Author: Pastor Ray Patrick

Evangelism. Outreach. Ministry. Pastor Ray Patrick is a R.E Teacher at The Eden School
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Share Some Love

Love Your Neighbour

With many of us distant from family and alone in this turbulent time, it would be nice to have someone put an arm around you just to let you know that they care, and that you are thought about. Showing the love of God, being hugged, prayed with and sang to, that is the kind of life-altering love that Christ showed as an example in the Bible.  

Many of us use the word love to describe our affection for places and things, however biblical love is best exhibited when shown to people as Christ did. When we show the selfless love of God, this would let the world know that we belong to Him. 

Today, let me remind you that love is a good word and action, so don’t be afraid to use it or show it. Christ said that more than anything else, love will be the way that the world knows the disciples of Christ. With loneliness on the rise this weekend, call an old friend, tell your family that you love them, or do something for someone to express the love that you have for them. 

“Your love for one other will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for loving me first. Father, please give me the strength to love others as You have loved me, and to display Your love for the world to see. God, please comfort those who are lonely and separated from family and friends, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Watch Your Mouth

Have you ever said something you wish you could take back? I’m sure you have. The Bible tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. There’s no neutral ground. We are either sowing seeds of life and productivity with our words, or we are sowing seeds of ruin and destruction. Scripture also says that when we guard our mouth, we keep our life. That’s because our words determine the direction of our lives, and wrong words can get us off course very quickly. 

Today, as we come to the end of the first month of a new year, it’s a good day to take inventory of your words and make the decision to sow only good seeds with your mouth. Sow seeds of life by speaking God’s Word over yourself and those around you. Make the decision today that your words will bring glory and honour to God as you guard your mouth and keep your life focused and positive! 

“He who guards his mouth keeps his life, but he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” 

(Proverbs 13:3, AMP) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word that I can use to speak into my life. Father, I give You my every thought, word and action. Holy Spirit, please help me to live a life pleasing to You in every way. God, help me to guard my mouth and keep my life moving forward in a godly direction and know that the wrong words spoken can lead to ruin, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Blessings While We Sleep

During these difficult times many people struggle with sleeping at night. They stay awake or get poor sleep because they are constantly focused on their problems, and worrying about tomorrow. But that’s not God’s plan! He wants you to enjoy your sleep as a time of blessing and refreshing. 

Scripture reminds us that the Lord longs to pour out blessings on us even while we are sleeping! Understand that God has His hand on your life even in the midnight hour. He wants to speak to your heart and restore your dreams. He is taking care of those things that concern you. 

Today, cast your cares on God and trust Him to work out every detail of your life, you’ll be able to enjoy that sweet sleep that He has promised even in these hard times. Make the decision today to enjoy the blessings of the Lord as you sleep tonight and always. Say a prayer before you go to bed and cast your cares, worries and stresses on God, let go of anger and wrath and rest in Him. 

“…He gives [blessings] to His beloved in sleep.” (Psalm 127:2, AMP) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your promise of blessing me as I sleep. Father, I ask that You teach me how to receive Your blessing and refreshing while I sleep. God, I cast my cares worries and stresses on You, trusting that You will work all things for my good. Lord, thank You for watching over me and protecting me each night as I sleep, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.  

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What Do You Do When Things Seem Hopeless?

If It Had Not Been For The Lord Where Would You Be?

Are you feeling hopeless today? Habakkuk the prophet knew what to do when things seemed completely hopeless. His world was literally falling apart. He had nothing. Things seemed destitute. What did Habakkuk do? He rejoiced and praised the Lord in spite of everything.  

Habakkuk, knew that his God was bigger than his circumstances, and He already had a way to get Him out of those problems. Habakkuk decided to look beyond his difficulty, hardship and hopelessness, to what his God had done and could do in his life! 

Today, let Habakkuk be your example. When something bad happens to you, try and thank God before complaining and getting negative, not because you’re suffering, but because you know He has the answer to all you’re going through. When things look hopeless, praise Him, because it will bring hope to your circumstances! 

