After Christmas I was praying to God for his word for the year. Every year, I believe God has a word for the coming year that will be like the hallmark of that year.
We can't just keep doing what we used to do. If we just keep doing what we've been doing, we'll just keep getting what we've been getting. God is the God of new beginnings.
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."
Isaiah 43:18, 19
As I prayed about this year, 2010, I got a very short phrase from God - 'He's coming!'.
I don't think this is about the second coming of Jesus but about a change in the spiritual realms.
It was as though I was in the crowd in Jericho when Jesus passed through. As though I was sat by the road, with blind Bartimaeus, and heard a stirring in the crowd. What is it? At some point, someone must have told Bartimaeus, 'He's coming!' because when he knew it was Jesus he cried out for mercy and got his sight back.
Sometimes in the past we prayed and wondered where God was. But now, this year, I'm telling you, He's coming! Get ready for miracles. He's coming! Get ready for healings. He's coming! Get ready for breakthrough. He's coming!
Jesus is coming right into your situation.
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Sunday, 24 January 2010
Monday, 4 January 2010
From surviving to thriving!
On January 1st 2009, Hazel declared, "In 2009 a bungalow will be mine!" I replied, "Amen! I agree!" Right now, as I write, I am sitting in our bungalow. I want you to know that things can change dramatically in a year. You can go from surviving to thriving! God can overcome every obstacle in your path.
I just want to share a few observations on how we achieved this breakthrough - because it has not been straightforward by any means. We lost our buyer 3 times and the house we were buying twice. Many other delays happened, meaning from that declaration to moving in, took most of a year. We moved in on December 9th.
Here are 4 steps to your breakthrough.
1. Love God more than anything else.
The words Hazel and I said were not magic words - but they did activate a few spiritual laws. Hazel has wanted to move to a bungalow for many years. It has been a desire of her heart. She has been patient but also diligent in seeking God. We must focus first on God, not make a god of the thing we desire.
2. Rise up and make a statement.
"You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you; So light will shine on your ways." Job 22:28
God created the world through his word. He said, "Let there be light" and it was so. We are created in his image, so every breakthrough begins with a declaration. Jesus also said of the one who acts in faith, '.. he will have whatever he says.' Mark 11:23
3. Find agreement
When Hazel made her statement that day, I spoke out my sincere agreement. The word 'Amen' means 'so be it'. Jesus said, ".. if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven."
Matthew 18:19
4. Never give up
I can safely say that 2009 has been one of the hardest years of my life. Everything that could go wrong went wrong. Deals were broken at the 11th hour. We have an enemy who wants us to fail. And we must understand this - he will try to kill every blessing of God at birth, just as he did when Jesus came.
Between your dream and its fulfillment you will be tested. When we give up, the devil wins.
There are always more challenges, so you better learn to be a fighter in the spirit.
I wish you many mighty and significant breakthroughs in 2010. I believe those who are reading this will go from surviving to thriving in 2010!
Contact Don
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Listen to Don online - www.doneganpodcast.co.uk
I just want to share a few observations on how we achieved this breakthrough - because it has not been straightforward by any means. We lost our buyer 3 times and the house we were buying twice. Many other delays happened, meaning from that declaration to moving in, took most of a year. We moved in on December 9th.
Here are 4 steps to your breakthrough.
1. Love God more than anything else.
The words Hazel and I said were not magic words - but they did activate a few spiritual laws. Hazel has wanted to move to a bungalow for many years. It has been a desire of her heart. She has been patient but also diligent in seeking God. We must focus first on God, not make a god of the thing we desire.
"Delight yourself in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart."
Psalms 37:4
2. Rise up and make a statement.
"You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you; So light will shine on your ways." Job 22:28
God created the world through his word. He said, "Let there be light" and it was so. We are created in his image, so every breakthrough begins with a declaration. Jesus also said of the one who acts in faith, '.. he will have whatever he says.' Mark 11:23
3. Find agreement
When Hazel made her statement that day, I spoke out my sincere agreement. The word 'Amen' means 'so be it'. Jesus said, ".. if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven."
Matthew 18:19
4. Never give up
I can safely say that 2009 has been one of the hardest years of my life. Everything that could go wrong went wrong. Deals were broken at the 11th hour. We have an enemy who wants us to fail. And we must understand this - he will try to kill every blessing of God at birth, just as he did when Jesus came.
