible study for other Syrian people in his area.

Indeed there is amazing power in the blood of Jesus. By the power in the blood of Jesus this former ISIS leader was delivered. On the cross God gave humanity the greatest gift of all, which is redemption by the blood of Jesus. And His blood has purchased grace for us. 

Ephesians 1:7 says ‘In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;’

Today is the first day of the fifth month, which is the month of May. It is the month of grace, because biblically 5 is the number of grace.  The number 5 is mentioned 318 times in Scripture and symbolizes God’s grace, goodness and favor toward us. Indeed this fifth month marks entrance into a new realm. 

A new season with God is when He prepares to launch us to a new level. And because Grace is God’s supernatural favor, mercy and empowerment, it means in this new month, we are about to be launched into a new level of supernatural favor. 

Grace is kindness from God that we don’t deserve. Mohamed by human standards after all the atrocity committed as an ISIS leader, may not deserve salvation, but through the blood of Jesus grace located him. 

The same way there are many favors we may not deserve, but by the shed blood, grace locates us and delivers God’s goodness to us. Grace empowers and strengthens us. No matter what has happened in the past,  by reason of grace, God is about to usher you into a new season of ease and peace. Inexplicable blessings will be coming your way. Favors you may not understand will locate you. Indeed the door has opened before you, to step into a new realm of strange favors. In this new month of May, grace will be released for speedy accomplishments. In your family, health, finances and all areas, you are rising to a greater level. Indeed you have entered into a new realm. It’s here, it’s now.  Welcome to your new season. 
PRAYER:  Lord I thank You for bringing me into a new season of divine favor. Indeed by the blood of Jesus I have crossed over into a realm of inexplicable blessings. Thank You Lord for all You are set to do in my life in this new month in Jesus name. 

 QUOTE 

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

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK FAITH CLASSICS] 

GALATIANS 6:9-10 
‘And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.’

• DAILY READING -John 10:22-42; 2 Chronicles 9; Psalm 74
 

In January this year 2018, Hillsong worship band made news by winning their first ever grammy Award, in the 60th annual recording academy ceremony in New York. They won the award for their song ‘What A Beautiful Name’.

The band, formed out of Australia’s Hillsong Church, started in 1998 as a hobby for youths in Sydney, with the main aim of outreaching to high schools. Soon their music gained great acceptance with young people. And then it also began to gain acceptance with an increasing number of churches throughout Australia. After their first live worship CD was released in 1992, virtually every year since then, they have always launched a new album. Through dint of hard work and perseverance, their music has become well known across the world.

However it was surprising that with all their success, after more than 20 years of producing worship songs, they were yet to win a grammy for their music. But that didn’t discourage them from still rolling out worship songs each year. In 2017 they were nominated for the 59th annual Grammy Awards, but yet they still did not win a grammy. 

Being more concerned with releasing songs that glorified God, on ‎6th January 2017, they released the album that contained the song ‘what a beautiful Name it is’. The song became a mega hit. And in January 2018, they were again nominated for a grammy and this time they won. Indeed their story shows that if you don’t quit, you win,  and if you do not faint in due season you will surely reap.

Often times we may work hard and not see the immediate reward of our labor. This can be discouraging. Especially when despite our efforts and perhaps seeds sown, nothing much seem to be happening. But when we keep believing, keep expecting, and keep honoring God, it is only a matter of time before our cup runs over.

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

God is the God of divine surprises. When you are due, things you’ve been praying about will suddenly fall into place. Situations you’ve been believing a miracle for, will suddenly turn around for your good.

Suddenly God will lift you out of the pit, set your feet on a rock and put a new song in your mouth [Psalm 40]. 

