HORM Devotional

1 Corinthians 1:27
“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;”.

DAILY READING Romans 12; 1 Samuel 23-24; Psalm 67

In 1972, NASA launched a satellite. It was called the exploratory space probe Pioneer 10. The satellite’s primary mission was to reach Jupiter, photograph the planet and beam data back to earth. At that time, this was a bold plan, because no earth satellite had ever gone beyond Mars. And scientists feared the Pioneer 10 satellite might be destroyed before it could reach its target. But Pioneer 10 surprised everyone. It not only accomplished its mission, it did far much more.

In November 1973 it did reach Jupiter, but surprisingly it sped past Jupiter and headed toward the edge of the solar system. At one billion miles from the sun, Pioneer 10 passed Saturn. It went past Uranus; went past Neptune and reached   Pluto at almost four billion miles. This small satellite was designed to reach only Jupiter, but it not only reached Jupiter it still went beyond and reached several other planets.

By 1997, twenty-five years after its launch, Pioneer 10 was still on the move. By this time it had travelled more than six billion miles from the sun. And despite that immense distance, Pioneer 10 still continued to beam back radio signals to scientists on Earth. It beamed back so much information that has been very useful in scientific research.   Perhaps most remarkable, those signals emanate from an 8-watt transmitter, which radiates about as much power as a bedroom night light. But what amazed everyone is how far it exceeded its original expectation. The Little Satellite was not qualified to do what it did. Engineers designed Pioneer 10 with a useful life of just three years, but it kept going on for over 30 years. It was a phenomenon scientists could not explain.

1 Corinthians 1:27 says “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;” Weak things are often used by God to confound the wise, just as that little satellite confounded scientists.

And sometimes we are like that little satellite. Men have low expectations of us.  There are limits and boundaries they think we can never cross.

They look at you and conclude about your capabilities. In their minds they may  write you off and decide that this is as far as you can ever go. But others’ opinion does not have to become your reality. Because there is a God in Heaven who rules in the affairs of men. And that which is impossible with men is possible with God. There is no limit to what God can do with your life. The only limitation you have is that of the mind. And when you renew your mind through The Word  then you can do all things  through Christ that strengthens you.

In fact it is when men think it is over that God likes to take over. God loves to spring surprises on the enemy. Just when they think they have seen all there is to you, God unveils another chapter. He lets them know that He is still God in your life.

Especially as the year draws to a close, it may be easy to conclude about you. It may look to some people as if there is nothing more to expect from you.  But no one should conclude yet. Because God is about to spring divine surprises. God is about to propel you beyond human expectations.  He is about to crown the year with good things for you.

Perhaps you performed poorly in some areas, and as the year rounds up, there seems not much to show for your efforts. Maybe you tried your hand at some things and failed, and now you are at a low point. But don’t give up, arise and try gain. The right angle to approach  a difficult situation is the “try angle.” Keep trying because something is about to happen. You serve a God of miracles who is committed to ensure you end well. His Word says ‘better is the end of the matter than the beginning thereof’. So don’t throw in the towel yet. Don’t write off things yet. God still has great things lined up. It is when you are weak, that His strength arises for you. And in this remaining months you are not going to go by your own strength, because by strength shall no man prevail.  You will be carried by The Spirit, and ride on the wings of grace. God will take you on an eagles’ flight to heights you never dreamed you could reach. He will make your feet as hind’s feet and cause you to ride upon your high places.  Despite your human limitations God is about to stretch you to attain unimaginable heights.

You are capable of much more accomplishment than you realize. You have potentials for greater victories within you. It is not about you, it is about Christ in you, the hope of glory. It is not about your capability, it is about His ability at work in you. So do not limit yourself to present circumstances.  Do not settle for less than what God has ordained. Raise the bar of your expectations, raise the standard. Step out in faith, trust God for miracles. Something is about to happen. This year will surely end well for you.

Don’t forget you are serving the God of Joseph who turned a prisoner to a prime minister overnight. Don’t forget you are serving the God of Esther who turned a slave girl to a queen suddenly. Don’t forget you are serving the God of David who turned a shepherd boy to a king.

There is nothing God cannot do. There is no situation He cannot change. Just align to His Word and follow His will.  Like the pioneer 10 satellite, you are about to go beyond your 8-watt transmitter, and break limits.  You are about to go past men’s expectations and arrive at the stars. God is at work in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. He is about to make a showpiece of you, that will cause your world to wonder. So it doesn’t matter what it may look like now, divine help is on the way for you. God has not forgotten you. This year will surely end well for you. Your mouth will yet be filled with laughter and your tongue with singing.
PRAYER: Lord, please help me to develop a greater appetite for Your Word and Your Spirit so that I can experience the great things you still have lined up for me this year. I will surely end this year well by Your Grace in Jesus Name. .