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” 

O(Habakkuk 3:17—18, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I cry out to You in the midst of my troubles, hopelessness and despair. Praising You because You are my only hope. God, I bless You and magnify You, knowing You have an awesome plan for my future, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Increase Your Faith

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith

Just as a seed needs water daily to grow, your life needs the Word of God daily. The more you hear God’s Word, the more you know Him. The more you know Him, the more you will believe in Him, and that’s what faith is all about! 

We all need more faith. The Scripture tells us that faith can grow and increase. The Scripture doesn’t say, “Faith comes by having heard the Word of God one time.” It says “faith comes by hearing.” We have to hear the Word of God over and over again in order for it to take root in our hearts, and transform our faith and minds. God’s Word can transform us in an instant, but most of the time, our faith grows as we hear the Word of God consistently. 

Today, choose a few Scriptures to meditate on. Write them down on small cards and carry them with you daily, so that God’s truth in His Word will transform your mind through the increase of your faith, and move you forward into the blessed life God has prepared for you! 

“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, active and growing in my life. Father, I submit myself to You today. Please teach me Your ways so that my faith will grow. God, give me more understanding of Your Word so that I may know and love You more, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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How To Change Bad Habits

Yesterday someone asked me how to change bad habits? Do you have habits in your life that you want to stop or change? Maybe it’s a bad attitude, bad behaviour, or even negative thoughts. No matter what you may want to change in your life, you have to start with changing your mind. You have to change your thinking so that your thoughts are in line with God’s thoughts. Once your thinking changes your behaviour will change. 

 When you repent and make the decision to follow God in every area of your life, you open the door for His supernatural power to work. When you take control of your thought life, through the Holy Spirit you are co-operating with the power that brings about change. Your life will go in the direction of your thoughts. You can’t just allow any old thought or image to play in your mind. You have to choose right thoughts.  

Today, the easiest way to change your thoughts is by speaking God’s Word. When you say “pear,” you probably won’t start thinking about an apple. In the same way, when you confess the Word of God, it will drive those negative, defeated thoughts away which will change bad habits! Change your mind today by changing your words and focus, so that you can move forward into the abundant life God has in store for you! 

“Repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2, AMP 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today give me the strength to take captive every thought that is contrary to Your will. Father, I repent for anything in my life that is displeasing to You. God, please empower me today by Your Spirit, so that I can change my bad habits and bring honour to You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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We Will Get Through

10 Scriptures That Remind Us We Are Showered in Grace

I hear this question over and over these days – are we going to get through these difficult times? It’s easy to get discouraged during the tough times. Have you ever gone through something that felt like the valley of the shadow of death? But I love what it says in today’s verse, “though I walk through.” This phrase gives us hope. 

I know these are hard times with sickness and bereavement at record rates, but know this – you are not alone, and you are just walking through. You don’t have to stop and live in the tough times! They are only temporary. Don’t allow fear to paralyse you in the middle of “the valley of the shadow of death.” God is with you. He is walking beside you. He is strengthening you. He is making a way of escape for you. He will carry you if He has to. He is lining up people and situations to bring you out of these tough places into a place of strength and victory! 

Today, why don’t you get a vision of your life on the other side of that trial. See your life without the loss and bereavement of the pandemic more loving, more faithful, stronger and more blessed than before. Keep moving forward and keep walking through. Don’t stay in fear. Press forward in faith into the victory God has prepared for you! 

“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 in my life, I pray I will never take it for granted. Father, please continue to walk with me even in these hard times of sickness, death and uncertainty. God, I pray for a vision of the other side of this trial, trusting that You are taking me through my circumstances to a place of victory and strength, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Just Like Moses

In these tough times where our dreams seem to have been shattered, how do we accomplish what God has asked us to do? The task seems insurmountable in comparison to our ability. As you look at your life is there a feeling of inadequacy? You’re not the first one!  