Between your dream and its fulfillment you will be tested. When we give up, the devil wins.
There are always more challenges, so you better learn to be a fighter in the spirit.
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,"
2 Corinthians 10:4
I wish you many mighty and significant breakthroughs in 2010. I believe those who are reading this will go from surviving to thriving in 2010!
Contact Don
Books by Don
Listen to Don online - www.doneganpodcast.co.uk
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Ready, willing and able.
To listen to some people talk you'd think that God may heal the odd headache but he's not able to heal things like cancer or blindness. Yet listen in to a different group of Christians and you would think that God is able to heal those things but he's sometimes not willing. Still others may say God is willing and able but he's not ready. If people would only look at the Bible, they would see these ideas are simply not true.
Firstly, let's consider if God is ready. According to Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven". So are we in the season when God is ready to heal?
Jesus declared to his followers, "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will ... lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." Mark 16:17, 18,
God said to Jeremiah, "..I am ready to perform My word." Jeremiah 1:12. God has repeatedly declared his intention to heal in his word. It is clear then that God is ready to perform his word.
Secondly, is God willing to heal? If you read through the gospels you will not find any account of Jesus refusing to heal anyone. One particular man asked Jesus the very question we are looking at - is God willing to heal? The man was covered with leprosy.
The God who revealed himself as 'Jehovah rapha' is obviously willing to heal. He is ready. He is willing. But is he able?
Simply by virtue of being God surely he must be able. Isaiah declared, "Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear." Isaiah 59:1, (NIV). In other words, if there is a problem, it is not at God's end. Sometimes, particularly if we are very sick or have suffered a long illness, it is difficult to imagine being free. It can be difficult to imagine God overcoming the mountain of illness that seems so big and overwhelming. When Paul wrote to his friends in what is now Turkey he had a revelation - that God was far bigger than our problems and we could never comprehend what God could do or how he could do it.
God is able! Able not only to do what we are asking for but, 'exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think'. That is more than we can imagine. So imagine the most amazing thing that could ever happen to you. Well God can do far more than that! He is able!
He is ready. He is willing. He is able. Sickness is going. Healing is coming. Now!
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Firstly, let's consider if God is ready. According to Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven". So are we in the season when God is ready to heal?
Jesus declared to his followers, "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will ... lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." Mark 16:17, 18,
God said to Jeremiah, "..I am ready to perform My word." Jeremiah 1:12. God has repeatedly declared his intention to heal in his word. It is clear then that God is ready to perform his word.
Secondly, is God willing to heal? If you read through the gospels you will not find any account of Jesus refusing to heal anyone. One particular man asked Jesus the very question we are looking at - is God willing to heal? The man was covered with leprosy.
"..a man who was full of leprosy saw Jesus; and he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Then He put out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." Immediately the leprosy left him."
Luke 5:12-13
The God who revealed himself as 'Jehovah rapha' is obviously willing to heal. He is ready. He is willing. But is he able?
Simply by virtue of being God surely he must be able. Isaiah declared, "Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear." Isaiah 59:1, (NIV). In other words, if there is a problem, it is not at God's end. Sometimes, particularly if we are very sick or have suffered a long illness, it is difficult to imagine being free. It can be difficult to imagine God overcoming the mountain of illness that seems so big and overwhelming. When Paul wrote to his friends in what is now Turkey he had a revelation - that God was far bigger than our problems and we could never comprehend what God could do or how he could do it.
"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,"
Ephesians 3:20
God is able! Able not only to do what we are asking for but, 'exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think'. That is more than we can imagine. So imagine the most amazing thing that could ever happen to you. Well God can do far more than that! He is able!
He is ready. He is willing. He is able. Sickness is going. Healing is coming. Now!
Contact Don
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Wednesday, 30 September 2009
Dare to pray
When I mention healing in Christian circles I often feel like I'm swimming against the current. So many Christians and many leaders are fearful of praying for healing.
"So what if it doesn't work?" This is the vexing question that paralyzes well-intentioned Christians the world over. What if I pray and nothing happens?
"He who observes the wind will not sow,
And he who regards the clouds will not reap."
