At Just The Right Time

Keeping Faith in God During Hard Times

God! I have fasted and prayed but still no answer. Why is it taking so long? This was my conversation with God just the other day. Are you praying for something that’s taking longer than you thought or expected? No matter how long you may have been standing on God’s promises, don’t give up! Your season is coming. Your harvest of blessing is on its way. It might be today, it might be tomorrow, it might be next week, next month or next year; but remember, at just the right time, you will experience your breakthrough. Hallelujah! 

Be encouraged because God is faithful, and His promises are true. Keep standing, keep hoping, keep believing. Keep doing good. Keep declaring the promises of God over your life. 

Today, choose to be around people who are going to encourage you. Make sure you fill your heart and mind with God’s Word. Let a song of praise come out of your mouth. Press on in faith because at just the right time, your harvest of blessing will come! Because God cares. 

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV)   

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. Thank You for caring, refreshing and renewing my heart. Fill me with Your peace; fill me with Your strength. Help me not to get weary as I wait for my blessing, trusting that Your timing is best. Teach me to do good and stand firm, until I see my harvest of blessing, in Christ’ name! Amen.

Don’t Let The Obstacles Stop Your Anointing

woman in brown top

As I watched a cross-country race, I was amazed at how many obstacles they had to get over before getting to the finish line. God wants to empower and strengthen you to overcome every obstacle in this life. He wants to give you confidence, wisdom, and boldness to pursue the dreams and desires in your heart. He wants to give you supernatural insight so that you can be a witness to His goodness.

In scripture, Peter and John were supernaturally equipped. Everyone around them marvelled at their boldness, at their ability. They knew Peter and John didn’t have any formal training. They knew there wasn’t anything special about them. This power and wisdom could have only come from one place – being in the presence of God.

Today remember, when you spend time with Jesus, people will see it. You’ll be energized for the race ahead by God’s anointing and equipped by His grace. That’s why it’s so important, now and in the months to come, to take time every day to be in His presence. No matter where you are on this earth, God’s presence is only a prayer away. Scripture says He is near to all who call upon His name. It says that He inhabits the praises of His people. I encourage you to make your relationship with God your number one priority and be empowered by His presence every single day!

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marvelled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I humbly come before You, giving You all that I am. Father, I surrender every area of my life to You and invite You to have Your way in my heart. God, I ask for strength and boldness to get over and through life’s obstacles. Please, Lord, empower me with Your love as I daily set my focus on You. I want to remain in Your presence and receive Your anointing. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Excel In Giving

Today as I reflect on life, I am reminded of what Paul said in 2 Corinthians, “I want you to excel in the gracious ministry of giving.” He could have said, “I want you to excel in business, excel in sports, excel in medicine.” That’s all good. But he said, “What I want you to really be great at, what I want you to excel in is giving.” What a challenge from Paul in these last days.
As I witness all of society’s ills, I am moved to say, “I’ve made up my mind – I am going to live my life as a giver.” If you get around me, I better warn you, you’re going to get blessed not just with finances necessarily – but I will study ways that I can be good to you. I’m going to encourage you. I’m going to uplift you. I’m going to be good to your children. I’m going to pray your dreams come true. When I come to the end of my life, I don’t only want to be remembered for, “Ray was a good speaker, he wrote some nice books. He travelled the world.” No, I want to be remembered as a giver. “Ray made my life better. Ray brightened my day. Ray was good to me.” Hallelujah!
Today, let your desire also be to leave people better off than when you met them. Excel in the gift of giving and glorifying God in all you do! Give and it will come back to you!
“But since you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you — see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” (2 Corinthians 8:7, NIV)
Let’s Pray 
Yahweh, thank You for empowering me to do good to others. Help me to be good to all those I meet. Father, I give You my selfishness and pride.  God, please show me ways that I can be a blessing to others and honour You in all that I do. God, in this new year, if my life were to end, may I not be known for the secular achievements of men, but as a giver. Someone who excelled in caring, encouraging, uplifting and making dreams come true. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Is God Speaking?

GodInterest exists to welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds, equipping people with a faith that works in real life and sends them into a world to serve for God and humanity.