When we think of Moses, we remember him as the great spiritual giant who led the Israelites out of captivity. But did you know that Moses doubted himself, too? He didn’t feel equipped. In fact, he was even self-conscious because he had a stuttering problem! God simply said to him, “What do you have in your hand?” In the next few moments, God showed Moses that it didn’t matter what equipment he thought he needed. The God of the universe can take what you have, and turn it into whatever it needs to be in order for you to accomplish what you’ve been called to. 

Today, God asks you the same question He asked Moses “what’s in your hand today?” It may not seem like you have much, but God wants to use it. He wants to take you to places you never dreamed. He wants to pour out His blessing and favour so you can live the abundant life He has in store for you! Hallelujah!

“Then the LORD said to him, ‘What is that in your hand?’…” (Exodus 4:2, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for a new day, I release to You all that I am and everything that I have. Father, I invite You to take control of every part of me, please use me for Your glory. God, thank You for equipping me for the journey ahead. I trust Your Wor

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Dreams & Desires

Prayer for the New Year

Three weeks into the new year, are you frustrated because a dream or a goal isn’t happening the way you thought it would? Be passionate about your dreams, but don’t let it become an idol. If that’s all you think about and you’re not going to be happy unless it happens, then that’s out of balance. The fact is, sometimes you have to put that dream on the altar of prayer and let God direct your paths. 

There are those who hold on to things so tightly, however, when you let them go, that’s when God can bring them to pass. If you’ll release that frustration and not let it become the centre of your attention, that’s when God can move. Take that same time and energy to thank God and trust Him that He’s directing your steps, and watch how it opens the door for the desires of your heart. 

Today, we have to remember, God already knows what we want and what we are in need of. He’s the One who put dreams and desires in us. We shouldn’t be consumed with trying to make things happen. Instead, a greater act of faith is to be happy right where we are! Stay open and trust God because He has awesome plans in store for your future, despite your present situation! 

“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels – a plentiful harvest of new lives.” 

(John 12:24, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for placing dreams and desires in my life. Father, today I release those dreams and desires to You. God, I know that You have awesome amazing plans in store for my future, help me to learn to be patient, wait and trust that Your plans will unfold in every area of my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Renew And Rejuvenate

When The New Year Doesn’t Feel Like The Start Of Anything

Are you feeling tired or weary? Is there so much on your plate that you are constantly running to get it all done? There are seasons when we need to go the extra mile and give it our all, and there are seasons to rest and rejuvenate.  

Today’s scripture tells us that during those times when it’s necessary to be busy for God, we will be able run and not grow weary! God will give us the strength and power of an eagle. We won’t be tired, we won’t faint under the pressure of the task, He will renew our physical, mental and spiritual strength. 

Today, you maybe facing something that seems to be taking all of your energy? Wait on the Lord! Expect, look for, and hope in Him. The Bible promises that when you live with expectancy, when you stay hopeful, when you make preparations for the goodness of God, you’ll rise up higher. Your strength will be renewed, and you’ll be empowered to overcome life’s obstacles! 

“But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount to up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.” (Isaiah 40:31, AMP) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, good morning, thank You for giving me Your strength and power. Father, I receive it right now by putting my trust and hope in You. God, I know that with You all things are possible. Lord, I’m feeling tired and weary, please renew my spirit so I can continue to run for You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Trust In Your God

How Can You Trust Christianity Is True When There Are So Many Unanswered Questions?

During these times it’s easy to get discouraged with so many things going wrong. Maybe covid is in your family. Maybe you aren’t getting out of debt as fast as you thought. Or, you’re experiencing some challenges in your health or relationships. We have to be careful not to give up just because it hasn’t happened on our timetable. We serve a mighty God. His ways are higher than our ways. When we believe, all things become possible! 

Stop trying to figure things out. Humanly speaking there may not be a way, but that’s okay. God can do what men can’t do. Think about the children of Israel. When they left Egypt, there were two million of them. Then, Pharaoh came chasing after them, and when they came to a dead end at the Red Sea, it looked like it was over. They couldn’t see a way out, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t a way. God simply parted the Red Sea, and they went through on dry ground. Hallelujah! 