QUOTE

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

[ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK FAITH CLASSICS]

Exodus 14:13 |

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
DAILY READING –  • – Romans 11:25-36; 1 Samuel 21-22; Psalm 66

Arthur Blessit is an evangelist who has carried the cross all over the world. He has spent over 40 years trekking across the world carrying a wooden cross in a mission that has taken him across 315 countries. His journey is in the Guinness Book of World Records as “The World’s Longest Walk.” 

In 1978, Arthur was carrying the cross through Nicaragua, where a civil war was raging. When night came, he and his two American companions parked their camping trailer filled with gospel materials, under a tree by the roadside. After they had gone to bed, they were suddenly wakened by loud banging on the side of the trailer. When Arthur opened the door, he found himself staring into many guns pointed at him by a group of young men in khaki uniforms. As the gunmen dragged him out, Arthur began to preach the Gospel to them. But the men stood him with his back against the truck,  ready to shoot. As they raised their guns and pointed at him, Arthur decided if he was going to die, he would do so sharing Bibles. So he quickly opened the door of the truck, swung it open, and grabbed a nearby box of Bibles. He set the box on the ground and began to fill his arms with Bibles. As he arose to give the bibles to the gunmen, he was surprised to find them all on the ground, flat on their backs. He wondered what had happened.  As Arthur walked toward them, they slowly began to get up in a daze. When Arthur asked them whether they wanted a Bible, they looked at him with fear. Arthur next grabbed a bottle of water and offered them water. But they all jumped up and ran away into the night. Arthur’s two companions who were still in the truck later told him that they heard sounds of blows and the gunmen shouting as they fell to the ground. Though Arthur did not know exactly what happened, somehow he realized God had intervened and scattered the gunmen who wanted to shoot him. 

There are times in life, when like Arthur,  we find our backs against the wall. At such times, it may look as if there is no way out. 

This was the situation the Israelites found themselves in, when they were caught between the red sea and Pharaoh’s army. When you find yourself between the rock and the hard place, what do you do? 

When it seems you have done all you can, and still your answer has not come, what do you do?

Paul says in Ephesians 6:13, when you have done all, just stand. And in Exodus 14:13, Moses said unto the people, ‘Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD.’

To see the salvation of The Lord we have to stand still. 

Psalms 46:10 says ‘Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth’. 

So despite the raging storm, stand still and know that He is God. Despite the closeness of Pharaoh and his troops, stand, and know that you are serving a miracle working God. He is the God of the 11th hour miracle, who makes a way where there seems to be no way. He is the God who can close the mouth of lions, He moves mountains and causes walls of Jericho to fall. Stand, knowing that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. Stand, knowing that with every temptation God will surely make a way of escape for you. Stand, knowing that it cannot be over until God says so. 

Jehovah indeed has the final say. He is the man of war with whom nothing is impossible. He is the God of all flesh and nothing is ever too hard for him. He can do exceedingly abundantly above all you could ever ask or think. So no matter how the storm rages, stand, knowing that you serve a God who can calm every storm. He raises a standard against the flood and makes a path through the mighty waters. Therefore learn to declare His faithfulness even in the midst of your trouble. Judge Him faithful even in the midst of your trials. Never mind what may be happening around you, keep looking to Jesus. Keep looking at what is written in His Word, because what is written will eventually control what is happening. 

So it doesn’t matter what it may look like right now, know of a surety, that the red sea will not swallow you. The storm will not stop you and the billows will not blow you away. When all is said and done, you will still be standing. So learn to trust God even when you cannot trace Him. Learn to follow Him even when you cannot fathom Him, learn to keep holding on to Him, no matter what comes. He will never leave you, nor forsake you. He will be your ever present help in the time of your need. He will arise for you, He will prevail for you. He will surely see you through. Indeed He will perfect all that concerns you. He will put a new song in your mouth and set your feet upon the rock.   

PRAYER: Lord, Please help me to know that You are always there to deliver me. No matter what I may face in life,  I know I have the victory,  because You  always cause me to triumph in Christ.  …. 
QUOTE 

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

 [CULLED FROM THE BOOK SUPERNATURAL LOVE OF GOD] 

Matthew 11:12 
‘But from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force’.