One of the biggest questions many people ask is how does God speak? He speaks directly, He speaks through His Word, He speaks through dreams and visions, and He also speaks through others. Are you facing an important decision today? God wants to give you the answer. He wants to direct your steps. Many times, He will speak to us through the people He has placed in our lives. That’s why the Bible says that safety is found in a multitude of advisers.

God designed us to live in families, communities and congregations. We need to be open to receiving input from the people who are close to us. That doesn’t mean you have to follow everything everyone tells you. But if you’re in a particular situation or relationship, and everyone around you is giving you the same word of caution, it may be God trying to get a message to you.

Today, take all things before the Lord in prayer and make sure the advice doesn’t contradict His Word.  Ask Him to confirm His perfect plan in your heart. Remember, wisdom comes from God, and wise counsel will always be in agreement with God’s Word. He will always confirm the answer when you ask Him. So, whatever you are facing, be open to receiving wise counsel. As you do, you will be blessed and protected, and walk in confidence down the path the Lord has prepared for you!

“Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counsellors there is victory.” (Proverbs 11:14, NASB)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the spiritual people You have placed in my life. Father, please confirm and give me answers to the issues in my life. Help me understand Your truth so that I can make godly choices. Keep me close to You always so I will clearly know when You are speaking, and lead me in Your way, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

You Are Equipped

You Are Equipped

Sitting in Faro airport in Portugal looking at the military men, who have huge guns, they looked armed and dangerous. They have all they need to fight and protect their country. God has equipped you with everything you need to fulfil your destiny through His Word, your spiritual weapon. That means you can do what He has called you to do well. You can accomplish your goals. You can fulfil your dreams! You have the ideas, the creativity, and the talent to be successful. You can overcome any obstacle. You’ve been armed with strength for every battle.

Remember, not only has God equipped you, but He is also working on your behalf. He has already gone before you and lined up the right people and the right opportunities. You have everything you need to live a victorious life — you were created to excel!

Today, if you’ll stay in faith, it’s just a matter of time; victory is on its way. Don’t settle where you are. Don’t have a weak, defeated mentality. Have the attitude, “I am anointed. I can accomplish my dreams. I can overcome any obstacle. I am empowered by the Creator of the universe, and I am thoroughly equipped for every good work that God has called me to do!”

“Every Scripture is God-breathed…so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for equipping me. Thank You for empowering me. Father, help me stay focused on Your Word and plan for me today. Help me walk in Your anointing so that I can do all You’ve called me to do. God, I bless You today, for trusting me with these spiritual weapons, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

Lessons Learnt Over Sixty Years

woman in orange coat with black and brown scarf

I want to share with you some of the lessons I learned over the last sixty years of life. In life, challenges may come your way, but don’t be worried about them. You know that ultimately, things are going to work out for your good. You know that no weapon formed against you shall prosper. What a wonderful promise we have, that when we seek God, when we serve Him with our whole hearts, He will hide us in His shelter. Hallelujah!

Therefore you can be so connected to God, that you are untouchable, and invisible to the enemy! You are hidden in Him! No matter what is happening around you, you can have strength, confidence and rest in Him.

Today, people may be talking about you, trying to make you look bad, but you don’t even give it a second thought. You know that your future is too bright to be distracted. You know they don’t control your destiny. You just keep on being your best, walking in integrity, meditating on the Word and worshipping throughout the day, so you remain hidden in Him!

“For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.” (Psalm 27:5, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for sixty years of experiences. I come to You today with an open and humble heart. Father, I thank You for Your promise that You will hide me. Make me invisible and untouchable to the enemy. I surrender every area of my life to You. God, mould me into Your image and keep me hidden in You. I bless You and praise You today and always, in Jesus’ name! Amen.



Living Life To It’s Fullest

On the eve of my 60th birthday, I’ve spent my time sitting by beach reflecting. Reflecting on a full life I’ve lived, somethings bad but most of it good. God wants us to live a full and satisfying life. He wants us to enjoy the fullness of the earth and all of life’s experiences. When you open your mind to new things and new situations, you are broadening your horizons and opening yourself to new opportunities.