To every sowing season, there is a reaping season. This is why we must not give up. Even when you don’t see anything different, keep praying and speaking life and blessings over your situation. If you refuse to faint it is only a matter of time before you reap. God knows how to establish a change of story for you. According to Zechariah 9:12, God will give you double for your troubles. But you have to stay faithful. You have to persevere, keep pushing forward and never quit. Like Job, decide to wait all the days of your appointed time until your change comes. And indeed your change is coming. God did not bring you this far to leave you. He has a great plan in store for you. Therefore keep believing, keep expecting, and  don’t stop sowing good seeds. Indeed it is your season to see beauty for ashes. This year God will amaze you with His goodness. You’ll see favor, health, increase, a greater level of your destiny. What God has in your due season will be bigger, better, more rewarding than anything you ever imagined. But never forget, it is only when you faint not, that you reap. Indeed when you are due you will not be denied.  
PRAYER: Lord I thank You for granting me the grace to persevere in sowing good seeds. I know indeed that when I am due I will not be denied, I thank You for Your blessings being released over my life even right now in Jesus name.
QUOTE : 

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

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

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  John 10:1-21; 2 Chronicles 8; Psalm 73

We all go through difficult times in life and things that we don’t understand. When we’re in the valley, it’s easy to get discouraged and think it will never get better. Too often, that’s when we may get discouraged and lose our praise.

The story has been told of how the potato, egg and coffee bean were all put in  boiling water, but each reacted differently. The potato went in strong, but came out soft and weak; the egg went in fragile and came out hard. However, the ground coffee bean was unique; when put in the boiling water, it changed the water and created something new. Question then is; how do you react when confronted by adverse situations? 

Do you allow the situation to change and affect you negatively, or do you rather change the situation and affect it positively by a right attitude?  It’s easy to give God praise when things are going well, but what of those times when life throws us curves? Do we allow ourselves to be affected negatively, get discouraged and go around feeling like we’re in the pits? Psalm 34:1 says “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

At all times we have to praise God. No matter where we find ourselves we keep praising God, because Praise is what activates God’s favor and causes things to turn around. Don’t wait till you get out of the pit; before you praise God. Praise Him at all times and in all situations. 

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 because when you do that God steps into the scene and that compels every devil to bow out. 

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. 

Many times you will not be able to change what you are going through; you may not be able to change the reports around you, but one thing you can change or control is your response to them. Your response and attitude is actually more important than the things that happen to you.

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.

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. So no matter what faces you today, turn up the volume of your praise! God is indeed faithful and He is good all the time! 

PRAYER: Lord, I choose to bless You at all times. I choose to set the tone to receive Your favor, grace and mercy. Thank You for Your faithfulness at all times in Jesus Name. . 

QUOTE 

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

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK REJOICE] 

Matthew 6:33 KJV

• But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. –

• DAILY READING         John 8:21-47; 2 Chronicles 2:17-5:1; Malachi 1:1-2:9
To preserve plant species from total extinction, a seed vault has been built in the cold region of Arctic Norway. The vault, dug deep in the permafrost of a remote mountain, is located 620 miles from the North Pole. The purpose of the frozen vault is to protect samples of the world’s seeds from extinction. There, the seeds of plants will be preserved so that they don’t totally disappear from the earth. Before now, many seed species have already become extinct. This vault can store up to 4.5 million seed samples. It’s a backup to the world’s other 1,400 seed banks. The seeds kept there are  preserved by the coldness of the North pole from  corruption. 

There is need to preserve these seeds because once they are corrupted and destroyed they become extinct never to be seen again. 

But while physical seeds are corruptible, and have need for preservation, the Bible tells us of a seed which will never have need for preservation. That is the incorruptible seed of The Word of God. The seed of The Word is a seed which we never have to bother about its preservation, because it will never decay, disappear or grow extinct.  While the unpreserved seeds of the world may be disappearing, the seed of The Word of God abides forever. 

And most importantly when this seed of The Word is in us it also keeps us from corruption. The seed of The Word within us is a preserver of life and destiny. Just as The Word is incorruptible and indestructible when you are full of The Word you also become incorruptible and indestructible. 

The incorruptible seed of The Word in you, keeps you from decaying, or  descending into sin. 

