Test of Faith or Suffering

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance”

— James 1:2-3

Have you ever imagined what kind of faith you have? How do you respond to unforeseen circumstances that brings mental trauma? Do you blame God, yourself or the devil?

Most times when we go through painful circumstances in life it can be difficult to think that the situation can be an opportunity to measure the level of our faith. I remember when I was a young Christian, not really understanding spiritual things, I used to feel terrible and ask why will God allow such things to happen to people. The first thing that came out of my mouth each time I saw or heard about a problem, was; “WHY GOD”. I had a fixed mindset which always thought bad things should be limited to bad people and good things to good people. Most people are still fixated with this kind of mindset, even Christians. When someone so devoted to God suffers tragedy of different types including but not limited to sickness, marital problems or delays, barrenness, wayward children, financial issues, jobs issues etc., most often, people are quick to condemn them relating such issues to sin. There is no problem that is common only to Christians, however, Christians are supposed to address these issues from God’s perspective.

As I grew and continued to mature spiritually, I began to see how these situations though painful, can be used to build our faith in God. The bible says in Romans 8:28 “and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” It is interesting to note that there is no definition of the type of things in this bible verse. It states “ALL THINGS”. The Bible is so complete. In our pain, shame, joy, testimonies, etc, God will work it out for our good and for His glory. In the mist of pain we have a choice to still love God and allow the purpose of that situation to manifest itself. It may be that God wants us to spend more time with Him. During such times we may ask the WHY QUESTION, but our focus in that situation should be; GOD WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO TEACH ME THROUGH THIS? There is always a lesson in every situation. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says “For we live by faith, not by sight”. If we walk by faith, our focus should not be so much on the problem but rather on God’s promise because He will not lie according to His word in Number 23:19 “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?”

It may be a difficult journey but God knows the beginning and end of every thing, so we need to  trust Him alone. Painful circumstances may take us by surprise but to God nothing surprises Him. The psalmist says in Psalm 66:10-14 “For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance. I will come to your temple with burnt offerings and fulfill my vows to you. Vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble”. God watches us when we go through troubling times. Silver is known by its name when it’s been polished through a furnace. One can only imagine what that pain can be. The good news is that God does not abandon us in the fire. He is there with us. His grace is sufficient. It is only after we come out of the furnace that we can shine like silver, a place full of the abundance of His blessings.

No body likes to go through pain, however as believers, we can exploit every opportunity in life to grow in our faith in God. As we grow in our faith, it also assists us in becoming ambassadors for Jesus. It is always great when we use our own testimonies to minister to others. This does enables us to connect God’s word from the Bible to its practical application. According to 1 Peter 1:6-7 “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed”.  Our trials are meant to sharpen our faith and when we are able to endure to the end, the Bible says it is worthier then gold and this is what brings joy and glory to God.

To all of you out there going through a painful situation, be encouraged today that in whatever you may be going through, know that God is right there according to Job 23:10 “Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”

Finally, give God the opportunity to build your faith now through your pain so that next time when pain shows up, you will have the strength to trust God and remember this bible verse; 2 Samuel 16:12 “Perhaps the LORD will see my affliction and repay me with good for the cursing I receive today."

Let’s pray:

Father, in the name of Jesus I thank You for the free access I have to come before your throne through the blood of Jesus Christ. Lord, I am blessed that You care for me and know every detail about me. I thank You for the pain I am going through right now. Please Father, I ask that you show me what I need to learn through my situation. I pray You will grant me the grace to go through this pain in the name of Jesus. I also know that Your word says I should count it joy when I go through pain as this is how my faith in You will develop over time. Help me Lord to remain strong through all of this so that at the end You will receive Your glory and I will get my blessing. Thank you Lord for building my faith through my pain in Jesus mighty name I pray.   AMEN

Your Reproach Has Been Rolled Away

“Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” So the place has been called Gilgal to this day”

— Joshua 5:9

What is reproach? Simply put. “God’s judgement against our stubbornness. A way of ensuring that we understand that we have wondered away. A time to reflect and return back to God”.

Ezekiel 5:14-15 says “I will make you a ruin and a disgrace among the nations around you, in the sight of all who pass by. So you will be a reproach and a taunt, a warning and a horror to the nations around you, when I execute judgments against you in anger, wrath, and raging fury. I, the LORD, have spoken.” Jeremiah 22:9 also says “Then people will reply, 'Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God and have worshiped and served other gods.”

God is a balanced God. He is a God of justice and righteousness. Sometimes we settle only on the LOVE of God and never on the WRATH of God. The good news is, when we sin there is a provision for forgive but we must recognize that we have sinned and see the need to repent and come back to God.

What is the significance of this place called Gilgal?

I am not a bible scholar but in simple terms, this place marked the beginning of our spiritual journey in Christ. After the Israelites had crossed over the Jordan Joshua 5:2 says, the Lord gave Joshua a task.  “At that time the Lord said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.” So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth.” And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed” (Joshua 5:2-3; 8).

Joshua was diligent in carrying out this task of circumcision of the whole nation of Israel. After this process, the Lord released His word in Joshua 5:9, literary meaning that at this place we have obeyed the Lord by removing the old skin and allowing the new skin to come. Forsaking our old ways of life and embracing a new way in Christ. Allowing ONLY the Spirit of God to lead and guide us in this new journey of life since He alone is the author of it. It is a place where God is removing shame, disgrace and everything that surrounded the past life and giving us a new identity in Christ Jesus. God is giving a new way for everything. The new life ensures victory and walking as an overcomer. “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith." Jesus brought this victory through His death on the cross” (1 John 5:4).

Galatians 2:20 says “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” It is only after circumcision that a saved soul can profess this powerful bible verse.  This is not a physical process but it spiritual.

Colossians 2:11 says “In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ”. It is by taking a step of faith and putting our trust in Christ Jesus and allowing Him in ourselves to give us a new way of living.

Ephesians 4:21-24 says “assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” This means a renewed mind that has been transformed by the righteousness of Christ. We come to that place where we begin to think and function as lead by the Spirit of God. True believers in Christ understands that when one is truly born again and have been going through the process of circumcision, there is a shift in the spirit realm that affects the mind and gradually transfers it into the mind of Christ. We begin to view and do things differently from our old ways.

