Author: Pastor Ray Patrick

Evangelism. Outreach. Ministry. Pastor Ray Patrick is a R.E Teacher at The Eden School
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Renew Your Mind 

What Does It Mean to Have a Sound Mind?

What changed when you surrendered your heart to Christ? Certainly, not our outward appearance, our income or the people in our families or at work. The more we give in to the flesh the more our lives stay the same. But the more we yield to the Spirit the more we begin to look like Christ. It is important to note that we cannot and do not change our ways first before we come to Christ. Hard as we try we do not have the power to do that and if God required that no one would be saved. 

In today’s verse, Paul knew that it takes a sincere desire to want to obey God to resist the lure of the world, hence his admonition to not copy the ways of the world. The same temptations we experienced in the past will come our way as new creations in Christ. We will face the same hardships and deal with the same emotions and circumstances. What makes the difference is our sincere desire to please God. Our desire, fuelled by God’s grace and love makes real change possible. 

Today you may be asking the question Ray how do we carry out Paul’s instruction to renew our minds in the practical sense? It’s all in the Word. God’s Word empowers us and enables us to go all the way in our pursuit of Him. Our job is to study and apply the Word. It is our weapon against everything that comes against us; whether sickness, fear or evil thoughts. God’s Word is the standard by which we measure our lives, defeat the enemy and conform to His will. 

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” – Romans 12:2 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, help me to study and apply your Word to our lives each day. Father, help me make this a discipline of the mind and heart, empowered by Your Spirit, transforming me each day more and more into your likeness. God, help me have self-awareness of when I’m falling into temptation and turn quickly back to you. Thank you for your tender mercy and love, ever leading me. In Christ’s Name, Amen! 

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20/20 Vision

Do you have a vision for your life and your family’s life? The Bible says, “without a vision the people perish.” Today’s verse says, “the vision is for an appointed time.” That means there is a specific time already determined for the fulfilment of the desires God has placed in your mind and heart. The appointed time is the best time! We must trust that God can see the bigger picture for our lives. He knows what’s up ahead. He knows what we’re going to need, who we’re going to need, and when they need to show up.

Remember, if God did everything, we asked on our timetable, it would limit us, because sometimes what we’re asking for is too small. Sometimes the person we think we can’t live without, God knows they’re not going to be good for us in ten years, so He is closing the door right now. Sometimes the promotion we want so badly if God gave it to us right now, He knows it would keep us from a much bigger promotion in three years, or maybe a closer relationship with him.

Today, remember, God has the advantage of seeing it all – the bigger picture – the beginning and the end. The longer I live, the more I trust Him. The more I see His hand of faithfulness, the more I know that His plan is better than my plan. Today, trust that He knows what He’s doing. Trust that He has an appointed time for all that should take place in your life. Trust His will and His process and watch Your God-given vision and His promises come to pass in your life! Hallelujah!

“The vision is yet for an appointed time…” (Habakkuk 2:3, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I put my dreams, desires, hopes and longings into Your loving hands. Father, I trust that the vision You have given me is for an appointed time. God, give me patience and strength to trust Your process and timing. I know it’s best, so I will praise You until I see Your vision and Your promises come to pass in my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Release What You Cannot Control

So often in life, we hold on too tightly to things we were never meant to control. It’s hard sometimes, to let go. Struggling to change things and striving hard to maintain order, but when problems mount high and pressures feel overwhelming, we begin to understand more fully how little control we have. 

We look in all different places for help forgetting we can move to our Saviour. We forget that He never changes, and He still holds the power to heal and set free. At times we don’t believe that He can, or wants to, work on our behalf we forget, that He’s still the God of miracles, that He can act “immediately,” that He can do in a moment what might take years for us to work out on our own. 

Today set aside your fears and move towards the saviour, with faith. Move-in close, and reach out to the One who is All-powerful, compassionate, loving, and kind. He knows the wounds and troubles you carry; He knows the pain and worries you feel, He knows how much you try to let go, and fix things. Please trust that your situation or circumstance is not too big for His healing and freedom. God is Able. He is always within reach. He is never far away. He is close. He is with us. He cares. He heals. He restores. He redeems. May His huge grace cover you on this day. 

