Author: Pastor Ray Patrick

Evangelism. Outreach. Ministry. Pastor Ray Patrick is a R.E Teacher at The Eden School
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Just Agree!

Approximately 20 years before Abraham had a child, God said to him, “Abraham, I have made you a father of many nations.” Notice God spoke to him like it had already happened, in the past tense. I’m sure Abraham thought, “God, You must have made a mistake. I’m not a father. I don’t even have one child.” Abraham could have talked himself out of it; but instead, he chose to believe.

Remember, when you agree with God, you are positioning yourself for a miracle. You are activating His truth in your life. When things look difficult, don’t agree with your circumstances, agree with His promises because He is faithful, and He will complete what He’s started in your life!

Today, you may be thinking, “I’m not blessed. I’m not confident. I’m not healthy. I’m not favoured.” But when God says you’re blessed, don’t try to figure it out. Just agree with God and say, “I am blessed.” When God calls you prosperous, don’t go check your bank account. Don’t go look at the stock report. Just agree with God and say, “I am prosperous.” Things may look impossible. That’s all right. That’s the way things looked for Abraham. But sure enough, God’s promises came to pass, and he became the father of many nations.

“As it is written: ‘I have made you a father of many nations.’ He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.” (Romans 4:17, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I bless You and thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. Father, I receive Your promises as truth, no matter what is going on around me. Teach me to not doubt, but to believe no matter the circumstances. God, fill me with joy and peace, as I hold fast to Your promises for me, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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Armed For Every Battle

2 Misconceptions About Prayer

You have the ideas, the creativity and talent to be successful. 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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He Is All Things

Do you know that God loves you so much today, more than you could ever imagine? Not only did He send His Son, Jesus, to pay the price for your sins so that He could have a relationship with you, He also wants to lavish you with everything He has, and everything He is. 

When you join in covenant with God, He makes all things available to you. What does “all” mean? It means exactly that – all. Do you need peace? He is your peace. Do you need joy? He is your joy. Do you need strength? He is your strength. Do you need restoration in your life? He is your restorer. Do you need rest? He has it. You need provision? It’s yours. Protection? It’s yours! God is the single source of everything that you will ever need, and He will freely give it to you! Hallelujah!

Today, you may have times when you struggle to receive all that God has for you. Maybe you think that you don’t want to bother God, or you somehow think you don’t deserve what He has for you, that mindset is not the truth. The truth is that you can’t earn a gift. He gives it freely. Imagine His arms outstretched to you right now. Receive His love, receive His grace, and receive all that He has in store for you!

“He who did not spare His own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will He not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32, NIV)

 Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, by faith right now I receive all that You have for me. Father, thank You for sending Your Son, to die for me so that I can live with You. I declare that He is my Lord and Saviour, my ultimate provider and redeemer. God, I receive all that You have for me, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

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Suddenly

During life’s challenging dark times, know that you are not alone. We all go through seasons of difficulty, or times when things just seem dark. Remember, God has a plan to drive out your darkness and flood you with His light!

Today’s verse doesn’t say, “the light will come trickling in.” No, it says that “the light will come bursting in!” That means suddenly you will see God’s goodness. Suddenly, you’ll be promoted. Suddenly, answers will come! If you’ve been going through a difficult time, get ready for the goodness of God in a new way. Know that His light is about to come bursting in! Hallelujah!

Today, get ready for breakthroughs. Get ready for promotion. Get ready for restoration. You may have had that problem for a long, long time, but today could be the day that it turns around. Suddenly, things will change! God wants His glory to be seen on you. He wants you to stand out in the crowd. He wants you to be so blessed that everyone around you can see His goodness on you! So keep standing, keep believing, keep hoping and keep declaring His Word, because His light is going to come bursting into your life!

“When darkness overtakes him, light will come bursting in…”  (Psalm 112:4, TLB)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your light that drives out every trace of darkness in my life! Father, I choose to expect Your goodness. I will stay focused on Your faithfulness. God, I know that You are working behind the scenes in my life, and I expect that You will turn my darkness into light, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

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I Struggle With Waiting

I struggle with waiting, at times I find it very frustrating. However, the saying goes “good things come to those that wait.” Are you waiting for God to do something in your life? One thing I’ve learned is that waiting should not be passive and boring. When we’re waiting the correct way, we’re on the lookout. We talk like what we are believing for is going to happen. We act like it’s going to happen. We’re making preparations. 

