Author: Pastor Ray Patrick

Evangelism. Outreach. Ministry. Pastor Ray Patrick is a R.E Teacher at The Eden School
Posted on

Happiness Today!

Today Is The Day To Be Happy

With our world in turmoil with war and a pandemic, it’s hard to be happy. It’s very easy to come up with excuses as to why we are not happy. All the time I hear things like, “as soon as I get out of debt, I’ll be happy.” Or “as soon as I lose weight”…” as soon as I get promoted…” as soon as my children start behaving…” No, if you don’t put your foot down and decide to be happy right now, there will always be something to keep you from being happy. Let’s get rid of the excuses and decide to enjoy life right now, beginning today! 

Today is when God wants you to be happy, not tomorrow. That’s why David said in the Psalms, “this is the day the Lord has made! I will rejoice and be glad in it.” He was saying, “this is the day to be happy; not tomorrow, not when the weather clears up. Not next week, when I don’t have to work so hard. Not next month, when I make it through these difficult times.” No, choose to honour the Lord right now by choosing to enjoy your life. This is the day that the Lord has made! 

“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, thank You for this day. Thank You that yesterday has gone with its worry, stress, and sadness. Father, thank You for another day, another opportunity to praise and rejoice for Your kind mercy towards us. God, I choose to set my mind and heart on You and not on my problems, so I will be happy despite the situation. Almighty, this day I will rejoice and be glad, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Posted on

Blockage

Have you ever felt like every time you try to move forward in something, you hit a blockage, or something happens that throws you off course? Be encouraged today because God has gone before you! You may not see it, but He is preparing a way for you. He’s making your crooked places straight. He’s making your rough places smooth. You may be going through a difficult time right now, but it’s not the end, God has a detour around the blockage, and He has equipped you for this journey!

Remember, don’t focus on your circumstances, focus on the promises of God! Keep speaking words of faith because God promises to anoint your head with oil. He’ll cause your cup to run over. That means when you seek Him, He will refresh and anoint you to do what He’s called you to do.

Today, keep moving forward despite the blockage, God can make a way out of no way. Start by checking your attitude. Don’t go around complaining and focusing on the negative side of things. Instead, put on an attitude of praise and thanksgiving. Thank Him for removing that blockage and for making your crooked places straight. Keep your eyes on Him and let Him lead you into victory all the days of your life!

“I will go before you and make the crooked places straight…” (Isaiah 45:2, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness in my life. Father, thank You for preparing my path and for making my crooked places straight. God, I give You total permission to remove all the blockages in my life that are stopping me from moving forward. Restore my soul and lead me in the plan You have for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Posted on

More Questions Than Answers ?

Throughout life, we may experience sorrows for which there are no adequate explanations. Some are difficult events with far-reaching effects, while others are personal, private tragedies that alter our individual lives and families forever. We want to know why, but we seem to find more questions than answers. Yet even as we struggle with “why?” God extends His unfailing love to us. 

 Some years ago, an experimental spacecraft broke apart during a test flight. The co-pilot died while the pilot miraculously survived. Investigators determined what happened, but not why. The title of a newspaper article about the crash began with the words “Questions remain.” 

 In the bible, Job lost his children and his wealth in a single day, he sank into an angry depression and resisted any attempted explanations by his friends, even though he still had questions. Yet he held out hope that someday there would be an answer from his God. Even with no answers, Job could say, “God knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold”. 

 Today, as we face life’s unanswered questions, we can find help in God’s love and promises that one day, every tear and perplexity, every oppression and distress, every suffering and pain, and wrong, and injustice will have a complete, and powerful explanation. Until then hold on by faith that the answer is on the way. 

“God knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold” Job 23:10 

 Let’s Pray 

Sweet Yahweh, thank You for giving me faith and trust in You so that even though I have questions about life, and why things have happened the way they have, my love for You hasn’t wavered. Father, there is one thing I can’t and won’t question and that is Your love for me. God, give me wisdom and understanding today to accept what I can’t explain, believing You know what’s best for me. In Christ’s name! Amen. 

Posted on

Speaking In Numbers

Many ask 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.

Remember 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 all the people around you are giving you the same word of caution, it may be God trying to get a message to you. Take that advice and bring it before the Lord in prayer, and make sure the advice doesn’t contradict His Word.  Ask Him to confirm His perfect plan to your heart. Remember, wisdom comes from God, and wise counsel will always agree with God’s Word. He will always confirm the answer when you ask Him.

Today, 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 as wise counsel. 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 know when You are speaking, and lead me in Your way, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

Posted on

A Distraction?

Don’t get mad, it’s only a distraction? Many challenges in life are merely distractions meant to keep us from pursuing our destiny. Maybe someone at work isn’t as friendly to you as you’d like. Maybe you have a neighbour who always parks in front of your house and blocks your way. Those things may be frustrating, but they have little significance when you look at the bigger picture. You can’t allow the little things to steal your joy and cause strife in your life.