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” – Psalm 55:22 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I confess our need for you today. I need your healing and your grace. Father, forgive me for trying to fix my situation by myself forgetting how much I need you, above everyone and everything else. I come to you and bring my hurt. God, You see where no one else is fully seeing. You know the pain I carry. The burdens. The cares. You know where I need to be set free, cover every broken place. Every wound. Every heartache. Thank you that you can do far more than I could ever imagine. In Christ’s name. Amen 

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We Will Face Disappointments

In life, we all will face disappointments. Maybe bad news concerning your health, job, or a relationship not working out – a setback! It’s easy to get discouraged, lose your enthusiasm, or even be tempted to just settle where you are. But if we’re going to be God’s best, we must have a “bounce-back” mentality. 

That means when you get knocked down, you don’t have to stay down. You get back up again. You must know that every time adversity comes against you, it’s a setup for a comeback. You may have got knocked down, but you haven’t been knocked out! Remember, as a believer, the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives on inside of you.

Today, there is no challenge too difficult, no obstacle too high, no sickness, no disappointment, no person, nothing that can keep you from your God-given destiny. If you stay in faith and keep a good attitude, you will rise again. God will turn those stumbling blocks into stepping stones, and you’ll move forward into His victory! Hallelujah!

“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…” (Proverbs 24:16, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for setting me up for success in everything I do for You. Father, I choose to trust and rely on You, knowing that Your plans are for my good. Therefore, when life knocks me down, when disappointment comes my way, I won’t stay down, but I will bounce back, knowing my best days are up ahead, and I look forward to the blessings You have in store for me, in Christ’s name! Amen.

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In The Midnight Hour

Recently I spoke on Acts 16, where Paul and Silas were beaten and accused without a trial, then put in jail for the gospel’s sake. It wasn’t fair. As they sat in the prison, bloodied, bruised and helpless, it looked like things were over for them. They had no human help, nowhere to turn. When they were trapped and bound in their circumstances, they began to sing praises to God at midnight during their darkest hour. Then suddenly there was a great earthquake. The prison doors flung open, their chains fell off, and they walked out as free men! Hallelujah!

We’ve all had times when we felt completely trapped by circumstances. We’ve all felt lonely and hopeless. So many people today are facing their darkest hours and feel humanly there is nowhere to turn. You’ve done nothing wrong that’s directly linked to your current situation, but still, life has beaten you and you feel helpless.

Today, I encourage you to do what Paul and Silas did and begin to praise God! When you praise Him no matter what, that’s when God enters your situation. That’s when He can break the chains that hold you back and that hold you down and set you free. Praise Him in your midnight hour and watch Him show up and set you free. When things are at their darkest, pray and sing praises, and watch Him shake your darkness away. Hallelujah!

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” (Acts 16:25-26, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, right now I lift my heart to You. Father, You are worthy to be praised! I will bless You in my midnight hour when I feel victimised and beaten up by life for nothing that I have overtly done wrong. God, I know that You are good, and You have victory and freedom in store for me despite the darkness that’s all around, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
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Keep Walking Through

How to Stand With God Through the Storms of Life

Do you feel right now that you’re walking through the valley of the shadow of death? This refers to life’s tough times when you’re at breaking point, evil is all around you, and fear steals your faith.

During these tough times, it’s easy to get discouraged. I love what it says in the verse, “though I walk through…” So, no matter what evil you are facing today, know this: you are not alone, and you are just walking through. You don’t have to stop and live in the tough times, just keep walking through. They are only temporary. Hallelujah!

Today, don’t allow fear to paralyse you in the middle of “the valley of the shadow of death.” Remember, God is with you. He is walking beside you. He is strengthening you. He is making a way of escape for you. He is lining up people and situations to bring you out of that tough place into a place of strength and victory. Don’t give up! Press on and walkthrough, staying focused as you walk. Have a vision of your life on the other side of the valley. See yourself more loving, more faithful, stronger, and more blessed than ever before. As you keep moving forward and walking through, you will get to the other side and experience God’s victory!

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me…” (Psalm 23:4, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness toward me. Father, thank You for walking with me in the hard times of life when I feel like giving up and giving in. God, I won’t stay or stop in my negative, discouraging, or evil trial, I will keep walking forward keeping my eyes on You. I trust that You will carry me and care for me as I go through my valley, to a place of victory and strength, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Be Brave Like Christ 

Victory In Christ

The enemy is behind most of our fears. He loves to instil fear into us so we will stay stuck, unable to move forward in the promises God has for us. The devil doesn’t want us to live out our God-given calling. For our enemy roams the earth, “prowling around like a roaring lion just seeking someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8). 

Today’s verse reminds us that we will be hated as we are “set apart and chosen” and as we are called to be his disciples. But Jesus shows us what bravery looks like. We can persevere through our fears, the attacks of the enemy, and opposition from anyone who hates us and denies us just, as Jesus persevered. 