Today, think about that first dinner date, you’re so excited you can’t sit still. You don’t wait until they show up before you decide to start cooking. You start early, you make sure the house is clean, you go to the grocery store, and maybe buy some flowers for the table. You make preparations while waiting because you’re expecting someone special. Well, that’s the attitude we need to have while we’re waiting for God’s promises to come to pass. As you put actions behind your prayers, your faith comes alive and opens the door for God to move mightily on your behalf. 

“…faith without works is dead.” (James 2:20, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, today I will put actions behind my faith, trusting that You are at work in my life. Father, teach me to wait on You the right way – with expectancy – knowing that You are leading me into the path You have for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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The World Needs Prayer

With gun and knife crime high, with kids as young as 8 carrying drugs across the country, things are out of control right now. Our country, and across the entire world, are experiencing wide-spread devastation like never before seen in history. Some places are too hot, others too cold. Floods, diseases, and brokenness seems to be affecting all. The world needs prayer at this time. 

We may not have all the answers about the world’s situation, but we can set our hearts and minds on what we do know. What we know is that God is faithful. What we know is that He is our Deliverer. What we know is that we can trust in Him. He is our hope, He is our peace, and He will carry us through. He promises that no matter what you we be facing, He will empower us to walk through it and overcome.

Today, when you don’t understand, when you don’t have answers, when you are in your darkest hour, God is your light of hope. God will bring restoration and order to your life again. Whether you’re in a storm, or experiencing another type of “trouble,” call on Him. He will deliver you, and in return, you will bring honour and praise to Him.

“…call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honour Me.” (Psalm 50:15, NIV)

Let’s PrayYahweh, today I’m calling on You. Father, I trust that even in my personal darkness, and in the world’s darkest hours, You are my light of hope. God, give me Your peace that passes understanding. Bring order and restoration to my life. Heal this land of crime, abuse and natural devastation as Your people call upon You, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

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God’s Love

God Sees You

I’m always disheartened, bewildered and even confused by the way we use the word “love,” prompting the question “what is love?” We love food, movies, clothes and sports, but we also love our family or spouse.

In the Word of God, we see God’s true definition of love. First Corinthians 13 tells us that “love is patient and kind. It does not envy nor boast. It is not proud. It is not rude. It does not seek its own way, is not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not rejoice in evil, but rejoices in the truth. Love believes, hopes and endures. Love never fails.” This is how God responds to us, and this is how we should respond to the people in our lives with patience, kindness, hope, humility and love. Scripture tells us that God is love, and His character never changes!

Today, and every day, know that God loves you more than you love pizza, ice cream and cake. He loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He is there for you and has a great plan for you. Receive His perfect, consistent and patient love, and let Him transform you from the inside out. His love is the greatest love and will last throughout all eternity! Hallelujah!

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for loving me and accepting me with all my fault and flaws. Father, thank You for doing a work in my life that no one else can do. God, please help me to love like You, with patience and consistency. Help me to see others the way You see them, and respond in love, because You are love. I bless You,  honour You and love You today and always, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

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I Want To Live

Today, I’ve noticed that people look sad and down. The Bible tells us that Jesus came to give us abundant life. Not only did He come to give you life in eternity, but He desires that you experience abundant life here on earth. He wants your relationships to be vibrant and alive. He wants your dreams to be alive. He wants your body, heart and mind to be alive and full of vitality. God is the source of all life, and when you seek Him, you will find Him, and the result will be everlasting life.

Are there areas in your life that need to be resurrected? Are there things that you’ve put on the back burner that you need to revive again? Do you need hope or faith for something today?

Today, seek God and allow Him to breathe His life into you. Seek Him with your dreams; seek Him with your plans. Seek Him in all things, and you will find His abundant life, and everything you set your hand to will prosper in Jesus’ name.

“…Seek me and live.” (Amos 5:4, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for giving me abundant life, both now and in eternity. God, I don’t want to just survive, I want to live a powerful, happy and excited life. So God, I give You my dreams and my plans, resurrect them and make them live. I humbly seek You today, giving You all that I am. I ask for Your hand of blessing and guidance in everything I do. In Christ’ name! Amen.