Psalm 119:11 says ‘Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.’ 

The seed of The Word of God inside of us keeps us from sin.

1 John 3:9 says ‘Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.’

Do you therefore want to overcome sinful habits, then begin to store up The Word of God in your heart. Every struggle with sin will come to an end when the incorruptible seed of God’s Word dominates your heart. When you are filled with The Word, you will find that you lose the desire for sin. New strength will enter into you. The divine incorruptible nature of Christ will swallow up your weak and carnal tendencies. Mortality will be swallowed up by immortality and you will find yourself living an incorruptible life of purity and holiness.     

PRAYER: Lord, By Your word I am preserved from corruption. I shall never be contaminated by the evil in the world. By Your Word at work in me, I am more than a conqueror in Jesus  Name. .. ..  

QUOTE : 

The study of The Word will keep  shame and disgrace far from you.

WORDBITE 222. 

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK FAITH CLASSICS] 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 

‘In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
DAILY READING – – John 9:24-41; 2 Chronicles 7; Malachi 4

On May 12, 2008, an enormously devastating earthquake hit the mountainous region of Sichuan province in China. This earthquake was the 21st deadliest earthquake of all times, and it was the worst natural disaster in China in a generation. One of the things affected by this earth quake was a wedding day photo-session taking place in Bailu, Sichuan China. 

On the fateful day, happy couples had gathered at The Church of the Annunciation in Sichuan China. The church which was over 100 years old, and sat on a hilltop, was a favorite location for wedding couples. After the wedding ceremony, the newly wedded couples, were taking pictures when suddenly the ground started shaking. Then stones started falling from the church building. Realizing it was an earthquake people started shouting, ‘run, run’, The ground shook as they ran and they couldn’t see anything amidst the dust and debris. 

In the midst of the confusion, as everyone ran for their lives, there were no more thought about order or decorum, there was no regard for the costly wedding attires, the expensive decorations or the VIP’s present. At that point what mattered most was survival, what was uppermost on each person’s mind was staying alive. And miraculously when the dust had settled, though their dresses were in tatters and they were covered in dust, everyone stood up and realised they were safe. They were all so grateful to God for preserving their lives. 

Later on, one of the grooms, posted a picture on his blog, calling it ‘Survivors of the Storm.’

Indeed it is funny, how too often we get caught up in our little problems and lose sight of the big picture. Sometimes, we worry about what to wear, eat, drink and so many other things. But instead of worrying, we ought to look up and be grateful to God for the big things first.  The fact that we are alive and the world around us is still intact. 

Have you ever seen the picture of a city shortly after it was hit by an earthquake? It is littered with all manner of debris. You find pieces of documents, phones, destroyed gadgets, pieces of jewelry, expensive clothes,  etc. However, just a few moments before, those things were very precious and personal to people who owned them, but now those things lie broken and battered, littering the streets. Sadly, some owners of those things never lived to tell the story.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says  “In everything give thanks.” Notice it doesn’t say to give thanks “for” everything, rather it says “in” everything. In other words, we should have the attitude that no matter what is happening, we choose to be grateful. We are to continuously thank God, for the many things we normally take for granted. 

No matter the ‘big concerns’ that face us daily, let us learn first to be grateful for what matters most. Let us appreciate God for the gift of life. Let us thank Him for the things He has done already. We should thank God for the miracle of sleeping and waking up, for the salvation of our souls and for divine health. You should thank God for the ability to use every part of your body; that you can eat, drink, see, walk, speak, learn and interact with people. Thank God because no matter what you went through, you did not lose your mind. You are still better off in certain areas compared to some other people on the face of the earth. The bible says to him who is joined to the living there is hope and a living dog is better than a dead lion. That you are still here and still alive is indeed enough reason to continuously bless God. 

Having an attitude of thanksgiving all depends on what you choose to focus on. You can either focus on your problems, or you can focus on your blessings. 