“Circumcise yourselves to the Lord; remove the foreskin of your hearts, O men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem; lest my wrath go forth like fire, and burn with none to quench it, because of the evil of your deeds” (Jeremiah 4:4) This is a matter of the heart, it can be done only by total surrender to the transformation power of the completed work on the cross by Jesus the son of the living God.  Circumcision can help us live and appreciate the power of the work that Jesus completed on the cross and its significance in our lives.

Joshua 5:13-14 says “Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” The Lord is the Commander in charge of every battle in our lives. Through Circumcision our spiritual eyes are opened, and we can see Him engaging in battle and fighting for us. Circumcision is a must if we want to win our spiritual battles. Circumcision is the cleansing that helps to remove everything the hinders our relationship with God. Joshua looked up and was able to see the Commander in charge. Probably he must have been wondering how the wall was going to collapse.

Joshua 24:14 says “Now therefore fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.” Circumcision gives us strength to put on godly fear therefore enhances our ability to serve God sincerely, truthfully, and more so in a rewarding way. 

Questions to reflect on

1. Can you recall when you gave your life to Christ?

2. Are you walking in and with Christ (circumcised) or you are still walking in your old (uncircumcised) ways? 

3. Can you rate your relationship with God for the past three months? Some areas to consider study of the word, prayer, service to God, personal time spend in His presence Evangelism, etc.

4. Are you a true believer in Christ Jesus? Not about where you go to church or the role you play.

Prayer:

Father I thank you for your son Jesus and the completed work on the cross. I thank you Lord that I have the opportunity to be called your child. I thank you for the reconciliation through your son. Father I ask in the name of Jesus that you forgive me of any sin I have committed and that has brought difficulties in my walk with you (pause, reflect, and name them). I ask for mercy and I repent of all of them in the name of Jesus. I ask Father that you grand me grace to forsake my old ways of life and walk in the righteousness of Christ in the name of Jesus. Thank you, Father for hearing my prayer in Jesus mighty name. AMEN

God’s Way of Prosperity

“and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go”

— 1 Kings 2:3

I was born into a very poor African family. My mother struggled to provide our basic needs. There was nothing like desiring something just for the sake of it. I attended high school with rich people’s kids. I used to admire all that they had. Inside of me I wished I was like them. When I became a born-again believer, I began to look at life from a different prospective. I appreciated the fact that though I was very poor, Jesus loved me so much to die for me without taking anything from me. I often imagined, if I had to purchase my salvation it would not have been possible in any form or shape considering my financial background.

As I continued my journey with the Lord, I began to understand what prosperity from the word of God really means. If I am rich in the word of God, his presence rest all over me and that presence makes a way always out of no way. To be rich in His word, I must make an effort to study, meditate, obey, and apply the word in every aspect of my being. Meditation of the word enables my spirit to absorb the word and thus keep it in me. I call this “my spiritual bank account”. When I need it for any purpose, I do not have to run and look for a physical bible, it’s there right in the inside. This is what I believe the passage in Joshua 1:7-8 implies; “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful”.

The word of God is our road map for everything in life. Genesis 39:2-6 explains the life of Joseph and how God was with him in every step. “The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned; the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. So, Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome” (Genesis 39:2-6).

Joseph walked with God and God kept His own part of the bargain. God’s presence in Joseph’s life caused him to find favor wherever he was. He prospered as well in every area because God’s presence brought blessing that was evident to the eyes of everyone.

Deuteronomy 8:18 says “but remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” When we prosper in life, in whatever area, we should always remember where it came from. God remains the source and sustainer of every blessing of our being both physically and spiritually.

Some basic facts to keep:

1. Create time to study and mediate on God’s word daily.

2. Hold on to and never turn away from the word of God.

3. Obey what the word says else you deceive yourself.

4. Practice on how to keep God’s word in your heart because what comes from the lip should be what has been stored in the heart.

5. Live a life of accountability.

6. Trust God’s word for what it says. 

Prayer:

Father in the name of Jesus, I thank You that I am counted among Your children. Thank You, Lord, for the finished work on the cross of Calvary that has made a provision for me. I desire to prosper spiritually and physically oh Lord. Grant me the grace to understand prosperity Your way. Help me not to neglect Your commands. Grant me the grace to trust and obey Your word as well as apply it to my daily life. Grant me the grace to wait patiently for answers to my prayers in Jesus mighty name.  Amen!!!

Blessing!!!

Ennette Heaggans

What is the Source of Your Strength?

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”

— Psalm 28:7

As a very busy person, I am often asked how I do it? My response is always the same; The Lord is my strength. Although I say this always, its only when I sit down to reflect on some of the things I deal with daily, that I begin to really see how I couldn’t have gotten out of bed without the strength of God. I will therefore define strength in the way I see it manifested in my life. “Strength from God is the cloud of the overwhelming grace and presence of God that covers and enables us to function.” It is not compromised by time, place, activity or circumstances”. Without the presence of God and the power of his grace and strength we cannot function.

In Psalm 28:7, the psalmist does not only view God as his strength but also as a shield. From the definition of strength above, one can see that when one experiences God’s strength, there is a provision for protection because of His presence. The Lord told Gideon in Judges 6:14 “The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hands. Am I not sending you?” What this means is go with my presence; my grace will be sufficient for the assignment and no one will harm you because I will be with you to fight for you. The strength from God is not just getting up daily from bed and being able to move our body parts and going around. It’s fighting our battles; waging war against the enemy, like in Gideon’s case, the Lord strength was upon him to wage war and defeat the Midianites who had oppressed the children of God.

Psalm 18:39 says “You armed me with strength for battle; you humbled my adversaries before me.” The strength of God is our spiritual weapon against our enemies. When we stand in spiritual battle on our own ability, the enemy will see us like grasshoppers but when we stand with God, we see the manifestation of Exodus 15:3 “The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name”. He is not just a warrior but the King of glory who is mighty in battle according to Psalm 24:8 “Who is this King of Glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.” Then, when it comes to battle with God, the enemy trembles. That is why the word of the Lord says in Exodus 14:14 “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." He will fight for us because he knows what we do not know. Remember the enemy we fight on earth is the same one who was thrown out of heaven, so there is nothing hidden about him that God does not know.