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His Timing

The most difficult thing for me in Christianity is waiting on God. I’ve had to learn that God doesn’t always work on our timetable. He rarely does. But in a single moment, God can change your life! In the Bible, we see God instantly turning things around for His people. Scripture tells us He is the same yesterday, today and forever, which means if He did it for them, He can instantly turn things around for us, too!

Right now You may be going through a difficult trial, be encouraged because your times are in God’s hands. Trust that He has your best interests at heart. He wants to pour out His favour in your life. He wants to take you further than you dreamed possible, and work in your life in ways beyond what you have ever imagined.

Today, resist discouragement by speaking His Word over your future. Keep standing, keep hoping and keep believing, because He is working on your behalf. Have faith because your timings are in His hands, and He will lead you in the amazing life He has for you!

“My times are in Your hand…” (Psalm 31:15, NASB)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I humbly come before You giving You my all. Father, I trust that my times are in Your hands. I trust that You are working things out in my favour. God, I set my focus on You, knowing that You are working things out for my good, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

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Imagine

One of my favorite songs starts out by saying, “I can only imagine.” When was the last time you imagined God doing something supernatural in your life? Is there a relationship that needs restoration? Is there a business you’ve wanted to start, but are holding back? If there were no limitations on your life if anything were possible, what would you be willing to imagine?

Remember, the only limits on your life are the limits you have in your mind, and God wants to do exceedingly more than you can ever imagine today! He wants to overwhelm you with His goodness, and amaze you with His faithfulness. But in order for Him to exceed what you’ve imagined, you have to at least be imagining something!

Today, why don’t you take a step of faith and let your imagination come to life? Begin to see in your mind all the possibilities for your future. Meditate on the amazing things God has done throughout history. Let that seed of faith take root in your heart. Hold on to His promises because He is faithful. He is able to exceed your expectations and go beyond what you can imagine!

“For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:11, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. Father, I submit my imagination to You. Help me to see what You see for my future. God, please help me to take the limits off of my thinking, so that I can receive everything You have in store for me, in Christ’s name! Amen.

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Road block

Have you ever felt like every time you try to move forward in something, you hit a roadblock, 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 roadblock, 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 roadblock, 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’s stopping me from moving forward. Restore my soul and lead me in the plan You have for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Trust God Not Man!

Just Like Dad

Have others ever labelled your faith as stupid or foolish because you didn’t follow the crowd, or it wasn’t a matter of life or death?  Have you ever thought about why Peter wanted to get out of the boat? Why did he all of a sudden think he could walk on water? Well, you might say, “It’s because he saw Jesus open the blind man’s eyes and cleanse the lepers.” Yes, that’s true. But, the other disciples in the boat saw the same things. Why didn’t they want to get out?

Peter trusted Jesus and believed He would keep him from sinking. He also believed that it was his time to show Jesus, and others, how he trusted Him, so he stirred up his faith. He believed at that moment that he could do what God placed in his heart. Jesus said, “Peter, do you want to get out of that boat?” He said, “Yes, I do.” Jesus replied, “Well, come on out.” Notice that Jesus didn’t say, “Peter, stay in that boat, are you crazy, that’s a foolish thing to do.” No, He said, “Peter, I like your attitude of faith. I like the fact that you trust me with your life, and are willing to take me at my word and not follow the crowd, and that You believe you can do great things.”

Today, have Peter’s kind of boldness and faith! Start believing that your time is here to get out of the boat and leave the crowd, risking your life! It’s time to go against the grain and follow God’s Word, so that the dreams that you’ve buried, those desires that you thought would never work out, will come to fruition. Friend, it’s time to start believing again. It’s your time, and it’s time to step out of the boat even, if you have to go alone. Trust God not man!

“And Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ He said, ‘Come!’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and he came toward Jesus.” (Matthew 14:28–29, AMP)

Let’s PrayYahweh, today I choose to believe Your Word over human ideology. Father, I believe You are faithful to complete the good work You’ve started in my life. I choose to hear Your voice over the ridicule of the crowd, and step out of the boat at Your Word so I can receive my miracle. I thank You in advance for bringing to pass the dreams You’ve place in my heart, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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He’s Prepared Your Blessing

Scripture says, “He took Adam, whom He had just breathed life into, and put him in the garden.” Notice Adam came into a prepared blessing, something that God had already finished for him. Think about Adam and Eve in the garden. God took the first five days and created the heavens, the earth, the sky, the land and the water. He planted a garden. He put in it beautiful flowers and luscious fruit. He designed rivers to flow through it. He put precious treasures in the ground: onyx, gold and silver. Yes Adam came into a prepared blessing.