DAILY READING –   Romans 11:1-24; 1 Samuel 20; Psalm 65

‘No words of mine can convey to another soul, the cry that was in my heart and the flame of hatred for death and sickness that the Spirit of God had stirred within me. The very wrath of God seemed to possess my soul!’

These words were spoken by the great Missionary to South Africa, John G. Lake. This he spoke in reference to the intensity of emotion he felt as his thirty-four year old sister lay dying. He had already witnessed eight out of his fifteen siblings die from illness. Ever since his childhood, their family had been plagued by death and diseases. And now watching his sister also about to die, John G lake was finally fed up with this evil attack.

Some years earlier, he had come in contact with the power of God through the ministry of the great preacher Alexander Dowie. Knowing that Jesus still heals, he was now ready to wage violent spiritual battle for the life of his sister. 

As he telegraphed Dowie with a desperate plea for prayer, John began to wage a furious spiritual attack on the power of death. As he prayed, God’s power came down, and within the hour his sister was completely healed!

It was battles such as this—at death’s very door—that brought John G. Lake face to face with his convictions. John believed that the violent in faith takes it by force. 

Another opportunity to display the violence of faith presented itself on April 28, 1898. His wife of five years, Jennie lay dying. As Jennie battled for breath in her final hours, John put his foot down. Never again! He would not tolerate the enemy stealing away the mother of his children and his spiritual partner. He determined to believe God’s Word as it was revealed to him in acts 10:38 

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

Believing God for her healing, John rose and contended for her life in prayer. The power of God came down and she was instantly healed. She rose up, praising the Lord in a loud voice.

This event became national news, bringing many to visit their home to see God’s miracle and to receive healing for themselves. Through it,  Lake was brought to an amazing ministry of power and anointing in the Holy Ghost. His ministry led to the medically confirmed healing of more than 100,000 people. His life was a powerful example of faith in action. John Lake believed that every Christian ought to live such a life, experiencing the fullness of Christ.

The violent take it by force!

The truth is that power is the only language the devil understands. A time comes when you have to put down your foot and declare, enough is enough! What you do not want, you do not watch.  Life is a battle, and you must always be prepared to overcome. Don’t keep watching situations, react in violent faith to dislodge the enemy’s hold. The violent take it by force. You cannot keep tolerating the things that mock your Christian destiny.  Desperate situations call for desperate actions. Certain situations may not budge until you resort to being violent in the spirit. Jesus said some kind does not go out except by praying and fasting. 

When faced with the death of his family members, John G. Lake was forced to become spiritually violent. He pushed deeper to find answers. He began to fast, pray and search the scriptures at a greater dimension. And he not only found answers, the power of God also launched him into a world acclaimed healing ministry.  

Spiritual battles are real and we have to be spiritually violent to take what belongs to us. Whatever lingering challenge that has been facing you, today you need to rise up and be violent against it.   Enough is enough. Resist the enemy and he will flee from you. Declare the Word of God with boldness.  Release the power of God by the Word you declare. Indeed at the name of Jesus every knee must bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. 

Today begins a brand new month. Decide to enter into a realm of supernatural living by taking your portion by force. It will be unto you according to your faith. So decide to go for a greater dimension of faith through in-depth study of The Word of God. In this month power must change hands in your favor. By the blood of Jesus draw, a permanent boundary against every demonic harassment. Enough is enough. This month you must experience a definite change of story. This month the Egyptians you saw in past months you shall see no more. This month a new you is emerging, a new song is arising, and this shout of victory will be permanent in your home in Jesus Name. 
PRAYER: Father please help me to arise in faith and take what belongs to me by covenant. Enough is enough. No more shall I be a victim, from today I become more than a conqueror in every battle of life  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] 

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

DAILY READING –  • Romans 9:30-10:21; 1 Samuel 19; Psalm 64

God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. [1 Cor. 1:27].

On August 5th, 1876, a rusty ocean steamer headed towards the mouth of the Calabar, carrying in it a young white woman. Her name was Mary Slessor. She was headed to a land mostly unexplored; where killer lions, mosquitos, swarms of insects, witch doctors, cannibals and evil traditions  dominated. To foreigners it was a land known as the White Man’s Grave. In this land twin babies were cruelly murdered, and their mothers driven to die in the jungle. As Mary Slessor headed towards this land of slavery and evil practices, she did not know what her fate would be, but she had unshakable faith in God.