Remember, just before David fought the giant Goliath, his brother Iliab tried to confront him. But David knew that arguing with Iliab wasn’t even worth his time and strength. He knew his real battle was with Goliath, and he didn’t want to be distracted. He simply “turned away” from Iliab and kept his focus on what he was called to do. Don’t focus on the distraction.

Today, truth be told, most frustrations aren’t even worth fighting over. Let’s keep our focus and turn away from strife because it’s only a distraction sent by the enemy to keep you from your God-given blessing!

“It is an honour for a man to cease from strife…”(Proverbs 20:3, KJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your hand of victory in my life. Father, give me the wisdom and courage I need to walk away from strife and honour You. God, help me see the challenges for what they are, distractions from my eternal blessing. Jesus, I love You and bless You today and always, in Christ’s name! Amen.

Posted on

Don’t Worry ?

With casualties going up in Ukraine, and the economy at its weakest ever, it’s easy to worry. What are you worrying about today?

Worrying means allowing something to revolve in your mind repeatedly until it stresses you out. God doesn’t want you to live worried or anxious about anything. He knows that worry steals your peace and joy. It affects every area of your life negatively. Have you heard the saying, “Don’t worry yourself sick?” That’s because worrying affects your physical and mental body. It even affects your sleep! 

The Bible says you won’t ever gain anything by worrying; in fact, you’ll lose precious moments that you can never get back again. The good news is that God has promised that you can have victory over worry. It starts by choosing to trust in Him. When you cast your cares on him, he will give you his peace, which will eradicate your worry. Hallelujah! 

Why not put an end to worry in your life. Choose to feed your faith and fill your mind with God’s promises of peace. As you focus on God’s Word and spend time in conversation with Him, He will drive out worry and fill your heart with faith and expectancy, and you will overcome in every area of your life! 

“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27, NIV 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I permit You to put an end to worry in my life. Father, I have decided to feed my faith by studying Your promises and declaring Your Word over my life. God, help me to trust in You today and every day, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Posted on

Remember God’s Promises

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.

This year, things have not gone the way anyone expected. When things don’t go the way you planned, or something unexpected happens, how do you respond? Do you start expecting the worst, or do you go to God’s Word and remind yourself of His promises? 

Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Faith activates God’s promises. When difficulties come and you’re tempted to get upset, remind yourself of His Word and declare, “This is not going to prosper against me.” They may be talking about me. It may look bad, but I know that God is my vindicator. He’ll take care of me. I know that God has me in the palm of His hands. ” 

Today, remind yourself of God’s promises. You don’t have to get worried. You know God is still on the throne. You know that problem didn’t come to stay; it came to pass. So today, remind yourself of His promises and feed your faith so that you can move forward in the life of blessing He has prepared for you! 

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” 

(Joshua 1:8, NIV) 

Let’s pray to Yahweh. Thank you for every one of your amazing promises. Father, I choose to meditate on your word, which brings life to me. Almighty God, fill me with your peace as I stand in faith until I see the victory you have promised me to come to pass in my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Posted on

Spiritual Hunger

Sin, Happiness, and Breaking Out of Spiritual Boredom

During the lockdown, many were lonely, depressed, and going hungry in the natural world. What do you do when you’re hungry and just not sure when or what will satisfy you? You may try to think of what to eat, but maybe you’re not sure when you will get it. Spiritual hunger works the same way. You may feel restless or unsettled, but you can’t quite figure out what will satisfy you. You may try to fill that need with other things— addictions, people, or negative behavior, but only God can fill that spiritual void, and He can also supply your physical and emotional needs. Reach out to him today.

In today’s verse, we are told what will fill the hunger in our souls – God’s righteousness. When you hunger and thirst for righteousness, which is God’s way of doing good things, you will be spiritually satisfied. But just like you must take time to eat in the natural, you must take time to “eat” or partake of God’s righteousness. Doing right and feasting on His Word.

Today and every day, take time and devote it to the Lord in prayer. State your physical needs, spend time in worship and in studying His Word. Stay in fellowship with other believers by attending church regularly, staying amongst the righteous, and doing righteous acts. As you focus your hunger on God’s righteousness, you will be filled and live satisfied in him all the days of your life.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

(Matthew 5:6, NIV)

Let’s Pray: Yahweh, thank you for the promise to fill my hunger both physically and spiritually. Father, I open my heart to you and ask that you draw me by Your Spirit. God, I beg you to teach me to walk in your ways of righteousness and right doing, that I may honor you and be satisfied, physically, emotionally, and spiritually all the days of my life. I receive this by faith right now. I blesyouou always, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Posted on

Another Chance? 

