The belief that God is present, willing, and able comes from the words that we receive from Him regarding our lives and situations. Sometimes we hear a word or promise from God that seems delayed in our reality and the enemy uses this to bring us to a place of unbelief in God’s ability and willingness to come through for us.

There is vast information readily available to us, and based on what you receive, it affects how you perceive and interact. The right information is key, whether it comes to people or God. This is because the kind of information you receive will reflect on the decisions you make. God wants us to come to Him without assumptions, to come to Him for everything we go through (Matthew 11:28)

The battle in our minds is with believing God and His word. We need to tackle the words of the enemy, making us think that God is not present, willing, or able. Our problems can stop us from seeing the presence of God and running to Him. Our God is a God of truth; if we do not walk in truth then we are walking in bondage. God Himself is the Spirit of truth (John 16:13).

In John 8:31–32, we see an instruction from Jesus to those who believed in Him. He speaks about abiding in the truth, meaning to dwell in or be at a place for a significant time. When you dwell in Him you get to know the truth. The byproduct of knowing then becomes your freedom. It prevents you from being captive to the things of the world.

If one decides to step out of this covenant, you become vulnerable to the voice of the enemy and begin to doubt God. When you step out of the environment of God’s word, you become a target for the words of the devil and focus on the words that lead you to conform to the standard of the world.

How To Know The Truth?

1. You know the truth by knowing Jesus (John 14:6). Outside of Him we get information and influence that is limited; one leading to bondage. God gives us the truth in abundance.
2. By knowing His word. Take time to meditate and not starve yourself from the word. When you know more of the word you have a weapon to fight the whispers of the devil. You have enough strength to fight.

How Do You Know You Are Walking In Truth?

• By the fruits you bear in your daily life. The truth does not produce anxiety, anger or sadness and confusion. In His truth there is provision, confidence and security (see Luke 5:5).

Isaiah 55:10-11 reminds us that every time God talks and sends His word, it will not go back void. It will never go back to the Father without accomplishing what it was called to do. When a word goes out, it will follow you until it has done its work and that is a reason not to give up as the word is still doing its work. The question is whether you are present, willing, and able to receive.

The Year of Divine Wisdom is proclaimed! And as we thread on the path of Godly Wisdom in this new season, we remain committed and established by the anointing of God over B.R.A.A.M. Family Ministries: a fire fellowship of Believers with a Renewed And Awakened Mindset; a revolution of the expressive love of God and a threat to the world of darkness. 

Established in the year 2009, B.R.A.A.M. Family Church sprouted from the godly burden of Lead Pastor Elie Hamulie, visionary of the ministry. Backed with the unwavering support of a destiny helper, mentor, and friend, Pastor Joshua Kiluba, the current head of Free State JTL ministries, the church and ministry were established. 

As a warm and welcoming fellowship, BRAAM Family Church carries the vision to spread the kingdom of God through interconnection and outreach. In scope:  connect people to the heart of God while aligning them to their divine destiny. In so doing, separate people from the selfish love of this world to usher them to the Love and worship of Jesus Christ, in truth.

With the Holy Spirit, minds are renewed through the power of the Word of God. At the heart of transformative fellowship is “MEET-WALK-BECOME.” To walk with the wise is to become wise (Proverbs 13:20). Resting on the finished work of the Cross, B.R.A.A.M. Family’s mission  empowers believers with the 5 Ps: purpose to live for, people to be with, principle to live by, professions to live out, and power to live on.

Presently, the year 2025 also comes with exciting resolutions that we each want to upload! Whether it is deepening your relationship with God and your loved ones, developping your career, upscaling your businesses or growing in your service to God, the Scriptures tell us to build on the strong pillars of Godly Wisdom (Proverbs 9:1)

In the multitude of quality and critical choices to make this year, the best, safest, and most fruitful pathways are those led by Wisdom. And if your spirit yearns daily for Godly Wisdom, then we can consider it acquired (Proverbs 4:7). 

As believers, we often find ourselves struggling with feelings of condemnation and guilt. Satan, the accuser, constantly reminds us of our past mistakes and shortcomings, making us feel trapped and unworthy. However, as children of God, we must remember that we are not defined by our past but by the love and forgiveness of our Heavenly Father.

In John 8:1–11, we see a powerful example of Jesus’ love and forgiveness. When the woman caught in adultery was brought before Him, Jesus could have condemned her, but instead, He chose to forgive her and offer her a new start. His words, “Neither do I condemn you. “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11), serve as a potent reminder that we have power to overcome our sinful nature because of God’s love and forgiveness.