We can find ourselves getting stuck in a rut, doing the same thing, the same way, all the time. But when we open ourself to new people and new ideas, we are making room for God to reveal Himself to us. We are making room for Him to work in our life. Make the decision to explore something new. Visit a new country. Embrace a new project. Get involved in a ministry. Leave the comfort zone alone.

Today, as the season changes, live life to its fullest. Be open to new people who may not necessarily look like you, or act like you. Let God direct and broaden your horizons. As you do, you’ll encounter new opportunities and live the satisfied, full and complete life the Lord has in store for you! Thank you, God, for a fulfilled life.

“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness of it…” (Psalm 24:1, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I am thankful for the life you have given me, packed with so many experiences. Father, as I celebrate one more year, I open my heart and mind to You. God, I ask that You help me broaden my perspective, so I can experience the wonderful, God-given opportunities in the full life You have for me. In Christ name! Amen.

God’s Love Is Complete

Today’s scripture must be the most powerful sentence ever written. With all the books written about love, even with all the Scriptures that talk about love, this is the only place where God wrote down his definition of love for all to see.

Scripture suggests that Love is not simply a feeling, an action, or even a commitment although all those things are involved. Love is beyond words and has been communicated most clearly through the Father’s will and the Son’s sacrifice when Jesus died on the cross to restore our relationship with God.

Today, no matter what angle we view it from, God’s love is always more. From the angle of the Father, he sacrificed what was dearest to him for the sake of those who needed him more. From the Son’s perspective, he sacrificed himself to restore us to the Father. And from our perspective to the extent that we can see it honestly, we were lost and without hope in the world. Because of our sin, we were headed for destruction with no way to save ourselves. God “sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” Why? Because he loves us. And in the light of that love, there is more: “If we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”

‘This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.’ – 1 John 4:10.

Let’s pray

Yahweh, my love does not compare to yours. Father, how can it be that my weak love can complete yours? God teach me to accept your love. Then show me how to love. Lord, help my love to grow. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

The Integrity Of Faith

GodInterest exists to welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds, equipping people with a faith that works in real life and sends them into a world to serve for God and humanity.

No book in scripture gives us a practical look at the Great controversy like the book of Job. It opens, with God telling Satan: “There is no one on earth like him. For Job was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.” Job is also described as “the greatest man among all the people of the East.” He was wealthy like most people in the North African region and God had blessed him with seven sons and three daughters.

Scripture says, Job worshipped God faithfully. Every day he sacrificed a burnt offering for each of his children in case they had sinned against God. But the devil claimed that Job only served God for what he could get out of it. In other words, Job’s faith lacked integrity; Job only walked with God because it made him prosper.

God allowed Satan to test Job’s faith. God allowed Satan to take away Job’s children and wealth. And although Job’s faith became strained, it did not break. Job never cursed God. He remained faithful, even confessing, “The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.”

Today you may be going through a “Job moment” in your life. Life may be tough right now. Your walk with God isn’t making you rich, keeping you from sickness, or protecting your children from troubles. Will you, with Job, show the integrity of your faith by continuing to walk with God? Despite your present struggles, God will not leave your side. And like Job he will restore everything and more that the devil had taken.

“Job … was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.” Job 1:1 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for all you have given us and for being by our side in times of trouble. Father, give us integrity and increase our faith in you, so that when we and those around us are sick or have lost our livelihood, we don’t give up and break our love and commitment to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

A Lesson in Humility

God's Wisdom and You (Part 2)

One of my favourite stories of the Old Testament is that of Naaman. He was on a journey to find His healing from leprosy. He first goes to the King of Israel – but that King is not the source of healing. Elisha hears about this visitor from a foreign land and invites the King to send Naaman to him. 

Scripture says Naaman arrives at the house of Elisha, expecting to get a royal welcome and healing from the prophet himself. But instead, a servant comes out and tells him to wash seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman’s expectations almost derail his blessings. Military Generals do not expect to take orders, especially from the servant! 

While Naaman was about to walk away from his blessing because of his pride, Naaman’s servants redirect his path. These unnamed servants respectfully challenge Naaman not to turn away from an “ordinary task” when he would have willingly done a much more difficult thing. Naaman wisely listens to these servants, humbles himself, and dips into the dirty Jordan River. What is God asking you to do to get healing and freedom? 