It takes bravery to recognize your fears and continue moving where God is leading you. Jesus was brave. He had to face adversity, accusation, and affliction as he shared the truth of the Gospel. He left his family to spread the good news of the Kingdom of God. He was brave when everyone around him hated him, leaving him, and betraying him. 

Today be encouraged by 1 John 4:4 “greater is He who is in me than he who is of the world.” The world may hate you. The world may spit on you for your faith, judge you for your values, and criticize you for your decisions in following Christ. But we know that a man in the flesh, our Saviour was brave enough to walk this earth before you. And the same Spirit He had, you have inside you, so that you too, can be brave like Christ. Step out, despite fear on every hand, trusting that God has gone before you. Follow in His footsteps and be brave just as He was. 

“If the world hated you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” – John 15:18 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for leaving me with your word, which is “God-breathed” and directed by you. Father, thank you for being brave against the devil and devil inspired people. God, thank you for sending your Son, who led the way as our greatest example of what it means to be brave in the face of fear and advance the Kingdom even if we are hated for it. 

Lord, we need you and can’t do this without you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen 

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A Better Provision

Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd, finds joy in seeing His diseased sheep progress toward healing.

Jehovah Jireh means “God will provide.” Hallelujah! When the children of Israel were in the desert on the way to the Promised Land, God provided them with manna to eat. That was good. It sustained them for a while, but it wasn’t a permanent solution. Eventually, the manna stopped coming. The people had to move forward, and then God allowed them to have quail. They were so excited. That fed them for a while, but it was also temporary.

God gave the Israelites temporary provision on the way to the Promised Land where they would have permanent provision. The fact that God had something much greater in store for their future is what kept them moving forward. God could have sustained them with manna or quail, but God is a God of increase, a God of better and best. He works in seasons, and He always has something better in store for us.

Today, don’t get stuck in a rut and think that your current situation is going to last forever. Instead, stay open and be willing to change, adjust, make corrections, or try something new as God provides for you. If the “manna” stops coming, as it did for the children of Israel, don’t get upset or disheartened. Remember, God is Jehovah Jireh, He will provide. Just keep moving forward and trusting. Be on the lookout for the new provision God has in store for you!

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

(Philippians 4:19, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, You alone are the just and faithful God! Father, thank You for always providing for me. Thank You for leading and guiding me. God, I trust that You have better and greater things in store for my future. I will choose to keep my eyes on You, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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When You Don’t Feel Worthy 

Idle Words

I’m so Glad, God does not weigh our actions and puts our sin on a scale to see if we’re worthy of approaching Him. If our sin level mattered, then no one would ever be worthy. But because of Christ, when God looks at us He sees His Son’s sinless life and innocent sacrifice. Therefore, because of the gospel, we are free to approach God and communicate with Him. 

In scripture when Isaiah was brought before the Lord, he fell down at his unworthiness and could not look at God. Isaiah had no merit to earn God’s favour, but through a gift, God made Isaiah righteous. Just as God removed Isaiah’s guilt with burning coal, He removes our guilt with the blood of His Son. This gift was a one-time gift, and you are made guiltless in God’s eyes. However, since those saved by Christ still live in a fallen world, we will still fall prey to sin. But when we pray for forgiveness, it draws us away from sin and pulls us closer to God. 

Today, don’t let sin keep you from praying. If you haven’t prayed today, or in a while, take 5 minutes and close your eyes – thank God for who He is, who He has made you to be. Ask Him to forgive every sin in your life, especially the sin that has been holding you back from Him. Then realise your worthiness and let His love pour over you and refresh you. 

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace,” – Hebrews 4:16 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, You are worthy of all praise. You have given me life even though I am unworthy and undeserving. You have taken my sin and made me guiltless. At times I don’t feel guiltless, and my shame gets the best of me. You have made me your child and heir, and you have given me the greatest gift anyone could ask for—eternal life. Lord, please grant me mercy. Please grant me your strength to resist sin and spend more time in prayer and praise because in your presence is where I truly belong. In Christ’s name. Amen! 

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When You Feel Attacked 

These days’ life is very unpredictable. The enemy loves to stir up strife and division, he does his best to heap on insults and kicks us while we’re down. But be assured, whenever you are afflicted, attacked, ridiculed, or abused, God takes notice. He rises strong on your behalf. For you are His child, know God Himself has the final say over our lives. Not the accuser.  