Let us make it a habit to thank God in all things. Let us learn to exalt Him above our circumstances. Giving God thanks always provokes Him to do more for us. In 2 Chronicles 1:6, when Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings, God gave him a blank cheque to ask for what he wanted. In Luke 17:15-16, when the leper fell down and glorified God with a loud voice for his healing, Jesus made him completely whole. In 2 Samuel 6:14 when David praised God in singing and dancing, God established his throne forever. And today, as you begin to give thanks to The Lord for His many blessings in your life, He will go beyond your expectations and do exceedingly abundantly above all you could ever ask or imagine. 
PRAYER: Lord, I am truly grateful for Your faithfulness in my life. You are the reason why I am alive today. Please help me to always praise You in every situation, because indeed You are good and Your mercies endure forever 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

• ACTS 2:1-2 ‘Now when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like a violent wind blowing came from heaven and filled the entire house where they were sitting’

• DAILY READING – John 9:1-23; 2 Chronicles 6; Malachi 2:17-3:18

There is a science research facility located in Arizona named Biosphere 2. This facility is the largest closed system ever created.  Its mission is to serve as a center for learning about Earth and its living systems. 

As part of their research, for two years, scientists sequestered themselves in this artificial environment of Biosphere 2. Inside their self-sustaining community, the scientists created a number of mini-environments, including a desert, rain forest, even an ocean. Nearly every weather condition could be simulated except one; Wind.  Over time, the effects of their windless environment became apparent. The trees inside Biosphere 2 grew rapidly, more rapidly than they did outside of the dome, but they also fell over before reaching maturity. A number of acacia trees before being fully grown, bent over and snapped. After looking at the root systems and outer layers of bark, the scientists came to realize that a lack of wind in Biosphere 2 was the cause of the problem. Without the stress of wind to strengthen the wood, tree trunks grew weak and could not hold up their own weight.  In other words, the trees needed the wind in order to thrive. 

Indeed Wind is essential for growth and progress on the earth. The wind moves ships, empowers engines, drives windmills, and disperses pollution from the earth. In fact, if no wind were blowing, there would be no movement.  

In the same way we  need the wind of The Holy Ghost in our lives to make progress. 

In Genesis 2:7, when God formed man, He formed him perfectly. But man had no breath in his lungs until God breathed the breath of life into him. Likewise,  when the Church was assembled on the Day of Pentecost, it had no power until the Holy Spirit breathed into that assembly. When the wind of The Spirit came, the power of God fell upon 120 disciples, and they became an empowered, mighty force. 

Without the wind of The Spirit every life remains spiritually dormant and stagnant. It is only when He begins to move in our lives that we can record growth and progress. It doesn’t matter how exotic your environment, if you lack the wind of The Spirit, it is only a matter of time before things start depreciating around you. Without the wind of The Spirit blowing in our lives through constant prayer we soon grow weak. A prayer-less Christian is indeed a powerless Christian. 

Acts 2:1-4  says ” Now when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like a violent wind blowing came from heaven and filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And tongues spreading out like a fire appeared to them and came to rest on each one of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them.” 

When the Wind of the Spirit begins to blow, it will birth personal revival in your life. The wind will blow away every vestige of carnality and bring you to a place of mighty manifestation of the power of God. The Wind of the Spirit will release Holy fire that will birth purity and a profound expression of the Life of Christ through us. 

It is therefore time to engage the wind of The Spirit for a forceful turnaround. Things must begin to work, our lives must go forward!  And that will happen, when we take up the responsibility of maintaining a strong prayer life. Through constant prayer the wind of The Spirit will bring signs and wonders into our lives. . 

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for the movement of The Holy Spirit that comes to empower me to go forward and do exploits on earth. I need the wind of Your Spirit to begin to blow like never before in my life , so that my course can be changed from mere drifting to supernatural progress  in Jesus Name. .
QUOTE :

Until you cry out in the place of prayer certain things won’t happen 

 WORDBITE 222. 