When we allow God to be our strength, He goes before us and fights every battle. With Him is victory and the enemy is always 100% defeated. Give the Lord an opportunity to be your strength today and watch Him go before you according to Isaiah 42:13 “The LORD will go forth like a warrior; He will stir up His zeal like a soldier. He will shout; yes, He will roar. He will prevail against His enemies”. There is joy in victory and we can trust God with our daily lives for the best like the psalmist says in our beginning Bible verse Psalm 28:7.

Prayer:

Father I come to you now oh Lord thanking you for strength. Forgive me in times when I have placed my strength in my own ability. Envelop me in Your unfailing strength and grant me the grace to wait on you daily as in Isaiah 40:31 “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  I wait on you Lord to give me a new strength that comes only from you my Lord in Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen and Amen.

Blessings!

Ennette Heaggans

Positioning for Divine Favor

““I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.”

— Luke 1:38

The Lord’s servant? Whose servant are you? If you are a servant of this world, you will be loyal to the world and reap the benefits thereof. As a servant of God, it meant Mary was loyal to God and under the control of God. A total surrender to God’s will and purpose. 

Luke 1:28-31 “The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.”

Mary went further to proclaim that since she was under the control of God, let whatever God wants to do through her be done. Loyalty meant putting off her personal desires, goals, plans and everything that was to her benefit and submit to the authority she was a servant to. Her loyalty attracted the angel of God more, as she tried to process the message. She was given an assurance of the favor of God around her. The favor of God attracts His presence around and within us. In His presence fear is cast out and we receive grace to carry His assignment through. 

Luke 1:38b “Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Mary had to put off her own agenda, not even a thought of how the message will affect her relationship with her fiancé. She was selfless and like the Apostle Paul her interest was yielded to the will of God. Whatever the Lord wanted rather than whatever Mary wanted. Philippians 3:8 says “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ”. It is always for our own gain when we choose to surrender to the control of Christ

Mary’s life style positioned her for favor. You may ask what I mean by that? Mary was a virgin; Luke 1:26-27 says “In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary”. What does virgin mean spiritually? She was spotless, clean, without contamination, stains nor wrinkles. According to Ephesians 5:27 “and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.” She was found blameless before God and her righteous lifestyle radiated to the throne room of heaven and she was noticed (favored) and found suitable for God’s earthly assignment to incubate the most ever precious gift from God to the sinful world; Jesus the Son of God.

2 Corinthians 11:2 says “For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin.” It’s God’s desire that we are presented as pure virgins, sanctified and made holy by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Finally, as believers in Christ Jesus representing the church we must make ourselves ready by clothing ourselves with the righteousness in Christ through our daily surrender and conscious efforts to walk by faith in holiness and truth. Our righteousness in Christ positions us for divine favor. Revelation 19: 7-8 says “Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready." It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.”

Questions to reflect on:

1. What would you have done if you were Mary?

2. If God picks up your record, what will show up before Him concerning you?

3. What steps can you take to ensure you maintain your virginity (righteousness) in Christ?

4. Have you come to that place where you can boldly say like Mary let it be done; whatever your will is Lord or where ever it will take me to?

Prayer:

Father I ask that you will grant me the grace to align myself in righteousness to be positioned for favor in this season. Father I pray that you will remove any hindrance in my path in Jesus name. As your servant, I surrender to your Lordship and will in Jesus mighty name. Do with me whatever pleases you and bring you glory in Jesus mighty name.

Blessings!!!

Ennette Heaggans

Dealing with the Questions in the Heart/Mind of the Believer

“Righteous are You, O LORD, that I would plead my case with You; Indeed, I would discuss matters of justice with You: Why has the way of the wicked prospered? Why are all those who deal in treachery at ease?”

— Jeremiah 12:1

Are you in that place where you are asking the “WHY GOD” kind of questions?

You are not alone, however, I encourage you to get back with God. Years ago, I used to be like that. I wondered why I will try to do everything right but still go through challenges all the time. At the same time, I saw people I knew very well who were wicked physically but there was not a single problem with them. It made me always think that I must have been doing something wrong that God was punishing me or maybe unforgiving sin was lingering within me. This dragged on for years, however, as I grew in the Lord my perspective changed.

In as much as sometimes this may be true, it is not always the case that one maybe walking in sin so God may be dealing with them. As a believer, saved by grace through my faith in Christ Jesus, I began to understand that God expects more from me because He has redeemed me by the blood of His Son. He desires to use me for His glory. It only makes sense for me to go through some challenges in life so that I can be shaped into His kind of vessel and testify when God delivers me. These challenges are the test I am expected to go through to be used by God at different levels. Majority of people that God will use must go through this kind of a journey. Ephesians 2:7-10 says “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” For us to become God’s handiwork, we must be formed in Christ and for us to accomplish any good work, we must be tried in God’s furnace to prove our worth.

“See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield my glory to another”

— Isaiah 48:10-11

When we go through difficult times in life, we should know that God is using that as a furnace to refine us, after which we will be tested again to ensure our worthiness. God will not attach His name to anything unworthy and His glory is very important to Him. He will never share with another. This is what the process of creating in Christ for good works looks like. The affliction shapes who we became in the office where God intends to use us. Let me give a practical example here. If one is called to be a greeter in church, one must go through the afflictions of unfriendly people. God will use that to shape a loving/people oriented character because a greeter meets all kinds of people at the door of the church. As one goes through these challenges there is a grace which enables one to walk by faith through those difficult paths, which basically is the training ground for the manifestation of the power of God. Therefore, when you go through problems in life, keep your eyes on Jesus and do not bother with the wicked or focus on the world you are in.

Habakkuk 1:13 says “Your eyes are too pure to approve evil, and You can not look on wickedness with favor. Why do You look with favor on those who deal treacherously? Why are You silent when the wicked swallow up those more righteous than they?” Here we see Habakkuk asking God why evil people prosper while the righteous suffer. If you continue to read to Habakkuk chapter 2, God answers him and he realizes that evil people do not prosper, not in the long run. However, it is always important to remember to ask God what He is trying to teach during that season of trial. Romans 8:28 says “and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose”. Being called to do His work according to the purpose in His heart means He must shape us to produce the vessel that will fit the call and the purpose. When we pass through the challenges and do not give up, there is a testimony: what the power of God has done for us. It is our testimony that the Holy Spirit uses to connect and convict people with the word of God unto salvation and deliverance.

