Author: Pastor Ray Patrick

Evangelism. Outreach. Ministry. Pastor Ray Patrick is a R.E Teacher at The Eden School
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Don’t Worry About Evil People

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Have you had folk come against you, make fun of you and rip your name to shreds? King Saul in the Bible had people come against him. They were making fun of him. He could have easily become distracted and lost his focus. He could have defended himself saying, “I’m the leader. I have what it takes.” But what did he do? He kept silent. One translation says, “He paid them no mind.” 

In my life I have had to deal with those naysayers in and out of the church, but I had to stay focused and pay them no mind. Sometimes that’s what you have to do when people are coming against you. You have to realise that some people are just jealous or driven by the enemy. Not everyone is going to have your best interests at heart. But don’t let them control your destiny. Don’t let them distract you from God’s best. 

Today, instead of playing up to people or trying to win over all your critics, gossipers and evil surmises, keep your eyes focused on what God has for you. Spend time with people who see what God is doing in you. Focus on those who will celebrate you. Ignore those critics so you can be all that God has called you to be. Hallelujah! 

“But some scoundrels said, ‘how can this fellow save us?’ They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.” (1 Samuel 10:27, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I keep my heart and mind focused on You no matter what is said about me. Father, I will ignore the naysayers, gossipers and evil surmises and turn away from negative voices. God, I declare by faith that I will accomplish the plan You have for me, as I daily put Your voice and will first in everything that I do, in Christ’ Name! Amen. 

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Armed For The Battle

Mr Farron criticised social media too, saying it had been "naive" to think a decade ago the medium would lead to a "greater democracy". Genuine Christianity, he said, “has always has been countercultural. It will always go against the norms of the day," which makes it unbearable for the guardians of secular orthodoxy. Christians will have to battle against “inevitable disdain." "But Christianity rebukes both sides: don't judge, show kindness, show gentleness, show patience - especially to those who don't deserve it."

You can overcome any obstacle through Christ. God has equipped you with everything you need to fulfil your destiny through His Word. That means you are well able to do what He has called you to do. You can accomplish your goals. You can fulfil your dreams! You’ve been armed with strength for every battle. 

Friend, God is also working on your behalf. He has already gone ahead of you and lined up the right relationships and the right opportunities. You have everything you need to live the miraculous, victorious life God created you to live! 

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, 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, AMPC) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for equipping me for success. Father, I thank You for empowering me by faith. I know that through You I can overcome every obstacle. Help me to stay focused on Your Word and Your plan for my life. God, please help me to walk in Your anointing, so that I can do all You’ve called me to do. I bless You today, in Christ’ Name! Amen. 

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What Makes God Perfect

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I use to wonder what about God makes Him perfect. God is love. His love for us is perfect. There is nothing you can do right now to make God love you any more, and there’s nothing you can do to make Him love you any less. His love toward you is steadfast and consistent; it’s unchanging. His arms are always stretched out toward you. He’s always ready for you to come to Him. Hallelujah! 

At times people aren’t sure how God feels about them. They think He might be mad at them, but Scripture tells us just the opposite. Like I always say “God’s not mad at you; He’s madly in love with you!” It doesn’t matter what you’ve done, where you’ve come from, what colour your skin is, God’s arms are open to you. He’s longing to show you His goodness and grace. 

Today, meditate on the truth that it is His love that leads us to repent and change our ways. Open your heart and receive His love. Let it give you confidence and make you new. Trust His perfect love and let Him transform every area of your life! 

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear…” (1 John 4:18, NIV) 

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, I humbly come before You, giving You all that I am. I thank You for Your perfect unconditional love. I invite You to bury it in my heart and mind, so that it will cast out all my fear. Fill me with Your peace and joy today and always so I can pass it on to others, in Christ’ name! Amen. 

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At Just The Right Time

God! I have fasted and prayed but still no answer. Why is it taking so long? This was my conversation with God. 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. 

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Kingdom Living

More of you LORD

God likes to see you look good and prosperous. Our God is an extravagant God! He loves to do exceedingly beyond anything we can hope for or imagine. It gives Him pleasure to pour out His abundance and goodness in our lives. It gives Him pleasure to give us His kingdom now. 

What is the kingdom of God? It’s simply God’s heavenly operating system or His way of doing things. Throughout scripture, God reveals His principles for living an abundant life. When you do things God’s way, you get God’s results; you get His success and blessing, and that’s what He wants for you – to live a kingdom life of power and divine prosperity. 

