may, 2020
18mayAll DayDevotional for May 18, 2020Hebrews 4:15
Devotion
When we were yet sinners, Jesus, as High Priest, by means of His own blood, entered once and for all into the holy places, thus securing an eternal redemption for
Devotion
When we were yet sinners, Jesus, as High Priest, by means of His own blood, entered once and for all into the holy places, thus securing an eternal redemption for us (Hebrews 9:12). Now, we are saints. He is our Advocate, and as High Priest, He can sympathize with our infirmities.
In the Old Testament, the high priest put the names of the sons of Israel on his shoulders and chest (Exodus 28). So, be encouraged, for you are on His heart! He feels what you feel, whatever your weakness is. And because you are upon His shoulders, He is able to save those who draw near to God through Him since He always lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). As evangelists in the Arab world, we are experiencing His sympathy. Jesus said in John 15:20 that since they persecuted Him, they will also persecute us.
Prayer:
Thank you Father, for our High Priest, Jesus. He, who has been tempted as we are, yet is without sin, is able to sympathize with our weaknesses.
Haggai leader:
Zakaria Estawro
Evangelist, Author
Egypt
Quote:
I believe very much in the Haggai strategy to train leaders and send them back to their own countries to share the Gospel. Haggai changed my life and service.
19mayAll DayDevotional for May 19, 2020Hebrews 4:16
Devotion
I would like to share my experience with the type of faith that moves the hand of God. At times in my life, I was following people trying to find
Devotion
I would like to share my experience with the type of faith that moves the hand of God.
At times in my life, I was following people trying to find guidance. Other times, I was running away from God or ignoring His voice. The most precious lesson I have learned is how to recognize God’s voice and obey His calling despite fear, doubt, ignorance, and love of the world. Walking with Jesus is a real journey. What counts is the type of faith we have, because without faith, we can’t please Him. When we come to the Lord with a need to be answered, we should come trusting that He has already answered our prayer.
This type of faith without doubt is what Jesus asks for. His command is to ask, trust, and come to the Father’s throne and then to receive because He has done everything for us. He has made us deserving of His grace. We must come in Jesus’ name.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, teach us the type of faith you want to find in our hearts because your pleasure is to give us what we ask for and make us glorify your holy name.
Haggai leader:
Lna Bajjali
Head of Registration, Tannous Drug Store
Jordan
Quote:
Now I know my vision, responsibilities, and power in Jesus.
20mayAll DayDevotional for May 20, 2020Hebrews 10:23
Devotion
As Pakistani believers in this era, the living example of Assia Bibi is not only a source of strength for our faith, but also a true expression of our hope
Devotion
As Pakistani believers in this era, the living example of Assia Bibi is not only a source of strength for our faith, but also a true expression of our hope – a hope in Christ.
To a confident believer, hope is the anticipation of a brighter future with the Savior. As in the life of Assia Bibi, we find comfort that He who promised will remain faithful. She is a Christian Pakistani woman, imprisoned since October 2010, and convicted of blasphemy against the Majority religion. First sentenced to death in November 2010, her conviction has recently been overturned. She has always fought fervently and tenaciously, never giving up but continuing to trust in her Savior.
Assia Bibi teaches a great lesson to the world: that we have to hold on to the confession of our faith. She made history that as a Pakistani uneducated believer, and as a woman – if she could stand up for her faith, then why can’t you and I hold on to the hope of our confession.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me to have a confidence in Christ that a glorious future is ahead of me though I go through hardships or persecution for your sake in this world. Amen
Haggai leader:
Ruby John
Co-Director, Bethel Evangelistic Ministries
Pakistan
Quote:
Haggai has given me the confidence to live as an evangelist and a trainer.
21mayAll DayDevotional for May 21, 2020Hebrews 10:25
Devotion
Fellowship is of paramount importance. Busy schedules and long distances are great challenges to fellowship. However, the physical element of being present in body is so important; for this reason
Devotion
Fellowship is of paramount importance. Busy schedules and long distances are great challenges to fellowship. However, the physical element of being present in body is so important; for this reason Jesus came down to us. Modern-day technology tends to make us feel self-sufficient and justified that we are in some ways keeping in touch, while not really being in touch. Fellowship is right at the heart of God. He sought to fellowship with Adam and seeks to fellowship with us today!
Fellowship sends a very strong signal to others about our faith and attracts others to it, creating bond and unity. Through fellowship, we sharpen one another. There is so much power in coming together physically; we encourage, edify, and exhort one another. Indeed, the blessings of God are there (Psalm 133:1-3). God promises to be present on every occasion (Matthew 18:20), which means His blessings will be present. Corporate prayers have great power, especially when in agreement with one another.