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK FAITH CLASSICS] 

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 -John 8:48-59; 2 Chronicles 5:2-14; Malachi 2:10-4:7

•
Morris Plott was a veteran missionary to Africa, who for more than three decades served the Assemblies of God Division of Foreign Missions, During his stay in Africa he witnessed many mighty acts of God. His story is told in a book by Robert Paul Lamb and published by Jimmy Swaggart ministries. Morris Plott tells the story of what happened in 1956 during the Mau Mau uprisings in East Africa.

A band of roving Mau Maus came to the village of Lauri, surrounded it, and killed every inhabitant, including women and children–three hundred people in all. Not more than three miles away was the Rift Valley Academy, a private Christian boarding school where missionary children were educated while their missionary parents worked elsewhere. Immediately upon leaving the carnage at Lauri the Mau Maus came with spears, clubs, torches, and bows and arrows to the school, bent on destruction.

Fear filled the children at the school. Word had already reached them about the destruction of Lauri. There was no place to flee. The only resource was prayer. Out in the night, lighted torches were seen coming toward the school. Soon there was a complete ring of these terrorists about the school, cutting off all avenues of escape. Shouting and curses could be heard coming from the Mau Maus. Then they began to advance on the school, tightening the circle, shouting louder, coming closer. Suddenly, when they were close enough to throw a spear, they stopped. They began to retreat, and soon they were running into the jungle. A call had gone out to the authorities, and an army had been sent in the direction of the school to rescue the students. But by the time the army arrived, the would-be assassins had dispersed. The army spread out in search of them and captured the entire band of raiding Mau Maus. Later, before the judge at their trial, the Mau Mau leader was called to the witness stand. The judge then asked him why after killing the inhabitants of Lauri, they ran away from attacking the children in Rift Valley Academy. 

The leader, replied, “We were on our way to attack and destroy all the people at the school. But as we came closer, all of a sudden between us and the school there were many huge men, dressed in white with flaming swords. We became afraid and we ran to hide!”

These Children at the Rift valley academy often had their parents plead the blood of Jesus over their lives. And in the time of danger, by reason of the blood, angels had been sent to protect them. 

Indeed as children of God, there is power in the blood of Jesus to protect and deliver us from danger.  Our protection, as well as our victory, lies in the blood of Christ. Our battle cry in the midst of any conflict should always be the blood. 

Revelation 12:11 says ‘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.’ 

The Greek word translated “overcame” in Revelation 12:11 means to conquer, prevail or get the victory. The element of our victory is the Blood of Jesus. The enemy has no resistance against the blood. And the weapons of our warfare clearly supersede the weapons of the enemy. 

You cannot confront the enemy with human wisdom, scientific inventions, philosophy, or ethical principles. We confront and overcome him by the Blood of Jesus Christ. You must continuously resist the devil with words of this scripture and declare your victory by the blood. When a battle seems more than you, confront it by the blood of Jesus. . The blood is a singular devastating weapon against the enemy. And always remember that the battle is not yours but the Lord’s.

What makes the blood produce is the very life of God that is being invoked, because according to Lev 17:11, the life of the flesh is in the blood. Therefore every time you say, “The Blood of Jesus!”, you are bringing God’s very life on the scene.. Wherever the blood is, Jesus is also there. Indeed when the blood appears, Satan is rendered impotent.

Through the communion table, the Blood of Jesus Christ dissolves the afflictions of life. The blood wipes away the handwriting of every ordinance against us. Barrenness, sickness, joblessness, poverty, iniquity, etc are all wiped away by the power in the blood. Indeed there is power in the blood to overcome every challenge we may face. Let us therefore always, approach the Communion table with faith and expectation for the destruction of everything which God has not planted in our lives. 