Today’s kingdom living is not only about materialistic gain, it’s really about internal blessings that affects the external. Romans 14 tells us that the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Do you need more joy and peace in your life? Follow the Word and open your heart to His kingdom. As you do things God’s way, you will get His results, and live in the blessing of His kingdom all the days of your life! 

“…it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32, KJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your hand of blessing in my life, materially and spiritually. Thank You for giving me kingdom living. Father, I receive it by faith today in all areas of my life, and look forward to living in it eternally with You. God, I choose to follow Your Word in everything I do, claiming Your joy, peace and righteousness, in Christ’ name! Amen. 

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We Have The Same Power As Jesus

What They Did To Jesus They Will Do To You

I read in the Bible that we have the same resurrection power that Jesus had. I found that so hard to believe, then this thought came to mind. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and get baptised, the Holy Spirit makes His home inside of us, just as He did at Christ’s baptism.

That same Spirit, with the same power that worked miracles and raised Christ from the dead, that resurrection power can do the same for you. It will bring back health, strength and life to your physical body. It will restore hope and breathe life into your dead dreams. In fact, the Spirit can resurrect any area that may seem dormant in your life today. The next time you feel overwhelmed by sickness, challenges or despair, remember, the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you through Christ Jesus.

Today, you may be burdened by an addiction, fear or worry, but there’s nothing that can stand against the power of God. So rise up and declare by faith, “he whom the Son sets free is free indeed. I am restored and healed in the name of Jesus! No weapon formed against me can prosper!” Receive His truth, declare His Word, and activate His power within you!

“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies, because of his Spirit who lives in you.” (Romans 8:11, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for filling me with Your Holy Ghost power, the same power that raised Christ from the dead. Father, I will feed my faith by declaring Your Word. Father, I will walk in Your ways, and honour You in everything I do, and exercise your resurrection power in all the dead areas in my life, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

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The Spirit…

Have you been fighting a battle for a long time? The key is: don’t go around talking about your problem. Don’t go around confessing that you’re never going to make it. No, start declaring, “the Spirit of the Lord is upon my life!” When you realise God’s Spirit of favour is upon you, you will become bold and confident, and accomplish your dreams faster than you thought! 

When doubt comes, declare the promises in God’s Word! “How are you going to get out of debt?” “The Spirit of God is upon my life.” “How are you going to get well?” “The Spirit of God is upon my life.” “How are you going to break that addiction?” “The Spirit of God.” “How are you going to accomplish your dreams?” “The Spirit of God!” 

Today, the more you declare and believe God’s promises, the more you’ll see His favour. As you keep standing in faith, as You keep hoping in Him, you’ll see His promises manifest in your life. You’ll experience His favour and victory, and see every dream and desire come to pass! Not by your might and expertise, but by God’s Spirit. 

“…’Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6, NASB) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for placing Your dreams and desires within me, and for creating a plan to bring them to pass by Your Spirit. Father, even when I can’t see a way, I trust and believe that You are making a way. God, You are good, and today I declare and decree Your Spirit upon every area of my life, in Christ’ Name! Amen. 

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God Is With You

What Would Jesus Do? Do You Really Want to Know?

As a believer in Jesus, you can approach each day with boldness and confidence. Why? Because He is with you, and in Him is everything you need. That means if you need provision for something today, provision is with you. If you need wisdom today, wisdom is with you. If you need strength, joy or peace today, they’re with you. Hallelujah! 

Friends, you can be confident today, knowing that all of your needs are supplied spiritually, physically and emotionally, because the Lord is with you. And best of all, He’s promised never to leave you! Isn’t it good to know that you will always have whatever you need, any time you need it? 

Today, please don’t let the devil’s lies, or pressure from the world, keep you from taking hold of everything the Lord has in store for you. Open your heart by faith, and receive whatever it is that you need right now. Just begin to thank Him for His provision in your life, and move forward in confidence and strength, knowing that the Lord is with you! 

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, ESV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for loving me. Father, thank You for Your faithfulness. I know that You are closer to me than the air I breathe. Thank You for supplying all my needs. Today, I receive Your promises in faith, and choose to cast all of my cares on You, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Worry Be Gone

3 Ways to Make Life Count - One Ordinary Life Lived Well Can Make a BIG Difference

Today, God invites you to give your worries and cares to Him, simply because He loves you! 