Today, we learn that Naaman obeys God and is healed. A journey that began with an unnamed servant girl from Israel ends with the unnamed servants of the military general and Naaman testifying that there is no God in the whole world except the God of Israel. His unnamed servants, young and old, are ordinary people whom God uses for his extraordinary purposes. Because of their words, a heathen leader is “born again” in the waters of the Jordan and becomes a follower of Yahweh. 

Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.” 2 Kings 5:15 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, my God of grace, I thank you for the healing that comes when I humble myself before you. Father, thank you for the community of faith that encourages me (like Naaman’s servants) on my journey to you. In Jesus’s name, Amen. 

Not Saved By The Law

There are some religions that teach salvation as obedience to the law. Trying to achieve justification through obedience to the law is impossible for us. We have all sinned and broken the law, and when we try to keep the law, we keep breaking it because we have a sinful human nature. Our human efforts to keep the law to gain God’s favour are futile. Forgiveness and the power to overcome sin are not within human capacity. Only God can forgive and can give us the power to live in obedience to his will. We can be saved only by trusting in the person and work of Jesus Christ as Saviour, not by works or attempts to be good. The good news is that forgiveness and salvation are free!

Often our worldly view of reality tricks us into thinking that something free is cheap and of poor quality. We are wary of free things. We like the feeling of ownership and control that we get when we buy things. But salvation is one thing we can’t buy. The message of the gospel goes against our thirst for control. The Saviour who sets us free also claims free reign over our lives.

Today are you suffering under the yoke of legalism through denominationalism? Have you been trying to please God by your own efforts by obeying the law? Quit trying to help God. Receive by faith the forgiveness of your sins through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Confess your sins, repent, and receive God’s forgiveness by faith. It’s a love thing.

Through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed . … [and] everyone who believes is justified. Acts 13:38-39 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, forgive me for trying to be my own saviour and for emphasizing works above grace, faith, and love. Father, help me to accept freely the grace and salvation that you offer me through Jesus Christ alone. God thank you for the realization that I’m not saved by keeping the law but by your love and my response to your love. Yahweh, I love you in your name I pray Amen.

Don’t Give Up On Your Dreams!

When God Didn’t Give You the Life You Dreamed—Not Even Close
One of my dear friends was laid to rest yesterday. It was a reminder to me that it’s time to live my dream. Have you ever been passionate about a dream or vision, only to have it never come to pass? It’s time to change that narrative. Scripture tells us that God has an appointed time to fulfil the visions, dreams and desires He has placed in our hearts. Just because it has taken a long time, or you’ve tried and not succeeded, doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen.

 

Don’t give up on those dreams! Don’t be complacent about pursuing what God has placed in your heart. God is a faithful God. No matter how long it’s been or how impossible things seem, if you stay in faith, your God-appointed time is coming. Hallelujah! Remember, every dream that’s in your heart, every promise that has taken root, God put it in there. And not only that, but He intends to bring it to pass. 
 

 

Today, hold on to your vision or dream by declaring, “my time is coming. God is working things out on my behalf. I will fulfil my destiny!” As you continue to hold on to that vision and daily speak life over your dreams, you’ll see them begin to take shape. You’ll see your faith grow, you’ll see your hope strengthened, and you’ll see yourself step into the destiny God has prepared for you at the appointed time!

 

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time…though it tarry, wait for it…” (Habakkuk 2:3, KJV)

 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I receive Your truth today. I receive Your promises. Father, ignite my visions and dreams with Your holy fire so that I can pursue Your perfect plan for my life. Make my thoughts and words agreeable to Your will. God, give me the faith I need to hold on when life’s failures seem to get me down and rob me of purpose, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Divine Healing and Divine Health

European history tells us that In A.D. 410, barbarian tribes poured into Rome, ravaging and pillaging the city. In response to critics who said the rise of Christianity had weakened Rome, Augustine, bishop of the city of Hippo in North Africa, wrote the book “The City of God.” In this book, which became a major influence in Western civilization, Augustine sort to bring assurance to those who had been violated and explained how Christ brings hope in all situations. His goal was to bring the healing power of Christ and his good news to those who were traumatized.