In life, some of us need a mentor to guide our steps and to be our advocates. Some learn slowly. we learn lessons the hard way. Others are stubborn and mess up easily.  

Mark in the bible messed up too. He had gone with Paul and Barnabas on a missionary journey, but along the way, he had given up and deserted them. Paul thought it would be unwise to take him on another journey. But Barnabas was willing to mentor Mark. Barnabas advocated for giving him another chance.  

Paul and Barnabas had such a sharp disagreement over this that they parted ways. Paul left with Silas, and Barnabas left with Mark. Even so, God continued to work through them to take the gospel to different places.  

Today we learn that Mark in the New Testament benefited from being ­given another chance, and so did others. We see later that Paul also reconciled with Mark, saying to Timothy, “Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry” In addition, the Spirit of God led Mark to write an account of Jesus’ life and ministry. We know it as the gospel of Mark. Who in your life needs forgiveness and another chance? For whom could you be an advocate today? Let’s offer grace and give others a second chance.  

They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus… — Acts 15:39 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, thank you for a second chance. Father, sometimes it is hard to forgive. Please help us to remember how we have been forgiven and help us to extend your grace to others. In the name of Christ, our forgiver. Amen.

Posted on

God My Friend? ?

Become A True Prayer Warrior

Are you seeking God’s help today? Our psalmist in today’s scripture is in trouble and danger. Enemies on every side. In effect, he cries out, “God help!” But this is more than a cry for help; it is also a plea for forgiveness. Repeatedly, the psalmist asks God to forget, forgive, and be gracious. He also seeks guidance and the wise counsel of a friend and confidant. He asks God for direction and teaching to see the path he should take. 

The psalmist concludes his prayer with a commitment to follow through on his request—knowing God’s ways and understanding who God wants him to be, and following through on God’s guidance and walking the way God directs him to walk, will be his path to success. 

Today and each new day, choices need to be made, decisions acted on, and life lived. The scripture invites us to live under the all-knowing tutoring of God, to humbly submit to His holy wisdom, which will help us make faithful decisions. We must rely on the steadfast one who hears our cries and whose friendship will guide us to the right choices throughout our lives. 

The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. — Psalm 25:14 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for always responding to my requests for help. What a friend I have in you, my God! Father, help me to be faithful in return, loving you with all my heart, soul, and mind, being obedient to your will and request in Christ’s name. Amen. 

Posted on

The Currency Of Faith

Keeping Faith in God During Hard Times

Everyone needs money – it is the currency of our world. In the natural, we exchange money for the things we want and need. But in the supernatural or spiritual realm, faith is our currency and what we exchange for what we need or want.  

The Bible tells us that when we pray if we have faith, we will receive what we pray for. 

Faith is heaven’s currency. Faith moves mountains. Faith opens doors. Faith pleases God. What is faith, you may ask? It is simply believing and trusting God and His Word. It’s believing in His goodness and knowing that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek after Him. Faith is trusting that the promises of God are true. It’s obeying His Word. Where does faith come from? Everyone is given a measure of faith. Romans tell us that faith grows by hearing the Word of God.  

Today, the more you hear the Word of God, the more real it becomes in your life, and the easier it is to believe His promises. It doesn’t matter how much faith you have today, begin investing your faith in God’s Word so that your trust will grow. As you hear and obey the Word, you will be empowered to move forward to receive every good gift God has in store for you. 

“And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive.” 

(Matthew 21:22, AMP) 

Let’s Pray  Yahweh, thank you for the supernatural currency of faith which gives Your Word power to work in my life. Father, I submit myself to you today and ask that the seeds of faith in my heart grow stronger with each new day. God, I trust you and I open my heart to you and ask you to remove doubt and unbelief so that I can trust and serve you with my whole heart, all in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

Posted on

His Goodness 

Sealed With Power And Authority

In these uncertain times, we can learn the attitude of the psalmist, David, who was going through very tough uncertain times when he declared the words in today’s verse. He said, in effect, “I’m not worried. I’m not upset. I am confident I will see God’s goodness. ” In other words, “this situation I’m in may be rough, but that’s not going to steal my vision or joy. It’s not going to cause me to give up on my dreams. I am confident that in this crazy, unpredictable year, I will see God’s favour unfold in my life. ” 

Today, remember, what you focus on is what will come to pass. No matter what the medical report says, no matter what your finances look like, no matter how bad that relationship may seem, be confident that you will see God’s goodness unfold in your life!  

Today, during your strange 2022, we must not forget that our God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent. He is the creator of the universe, and he holds you, your plans, and your dreams in the palm of his hand. So, you can be confident that nothing is too difficult for him! Take hold of this truth by faith and focus on His goodness today! 