Do not envy the ungodly because you never know what God has for them. “But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills. Therefore, pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny” (Psalm 73:2-6, 16-17).  The psalmist thought to himself he was suffering while the wicked were enjoying life. This placed him in a situation where he was falling away from grace and embracing sin. Maybe this is you. You are serving God yet, things are falling apart; your job, health, finances, marriage etc. At the same time, you can see how the wicked around you are prospering. It was only when the psalmist went back into the house of God that he began to understand the position of the ungodly. The dwelling place of God is the only secured place for mankind. Never allow somebody to occupy your seat.   Trust God for the grace to go through your challenges victoriously.

May the Lord grant us grace to keep hold on to His word.

Prayer

Father I thank you for my salvation in Christ Jesus. I thank you Lord for saving me by grace and shaping me into a handyman for good works that will bring you glory. Open my eyes to see and accept my training ground where you are molding me to become more like Christ and become a vessel of glory for You Lord. Help me to dwell in your sanctuary at all times.  Grant me the grace not to allow my spot to be taken by another in Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen!

Blessings

Ennette Heaggans

Calling Your Dream Back to Life

“And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.”

— Habakkuk 2:2-3

Has God told you something in the dream or vision and you have thrown it away or forgotten about it because you have waited and it seemed it will never come to pass?

I have come to realize that God never changes His mind. What He spoke years ago to me I still hear the same things today. I was going through some notes I had written years ago and realized the same pattern of messages God had given to me. I am not good at journaling but I have come to realize how important this concept is. As we reflect on this passage in Habakkuk 2:2-3, I will like to highlight some important facts about the things we hear from God.

When God speaks, the very first thing to do is to write it down and date it. Daniel 7:1 says “In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream, and visions passed through his mind as he was lying in bed. He wrote down the substance of his dream.” This can come as a dream or vision or trance or whatever means God uses in communicating to you. Secondly, ask God for an understanding. Sometimes this can be difficult. It is very important that you take time to talk to God about it before consulting others for help. If you have trusted men and women of God in your life you can consult them only after you have really spent time asking the Holy Spirit about it. Thirdly, you must understand that when God speaks, it is always for an appointed time. This is where I think many of us miss or lose it. Daniel 8:26 says “The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given you is true, but seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future.”

Let us look at the revelation God gave Joseph through a dream when he was a young boy. “Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.” His brothers said to him, “Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said. Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. “Listen,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” (Genesis 37: 5-9)

If we try to analyzed this revelation, we can gather some facts; Joseph was quick to share his dream with his family but none of them understood what his dream meant and thus they were unable to interpret the dream, rather they hated him. His dream brought forth family problems that led to Joseph being sold to slavery. One thing is for sure; when God speaks, he does not change his mind. Numbers 23:19 says “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” The word of God cannot be hidden or cannot die. when God speaks it must come to pass, though sometimes the word meet forces that wants to alter His word. Isaiah 55:11 also says “so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

If God has given you a word, you have a responsibility to pray it into existence because spiritual forces are often standing in the way to challenge the word of God to ensure that it does not come to pass. You have to pray until you see it physically come to pass. This may take days, months, or years. It may mean you have to pray different types of prayers. It may sometimes take you into fasting. From the moment Joseph had his dream that he would one day be a great person, satan began to challenge the word of God in Joseph’s life. Satan used his family and he was sold to slavery in Egypt, the enemy did not give up but continued to work so hard to keep him from experiencing what God showed him in his dream. The good news was that Joseph did not give up believing God and God was with Joseph as well. Genesis 39:21 says “But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.” The favor of God will find us wherever, irrespective of circumstances.

In summary, Joseph’s dreams finally came to pass exactly as God had showed in the dream. “When Joseph came home, they presented to him the gifts they had brought into the house, and they bowed down before him to the ground.” (Genesis 43:26) Joseph was the next in command in the whole land of Egypt yet he began his life as a purchased slave. Do not give up your dream for anything. Hold on to it and continue to trust God. Certainly, He will bring it to pass when you least expect. 

To do list when you have a dream:

1. First thing upon waking up; remember your dream or vision and write it down. 

2. Pray for understanding?

3. Reflect on the dream or vision. Do you understand what it means? Do you need to speak to someone about it? 

4. Continue praying on the dream.

Blessings

Ennette Heaggans

Knowing That You Know God

“We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”

— 1 John 2:3-6

Today I would like us to study the word of God together.

1John 2:3 states that “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.” The key words here are: know, have come, keep, and commands. Let’s look at the meaning of these words and see how they fit together and bring out what God is trying to communicate to us.

Know: Google defines know as

1. Be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information

2. have developed a relationship with (someone) through meeting and spending time with them; be familiar or friendly with.

We may have heard about Jesus through our observation of others walking in righteousness or made an inquiry ourselves inspired by the Holy Spirit through reading the bible. Getting information about Him through what we gather from either listening to the pastor or reading the Bible. This is where everyone may start and this is great. However, going deeper in knowing God requires the second part of the definition; developing a relationship through meeting and spending time with God. This is accomplished by consistent and conscious effort in spending quality time in studying and praying the word of God. We cannot acquire a degree by a mere acceptance letter from a college. We have to make a constant and consistent effort and determination to attend classes, complete assignments, research into the different subjects, ask questions from the professor, write exams etc. To know God and grow in Him requires studying and praying his word. 2 Timothy 2:15 says “study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Have come is defined by the Collins English Dictionary as develop, mature, progressed, or become very successful. This implies that we cannot give our lives to Christ today and become experts in the things of God. It’s a process, just like how biologically we are born as babies and we grow into adults. There are stages of growth and each requires eating certain foods and doing certain things. You will never expect a child without teeth to chew on solid food. “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Peter 2:2). As we begin our journey with Jesus, we must desire and hunger for this pure spiritual milk which is the word of God because it is what will help us grow, develop our character, progress and mature in our knowledge of God. Jeremiah 9:23-24 also says “Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”

Keep means to continue to hold or have something. Psalm 119:11 says “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” What comes out of us is what is in the heart. Therefore, if the word of God is hidden in our hearts, that is what we will bring out consistently. Likewise, if we do not have the word of God, whatever is there will come out. “We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end” (Hebrew 3:14).  We must hold onto what we have come to understand about Christ and not be moved by any form of falsehood. Hebrews 10:23 says “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”

Command means an authority, order or direction from a superior (…). God is the commander and just like a physical commanders’ directions are followed strictly, more so are we expected to follow the word of the creator. In Joshua 22:5 the word of God admonishes us to “be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” If we say we love God but walk in disobedience, we are considered hypocrites.