Prayer:
Lord, that I may be the physical extension of Jesus in the lives of others – the “Jesus connection.”
Haggai leader:
Ngozi Lilian Nwagboso
Co-Pastor, Redemption Gospel Church, Windhoek
Namibia
Quote:
My time with Haggai was very special. I was reinvigorated, and my skills were sharpened. My focus and commitment to the Great Commission were positively impacted.
22mayAll DayDevotional for May 22, 2020Hebrews 11:1
Devotion
When we read this verse, two things should be highlighted: substance and evidence. Substance is something like surety and certainty. Evidence is the proof that the substance will be accomplished.
Devotion
When we read this verse, two things should be highlighted: substance and evidence. Substance is something like surety and certainty. Evidence is the proof that the substance will be accomplished. In other words, we are talking about hope.
Romans 8.24-25 says: “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope; for what a man sees, why does he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it” (KJV). For this reason Paul completes: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4.18, NIV). That’s something we should all be doing, every day.
Prayer:
Dear Father, give us the capacity to focus our mind on spiritual things, understanding that the physical ones are temporary and belong to this world, not to the next one, where we’ll live with you, face to face.
Haggai leader:
Richard Vasques
Director and Senior Consultant, RJV Management Consulting Company and President, Gideons International, Rio Tijuca
Brazil
Quote:
Since Haggai, I have strengthened my relationship with God by daily devotions. I am a National and an International faculty member for HLE.
23mayAll DayDevotional for May 23, 2020Hebrews 11:6
Devotion
Christianity is based on faith, faith in the God who presented Himself to Moses as "I AM" and who has chosen us as He chose many others throughout the Bible
Devotion
Christianity is based on faith, faith in the God who presented Himself to Moses as “I AM” and who has chosen us as He chose many others throughout the Bible to live for a higher purpose.
In a time in which society no longer recognizes the person of “I AM,” the question Jesus made to His disciples arises again in a very personal but very important manner to us: “Who do you say I am?” It is our personal response to this question that will please God if we decide to believe in who He is and what He has promised.
We must choose to live according to His Word for the purposes of the Kingdom. It is this kind of faith that helps man follow Him, deny self, carry the cross, and ultimately please Him to the point of death if necessary, all to express the deepest gratitude for His sacrifice on that cross and His resurrection for our eternal life. Serving Him is a privilege and our reward as we foresee our eternity with Him.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for showing us how our faith can please you. May we walk in your ways.
Haggai leader:
Guillermo Argueta
Attorney at Law, Argueta & Associates, Tegucigalpa
Honduras
Quote:
Haggai ignited a passion for God and a desire to know Him more through consistent and profound study of His Word and a commitment to spread the Good News.
24mayAll DayDevotional for May 24, 2020Hebrews 12:1
Devotion
The context we live in can isolate us from the fellowship of fellow runners. The suffering we experience due to our faith can slow down our pilgrimage. This part of
Devotion
The context we live in can isolate us from the fellowship of fellow runners. The suffering we experience due to our faith can slow down our pilgrimage.
This part of the world often communicates to us that our Christian faith is a minority religion. It’s setups marginalize our practices. However, our faith is neither a philosophy nor a form of lifestyle but about our active relationship with Christ, which is not a short sprint but a long marathon. Therefore, the appeal of Scripture is that we must endure our journey and must not give up in times of difficulty.
Though we are expected to concentrate on our own race, we are also encouraged to look at the bigger picture – the cloud of witnesses and our Lord Jesus Christ who have gone before us. We are commissioned to set aside the frustration that suffering can cause and to trust Him alone who can finish our race. Can you hear the testimonies of those who have finished their race?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, make me and those who serve you in difficult contexts heroes of the faith. In your Name, Amen.
Haggai leader:
Julian Devadason
Director, Ambassadors for Christ
Sri Lanka
Quote:
Haggai helped me be a more effective witness.
25mayAll DayDevotional for May 25, 2020Hebrews 12:2
Devotion
This text draws our attention to the right direction, despite living in a world full of evil and hatred. As believers and followers of Jesus Christ, our eyes should only
Devotion
This text draws our attention to the right direction, despite living in a world full of evil and hatred. As believers and followers of Jesus Christ, our eyes should only be fixed on Him – the way, the truth and life. Especially we as Christian leaders while serving God and delivering the Gospel we face many obstacles and difficulties.