As believers, we often strive to earn God’s love and forgiveness by pretending to be better than we are. We put on a mask of perfection, hiding our true selves from the world. However, God’s love is not based on our performance but on His character. He loves us in our messiness, not in our pretence. It is only when we feel God’s love in our darkest moments that we can begin to change and overcome our struggles.

The Bible reminds us that “there is no more condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). This truth should bring us great comfort and freedom. We are no longer bound by our past mistakes but are free to live a new life in Christ.

As we walk in the light of God’s love, we can experience the power of forgiveness and overcome the accusations of Satan. We can live a life of freedom and joy, unencumbered by the weight of guilt and condemnation. We are loved, not because of who we are, but because of who God is. His love is not based on our worthiness but on His character.

Moreover, when we truly understand and experience God’s love, we begin to see ourselves and others in a new light. We no longer view ourselves as unworthy or unlovable, but as beloved children of God. We also begin to see others not as enemies or strangers but as fellow human beings who are loved and valued by God.

As we live out our faith, we must remember that our worth and identity are not defined by our past mistakes or current struggles; rather, they are defined by God’s Word. Let us hold on to this truth and live our lives with confidence and joy, knowing that we are loved and forgiven. 

God’s love for us also extends to our relationships with others. When we experience God’s love, we are empowered to love others in the same way. We can forgive those who have wronged us, and we can show compassion and kindness to those who are struggling.

As we close, let us hold on to the truth that God loves us, not in spite of our flaws, but because of who He is. We walk in the freedom and joy that comes from knowing we are loved and forgiven. We are not alone in our struggles but are part of a community of believers who walk in the light of God’s love. Such love is the foundation of our faith and the key to overcoming our struggles.

Christianity is built on faith in Christ. It is the foundation of our relationship with God, in whom we overcome (see 1 John 5:4). More than a mere hopeful feeling, it is the confident trust in God’s promises for the believer grounded in His Word (see Hebrews 11:1). While hope looks at uncertain outcomes and affirmations centering on the self, faith is spirit-led and rooted in the unshakable foundation of Scripture. True faith is personal, tailored by God’s Rhema—His spoken Word for specific seasons—making it essential for navigating life with certainty and divine purpose.

Faith is the cornerstone of a life that pleases God, requiring trust in His promises even when outcomes are unseen (see Hebrews 11:6). A person of faith is characterized by an intimate fellowship with God’s Word, devoting time to the study of Scripture (see Romans 10:17). From this is born a heart rich in joy rooted in the knowledge of God’s promises and consistently offering praise as an expression of gratitude and reverence. True faith is demonstrated through action, as deeds align with beliefs (James 2:14-20). Additionally, a person of faith speaks God’s Word over their reality, declaring His truth with confidence and ensuring their words align with their heart’s trust in Him.

The faith that pleases God is practical, serving as an anchor through life’s challenges when we consider God’s perfect plans for us. Scripture provides specific responses to difficult situations: in hurt, we find comfort (Psalms 34:18); in lack, provision (Psalms 23:1); in fear, strength (Isaiah 41:3); in sickness, healing (Isaiah 53:5); and in spiritual attacks, protection
(Psalms 91:1-7). To practice faith is to speak God’s Word over these circumstances to override negative realities, allowing faith-filled declarations to shape outcomes (see Ezekiel 37:4-10). By aligning our speech with Scripture, we activate God’s power and direction in every season of life.

Our Faith is prone to grow through hearing, meditating, and acting upon God’s Word (James 1:22). It rises from glory to glory as we continually align our thoughts and declarations with Scripture, allowing God’s truth to shape our realities. Faith in action means the specific Word of God tailored for our circumstances, just like Apostle Peter, who obeyed Jesus’ instruction and experienced abundance (Luke 5:5–6). Obedience is the bridge between Faith and fulfillment. Our lives can only experience transformation when our faith is exercised in obedience to the word of God, to His instruction for us. Once we have adopted the faithful lifestyle, we will speak God’s Word, not merely from the emptiness of the word of men.

James 5:16 also emphasises that prayer is effective, meaning it is powerful. To further this point, there is a noteworthy aspect in praying loudly. Just as there is a season to pray quietly, there are also seasons to arise and pray aloud. Loud prayers echo the enormity of what the Holy Spirit has birthed in us. These fervent prayers yield spiritually loud effects, shaking the visible realm. Moreover, these prayers are effective when the children of God are under threat as we will learn below. 

By offering loud prayers with praise, Paul and Silas reflect the effect of prayer that went as far as freeing even those who were guilty from prison (see Acts 16:25-26). Job also illustrates the power of prayer as he cried aloud to “His Redeemer, who lives” and was delivered (see Job 19:25). Similarly, Jesus Christ Himself made a loud prayer at the Cross, which had a powerful impact on the earth, causing it to shake, splitting rocks, tearing the Temple in two and causing tombs to open (see Matthew 27:50-52).