Finally, going back to our Bible verses at the beginning and focusing on 1John 2:6 “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did”. Jesus depended on His Father for everything, so if we must live in Christ, we must follow his example. John 8:28-29 says “Then Jesus said to them, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him."

Reflection Questions:

1. Can I testify that I truly know God?

2. If Jesus stood before me now, can He bear witness that I am walking in His footsteps?

3. What can I change in my life to better my daily walk with Jesus?

Blessings

Ennette Heaggans

Stillness Ushers in Revelation

“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

— Psalm 46:10a

Years ago while in college, students were on strike for poor school conditions. As we stood outside the neighborhood talking, the military stormed the place. Everyone ran into the closest door that was open. About ten of us entered a student’s room, both male and female. The space was so small, but no one really cared about the tightness of the room. We could hear the military breaking doors, beating, and arresting students. There was panic in the room. In the mist of this, I remembered my grandfather’s best part of the Bible; Psalm 23. I looked over and there was a Bible. I grabbed it and asked everyone to be quiet and pay attention to me while I read my grandfather’s favorite Psalm. I was only a church attendee at the time. Well who does not want prayers when in danger? Suddenly, there was a calmness, quietness, no movement in the tight room and everyone’s attention was on me, listening as I read in a timid but gentle voice. I read the Psalm over and over. Interestingly, within no time, we were all carried away into the Psalm to the point where we had forgotten of the storm that was outside. The noise outside had stopped, everywhere was quiet but because we were so focused on the prayer, we had forgotten that the noise had stopped and the military had gone. After the prayer, one student opened the door and realized that life had gone back to normal.

When I reflected on the above story, it reminded me of the word of God considered here; “Be still”. Even in the mist of the storm God says be still.  That is the only way we can hear Him and get directions on what to do. Sometimes the storms of life just want to take over the mind. However, if the mind has been trained to be still, always, when there is a problem, it will adjust in the midst of the problem.

Let’s take a look at Psalm 46:10 “Be Still, and know that I am God “What does this mean? Not moving or making a sound, deep silence. I will define this as “a state in which the body, mind, soul, and spirit are quiet before God; a state of no physical movement; no mind movement or fishing around or journeying of the mind. A state where the spirit man is carried away into the throne room of the father and is connected to the Spirit of God and the soul is settled waiting on the mercy of God”. If we can practice to get into this state, it will ease our relationship with God. It does not come in a day, we have to practice this all the time. In this modern age, one cannot be still with the phone around or the TV on. It is in this state that we can hear God say “know that I am God”. If we are unable to hear God speak these words, it becomes difficult to trust His word. His gentle voice is heard in the quietness of our spirit.

Jesus is inviting us into his quiet rest. “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, “Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place” (Mark 6:31-32). Jesus is saying leave the noise, come alone and fellowship with Me. He longs to fellowship at His temple and He wants us to be still when we get in as in Habakkuk 2:20 says, “but the LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.”

Moses understood the secret of being still.  “Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the “tent of meeting.” Anyone inquiring of the Lord would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp. The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent” (Exodus 33:7, 11). Moses knew that there was so much commotion in the camp and for him to spend quality time and be still before God, he needed to pitch a tent and give it a name, so when anyone saw him there they knew exactly what to do; “NO DISTRACTIONS”

Jesus also had the habit of entering into a place where He could be alone and be still to hear His Father. Mark 1:35 says “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.”

What can one do to be still?

1. Create time to be alone from any form of distraction.

2. Start with 15 minutes

3. Take your Bible, note book, and pen.

4. Ask the Lord to cleanse you from any sin

5. Do not do anything apart from closing your eyes and trying to focus on God. Do not worry if your mind is wondering when you begin.

6. Practice daily.  The wondering will gradually stop.

7. Evaluate yourself after a month.

Prayer:

• Father I thank You for inviting me into Your presence. I ask for the grace to follow the rules of meeting with You. Help me Lord to focus on building my relationship with you. I erase every spirit of distraction from my mind, soul and spirit by the power and authority that is in the blood of Jesus.  Father I ask for a word that will renew my mind, my spirit, and connect me with your Spirit and presence in the name of Jesus.  Amen!

Blessings!

Ennette Heaggans

Have You Given Up Praying for Your Miracle?

“But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.”

— Luke 1:13

One thing I have observed over the years as a Christian is the frustration Christians faced when prayers seemed to be unanswered or delayed per our own timing and understanding. Personally, there are times I just pray a simple prayer and gets an instant answer. Also, there are prayers I have prayed for years and no answer yet. Would I say God is not fair? Not at all from my experience with God. He remains God in every situation. His character does not change with time nor circumstances. He alone is always God, in everything, everyplace, and in every situation.

Are you in that place where you are waiting on God and it seems God has closed the heaven? Have you been praying for something and you are at the point where you have given up? Are you at that point where you say with your mouth God is in control, but you are not praying and in your heart,  there is doubt?

 “In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.” Luke 1:5-7

Let’s look at Luke 1:5-7 in details.

Zacharias was a priest in the house of God. Elizabeth came from the household of Aron; she had a priestly background. Both were righteous. Both observed God’s commands and decrees. Both were blameless; meaning there was no fault in them. From these characteristics, we can conclude that they served God wholeheartedly. However, BOTH WERE OLD and CHILDLESS.

This is a couple who were genuinely serving God, yet had no child? They were in their old ages but still serving God and waiting for their miracle. I can only imagine how long they had been praying and waiting on God. What could have been the story about them in their community? They were serving others and probably praying for others and their miracle came forth but for them, nothing was happening. Can you just imagine what even the believers in their own church may have said about them? What kind of sin did they commit that God had punished them?  Put yourself in their shoes for a moment. How would you handle this? Stop serving God or continue to serve Him? Curse God and die like Job’s wife told Job to do? Stop going to church? Stop praying?