Ecclesiastes 11:4
'What if it doesn't work?' is a question rooted in fear. You may as well ask, 'What if I walked past a tall building and someone pushed a piano out of the window and it fell on me?' It is very unlikely. One thing I can virtually guarantee is that something will happen when you pray for healing. The Bible says that 'nothing' is impossible with God. If 'nothing' is impossible, then 'something' has to happen!
We could ask, 'What if I preach the gospel and no one gets saved?' Or 'What if we share communion and nothing happens?' If God has commanded us to do certain things don't you think we should do them and leave the outcome to him?
Jesus gives his followers power to heal the sick.
"And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease."
Matthew 10:1
He didn't even say we should pray but that we should heal the sick.
"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give."
Matthew 10:8
Just as you don't criticise a child's faltering steps when he is learning to walk, neither does God chastise us when we try to walk in faith. He is there to teach us and encourage us. So let's step out in faith this week and see what God will do.
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Monday, 7 September 2009
God wants you whole
God wants you to be whole. If you are reading this word today and you have a physical sickness, I believe God wants to you to be completely healed of that sickness. However, I think God wants to do even more. He is concerned with your whole being - body, soul and spirit.
An example of this is in Acts chapter 3 when Peter and John go up to the temple to pray. On the way they meet a lame beggar who asks for money. Peter replies that they don't have money but they have the anointing. The man is healed, and Luke's description of what happens is interesting.
First, it says he walked - so he was healed physically. Then he leaped, which means he got emotional - his soul was healed. Finally, he praised God - his spirit was healed. So we see that God was interested in far more than just healing his legs. He wanted to restore his relationship with his heavenly Father.
God's wants you completely whole - body, mind and spirit.
Another example of this is seen in Luke 17 when Jesus heals the 10 lepers. It says in verse 10 that all 10 of them were cleansed (the Greek word used is 'katharizo' meaning cleansed). But, in verse 19, to the one who returned to thank him, Jesus said to him, 'Your faith as made you well'. This time the Greek word used is 'sozo' meaning 'whole'.
Whatever you are praying for today, you don't need to prize it out of God's hand. He really wants you to have more than you're asking for.
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An example of this is in Acts chapter 3 when Peter and John go up to the temple to pray. On the way they meet a lame beggar who asks for money. Peter replies that they don't have money but they have the anointing. The man is healed, and Luke's description of what happens is interesting.
"So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them - walking, leaping, and praising God."
Acts 3:8
First, it says he walked - so he was healed physically. Then he leaped, which means he got emotional - his soul was healed. Finally, he praised God - his spirit was healed. So we see that God was interested in far more than just healing his legs. He wanted to restore his relationship with his heavenly Father.
God's wants you completely whole - body, mind and spirit.
Another example of this is seen in Luke 17 when Jesus heals the 10 lepers. It says in verse 10 that all 10 of them were cleansed (the Greek word used is 'katharizo' meaning cleansed). But, in verse 19, to the one who returned to thank him, Jesus said to him, 'Your faith as made you well'. This time the Greek word used is 'sozo' meaning 'whole'.
Whatever you are praying for today, you don't need to prize it out of God's hand. He really wants you to have more than you're asking for.
Contact Don
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Monday, 24 August 2009
What are you wearing?
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."
Ephesians 6:10
As the toll of soldiers deaths in Afghanistan rose beyond 200 recently, there was a cry that their armour is insufficient. One man apparently died as he'd lent his body armour to another soldier.
In times of war, soldiers have to be watchful and prepared at all times because the enemy will come to kill at any time of day or night.
Paul was imprisoned when he wrote to the Christians at Ephesus. From his cell he probably saw Roman soldiers and reflects on how believers can be protected from our Enemy.
He warns them to put on the full armour of God. And look at how many times he uses the word 'stand' in these verses. The message is clear, when faced with our enemy, we are to stand, stand, stand our ground!
The he lists the armour we should have on.
1. The belt of truth
Truth is what holds things together. Just like a belt that holds the breastplate, so truth will hold things together. That means walking in truth and light, and walking in the One who is called The Truth - doing things his way, according to the word of truth.
2. The breastplate of righteousness.
Righteousness will protect our heart therefore it is the breastplate. But please note, it is not our righteousness! It's the righteousness Jesus gave us as a gift we receive by faith.