When we partake of the communion, we are recognizing the power of what Jesus did when He died on the cross. Indeed the power of the blood of Jesus has provided us with everything we need to live a life of victory. Let us therefore begin to take advantage of the benefits of Calvary through engaging the power in the blood. Indeed by the blood of Jesus we have complete victory. 
PRAYER: Lord, through application of the blood.  please help me to begin to appropriate all You have won for me at Calvary Indeed by the blood of Jesus I have victory in all areas of my life in Jesus Name. 

QUOTE 

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

 WORDBITE 222. 

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK REJOICE] 

 Psalm 34:6 

‘this poor man cried and The Lord heard him and delivered him out of his troubles.’
DAILY READING – John 8:21-47; 2 Chronicles 2:17-5:1; Malachi 1:1-2:9
The relationship between Israel and Palestine is rooted in conflict. This has resulted in several bloody clashes in the past. Consequently, the Israeli Defense Force [IDF] often warns Israeli soldiers to keep away from Palestinian  neighborhoods  considered volatile.  One of the ways soldiers are alerted to keep off from such dangerous zones is through Google navigation app called Waze which was invented by Israel. This smartphone app gives Israeli drivers updated traffic routes and also has a setting which sends multiple warnings to alert them if they are entering areas considered dangerous. However despite these precautions, a number of soldiers have often mistakenly strayed into dangerous Palestinian areas, with some of them encountering violence.

Recently the Jerusalem Post carried news of how two Israeli soldiers accidentally strayed into the Palestinian Kalandiya neighborhood north of Jerusalem on a Monday night. 

They found themselves surrounded by a rioting mob that threw rocks at their vehicle. As these soldiers continued driving, Molotov cocktails were thrown at them, setting their vehicle on fire. At that stage, the soldiers escaped their vehicle and split up running for safety. They were able to find a place of hiding from where they called for help. The IDF and the Border Police immediately launched a dramatic rescue operation to extract these soldiers. However the rescue operation later turned into a gun battle between Palestinian gunmen and the security forces. The IDF Central Command dispatched large numbers of forces to Kalandiya as reinforcement. And through maintaining cell phone contact with the soldiers, their positions were eventually located and they were rescued. 

By straying into the wrong neighborhood, these soldiers had created problems for the IDF. However, though the IDF didn’t immediately understand how the soldiers got there, and would later carry out an investigation, their first inclination was to rescue them and ask questions later. 

The same way when we miss God’s leading and find ourselves in trouble, God’s first inclination is our deliverance.  

In the journey of life we can get lost if our inner GPS malfunctions, and due to lack of spiritual sensitivity, we may find ourselves in trouble. But in those times, we shouldn’t run from God but rather run to Him. When we cry out in trouble, God is committed to delivering us. 

Psalm 34:6 says ‘this poor man cried and The Lord heard him and delivered him out of his troubles.’

We may sometimes take wrong turns, but what matters is not that we missed it, but rather how we react afterwards. In those times, the enemy may bring railing accusations that tend to drown us in guilt and condemnation. 

But we have to realize that God is more interested in our rescue than our condemnation. His desire is that we draw closer to Him, so that by His Spirit He can lead us back to the right track. 

We serve the God of a second chance, who prefers to mend rather than to rend. God’s commitment in Christ is to mend, heal  and help us along the way, as we travel on this journey of life. God is a potter who is able to turn that which is marred into something amazing. 

He is able to restore us if we miss the way. 

Therefore as we run this race, let us constantly rely on God’s grace, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Let us learn always to come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 

No matter where you may have strayed, or missed the way, seek God’s face, through prayer and study of His Word. By the help of The Spirit, get back on track and keep moving forward. 

Proverbs 24:16 says ‘for the righteous falls seven times and rises again.’ 

If you failed through sin, then you need to, repent, and lay hold of God’s forgiveness. You need not drown in guilt or become blinded to God’s mercy. You can always swim back to shore, helped by the incoming tide of God’s grace.