How do you give Him your cares? First of all, understand that cares show up in your mind. When negative, self-defeating thoughts of worry come, you have to recognise them as cares, and replace them with the Word of God. For example, if you are concerned about a need today, say out loud, “my God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory.” If you have fear about something, say out loud, “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.” If you have sickness in your body, declare, “by His stripes I am healed.” As you meditate on the truth, and focus your heart and mind on the Father, those cares and concerns will disappear. 

Today, thank Him for giving you peace and joy. Thank Him for working in your life. As you keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, give Him your worries and cares, and get ready for the blessings He has in store for you! 

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I come to You today casting all my cares and worries on You. Father, I believe Your Word and trust that You are working on my behalf. God, I give You all of my worries and declare them gone so I can praise and glorify You, in Christ’ Name! Amen. 

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Seek God Until

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What are you seeking God for? Does it seem like it’s taking a long time to come to pass? Please be encouraged, because the Scripture says that through faith and patience, you will inherit His promises! If you’ll stay in faith, if you’ll keep on seeking Him, it won’t be long until you see that breakthrough. Hallelujah!

Many of us give up just before we get our miracle. We stop when things get hard, or when we don’t get the answer, we want the first time. Today’s verse encourages us to continually ask and continually seek. That doesn’t mean that we seek Him one time and then stop. No, we seek Him until we have the promise!

Today, submit your most desperate prayers to the Lord, and keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking on the door, and it will be opened to you. Know that God is perfecting whatever concerns you. Don’t give up! Instead, start thanking Him for His faithfulness in your life. Thank Him for His promise that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek after Him! Hallelujah!

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7, NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for blessing me with a diligent spirit. Father, thank You for Your faithfulness. God, give me strength to stand and seek You, until I see Your promises fulfilled in every area of my life, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

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Declare It

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” That’s what today’s Scripture begins with. It doesn’t say, “let the redeemed of the Lord think so.” Or, “let the redeemed believe so.” Of course, it’s important to think right and believe right, but something supernatural happens when we open our mouths and declare something so emphatically that You don’t even have to say it to anyone else. 

You can say it while driving or in the shower. Say, “the economy may be low, but I am blessed. I am prosperous. I will lend and not borrow.” “I may have had some setbacks, but I know those setbacks are a setup for a comeback! This is still going to be my best year so far. The favour of God is turning things around.” You are prophesying positively into your future. 

Today, remember when you say what the Lord has done for you, you are declaring that you are redeemed, you are opening the door for God to move on your behalf. The Scripture tells us that He watches over His Word to perform it. When you declare His Word, when you speak His promises, He is faithful to fulfil them, and lead you into victory all the days of your life! 

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has delivered from the hand of the adversary.” (Psalm 107:2, AMPC) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for delivering me and setting me free. Father, I will declare Your goodness. I will declare Your promises. I will declare Your favour, because You told me in Your Word let the redeemed of the Lord say so or declare it so. Hallelujah! God, I know what I declare with my mouth will allow me to live the good life You have prepared for me, in Christ’ Name! Amen 

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Gratitude

I struggle with people who are ungrateful. Those who don’t say thank you, and who don’t testify of what God has done in their lives. What are you grateful for today? Are you grateful for His love, mercy and kindness? Are you grateful for the sun that shines and brings us a new day? Are you thankful for the gift of eternal life?

Friend, no matter what may be happening in the world around you, you can always find something to thank God for. Gratefulness and faith go hand in hand. When we are grateful it shows that our faith is in Him. We can thank Him for what He’s done in the past, and what He will do in the future!

Today, remember, faith pleases God; it causes Him to move on your behalf. Work to develop an attitude of constant gratitude, and give thanks to the Lord for His goodness to you, and to those around you for their kindness. As you do, you’ll experience His mercy and loving-kindness in greater ways, and move forward into the blessing and victory He has prepared for you.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!”

(1 Chronicles 16:34, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I declare my thanks to You for all You have done in my life. Father, please help me to be more grateful and to see Your hand of blessing, as I continually acknowledge and praise You for all You have done. God, give me an attitude of gratitude today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
…

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Live Forward

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Have you made the decision to forget the past? Many people don’t fully understand what that means. They wonder, “How can I forget something that’s happened to me?” But one definition of the word forget is to disregard intentionally or to overlook. In other words, you have to choose to disregard your past so that it doesn’t keep you from moving forward. That means the good and the bad. Sometimes our past victories keep us from rising higher as much as past failures. If we don’t let go of the old, we’ll never be able to embrace the new. 