The scripture reminds us that our Lord himself was “a man of suffering, and familiar with pain” (Isaiah 53:3). Since a child in Bethlehem, when he barely escaped a massacre, to his death on the cross, he was the target of violence and hatred. Yet, he continued to move with love among the people, healing miraculously with touch and word.

Today, as we contemplate the good news of healing, what comes to mind is that inscription over the door in the great hospital in New York: “Of The Most High Cometh Healing.” What is it that haunts your heart and threatens to leave your life in pain and ruin? Look to Jesus for your every need. Remember, “He took our pain and bore our suffering” at Calvary and “by His stripes, we are healed,” the bible says. Therefore, God’s ultimate plan is not just divine healing but divine Health.

When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick (Matthew 8:16).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for the healing of physical pains and difficulties. However, I know that the root of my trouble is deeper and that only you can ultimately heal my heart and soul, Amen.

Friend, why don’t you join me by Stretching out your hand to God today and be healed?

This Adulterous Generation

grayscale photo of man in black v neck shirt with black background

Today’s verse says, “You shall not commit adultery”. These words of Jesus are especially relevant to our generation. With pornography freely accessible and sexuality of every kind on sale and unavoidable, on every device. And magazines that pander to lust defend their right to publish through freedom of the press. Such “freedom” is no more than a lie that cleverly disguises the chains of slavery. How can a person expect to find harmony and balance in a life consumed with lust and covetousness?

In an adulterous generation like ours, people who turn to Christ for salvation will struggle to break the chains of lust. In the past, some have gone to the extreme of gouging out their eyes, only to find that adulterous dreams continue to plague them. But we know that Jesus’ words should not just be followed literally.

Today, Paul’s teaching is the same as Jesus’. He says, “Those who belong to Christ have to crucify the flesh with its passions and desires”. James says, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you”. If we don’t do that, Solomon says, we will be “like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life”.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’” Matthew 5:27 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, by your Spirit living in me, give me faith and strength to put to death all that is sinful and fill my life with what is spiritually healthy and wholesome and in keeping with your will. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Satisfied

woman in brown top

God wants you to live completely satisfied in Him, but so many people have a misconception about what will satisfy them. Scripture tells us that when we hunger and thirst for righteousness, then we will live in complete satisfaction.

You direct your hunger by choosing what you focus on. For example, if you focus on your favourite food, if you start thinking about it early in the morning and all throughout the day, chances are that by the end of the day, you’ll be eating it! What you give your attention to, you will desire. In the same way, the more you give your attention to God and His Word, the more you will hunger for Him; and when you hunger for Him, you will be filled (satisfied)!

Today, the world offers so many things to give your attention to, but they will not satisfy. You might think you want a particular car, or fashionable clothes, or live in a particular neighbourhood. There’s nothing wrong with those things, but understand that “things” won’t ever satisfy you. Recognize that only God will completely satisfy you, so hunger and thirst for Him!

“Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I come to You today, releasing anything that has captured my heart and attention more than You. Father, I long to be spiritually and physically satisfied, please fill me. Today, I choose to give You top priority, and hunger for Your righteousness, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

When You’re In Trouble

Troubles and Trials Are Momentary

Today’s verse is an amazing promise – when we seek God and serve Him with our whole hearts, He will hide us in His shelter when trouble comes. That means you can be so connected to God that you are invisible to the enemy! You are hidden in Him! No matter what is happening around you, you can have strength, confidence and rest.

Though troubles may come your way, don’t worry about them. You know that ultimately, things are going to work out for your good, based upon today’s promise, and no weapon formed against you shall prosper. Hallelujah!

Today, people may be talking, trying to make you look bad, but don’t even give it a second thought. You know that your future is too bright to be distracted. You know that they don’t control your destiny. You just keep on being your best, walking in integrity, meditating on God’s Word, and worshipping throughout the day, so you can stay hidden and protected in Him!

“For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.” (Psalm 27:5, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I come to You today with an open and humble heart. Father, I surrender every area of my life to You. Mould me into Your image and keep me hidden in You. When trouble seeks to weigh me down, please keep me safe and shelter me from those who seek to do me harm. God, I bless You and praise You for being my rock today and always, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

 

As seen on