However, we are still doing less by praying louder or longer. The power of our prayer does not compare equally to the sound of our voice. God, who does exceedingly above what we can ask or think, amplifies our weak cries so that they may match the power at work within us, producing effects of divine magnitude (Ephesians 3: 20-21). 

Thus, the power and effect of prayer will always outweigh the sound of our voice. Since there is a time for loud, effective prayer, let us not hold back, but continue to echo the power at work in us. And when a brother or a sister’s fire has gone down, let us be the iron that sharpens and encourages another to pray loudly (see Proverbs 27:17; Matthew 18:19-20). 

Let us revisit a topic that is central today in the Christian walk as it has been for the past 2000 years: “being out and about Jesus”.  As we accept Christ as our Lord and Saviour, our lives experience a turnaround for the better! Soon, we will have the confidence to share the Good News of committing to a relationship with Him. Being out and about Jesus necessitates witnessing to the world the experience of a loving God. It is an invitation to belong to the family of Christ, in which we ourselves have been adopted.

Our salvation qualifies each and every one of us for the calling to share the Good News. Whether it is social anxiety, shame, or financial challenges standing in the way, God only requires our availability.. He who calls, qualifies and equips us for the mission. Our infirmities are not a limitation. Where we fall short, we can trust Him to empower us!

Therefore, being out and about Jesus first begins with us understanding that God is pleased with us sharing with those in less fortunate situations. If it is not within our financial means, we can offer our time or even our creativity to help those in need. Hebrews 13: 16 reminds us that such sacrifices do not go unnoticed by God.

Secondly, we have entities that bring people to Christ that we should always be keen to participate in; to heal the sick, feed the poor or visit the orphans through church structures is just as spiritual and pleasing to God as evangelistic campaigns (see Acts 20: 35). Despite being blessed enough, many believers find this opportunity challenged by other obligations in life. An exam or a business opportunity soon becomes a legitimate reason to miss an appointment with God. Others are too selective, even picky, about where God should use them – not in a shelter for the homeless or a football field – yet our Master’s first miracle was not in a place of convenience.

In John 4, Jesus Christ, in His exhaustion and hunger, demonstrated to us that God uses us mightily when we make ourselves available in our discomfort. God will expect us to give out of the inconvenience we face, yet He will soon bless us in abundance for our sacrifice. Little that is managed faithfully and well calls for promotion (Luke 16: 10). This applies to investing in the Kingdom of God. The church grows with our financial resources supporting the Work of God.  And for that we are blessed (Acts 20: 35).

Being out and about implies leaving things that are dear to us. We are to know that what used to dictate our lives will challenge the position of Christ as our Lord and Saviour. Thus, Christ invites us to entrust the yoke of that burden to Him (Matthew 11: 28), rather than turning away like the young man, who, like many of us, established his possessions as authority above Jesus Christ (see Matthew 19: 21-22 and Matthew 10: 37-39). The body of Christ works in unity and harmony when all are fuelled by the same Hope, serving One Lord, Christ Jesus.

Lastly, the joy of our salvation drives our genuine participation in the salvation of others. Sharing what God has done for us through our testimony fosters hope for those held captive in hopelessness. We are overcomers because of the blood of the Lamb and the words of our testimony!

James 5:15–18 tells us of how Elijah, an ordinary man, prayed an effective, and fervent prayer, which was answered, and the results were powerful. With results far beyond his capacity, It demonstrates that it also possible for us to render prayers that yield such results. Prayer is a central element of our relationship with Jesus Christ and there is much to learn from Elijah’s story for our benefit in this regard. 

While prayer gives us a happy feeling, James 5:15–18 shows that ultimately, we pray to hear back from God. We communicate with God in prayer, expecting a response from Him. Teaching His disciples in Matthew 6:9–13, Jesus Christ shows us that, as children, effective prayer gets a response because it seeks for God’s will to be done in all circumstances. 

Being specific in who we stand in front of in prayer and specific in our plea is what gives prayer its power. Just as Elijah, who had a relationship with God and was considered righteous, gave a plea, we are confident in our prayers because we stand in front of the Maker of Heaven and Earth, the faithful and living God! 

A righteous person will always offer an effective prayer (James 5:19). Jesus Christ, who reconciled us with our Heavenly Father, clothed us in righteousness so that we may enjoy the privilege of this relationship (John 1:12–13). When Jesus Christ came, after His death and resurrection, He was given complete authority. Thus, He empowered us to pray in His name because He promised that if we asked for anything in His name, we would receive it (see John 14:14).