Such problems are very common today; childlessness, marital problems, divorce, wayward children, financial issues, joblessness, health issues, inherited bondages etc.  We must make a choice to walk with and wait on God irrespective of life challenges.

What Can We Learn from this Couple?

There is no record that this couple gambled with their problem. They were serving God in the mist of their problem. Age was not a barrier to serving God.  Life is not fair and so we must demand that fairness by our engagement in a nonstop deep prayers and walking righteously before God. God has our time and season in his hands. We serve a God of impossibility. Age was not a barrier to God’s power, likewise whatever you are going through cannot also be a barrier to God’s promises and power. The barrier is when we give up. Do not give up trusting God. By this I am not talking about the prayer at your breakfast. I mean spending quality time in your prayer closet until you get a breakthrough.

“But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.”

— Luke 1:13

In the verse above, the angle said your prayer, in reference to a specific request (child).  He even had a name for the child; John who will prepare the way for Jesus. What a wonderful thing to have waited for? This faithful couple did not just fold their hands, they waited and prayed in the place of service. Where will your angel of visitation find you? In the place of complains, gambling, reluctancy, giving up, laziness, and I don’t care anymore? It’s a choice that we must make for our angel of visitation to find us at the altar of service, prayer, praise, worship, and thanksgiving.

Do not allow life challenges to become a stumbling block to your breakthrough. Continue to trust God till your last breath or till you get an answer. Giving up is not an option.  Psalm 46:1-3 states that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” Keep on keeping on for God is still on the throne.

Prayer Points:

1. Father have mercy on me as I confess any negative thing that have replaced my unanswered prayers in the name of Jesus.

2. Father I ask for the grace to pray and remain on my knees until you speak to me in the name of Jesus.

3. I stand on the word of God in Psalm 46: 1-3 to encourage myself in Jesus mighty name.

4. I connect my faith with that of Zachariah and Elizabeth to stand firm and hold unto God until my breakthrough comes forth in Jesus name.

Blessings!

Ennette Heaggans

Prevention is Better than Cure

““To you, Lord, I call, for fire has devoured the pastures in the wilderness and flames have burned up all the trees of the field. Even the wild animals pant for you; the streams of water have dried up and fire has devoured the pastures in the wilderness”.”

— Joel 1:19-20

I love how the word of God presents itself so simple like picking up a free item with the word labeled “free”in front of somebody’s yard.

God is a relational God. Revelation 3:20 says “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me”. God has always shown his love by coming to us. However, we must know Him and His voice in order to recognize He is the one knocking. We must put up spiritual ears to hear Him. We must wear faith to get up and open the door.

He comes in for a fellowship. The only way this can be done right is through our daily engagement and keeping appointments with Him through His word and prayer. This practice helps us in understanding His character and ease our interactions with Him as well as provides a guide to know what to expect each time we get together.

“When I called, You answered me; You greatly emboldened me” (Psalm 138:3).  Psalm 50:15 says “and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me." Psalm 22:2 also says “My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest”.

Let’s look at these three verses by the psalmist closely. In psalm 138:3: The psalmist called, and God answered and gave him courage. Psalm 50:15 is a promise to call when there is trouble. Psalm 22:2 is the application of Psalm 50:15 and it appears God did not answer when the psalmist called. Wow! Did God shut the door on the psalmist? This can really bring discouragement, hopelessness, and backsliding if care is not taken.

Our topic for today focuses on two words prevention and cure. Prevention is the action of stopping something from happening or arising. Cure on the other hand, is a relief for a person or an animal from the symptoms of a disease or condition. I prefer to stop something from happening than to wait until it’s here then begin to look for a way to treat it. This same principle applies to our relationship with God. If we build a close relationship with God, we will know how to talk to him and what to expect. Our faith becomes stronger and helps us stand our ground in the mist of the fire noted in Joel 1:19-20.  The fire had devoured pastures, dried up waters, even the animals were not saved, but they knew their God shall be exploit (Daniel 11:32b). They shall not be shaken because they who know whom they have trusted and to whom they have committed their lives (2 Timothy 1:12).

On the contrary, if we want to call on God only because there is a fire, it may hurt us because we can panic easily due to not really knowing how to call on God. If there is no foundational word and relationship in our spirit, it calls for more trouble and an inability to comprehend the mind of God as well as His will towards us. Make it a priory today to study His word and build a relationship with him.

Questions to think About

1. Ask yourself if you really know God and have a relationship with him?

2. Do you have regular times to spend with God?

3. Are you able to recognize His voice and hear Him when He calls?

4. Do you call Him only in the day of trouble?

Prayer Points

• Grant me the grace to love you and keep your commands (spend time with you in prayer and the word)

• Anoint my ears to hear you when you knock at the door of my heart.

• Take away any distractions pulling me away from you.

• Help me; I need you Lord every day of my life.

Blessings!

Ennette Heaggans

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Why Wait?

““What the locust swarm has left the great locusts have eaten; what the great locusts have left the young locusts have eaten; what the young locusts have left other locusts have eaten”.”

— Joel 1:4

What is a locust? “A large, mainly tropical grasshopper with strong powers of flight. It is usually solitary, but from time to time there is a population explosion and it migrates in vast swarms, which causes extensive damage to vegetation” (English Oxford Living Dictionaries)

When I study the word of God, I most often, pause and look for its practical application around me. This particular verse in Joel 1:4 draws my attention to years ago as a little kid when we woke up one day, the green vegetation was all gone; grasses in the fields, crops in the farms, trees, and every plant around that was green were all eaten up by the creature called locust. Reflecting back, it looked like the trees in the U.S at the end of the fall season.  Nothing green could be seen except branches on the trees. I cannot remember what I thought of at that time because I was very young and my family were only church goers then. When I reflect back, I can only imagine how scarce food was at that time.

Locust is a very destructive insect. Can you imagine an insect being that destructive?

This word in Joel 1:4 describes different types of Locust.  What is interesting to me is that it’s still locust at the end of the day. Looking back on the infestation of the swam of locust in Cameroon, one would ask was God trying to send a warning message to the nation? I will leave you to decide.