When God laid out the plan for your life, He lined up the right people, the right breaks and the right opportunities. He has blessings that have your name on them. If you will stay in faith and keep honouring God, one day you will come in to what already belongs to you. It’s a prepared blessing! Hallelujah!

Today, in the same way, God has some prepared blessings in store for you. He has worked, arranging things in your favour, getting it all perfectly in place. You couldn’t make it happen on your own. It’s just the goodness of God bringing you into a prepared blessing!

“You prepare a table before me…” (Psalm 23:5, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for preparing a place of blessing for me from before I was born. Father, I choose to trust You and Your timing, knowing that You are working things out on my behalf. God, I glorify You for Your awesome timing and preparation in my life, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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Perseverance

What Do you need from God today? Finances? Good health? Restoration? Deliverance? God has promised all of these things to you in His Word, because it’s His desire for you to live abundantly. If you follow the will of God by obeying His Word and precepts, it opens the door for His promises to be fulfilled in your life. You may be doing all of the right things – don’t give up! Perseverance will carry you to the promise.

When you persevere you are focused, you are believing what God says about your situation. It’s looking away from distractions and any negative, defeating thoughts. Perseverance looks away from discouragement and looks to the Word of God. The voice of perseverance will speak to you, saying things like, “no weapon formed against me shall prosper! If God is for me, who can be against me? I am more than a conqueror through Jesus!” 

Today, whatever you are believing God for, keep believing! Stand strong and fight the good fight of faith. Ask God to give you endurance, perseverance and patience, so that you can see His promises fulfilled in every area of your life!

“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your promises to me. Father, I ask that You give me a heart that is steadfast and fixed on You. Fill me with Your peace and perseverance, so I can hold on until all your promises come to pass in my life, and live in victory all the days of my life, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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By Hearing

Our Unchangeable God in an Ever-changing World

God’s truth sets us free and causes our faith to grow! Scripture tells us that every person has been given a measure of faith. Faith can grow and increase, or it can be diminished. Today’s scripture doesn’t say, “Faith comes by having heard the Word of God one time.” No, it’s by hearing—present tense. Sure, God’s Word can transform us in an instant, but most of the time, we need to hear God’s truth over and over again in order for it to become active in our lives. 

The more we hear the Word, the more His truth chisels away at the doubt and unbelief that’s been built up over the years.

Today, just as a seed needs water daily to grow, your spirit also needs the Word of God daily. Your faith needs to be watered by His Word. It can be as simple as selecting a few scriptures to meditate on daily. Write them down and carry them in your purse or wallet. Read them out loud over and over. Let His truth sink down into your heart, and move you forward into the freedom and victory God has prepared for you!

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word that is living and active and growing in my life. Father, I submit myself to You today, and ask You to teach me Your ways. God, give me insight into Your Word so that I may know You, and my faith may grow, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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Keys

Keys represent access. They represent authority. Whether it’s a key to a building, car, or safety deposit box; if you’ve been given a key to something, it means you have a right to use it. You have access to whatever that key will open.

Friend, because of Jesus, we have the keys to the kingdom of heaven! We have access to all the heavenly blessings and promises that are in the Word of God. And, we have the authority to take hold of those promises.

Today, are you using the keys that you have been given by God? The keys of faith and the power of your words and actions? No matter what you may have need of—be it physical healing, provision, wholeness, freedom from addiction—you have been given the authority to access it in Jesus’ Name! Take hold of those promises by faith and begin to declare that every need is met according to His riches in glory. Take a step of faith and use those keys you have been given to take hold of every blessing God has in store for you!

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven” (Matthew 16:19, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for giving me the keys and access to every promise and blessing in heaven. Father, by faith, right now I receive everything You have for me. God, help me stay focused on Your Word which empowers me to live in the victory You have in store for me. In Christ’ Name. Amen.

 

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