Only 3 years earlier, in 1873, the news had come that the great explorer and missionary to Africa Dr. David Livingstone was dead.  Mary, then twenty-five years old, wanting to follow the footsteps of Dr. Livingstone, had applied to go to Africa as a missionary, Having been raised in poverty and hardship, working 12 hours daily in the mills since she was 11 years, she felt prepared for whatever hardship Africa may bring. Her only great desire was to preach where other missionaries had not been. 

As the ocean steamer brought her to  Calabar, Mary would begin working as  a missionary among the most savage tribes of the hinterland. She lived among these natives and practically singlehandedly tamed and transformed three pagan communities in succession. On her long trips through the jungles and in canoes, she was often found barefoot, carrying in her arms twin babies whom she had rescued from being murdered. Her missionary career was marked by strange adventures, daring feats, signal providences, and wonderful achievements. From an ordinary factory girl, Mary Slessor advanced into the foremost rank of missionary pathfinders. 

The life of Mary Slessor, is a glaring example of what God can do with anyone who would believe and step out in faith. Goers for God are getters for God. We often have great dreams, aspirations, really great things we want to accomplish for God. But the truth is that many times when we want to step out, we are confronted by fear of the unknown. So many thoughts  and concerns assail our hearts. We wonder how these things could ever come to pass. But if Mary Slessor  could face the darkness of the African continent and overcome it with the light of God so can anyone strike out in faith and do the incredible. We  have to realize that it is not us but God working through us. 

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

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

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

In the book of Joshua When God was sending forth Joshua, He severally told him to meditate on The Word so as to be bold and courageous, to possess the land. Mary Slessor would often repeat, “It is not Mary Slessor, but God ..”

When we keep our eyes on God we will be full of faith and be dependent on His abilities. But to turn our eyes on ourselves is to be full of fear and uncertainty. When we put our trust in God and step out in boldness, the shackles of fear turn into shadows that fade rapidly away.  Faith is the answer to fear. It has been said, fear knocked and faith opened the door and there was no one there.

There is still so much God wants to do with our lives. There are territories to be explored and new chapters of exploits to be written. Therefore refuse to end up as another statistics. Dare to be different, dare to accomplish the extra ordinary by the help of The Spirit of God. It is God that works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. We are in a time when kingdom stars are rising. Don’t be left behind.  Determine to take your portion. Determine to stand out and shine for Christ. 
PRAYER: Lord, please grant me the needed wisdom and boldness to step out and  accomplish the extraordinary. I will not end my life’s journey in obscurity, by Your light may I be distinguished from my peers in Jesus mighty name.  
QUOTE 

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

 [CULLED FROM THE BOOK SUPERNATURAL LOVE OF GOD] 

 Romans 8:28 KJV

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.

• DAILY READING Romans 9:1-29; 1 Samuel 17:55-18:30; Psalm 63

We are bound to face offending situations in life. There will be moments when we are treated unjustly or unfairly. Jesus said ‘offences must come.’ The question is what do you do in such situations? Someone said life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.

Mary Kay is one person who decided to react positively to an offence. Her story depicts that in every disappointment there can be a seed of a blessing, and that no matter the challenges we face, God can always turn things around.

Today, Mary Kay Cosmetics is one of the top companies in the world. However this company was started through a great disappointing experience. Its founder, Mary Kay Ash, a devout Christian, in her lifetime passed through many tests.

As a child Mary grew up with a very sick father and a mother who worked 14 hours to make ends meet. At a young age Mary had to take on adult responsibilities, of catering to her sick father while her mother was at work.

Facing challenges early on in life, prepared her to surmount the mountains she would later face as an adult. One of those mountains was unfair treatment at her job. After working for 25 years with a direct selling company, where she attained the position of national training director, something happened one day that was to change her entire life. A trainee under her was promoted above her and given twice her salary just because he was a male. Shocked and highly disappointed to be treated this way, Mary decided to resign. Though she had no other job to go to, she decided to trust God to make a way for her. Soon the idea for Mary Kay cosmetics was birthed in her.  So, she put her plan into action. With her past experience and $5,000 in savings, she created Beauty by Mary Kay.

The company was founded on the Golden Rule, and on the principle of placing God first. With steadfast commitment to dedication and hard work, Mary Kay nurtured her dream. From a small direct sales company it has become one of the largest cosmetics companies in the world. The Company continues to be one of the greatest success stories in business.

Talk about turning a disappointment into a blessing. Though she was treated unfairly, Mary decided not to sit and bemoan her fate, but rather to trust God for a turnaround. And God indeed turned it all around for her. Today nobody may know the name of the man who was promoted above her or who had done the unjust promotion, but the name of Mary Kay is inscribed in history.