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” 

(Psalm 27:13, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for your goodness in my life. Father, I remain confident in your power to control my life in these uncertain times. I will focus on you no matter what my circumstances may look like. God, please give me your peace as I keep my mind focused on you in Christ’s name. Amen 

Posted on

God Is Our Refuge 

How to Stand With God Through the Storms of Life

The first words of today’s psalm announce its overall theme: God is our refuge, – our fortress and shelter. God is also our strength, our helper, – the one who deals with the perils surrounding us. And because God is our refuge and help, we have nothing to fear, even if nature throws its worst tantrums at us. 

True faith is always tested by the storms and earthquakes in one’s life. Where can I find safety and security, you may ask? Psalm 46 gives us the answer:

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way. . ..” 

Today ask yourself the question, in what ways has God been your refuge and strength? There is a certain and trustworthy basis for our faith—the God who made us and everything in our world. In all circumstances, no matter how terrible or frightening, our unchanging God is our refuge and strength.  

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. — Psalm 46:1 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for being my refuge and strength. Father, please help me to remember this when my world shakes and my heart trembles with fear. Today, oh God shelter me, in your strong, safe arms. In Christ’s name, Amen. 

Posted on

Living With Liars? ?

“I Was Calling God a Liar": Can You Love Jesus & Be Angry?

Today’s Psalm is about living amid relentless trouble and lies. It begins with distress and ends with war, anxiety, and pain. This psalm is a psalm used by ancient Israelites travelling to Jerusalem for a temple festival. These pilgrims’ journeys were long and difficult, and yet they undertook them gladly. They wanted to take this trip to escape the violence and lies that often surrounded them. This psalm draws them toward Jerusalem, to celebrate God’s truth. which brings peace. 

Often, we are surrounded and distressed by trouble on every hand. When that happens, there is only one way to turn, and that’s to God. The only way to escape the lies that often surround us is to turn to and meditate on the truth found in God’s Word. The psalmist says: “I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me.”  Hallelujah!  

Today, God’s faithfulness is clear to the believer who calls on God and seeks to live by God’s truth. That’s why so many Christians celebrate and worship the Lord. Because in God’s presence, there are blessings and restoration. Every time we approach God, we are stepping into the presence of the one who is “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). It’s time to leave lying, deceit, and distress behind and cling to God.  

Save me, LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues. — Psalm 120:2 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for being my truth and my way. Father, I’m often surrounded by liars and trouble. Please Lord breathe your words of life into me, that I may be protected from my enemies and restored in your presence. In Christ’s name. Amen. 

Posted on

God The Healer Of Broken Relationships 

5 Truths about God’s Design for Sex in Marriage

From my own experience, if a husband has an affair, the wife feels hurt and distrusts him. Even if she wants to restore their relationship, trust must also be restored. Sin involves not only violating a command but also betraying a relationship. Not only do we need Jesus Christ to receive the punishment we deserve, but we also need someone to heal our broken relationships. In our sins, we betray God. Genesis says, “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth.” 

Today, many ask, “Can couples who have endured the pain of betrayal be reconciled?”

Those who survive betrayal and go on to have a loving, trust-filled relationship almost always need someone to help them. Similarly, because we have betrayed God, we need someone to reconcile us to God. The broken relationship between each of us and God can be restored and healed only through the work of Christ. He came to make all things new, including our relationship with God. Jesus, our reconciler, draws us back to God even when we want to run the other way. Hallelujah! 

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. – 2 Corinthians 5:19 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, my reconciler, thank you for the ultimate sacrifice you paid, not only to cover the penalty for my sin but also to reconcile me back to God. Yahshua, without you, we would be alone and broken forever. God, I’m sorry for betraying you. please accept my confession in Christ’s name. Amen. 

Posted on

We All Have Spiritual Gifts

Spirit = Breath

We are all different. God has made us diverse in many ways. The 7.753 billion humans alive today differ in age, intelligence, ability, ethnicity, personality, gender, vocation, interests, and much more. 

In, 1 Corinthians 12 God gave His people a variety of spiritual gifts including wisdom, faith, healing, and speaking in languages. In other places, Scripture mentions other gifts, and each person receives gifts. The Holy Spirit is the one that, “distributes them to everybody, as he determines. “We must learn to see that all people have gifts from the Spirit and the gifts are equal, including people like this: The homeless man who rarely showers and sits in the back of the church. The refugee family who always keeps to themselves at church. The child with ADHD who can’t sit still. 

Today, we hold the spiritual gifts of some people in higher esteem than others, and we question whether some people have any gifts at all. This is none of our business. God esteems each of us and our gifts. To see each other as God sees us, we must know that God gives spiritual gifts to every believer, both young and old, rich and poor, short and tall. Let’s make it a matter of prayer to accept ­others as God sees them, because we all matter to Him. 

To each one, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:7 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for distributing your gifts among all believers. Father, open my eyes to see the gifts you have given to me. Lord, give me the strength and power to use my gifts for your glory. In Christ’s name, Amen. 

 

As seen on