Today it doesn’t matter what’s happened in your history, it’s time to forget what lies behind. Make the choice live forward. Trust that God has a better future in store for you. Trust that He’s working behind the scenes on your behalf. As you forget what lies behind and press forward, you’ll move forward. You’ll see increase and blessing and live the abundant life He has in store for you! 

“…I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead”

(Philippians 3:13, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I choose to forget the past. I don’t want anything to hold me back from what You have in store for my future. I choose forgiveness. I choose peace. Help me, by Your Spirit, to press forward into the life of blessing You have for me in Christ’ name. Amen. 

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Peace In Decision Making

How many people get into a relationship that they didn’t have peace about and end up miserable? They buy things they didn’t have peace about. They end up in debt. They take a job they didn’t have peace about. They end up frustrated. Here’s the key: If you don’t have peace before you make the decision, you’re not going to have peace after you make the decision. If you don’t have peace about that person now, you’re not going to have peace if you get into relationship. If you don’t have peace about buying that new car, you’re not going to have peace when the payments come each month. 

A Baseball umpire calls the players safe or out. As believers in Jesus, we have an internal umpire, so to speak, calling the plays and giving us direction. Before you ever make a decision, you should stop and see if you have peace inside. If there’s unrest or an uneasy feeling inside, then don’t move forward. Let peace be your umpire. 


Remember, God gave us peace for our protection. No matter what circumstances look like, always trust His inner peace. Let peace in your heart be your umpire and settle any questions you have in your mind. 

“And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].” (Colossians 3:15, AMP)
 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your peace that passes understanding. Thank You for leading and guiding me by peace. Help me to tune in to Your voice better so I can walk in the peace and protection You have for me in Christ’ name. Amen.

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The Greatest Favor

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Oftentimes, people set their focus on what God has done in the past — how He parted the red sea, or stopped the sun for Joshua, or fed thousands of people with just a little boy’s small lunch.

Yes, God has performed many amazing miracles throughout history, and it’s important that we give him praise and glory. But at the same time, we also have to look forward to what God wants us to do in our lives today.

In this verse, Paul says that “in the ages to come” God would do things that far supersede anything He’s ever done before. I believe that the “ages to come” that God’s talking about, is this day and time we’re living in right now. God wants to outdo himself in our generation!

Today remember God is a God of increase. Where you are today is not where you are supposed to stay. He has greater levels of His favour and blessing in store for you so dare to dream big! Dare to keep a God-sized vision in front of you! and dare to take hold of every blessing that the Lord has in store for you!


“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us…raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4–7, NKJ)


Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank you for your faithfulness in my life. Today I open my heart and mind to you so that I can see the greatness of what you want to do in my life. Use me for your glory. Thank you for your favour. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

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Why Black History Is Important

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This month is black history month in the UK. As people of colour we have been through and still go through seasons of difficulty and storms in life. But during those times, we have to remember that Almighty God is greater than any struggle we face! He will carry us through those challenges and use them to strengthen us, like He has always done. But we have to do our part and take a step of faith toward our victory.
 
When I think about Black people, I’m reminded about the caterpillar before it becomes a butterfly. When it’s wrapped in its dark cocoon on the backside of some tree, it doesn’t look like it has many options. But inside that cocoon as it becomes a butterfly, it doesn’t just sit and wait for someone to come and let it out. No, that butterfly knows that it has to make a move if it’s going to be set free to fly. In the same way, we have to fight and continue to fight always doing something to get out of the confined difficult places we are in. We have to pray, we have to believe, and we have to press through to victory.
 
Today, no matter what race you may be or how tough things get, remember His grace is sufficient for you. His strength is made perfect in you. He has given you everything you need to overcome in this life. Now is the time to break free from negative thinking and rise to new levels because He has victory and blessing prepared for you!
 
“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness'” (2 Corinthians 12:9a, NKJV)
 
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for giving us the strength to make it through any challenge we may face. Father thank you for Black History month here in the UK, because it teaches me that I can trust You. I declare that You are good and faithful. Thank You for equipping me for victory in every area of my life. God, today I leave the confined dark place of caterpillar and declare I’m free like a powerful colour filled butterfly in Christ’ name. Amen.
 

 

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