In James 5:17 Elijah was called earnest in a prayer offered without fasting, shouting, or going for hours (1 King 17:1). Simply founded on the will of God and anchored in the covenant he kept as a righteous person, he brought about God’s will against those who willfully departed from God’s mercy. The result, three long years with no rain! In the old covenant of justice and judgment, the earnest prayer easily brought judgment, yet it took a lot in prayer to bring out grace and see the rain return (see 1 Kings 17: 1 in comparison to 1 Kings 18: 42-44).

The earnestness of prayer is founded on the covenant of God and His people. In the new covenant of mercy and grace, Jesus Christ is our qualification, taking away the punishment that was for us so that we may be left with all the spiritual blessings (Hebrews 8: 12). Therefore, praying fervently in the new covenant becomes a declaration  of our knowledge of the finished work of the cross: healing, forgiveness, the glorious riches of God, His protection, and grace (see Ephesians 1). 

Similarly, we pray earnestly when we pray in the truth of the new covenant with God, wherein blessings and judgement no longer depend on our good or bad works for Christ took on our judgment and availed blessings for anyone who believes in Him. The Holy Spirit, who bears witness to Truth, intercedes for an answer to the Father according to the covenant, making our request effective (see Romans 8:27; John 4:23). Yet, in an old covenant mindset, we hinder ourselves in begging God in emotions for what He calls us to declare over our lives and circumstances. Therefore, let us pray with an understanding of what makes prayer fervent, so that we may live in the grace and mercy of the New Covenant. We know the effectiveness of our prayer is not based on its physical intensity but on the righteousness of Christ in us, who came not to judge or condemn but to lead us to the acceptable year of God’s favour (see Luke 4:17-20 and Isaiah 61). 

The beauty of testimonies reminds us that God is still working and moving.

Have you ever heard of the phrase “Live your truth”? It seems that living in truth has the ability to set you free, and it is human nature to constantly search for understanding and try to learn and know about the truth. But what is it about the truth that brings a sense of liberation and freedom when it is found?

In John 8:32, Jesus indicates that we will know the truth and the truth will set us free. Having knowledge of something means that you come into awareness of what it is. The word says we will discover this truth and it will, as a guarantee, set us free. Our truth is Jesus Christ (see John 14:6). Because Jesus is the truth, when we get to know Him, we are made free because of the power that is in His name and in proclaiming it. He came to save His people from their sins ( Matthew 1:21) and his name is testimony that God is a Saviour. The truth about our Saviour is able to liberate us from personal struggles and things that are holding us back.

Since finding the truth means coming into Christ, we also have to become a people of truth. There is a truth that we should be made known to us regarding our personal struggle, the things we hide and keep secret. This is the truth about the things other people do not see, and the false image we portray about ourselves. The Bible in Psalms 139:7 shows us that there is no place we can go from God’s presence because He sees everything including that which is hidden. So even in our attempts to hide our depression, sickness, addictions, we cannot hide them from God’s presence.

What are the things you are dealing with and happening to you that people do not know? Our reputation feels like a currency where it is protected so we do not feel judged for the things we go through. There are things we have personalised and made them out to be truths of our own. Proverbs 28:13 – 14 shows us that concealing your sin [your personal struggles, what you are failing in and what you need assistance with] does not lead to prosperity. Any battle fought in darkness is bound to be a losing one so when we bring our truths to the light we get assistance and receive victory.

The truth is a liberating light and we delay our freedom every time we conceal the truth. When we step into the truth, we are set free. But it is impossible to receive assistance when you conceal the truth of your reality. How often do we step out and ask for help? When we step out into the truth, we are made to walk in the freedom that is a promise and reality for the children of God. Every time we conceal the truth of our struggles we are delaying progress.

The irony about keeping things to yourself is that you may be sitting in a room where people can assist what you are struggling with and not get help. How long do we reach out to a leader in the church about the things we struggle with? Personal struggles are different. Peter, for example, was able to walk in the water going toward Jesus. Then came a reality that made him afraid and instead of concealing what he was feeling and what was happening around him, he screamed “Lord save me” (see Matthew 14:30). Who knows what would have happened if he did not call on Jesus. The name Jesus is saviour because He can save us from any situation. When we start to understand what this name means, we are able to approach Him concerning the struggles in our daily lives. Whenever we see a situation, depression or worry creeping in our life, we have to scream for the Lord to save us. As long as the Lord is present with us, we have peace because His presence has the ability to bring peace to a storm.