The word of God is so real and true. I think most often people read the word of God and just wants to focus on “Abraham blessings are mine”. The Bible is balance; God is love, He loves righteousness and justice, and He is faithful. Psalm 89:14 says “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you”.

What does this Joel 1:4 really mean and how does it apply to us today?

This represents one of God’s ways that He uses to warn his people, his church.  It is a sign that we are not following his commands. Locust is a destroying creature, it moves in a swarm, and when it comes, it destroys everything green on its way. This implies there will be a period of famine; no food. Why will a good loving God judge His people He loves so dearly? When we sin, God warns us. If we do not listen, He uses such things to help us think about our actions. Sometimes we are so blinded that we do not see anything wrong with our actions.

In this verse of Joel 1:4, we see four stages of warning represented by the different types of locust. One can only imagine that when the first type of locust begins to consume it is a warning sign that we need to check our salvation and ensures we are still standing (2 Corinthians 13:5). How many times do we try to stop and examine our walk with God? This is similar to the destruction in Egypt, God warned Pharaoh several times but he did not pay attention until everything about him was consumed at the Red Sea. Amos 4:9 says “Many times I struck your gardens and vineyards, destroying them with blight and mildew. Locusts devoured your fig and olive trees, yet you have not returned to me,” declares the LORD.

Why wait until it’s too late to turn back to God in repentance? Remember the locust eats up all the greens. Let’s look at the way the psalmist describes true believers in psalm 92:12-14.  He says “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green”. Remember the reference is for the righteous palm tree and cedar of Lebanon that remains planted in the house of God, such can endure locust attack. They are strong with God but have no strength without God.

The locust can destroy our relationship with God. It eats up our spiritual life; bible study time, relationships, fellowships, prayer life etc. It pushes us to a place of famine and this becomes worse because the glory of God departs. 1 Samuel 4:22 She says, “The Glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been capture”.  Why wait till this time? When this happens the enemy sets in and brings more confusion. The glory of God is all we need, we cannot walk with God without His glory else we are walking on our own. The devil knows this and loves it when we fall short of His glory. May God grant us the grace to reflect and change our ways.

Prayers Guide:

1. Set a date with the Holy Spirit and ask for assistance to examine your heart and write down the list of issues that needs to be addressed.

2. Go before the throne room by the blood of Jesus asking for forgiveness and mercy.

3. Ask the Holy Spirit again for help on how you are going to change practically, write them down.

4. Ask for grace to remain steadfast in your walk with God.

5. Pray as the Holy Spirit guides you.

“God is always waiting for us while it is still day. Do not wait until the door is closed”.

Blessings

Ennette Heaggans

The Lord is Still His Name

““Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.”

— Exodus 6:6-7

Do you sometimes have doubts about  the word of God? It is true that in  the midst of affliction we cannot see God because our eyes are fixed on our pain. Let us examine the verses above.

I am the Lord:

God is who He says He is, there is no doubt about His identity. One thing I love about God is that He always reveals Himself before He speaks to us. This gives us an assurance so we know who we are dealing with. Satan, on the other hand, never reveals himself. He comes in a disguised form. The Bible says in  2 Corinthians 11:14  ”And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light”. We have to be careful so we don’t become Satan’s prey. 2 Corinthians 2:11 says “lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices”. After God revealed who was speaking, He began to reveal His plan.

Bring out from under the yoke of the Egyptian:

I can only imagine how one can breathe under a yoke. By His mighty right hand, we have been pulled out from the yoke of sin, slavery, sickness, shame, failure, discharge, defeat, pain etc. He pulled us outside of the enemy’s camp.  “For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you” Isaiah 41:13.  He is not a man that starts something and not finish, He brings us into the kingdom of His well pleased son- Jesus and seats us to eat with him on the same table for “He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son”. Colossians 1:13

Will free you from being slaves:

He has totally freed us from being slaves. Acts 13:38-39 says  “Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by Him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses”. Galatians 5:1 also says “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery”. We have to stand firm in Christ, the word of God and reject any thing that looks like a form of slavery.

I  will redeem you:

In other words, we have been bought with a price. Our freedom is not free.  We cannot in any way take the freedom God has granted us through His Son Jesus Christ for granted. “For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body”. 1 Corinthians 6:20

Mighty acts of Judgement:

We read this in Exodus 7 to 10.  These chapters describe how God used ten plaques upon the land of Egypt to push Pharaoh to free God’s people from slavery. We serve a God of justice. Proverbs 21:15 says “When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers”.

Take you as My own people and be your God:

He does not only free us from bondage and throw us to go fetch for ourselves but He guides us through the steps of life. “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep”. John 10:11

He makes us know that He alone is God:

Numbers 23:19 “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

I want to encourage you today that whatever life has brought your way,  remain confident that God is the Lord and will not change. Trust Him in the midst of life challenges for  certainly He will show you who He is. We have to consciously declare God’s word by faith even if we do not see any sign of rain. It is one thing to recite the word of God and another to hold onto it in the midst of the struggles of life. The same Lord who visited and delivered the Israelites has not changed. He will not change in the day of your visitation.

Prayers Points:

1. Help me Lord to know that You alone are the Lord

2. Grant  me peace in my struggles so I can learn to lean on You.

3. Open my spiritual eyes to see You and the ears to hear you.

4. Grant me the grace to trust Your word irrespective of what my eyes see.

5. Help me to know Your word that is due for the season.

6. Anything that is blocking my ability to trust God, I command it to burn by fire in Jesus name.

7. Lord, I chose to rest in your word in Jesus mighty name.

Have a blessed week. Keep looking unto the Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

Ennette Heaggans

Freedom is Not Free

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.”

— John 8:31-35

Have you ever pondered over these bible verses and wondered why Christians still walk in bondage? Jesus spoke to a group of people who had believed Him and admonished them to hold on to the word they have been thought. This is what qualified them to be called disciples. “It is therefore important that when we hear or read God’s word and understand what it says, there must be a faith that activates our ability to believe the word and hold onto it for the word to manifest itself.” Hebrews 11:6 says “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

A disciple is a branch permanently attached to a vine, knowing that his or her existence and abilities depends solely on the vine and at any time this varies, it creates a problem. This is the truth that must be established and held onto in order to be free. Thus, the amount of truth known, believed, and applied, determines the degree of our freedom. Anyone who sins is a slave and has no permanent place in the household of God. Our heritage as sons and daughters of the King is not a license to walk in ignorance. Acts 17:30 “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent”. Jesus the Son of God represents the word of God which is the truth that is able to set us free. Desire to study His word today, absorb it into your system, allow it to digest and flow through your entire body, and finally glue it to your heart, then it will begin to bring the freedom it is intended for.