Indeed, it is by His grace that the race is made great.
PRAYER: Father, I need Your grace constantly as I travel on this journey of life. No matter what trials or temptations may come my way, please help me to keep moving forward. May Your grace always be sufficient for me in  Jesus Name.
QUOTE : 

For you to enjoy victory in the Kingdom of God, you need to develop a Kingdom mindset, that thinks in line with the Word of God.  – WORDBITE 222. 

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 

 ‘But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.  Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.’
DAILY READING           John 8:1-20; 2 Chronicles 1:1-2:16; Zechariah14

John G. Lake was a missionary to South Africa in the last century, and was one of the greatest men of God who ever lived.

When God began to speak to Lake about going into full time ministry, God confirmed to him that he was to move to South Africa to begin a new work.  At that time John G lake was doing well as a business man in America, but in answer to the call to move to South Africa,  he had to leave his job, thereby forsaking his mega-salary. After some months of preparation, he, his family and some of their friends Left for South Africa.

When they arrived in South Africa, they had no money. And they were faced with an immediate need of at least $125 in order to clear customs. They nervously waited for their turn in line, rehearsing what they would say to the immigration officers. They were in desperate need of a miracle, as the South African law read that they would be subject to deportation as quickly as they arrived if they couldn’t pay the needed fee. Just as they were about to get to the front of the line, John felt a tap on his shoulder… A man was standing behind John and said “excuse me sir, can I have a word with you?” John nervously stepped out of line at the man’s request and the man said “when I saw you and your family in line, the Lord told me to give you $200 cash”. And the man proceeded to give John the money. Thus The Lord provided just enough money for John and his family to enter the country. But their needs didn’t stop there. The Lakes and their crew had no ministry contact in Johannesburg and didn’t have where to be accommodated. But soon after they cleared customs, a woman approached John and asked how many people were in their family, when John replied “9”,  she said “you’re the ones!” She went on to tell John that The Lord had spoken to her the night before that she was  to give her home to a family of 9 people who were coming from America to do God’s work. John, his family and their crew rejoiced in the dramatic provision of the Lord. Indeed  God had gone ahead of them to make miraculous provisions. Their time in South Africa was marked with waves of revival, there were multitudes saved, healed and delivered over the course of their 5 year ministry tour in South Africa.

Indeed we serve The God of miraculous provisions. He is an ever present help in the time of need. No matter the tight corners we may find ourselves financially, we have to trust that God is more than able to meet our needs. In Matthew chapter 14 , Jesus and His disciples were faced with the challenge of feeding 5000 people. Feeling overwhelmed by the situation, the disciples told Jesus to send the people away. But Matthew 14:16, says “But Jesus said to them, ‘They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.'” Unlike the disciples, Jesus was not overwhelmed by the situation, He knew what to do. He took the few loaves and fishes that were available, looked up and blessed God and began to break and distribute to the crowd. And miraculously the bread and fishes were more than enough. Though initially the bread in His hand wasn’t enough to feed the crowd, Jesus didn’t wait for all of the provision. He presented what He had and took a step of faith and God brought forth a miracle. On the other hand, the disciples lacked faith and were going to dismiss the people, and in so doing would have missed the miracle of God. 

Many times like the disciples, when faced with difficult situations, we try  to figure things out in the natural or go a logical route. But we need to expect God to move in our time of need. When we learn to see through the eyes of faith, miracles happen. No matter how insufficient what you have, when you present it to God, God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all you could ever ask or imagine. 

Miracles are not myths, neither are they magic; they are provoked by your faithful compliance with and obedience to the demands of scriptures. When you are born again, you have been ushered into the realm of the miraculous. And in this realm, you have been given the keys of the kingdom of heaven to open whichever door you desire. And one of the keys we operate to experience miraculous provisions is the covenant of giving. When we operate the law of sowing and reaping God will always meet us at the points of our need. 

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 says ‘But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.  Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.’

When you are a giver and walk in righteousness God will never forsake you in the time of need. The testimony of David confirms this. Psalms 37:25 says ‘I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.’ And also Psalms 37:18 – 19 says ‘The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.’