We want to search, discover and know things. We need the truth. What is the truth that we know and carry inside of us? When you know where you belong, nothing can shake you because you will know the will and purpose and intention of God. We need to start believing that God is loving, caring and wants us to be free. The enemy has distorted the word of God and what we know about His image and the moment we believe this it leads us away from God. If we do not believe the truth about God, we will not approach Him. Jesus told us to cast our cares to Him because HE CARES for us (1 Peter 5:7). God’s intentions towards us are always pure (Jeremiah 29:11). He is the kind of God who will purely and wholeheartedly take our struggles.

Proverbs 28 also speaks about the consequences of hardening our hearts. That when we do them we fall into trouble (verse 14). We are to confess so we may be healed (see James 5:16). The word does not speak about being careless when exposing our struggle to just anybody but it refers to “one another”. James was writing to believers and as such we need to reach out to fellow believers so we may pray for one another. This is not to create a ministry of gossip, but to pray for one another about our struggles to God to help those who need. There are people God has anointed and equipped them for your sake. God is able to do it and He is so intentional does not send us to a place without preparation or people who are able to assist.

The Lord does not do anything by chance, He has prepared you for this moment. The enemy makes us think that no one understands or relates to what we are going through and this is what keeps us trapped and in silence. Once you step out into the truth, there is no bondage or anything that can hold back. If we say we are without sin, personal struggle, weaknesses, the truth is not with us(1 John 1:6-9). We have a lot of personal struggles -depression, hopelessness, addiction, pride. There is more freedom when we open up and expose the works of the enemy instead of trying to hide and pretend that everything is okay. God does not just know our struggles simply because we struggle, but He knows it from a personal level. He will come down through His son Jesus to our level and walked like us. Jesus faced everything with the same strength and struggles we faced. We are under the impression that we have to be perfect Christians, but we can be the most broken and still be perfect for God. God’s hand can stretch out to where we are and save us. There is nothing we have gone through that can shake God. It is His will for us to be free. It was not our desire but God’s, to be free. In all pursuits, search to know the right truth. Buy it, protect it, carry it and spread it.

Pastor Elie Hamuli

In this era of information, an overwhelming amount of news constantly calls on our attention. While it is essential to stay up to date with current events, immersing too deeply in the details wither faith and dries up the soul. News not only instills information but also fosters anxiety and fear—the absence of peace and rest. Consider what causes you to lose both sleep and appetite. What situations cause you to isolate at the thought of them? These all have anxiety and fear in common, which saps faith in God’s Word.

Reflecting on Mark 5:23, it is clear that our patterns can be a major source of fear, especially when situations do not unfold as we imagined. Jairus had a specific expectation on how Jesus Christ would heal his child: by “coming,” “laying hands,” and “healing her.” When fear overwhelmed him, hearing the death of his daughter, Christ’s commanded him to “have faith,” and his daughter rose (see Mark 5:36).

The solution God provides also challenges our preconceived notions about how He works. Jairus most likely did not expect the miracle of his daughter coming back to life. This shows us that God’s ways are not like ours; if He relied only on human strategies, we would trust the methods rather than His infinite power. His ways are perfect, and though seemingly delayed, perfectly timed.

Our perception of challenges limits us from grasping the greater reality of God’s power and plans. 1 John 4:4 assures us that the God within us is greater than any opposition we face; therefore, we can rest knowing this. Rest does not encourage inactivity but empowers us for Spirit-directed activity. Each new challenge gives us the opportunity to respond with rest, knowing that God is in control. Position always precedes provision; thus, when we are positioned in rest, our rightful place in Christ, we experience God’s blessings.  

Those who rest accomplish more than those who do not. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us to “be sober and vigilant” in light of the agenda of the devil. The enemy’s first attack is often on our “sitting”—our rest in Christ. In other words, he goes around seeking those who are not at rest, those who are unsure of their position in Christ. When we neglect to feed our souls with God’s Word, we become vulnerable to his schemes.  

Psalm 23:1 assures us of God’s provision, while Psalm 23:5 illustrates that He prepares abundance in the presence of our adversaries. Even in the most challenging situations, like the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4), God remains with us, and recognizing His presence dispels fear and anxiety. Christ is in the crisis with you—appreciate His nearness, make the most of the safety in Him.   We frequently grow in our trust of Him during times of crisis. In Psalms 23, David initially talks about God in the third person, but when he talks about his journey through the “valley of the shadow of death,” he speaks to God in the second person, depicting proximity. He later speaks directly to God, saying, “For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Just like David, when facing your own trials, remember that these are times of closeness with the Lord. He is always with you, but He also desires a conscious decision from your part to involve Him in all areas of your life.