Prayer Points

1. Father deliver me from any ignorance and unbelief

2. Spirit of God help me understand the word of God when I study it.

3. Deliver me Father from any wave that constant pull me away from you.

4. I confess any sin that easily entangles me and I can cover from mind with the blood of Jesus.

5. Help me oh God to hide your word in my heart so I will not sin against you.

6. If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus, this may be your opportunity.

Blessing!

Ennette Heaggans

Walking in the Power of God’s Glory

““Instantly, I came under the Spirit’s power. I saw a throne in heaven, and someone was sitting on it. The one sitting there looked like gray quartz and red quartz. There was a rainbow around the throne which looked like an emerald”.”

— Revelation 4:2-3

Have you ever wondered how we can really have a fulfilled relationship with God?

It’s in His glory. The glory of God reflects who He is. The glory of God is demonstrated in His presence, His display of power in our lives. Jesus is the radiance of that glory (Hebrew 1:3); the more of Jesus we have, the more of that power in our lives.

What can we do to experience this glory? 

We must learn to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24). John was in the spirit when he received the messages to the seven churches (Revelation 1:10). God is not a man and our interactions with him must be done spiritually. Therefore, worshiping God in the spirit enables us to connect with the Spirit of God. John came under the power of the Spirit (Revelation 4:2) because he was in the spirit. John 14:6 says “Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”. John 8:32 also says “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." We cannot falsify our worship of God, it will only harm us and destroy our relationship with Him. God is truth; period.  There is no debate or going around about this. The moment we understand and allow God’s truth in us, it creates an atmosphere of freedom and ease our worship of Him and perception of who He really is.

We must also ensure that we deliberately eliminate any thing that hinders the manifestation of God’s glory in our lives. Psalm 11:4 states that “The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD'S throne is in heaven; His eyes behold; His eyelids test the sons of men”.  God is holy, His temple is holy, there is no room for foolishness. His eyes cannot tolerate our sins.

If we really desire to see the glory of God and so have a fulfilled relationship with God, it is time to kill every king Uzziah in our lives.  “In the year of King Uzziah's death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple.” (Isaiah 6:1)

You may be wondering what does king Uzziah represents? It may represent anything that has taken God’s place in your life; your job, looks, money, etc.  Any spiritual power or thing hindering your relationship with God.

Prayer Points:

1. Father forgive me of any sin that hinders my relationship with you.

2. Father I want more of You.  Jesus fill my cup so that I can be filled with the glory of God.

3. Father grant me the understanding and grace to worship you in spirit and truth.

4. Every king Uzziah in my life must die by fire in Jesus mighty name.

5. Spirit of the living God fall afresh on me.

May the good Lord hear the cry of His church.

Ennette Heaggans

God’s Timing and Power Has No Respect for Boundaries

“In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.”

— Luke 1:5-7

You may be meditating on this word and pondering at the same time over the things you are trusting God for this year and wondering just how can God possibly do it.

Let’s reflect on the following points:

1. Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth served God in the time when Herod was king. A king who never cared about God.

2. Both were righteous in God’s eyes not the eyes of men

3. Both observed God’s commands and decrees

4. Both were blameless before God

5. There was also a BUT in their lives; no child.

6. To crown it all, they were old.

The question may be asked; how could they have served God in this manner and yet all these years their prayers were lingering? The BUT did not stop them from serving and trusting God. One can only imagine the humiliation they went through. Children are a source of joy and being people with such a position, more so, in the church with that kind of a problem? Yet, they ministered before God and prayed for the people. God was not done with them. Luke 1:13 “But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.”

Wow! The powerful man of God reflected on God’s word; “we are old people” doubting the power of God. That sounds very familiar. We pray and when the answer comes we say things like; it can’t be.  Luke 1:25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” Just imagine the joy in the heart of Elizebeth, considering the humiliation, shame, name calling, stigma, grief, pain, sorrow, etc she experienced over the years.

Take time throughout the week and pray.  You can follow the prayer points below.

1. Father thank you because it is the year of favor and help (Isaiah 49:8)

2. Father forgive me for any known and unknown sins (1John 1:8-10)

3. Father grant me the grace to hold on to your promises even in the mist of the direction of the world or when it makes no sense.

4. Father grant me the grace to serve you in spirit and truth.

5. Father Grant me the grace to walk in holiness and to be found blameless before you.

6. Every BUT in my life, scatter by fire in Jesus mighty name.

7. Every pronouncements of BUT in my life from wherever or whoever I cancel by the blood of Jesus

8. Father turn my humiliation into a song of joy and testimony in Jesus mighty name.

9. Uncommon Favor of God locate me this year in Jesus mighty name.

Have a blessed week.

Ennette Heaggans

2019: The Year of the Lord's Favor

2019 is the year of the Lord’s favor over His people. Isaiah 49:8-10 says “In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances, to say to the captives, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’ “They will feed beside the roads and find pasture on every barren hill. They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat down on them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.”

This is the year of experiencing an uncommon favor from God. This is the time when those who have never known what the goodness of the Lord looks like, will be able to stand and testify about the goodness of God. It is a season of breakthroughs and testimonies, not almost there but a time of taking back that which is rightfully ours. A season of total restoration of whatever the enemy has stolen; a time of laughter and celebration. A time of experiencing God’s total freedom. A time of enjoying green pastures, even in places where people see barrenness we shall see fruitfulness. A time of experiencing the covering by the canopy of heaven. A time when we shall actually feel the hand of God holding us, walking along, and giving us that assurance that He is with us through every step. A time of drinking from the springs of living waters.

Finally, it’s also a time to forsake all our fleshly ways and serve God in spirit  and truth. It’s only by knowing and applying the truth of God’s word that we can experience total freedom.

Happy New Year and blessings on you and yours.

Ennette Heaggans