Scripture reminds us that no weapon or cruel accusation can stand over us. It will fall away, for His Power rises above all. He brings light straight to darkness, and what is hidden in the dark, He brings out into the light. We are His children, and He can’t help but come to our rescue. It may seem too long in coming. We start to feel forgotten, betrayed, rejected, and afraid. We wonder why we’ve been left on our own.  Maybe some have stirred up lies against you. Maybe the enemy seems to be breathing down your back, hot on your trail, trying hard to bring you down. The obstacles seem too hard to hurdle over. And you feel like giving up. 

Today please know that God is close, He sees your pain and is aware of every attack. And He is building greatness and deep perseverance from within. Listen to His whisper down deep in your soul and shake off. Every bitter, cruel word and fiery dart and take them to the One who sets you free from the strongholds of darkness, from sin and shame. Leave it at the feet of God who covers you with His favour and blessing so that your strength is renewed day by day. He is with you. You are greatly loved. Be still, He fights for you today. 

“No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.” Isaiah 54:17 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I thank you for the Power of your Word and your Presence over my life. Father, I thank you that no weapon formed against me will prosper, for greater are You who is in me than he who is in the world. Please cast down every threat and accusation, every abusive word and cruel attack hurled my way. I praise you that nothing is impossible with you, I trust you, to rise strong on my behalf. Lord, you are my defender and Strong Tower, my Refuge and Strength. Thank you for fighting for me. In the Powerful Name of Jesus, Amen! 

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Difficulties 

We must realise that God is not going to deliver us from every difficulty. He is not going to keep us from every challenge. If He did, we would never grow. The Scripture says, “Our faith is tried in the fire of affliction.” When you’re in a tough time, that’s an opportunity for your faith to shine. 

Today, anybody can get negative and bitter, blame God, or lose their passion. That’s easy. But if you want to pass the test, you cannot be a weakling if you want God to take you to a new level. You’ve got to be a warrior. Dig your heels in and say like Paul, “I can handle it. I’m ready for it. I’m equal to it. I know God is still on the throne. He is fighting my battles, and on the other side of this difficulty is a new level of my destiny!” 

“These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold…” (1 Peter 1:7, NLT) 

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, thank You for refining me and growing my faith. I choose to stand strong amid difficulty. I choose to bless You no matter what my circumstances are. I trust that You are leading and guiding me in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake in Christ’s name. Amen. 

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Overcoming Anger 

Anger is an easy subject to discuss because we’ve all been there. Anger can start with a minor irritation that makes us mad. But sometimes it is a serious offence that leads to anger. Either way, the question is, which direction will you let your anger take you? 

In scripture, Jonah was a man who knew something about being angry. He ran from God in disobedience, but the Lord saved him out of the belly of a whale and gave him a second chance. He took that chance and went to tell the people of Nineveh that their sin was going to bring the wrath of God. They listened, repented, and God “changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened”. But instead of being thankful for the lives that were saved, Jonah was angry! He wanted judgment brought on others, although he was just saved. “The Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?” 

Today, satan would like nothing more than for you to be eaten up with resentment, bitterness, and unforgiveness until you find yourself in a place where you can’t escape. Remember Satan drives us but God guides us. Choose the one you want leading you. 

“I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart…” – Ezekiel 11:19 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, please take my stony, stubborn heart and turn it into a tender, responsive heart that seeks You and your will above all else. Father, forgive me of any bitterness I harbour help me to find release and peace in you alone. God, I thank you for your grace, mercy, and the work you are doing in my life. In Christ’s Name, Amen 

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Your Next Step 

Many people allow fear from stopping us from taking the next step. Maybe you feel God calling you to step into a new career, into ministry, a new relationship, a new church, a new city, or a new group of friends. Maybe you feel so strongly that God has spoken to you, but the fear of the unfamiliar seems to far outweigh the action of taking the next step. You believe God is trustworthy, yet you’re content with where you’re at, so you sit back and stay rather than take a bold next step. 

Every hero we read about in the bible did not know what was on the other side of that next step as well. We know the ending to their stories. Joshua’s life helps us understand that he was given assurance before He led God’s children to their promised land. God told him before he took the next step: “I will go before you… I will be with you… I will not leave you nor forsake you… do not fear or be dismayed” He did what he knew he could not do. Like us, he was told in advance he’d be able. Joshua never faced anything so frightful or potentially disparaging that God didn’t see him through it. 

Today, God will be with you throughout every step of life’s journey. God is faithful when we walk by faith with Him, we are appointed, equipped, and empowered. We don’t have to take the next step alone. Rest in the assurance of His faithfulness. Through Christ, we can absolutely, unequivocally do anything God places in front of us. Grab onto the hem of His garment and find the faith to go where He leads. Hallelujah! 