But when we fix our eyes to Jesus, who shed Himself for us, we find the greatest example for an evangelist and master. Jesus endured resistance from sinners but he faced their evil in great patience and didn’t care about shame in his life or death. Despite the pain of the crucifixion of Christ, He found joy in making a new relationship between God and people and opening the way of salvation.
Prayer:
Lord, keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the perfect example because His pains and patience exceeded ours. Give us all strength, encouragement and peace.
Haggai leader:
Nabil Ghaly
Senior Pastor, El-Marg Evangelical Presbyterian Church
Egypt
Quote:
At Haggai I learned discipline in everything and arranging my time to put it to good use every day. I now evangelize by my life before my words and make disciples in my church.
26mayAll DayDevotional for May 26, 2020Hebrews 13:5
Devotion
The antidote to greed and covetousness is gratitude-based giving, motivated by the Great Commission. I will never forget that Sunday service in March 1976, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. We had
Devotion
The antidote to greed and covetousness is gratitude-based giving, motivated by the Great Commission. I will never forget that Sunday service in March 1976, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. We had designated it as “Giving Sunday” so that we could begin our building project for the new church. As I watched, people removed their jewelry, little children brought their toys, others brought cash – and dropped them into the boxes up front.
With food rations and other economic restrictions, it was really tough. We challenged our people to give cash or kind in a way that would make a substantive difference in their lives. They delivered with faith and sacrifice. I have learned that the best way to “nail mammon” and live with contentment is to be a good steward and a sacrificial giver – even when things are tough. God never fails! Our people learned that lesson.
Is there a connection among deliverance from greed, giving, contentment, and the Great Commission? Yes! Dr. John Edmund Haggai has taught stewardship and exemplified it so brilliantly, and I am so grateful that I had the privilege of sitting in his sessions early in my ministry!
Prayer:
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
Haggai leader:
Tissa Weerasingha
Chief Pastor, Calvary Church of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Quote:
Haggai helped me to focus on fulfilling the Great Commission and to train others to do the same.
27mayAll DayDevotional for May 27, 2020Hebrews 13:6
Devotion
Once a man was crossing a graveyard at midnight. He was so scared that in order to strengthen himself he started to sing “He leaded me” at the top of
Devotion
Once a man was crossing a graveyard at midnight. He was so scared that in order to strengthen himself he started to sing “He leaded me” at the top of his voice. Suddenly a branch from the tree got hold of his shirt, and he started to sing in a shivering voice, “He leaded, he hooked my shirt.”
This incident tells about how Christians show their trust in God without having faith in His ability. Hebrews 13:6 quotes two great Old Testament passages – Joshua 1:5 and Psalm 118:6 – to show that a man or woman of God needs nothing more because they have with them always the presence and the help of God. Nothing can improve on that. This passage gives three assurances to believers in all circumstances as we keep God as our Lord – assistance, courage, and confidence.
Prayer:
May the Lord give us His assistance, courage and confidence as we face life’s challenges in our daily Christian journey.
Haggai leader:
Phitoli Khala
Associate Pastor (Women), Thahekhu village Baptist Church, Nagaland
India
Quote:
Haggai has changed me in every aspect of life. The impact of Haggai in me is the living testimony I receive each day. Most of all I find joy in all my work as I serve for the extension of His glory.
28mayAll DayDevotional for May 28, 2020Hebrews 13:7
Devotion
One night at 3 am, the Lord woke me up to talk, but I pretended that I was sleeping. Suddenly the cellphone rang: A Haggai facilitator from India texted me.
Devotion
One night at 3 am, the Lord woke me up to talk, but I pretended that I was sleeping. Suddenly the cellphone rang: A Haggai facilitator from India texted me. She said: “Pray and listen. God wants to speak.” She insisted despite of my resistance to get out of my bed, so I finally knelt down . . . And began to weep, because I heard His whisper.
That night, after hearing His loving voice, I made a decision that changed my life forever. We are blessed to have leaders, fathers and mothers that are willing to speak the word of God into our lives. They push us out of our comfort zones, and then comfort us with the kindness of God. They believe in us, even before we believe in ourselves. Their faith shows us that heaven on earth is not just a possibility, it is a reality.
Prayer:
Father thank you for surrounding us with fathers and mothers that carry your word and your heart. Help us to imitate them as they imitate you, because we want to look like you, and we want to love like you do. In Jesus name. Amen.