You don’t let people’s actions determine the outcome of your life. You don’t let how someone treated you become the full stop in your life story. No matter what they did to you, you can put it behind you, still forge ahead and become all that God said you are to be in life.

Many times a disappointment can be a blessing in disguise. Something can happen that may make you think that your world has turned upside down. But if you look deep enough you will see a seed of blessing that can help you turn that situation around. The bible says that with every temptation God makes a way of escape. Hidden in that seeming disappointment is a seed of equivalent benefit. God is working out things for your greater good. So don’t stay down or remain on the floor. Get up, no matter what has happened, no matter how people have disappointed you and failed you, get up and keep moving forward. There are greater things ahead, there is a destiny to be fulfilled. So get up and keep going forward.

When you are a child of God and walking in the will of God, there can be no disappointments in your life. Because all things work together for your good when you love God. No matter what happens; just look up to God, and seek His will. Always know He has a plan He is working out in your life.

Maybe someone abandoned you, but it is only to make room for the right person to appear. Or perhaps like Mary Kay you lost a job, perhaps it’s time for you to prepare for your own business. Learn to live your life in an attitude of gratitude, thanking God in everything. God is always faithful. And when you trust Him, no matter what happens, it all eventually works out for your good.

PRAYER: Lord, I believe that according to Your Word everything is indeed working out for my good. Please help me to see You always at work to turn  every disappointment into a blessing for me in Jesus name.   

quote

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

[ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK FAITH CLASSICS]

​1 Peter 5.8 
 ‘Be sober, be vigilant. Your enemy the devil prowls looking for whom to devour.’ 

DAILY READING Romans 8; 1 Samuel 17:1-54; Psalm 62

An eagle’s focus is amazing. He can focus up to 5 kilometers from the air. When an eagle sites prey- even a rodent from this distance, he narrows his focus on it and sets out to get it. No matter the obstacle, the eagle will not move his focus from the prey until he grabs it. 

In a world of mass distractions we need unwavering focus. God has an assignment for our lives, we need to stay focused on this call. 

Like the eagle we have to narrow our vision and lock on to God’s assignment. We need to keep our eye single, because how well we follow our call is what will matter in the end. 

Jesus said ‘ If your eye be single your whole body shall be full of light.’ 

The world is full of distractions, the enemy is trying to shift men from their focus. Mass distraction has hit many in this end time. People, have been knocked off course, as they spend precious hours on what doesn’t matter. 

Sometimes these distractions can be disguised as harmless options or even useful  things. The social media presently has become a great addiction to many. People are always surfing, searching, chatting, emailing, texting etc. Often it seems the  brain has been put on constant alert; in an  “always on” mode. Others have been lulled into thinking that through multi-task they can get more done. Yet, a great task awaits us, which is God’s assignment for our lives.  We need to practice some “planned neglect” of other things, even good things, so as not to be distracted from God’s call.  Men who walk with God do not run around with men. 

We must keep our eye single on our call. In a fast-paced, demanding world, mass distraction lurks around every corner.  There is an enemy on the prowl. 1 Peter 5.8 warns us  ‘Be sober, be vigilant. Your enemy the devil prowls looking for whom to devour.’ We must therefore not allow ourselves to be entangled with the distractions of this world. No matter where we are or what we do, we must always keep in mind that there is a call upon our lives, there is a race set before us. And we will be judged according to how well we run this race. 

Maybe you are facing some distractions right now. Maybe you are being distracted by all the activities in your life. Maybe it is even affecting your devotional life and time spent  with The Lord.  You need to get back to what matters most, which is keeping our eyes single on God’s assignment.  

Jesus lived his life on earth focused on His mission.  He did everything he did with a clear sense of purpose.  His vision was sharp, His goal was clear and he never allowed anything to distract him. 

The disciples when they began their ministry, followed the example of   Jesus and lived a focused and Spirit-driven life. 

Paul also demonstrated the same in his life. He was very sharply focused, and  driven by a clear sense of purpose, both in life and ministry.

And this is the pattern we should follow, and also inspire others to emulate. We should not allow anything, to distract us from the call of God. Like the eagle we should lock our vision onto our God given assignment. There is a race set before us, let us focus on it. Let us set aside, every distraction, every besetting sin and all that weighs us down. Let us run this race with patience looking unto Jesus The author and finisher of our faith.  

PRAYER: Lord, you are always good and faithful, no matter what happens around me, Please grant me the grace to always stay focused on Your call for me, may I never be distracted  in Jesus Name. . 

QUOTE 

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

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK REJOICE]