“And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear or be dismayed.” – Deuteronomy 31:8 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, we thank you that no journey ahead of me is too far out for you. Father, thank you I have nothing to fear with you leading the way. Thank you for promising me that you go before me assuring me before I take the next step. Lord, I thank you that I have examples of men like Joshua that have already paved the way proving their inadequacy yet your mighty power. I, ask you Lord for boldness and faith to take the next step you have called me to take. I, love you and trust you with my next step. In Christ’s name Amen 

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Suffering 

Suffering is a human reality. Christians are not exempt from the results of suffering. The Apostles suffered greatly and many of them died horrendous deaths. But it was all for God’s glory and a part of His divine plan for their lives. 

When trials come your way, unexpectedly, do you shake your fist, or do you trust God’s ways are higher than yours? Do you say to God, “Not my will, but Yours be done”? Do you trust that He will use that terrible trial for your good and for His glory? God will use all things to make us to the image of His Son and often in the life of the believer that may include pain and suffering. But In times of suffering, He gives us coping mechanisms pray for God’s mercy to come, cry out for His help and we will one day taste of victory. Hallelujah! 

Today, please remember there is a day that awaits every believer where all pain and suffering will cease. That is why we must keep our eyes fixed upon the hope of eternity and not on this life. And that is why faith in God is so important it is the rock on which we stand when trials come, and they will. We must remember the hope that God will never leave our side and walks with us through the valley experiences. We also have the ultimate hope of eternal life that awaits us in Christ. That is our anchor during hard times – the hope of eternity. 

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” – James 1: 12 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, thank you for being with me in my suffering. Father, please help me find your mercy and goodness when trials come and not grumble and complain, Holy Spirit convict my heart and remind me to be thankful for your promises. That bring comfort and opportunities to help those around me who maybe suffering. God, in my suffering I look forward to heaven my home and there that crown of life that awaits me so today I stand firm in faith, trusting like you I will overcome this world. So, I won’t fear. I love you for not allowing me to be alone in my suffering. In Christ’ name, Amen

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Are You Struggling With Worry? 

Are you struggling with worry? Do you wake up with issues on your mind instead of praise to the One who has kept you all night? If so, you’re not alone. When we worry, we allow our minds to dwell on our troubles. So, if we want to get rid of worry in our lives, we begin by giving our minds a new place to dwell. Psalm 94 encourages us in times when worry threatens to take over. “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” 

Thinking about God’s promises will bring wonderful joy. God will always comfort us in our distress, no matter how many worries we carry. His comfort is strong enough to eradicate every anxious thought. By taking a moment to focus on God, we will experience supernatural peace. Enough to help us stop worrying once and for all. 

Today, you may be wondering if it’s even possible to put an end to worry. Training our minds to dwell in God’s goodness isn’t a one-time thing, but a daily commitment to draw close to Him. The closer we get to God the less we will worry. Let’s begin today. 

“When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” (Psalm 94:19 ESV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I struggle with worry. Father, throughout my day I catch myself focusing on my problems. God, I know that focusing on my troubles isn’t healthy, but I can’t seem to stop worrying no matter how hard I try. Please help me put an end to worry in my life and find peace through in You. In Christ’s name. Amen 

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Regret Isn’t Always Bad

Are you living with regret? Regret isn’t always a bad thing. It can point us toward God and beckon us to seek forgiveness when we’ve done something wrong. But when we don’t deal with the regret we have over past choices, it can create heaviness in our hearts. And the longer we hold on to regret, the more condemned we feel. 

Paul gives the key to letting go of regret and living in freedom. He had shared some hard truth with the church in Corinthians — things they needed to hear. But then Paul encouraged them by acknowledging the sorrow they showed for their actions. The kind of sorrow that leads to repentance. As mentioned in today’s scripture. The next verse (11) goes on to show the value of allowing our regret to point us to Jesus.  

Today, let’s remember when we deal with regret the right way, God produces good fruit in us. Let’s acknowledge the regret that weighs us down, then take it to a God who cares. He is ready and willing to help us find healing from our regrets. 

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV) 

Yahweh, thank you for your powerful Word that offers hope when I feel weighed down with regret. Father, thank you for showing me the difference between worldly sorrow and the Godly sorrow that leads me back to you. God, whether I’m holding on to regret for past sins or regret about decisions made, forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness help me to find forgiveness and freedom. In Christ’s name, I pray, Amen. 

 

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