"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
2 Corinthians 5:21
Our Enemy comes to accuse us (Rev 12:10). And if we only have our own righteousness we'll be in trouble! No. We must put on the righteousness Jesus gave us - His righteousness. Satan can never accuse Jesus.
3. The shoes of the gospel of peace
Imagine a soldier who gets the command to advance and has to start looking for his boots before he can move. He'd be killed very quickly. At the end of the gospels, Jesus commanded his followers to 'go into all the world'.
Some followers are called to go to other nations. Others are called to cross the street. But we are all called to 'go' somewhere with the gospel. A missionary is not someone who crosses the sea but someone who sees the cross.
4. The shield of faith
Roman shields were large and rectangular. They were also covered in leather. Before battle, soldiers would soak the shield in water so that when arrows of fire were fired at them, the wet shield would extinguish them. So our faith acts as a shield. We know we can increase our faith by hearing the word of God (Rom 10:17). So that is how we drench our shield of faith by being in the word often. Then it is much easier to extinguish the devil's lies. But if we are spiritually dry, it's easier for him to attack us.
5. The helmet of salvation.
The helmet protects our head - where we know things. If we know we are saved by Christ, it protects our thoughts from the lies of the enemy. So our salvation - being saved by Jesus - is our helmet. Whatever happens to us, if we know we are ultimately saved by Christ, we can keep our peace.
6. The sword of the Spirit
This is the word of God. Notice this is the only offensive part of the armour. All the rest are defensive. When Jesus was attacked by Satan in the temptation he replied every time, "It is written�" The most important thing about your situation is, what has God said about it? When we have God's word the devil cannot stand before us and has to flee.
All these things, Paul concludes, are held together with prayer.
So today, let me ask you, 'What are you wearing?'
To listen to the full message checkout 'What are you wearing?' on the podcast. Click here...
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Thursday, 6 August 2009
FREE from hard labour!
Yesterday I watched with increasing emotion as the two American journalists returned home with Bill Clinton. Already imprisoned in North Korea for 140 days and facing 12 years in a hard labour camp, they must have thought their life was over.
As Laura Ling spoke about the recent events, I was deeply moved as it reminded me of something else.
Watch video of Laura Ling speech
At first I was reminded of Joseph of Egypt who was imprisoned on a false charge. But one day, he was called and taken to another location. He was surprised to be in the presence of the Pharoah who set him free and made him ruler over all. From prisoner to Prime minister in a single day!
But more than that. When we were imprisoned by sin - trapped and condemned by Satan - were we also not shocked that we were called to a different location and saw Jesus the King of Kings had come to set us free? He had done the deal - in his own blood. And, as Laura Ling said, “now we stand here home and free.”
And Jesus came, not when we were free citizens with rights, but when we were lost sinners without hope. He condescended to stoop down into our darkness to set us free.
I am glad that Laura Ling and Euna Lee have been reunited with their families. But I am eternally grateful to Jesus Christ that, when I was a prisoner, he came and set me free.
How great is our God!
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As Laura Ling spoke about the recent events, I was deeply moved as it reminded me of something else.
“Thirty hours ago, Euna Lee and I were prisoners in North Korea. We feared that at any moment we could be sent to a hard labour camp. And then suddenly we were told that we were going to a meeting. We were taken to a location and when we walked through the doors, we saw standing before us President Bill Clinton.
We were shocked, but we knew instantly in our hearts that the nightmare of our lives was finally coming to an end. And now we stand here home and free.”
Watch video of Laura Ling speech
At first I was reminded of Joseph of Egypt who was imprisoned on a false charge. But one day, he was called and taken to another location. He was surprised to be in the presence of the Pharoah who set him free and made him ruler over all. From prisoner to Prime minister in a single day!
But more than that. When we were imprisoned by sin - trapped and condemned by Satan - were we also not shocked that we were called to a different location and saw Jesus the King of Kings had come to set us free? He had done the deal - in his own blood. And, as Laura Ling said, “now we stand here home and free.”
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1
And Jesus came, not when we were free citizens with rights, but when we were lost sinners without hope. He condescended to stoop down into our darkness to set us free.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8
I am glad that Laura Ling and Euna Lee have been reunited with their families. But I am eternally grateful to Jesus Christ that, when I was a prisoner, he came and set me free.
How great is our God!
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