Indeed God is too faithful to fail. When you are walking in line with the laws of God and you are practicing the giving covenant, God will ensure you are always divinely provided for in the time of need. Therefore no matter how insufficient, what you may have in your hands today, make up your mind to begin to trust for a miracle. Indeed God is able to exceed your expectations, He will never leave you stranded and He is ever more than enough to meet all your needs. 
PRAYER: Lord, I know You are more than enough to meet all my needs. Please grant me the grace to always walk in line with Your covenant so that I can access your miracle of divine provision in my times of need in Jesus Name.  .  

QUOTE 

When you make that which is priority to God to become your priority, God automatically makes you priority in His own plan. – WORDBITE 222. 

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK FAITH CLASSICS] 

John 12:24 ;  Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 

• DAILY READING    John 7:25-52; 1 Chronicles 29; Zechariah13

•

There is a place for a seed to be sown for it to grow and bring forth fruit. Not everywhere is conducive for a seed to grow. If it falls into a golden plate or a diamond cup, despite the exotic surrounding, it will not bear fruit, until it falls into the ground. 

When the seed is placed in the ground, it may look like it has been buried and forgotten out of sight. As if it over with the seed, but not so; rather it is in the right place for it to begin to bring forth- That one seed germinates, and produces much fruit. 

Not every environment is conducive for you to grow and manifest.  It doesn’t matter how beautiful the environment, or the people there. If you find yourself in the wrong place, you may become stagnant and unfruitful. And you may spend years wondering why things are not working as it should.  

There is a place God has ordained for your fruitfulness. And except you fall into that place, you will not manifest your full potential.  To grow you must locate yourself in God’s will. There is a place God has ordained for you. God will always take you to that place that will bring out the best in you. it may initially not seem comfortable, but in the end everything will work out for your good. This is why it’s always good to seek God’s will first before making any move. Don’t go to work in a company because they say it is lucrative, the question is: is that where God has planted you? When Lot saw Sodom, the land appeared lucrative, but it was the wrong place. By the time he left Sodom, he had lost everything, and his wife turned to a pillar of salt in the process. But Abraham who stayed in God’s will flourished and became great, because he stayed where God has planted him. 

We need The Holy Spirit to guide us into our ordained place in life. Ecclesiastes 10:10 says; ‘If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength:  but wisdom is profitable to direct’ 

Everyone needs guidance. Without guidance man is like a blind man on a dark road. We need the wisdom The Holy Spirit  gives to guide us into God’s perfect will for us. Without divine guidance, frustration is inevitable. 

So you are either going to profit through divine direction or you are going to have to struggle more physically to achieve results. 

Eccl 10:15 ‘The labor of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.’ 

The knowhow to the city is wisdom. You are either going to be led by wisdom to the city or you are going to struggle to find your way there. 

Trying to get to the city without divine guidance is wearisome. You work hard with no result, because you are running on the wrong track. In Luke 5, Peter toiled all night long and caught no fish. But when Jesus told him to cast his net on the right side and he did, he caught a multitude of fishes. So the difference between toiling all night long without a catch and having a net breaking catch was just hearing the Word of The Master, that gave him direction on what to do.. 

Many of us have been toiling in the night season of life, without any catch. This is mainly due to lack of divine direction. But you can’t afford to keep running on the wrong track, take time to wait upon The Lord and hear clearly what He is saying to you. Your destiny is too precious to be left to guess work.

Today may our ears be opened to hear the voice of The Spirit. By His guidance may we locate God’s perfect plan. And may every guesswork, confusion and uncertainty come to an end in our lives in Jesus Mighty Name. 
PRAYER: Lord, help me by Your Spirit to locate the place you have ordained for my flourishing. May I not be found in the wrong places, may I never again miss your divine guidance in Jesus Name.    

                                                              QUOTE

 Until you cry out in the place of prayer certain things won’t happen

– WORDBITE 222. 

[ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK FAITH CLASSICS]