Haggai leader:
Ana Esperanza Lin
Medical doctor, evangelist and worship leader
Argentina
Quote:
I’m confident, because I know that I’m fully loved, called, chosen, and equipped by God and His people. I’m forever thankful for our amazing Haggai family.
29mayAll DayDevotional for May 29, 2020Hebrews 13:20-21
Devotion
“In heaven, when I meet God, I will tell the way it is in this world.” This song was written based on the experience of a child in the Kachin
Devotion
“In heaven, when I meet God, I will tell the way it is in this world.”
This song was written based on the experience of a child in the Kachin War in 2017 – 2018. That child was a Christian who had known that God is love, peace, and joy. He told one missionary who was working among children, “I will tell all things about this war to God – how the bullets fly over my head, how the dynamic bombs shake my heart, and how I feel terrible without my papa and mammy.”
In this world of war and trouble our hearts are yearning to find the meaning of our existence. God’s love reaches us in the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross to bind us to Himself in unconditional love and care. There are many things we don’t understand. Like why God allows us to go through such terrifying situations like that of this child. We don’t feel loved and blessed all the time. But, surpassing our understanding, God is trying to produce the best things in us. He is working in us so that we may be complete and well pleasing to Him forever and ever.
Prayer:
O God, I thank you for being my hope, my peace, and my refuge. May your blessings shine throughout the world and especially where needed most, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Haggai leader:
En Thang
Founder and Director of Ro Tling Ministries and Life Academy
Myanmar
Quote:
Haggai changed my whole life and view of ministry through the renewing of my mind to a greater vision. Now I can see a Biblically educated generation, who is capable of transforming and leading our nation to the liberty and peace of the Kingdom of God.
30mayAll DayDevotional for May 30, 2020James 1:2-3
Devotion
God wants Christians to grow into Christlikeness. Maturity is seen in our character and attitude. Murmurs and quarrels with God or others are signs of immaturity and impatience. These behaviors
Devotion
God wants Christians to grow into Christlikeness. Maturity is seen in our character and attitude. Murmurs and quarrels with God or others are signs of immaturity and impatience. These behaviors are usually revealed during trials. James reveals one of the purposes of God in our trials: Making us grow in patience through them, as we allow Him to mend our character.
I am a witness of this revelation. I had seven years of abuse, from ages 12 to 19. Jesus came into my life when I was 14. At 16, he led me to read all of Exodus before committing myself to read the entire Bible. This book told me about my life. God thus began the work of healing in my soul and mind and from then on, abuse had become an opportunity for me to experience a deep intimacy with God (like Moses). God collaborated with me to treat my heart. Today I can work in any team and be useful to the Lord.
Through trials, God wants to lead us to the perfect stature of Christ. This is why James recommends not opposing it. Are you ready for that?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for being our strength, refuge and defense.
Haggai leader:
Merlin Nkouako Tchamnda
Senior Manager, ADG Technology Company, Ltd., Special Advisor, National Bureau of the YMCA, and Secretary General, Inductive School of Bible Study, YWAM, Yaounde
Cameroon
Quote:
Haggai changed my leadership style. I’m amazed when I see how God is using me since then.
31mayAll DayDevotional for May 31, 2020James 1:5
Devotion
Teaching at a prestigious academic institution like the University of the Philippines demands academic excellence. Most often, people outside the academic community look up to "intelligent" faculty and graduates of
Devotion
Teaching at a prestigious academic institution like the University of the Philippines demands academic excellence. Most often, people outside the academic community look up to “intelligent” faculty and graduates of the institution. But in reality, intelligence is not enough; neither is knowledge enough.
The truth of the matter is “it is not in what you know, but in what you do with what you know.” This is wisdom! Wisdom is simply knowing what is good and evil, then applying what is good. This kind of wisdom is a gift from God. To be wise is to have godly convictions and aspirations that will help change the world for the better. Many intellectuals nowadays lack this kind of wisdom.
Anyone who lacks this wisdom needs to ask God, who gives generously to all who seek it without judgment. This wisdom from above is definitely the need of every “intelligent” person. You and I may be intelligent and knowledgeable, but are we really wise in deciding and doing what is good as god-fearing, intelligent people?
Prayer:
Lord, we ask for your wisdom to guide us so that we can help change our world for the better.
Haggai leader:
Wilfreda Legaspi
Assistant Professor, College of Art and Letters, University of the Philippines
Philippines
Quote:
My experience at Haggai re-focused my perspective on “true wisdom.” I train my students not only to be intelligent but also to be “wise” people of God.