Today, it may look like there is no way out of your situation, trust God to make a way. He’ll part your Red Sea if He has to! He’ll do whatever it takes to lead and guide you in the path of victory that He has prepared for you! Praise God! 

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, good morning. I trust You, knowing with You all things are possible. Father, I will take my eyes off my circumstances and put my trust and hope in You for my victory. God, I bless You and thank You for Your faithfulness to me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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His Mercy Is Enough

What They Did To Jesus They Will Do To You

According to God’s Word we all sin and we all make mistakes. We’ve all made wrong choices, but as believers in God, that doesn’t change our destiny. God doesn’t kick us out of His kingdom because we’re not perfect. You may feel like you don’t deserve anything good from God, or you should suffer through life enduring problems. No this is what mercy is for, mercy will renew and restore you! Hallelujah! 

Your sin didn’t surprise God, no matter what you may have done wrong, you are still the apple of God’s eye. You are still His most prized possession. You can still access God’s promises by faith today. Your weakness moves God toward you. He has enough grace and mercy to cover you and give you a new start.  

Today, shake off guilt and condemnation? Put your shoulders back and say, “I may not be perfect, but I am forgiven. I may have made mistakes, but God knows my heart and it’s to please Him. I am changing my ways. I may have brought trouble on myself, but I’m going to stay in faith expecting God’s mercy to turn it around.” Please ask for His mercy today, and let it empower you to move forward in every area of your life! 

“…Mercy triumphs over judgment.”(James 2:13, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your grace and mercy. Father, thank You for receiving me with my sins and mistakes. Please cleanse me and change me. God, I dedicate every area of my life to You, and invite You to have Your way in me, as I shake off guilt and condemnation from self, the world, and the church, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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Words Are Like Seeds

Renewal, Of People Of God - Knowing Jesus

Did you know words are like seeds? When we say prayers, when we speak the Word of God, it’s like planting spiritual seeds. It’s a principle that God established at the beginning of time. The harvest is determined by the seeds we sow, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Think about how a planter waits for the harvest. He knows that if he protects his seed, he will get an abundant harvest. He waters it, pulls the weeds, keeps the soil moist and exposes it to sunlight. 

Today, like the planter we have to protect our spiritual seed. We can’t allow the “weeds” of negative thinking to come in. We have to pull them out by saying, “God, my trust and confidence is in You, I will stay positive.” We have to water our seed through praise to God, keeping an attitude of faith and expectancy. We expose our seed to sunlight by staying in the presence of the Son of God. That’s how we protect our seed. When you protect it, it won’t be long before you will see that harvest of blessing in your life. 

“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:22, AMP) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Father, I declare that my trust and confidence are in You. Thank You for hearing my prayers daily. God, I know that seed planted in Your Word will produce an abundant harvest in my life. Help me stay positive, protective and potent with all my words and thoughts, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Accelerated Blessings

One thing we must never forget, our God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above and beyond all we could ever imagine! In this new year God wants to take you far and beyond what you’ve ever dreamed. He wants to accelerate you this year, which means He can bring you into opportunities that will make you say wow!  

Scripture tells us God wants to bless you abundantly. He can make your career take off like a rocket. He can cause you to meet the right person who will be the person of your dreams. He can launch you forward more quickly than you could have imagined! He can bring you out of debt and cause you to pay that house off even though it looks impossible. He can make you well even though the medical report says there’s no way. Hallelujah! 

Today, things may be dark and gloomy around you, but keep your head up. Remember you are a child of the Most High God. His face is shining on you, it’s not going to be an average year. It’s not going to be a barely-get-by year. No, you need to get ready because it’s going to be a year of more than enough, a year of increase, a year of acceleration! 

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.” (Ephesians 3:20—21, NASB) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I anticipate my abundance today and throughout this year. Father, thank You for the promise that You will accelerate my blessings so this won’t be an average year. God, I choose to put my trust in You, knowing that You are directing my steps. Thanks for the more than enough, above average plans You have in store for me in 2021, in Jesus’ Name! Amen. 

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Flip Your Negative “What if’s”

What does it mean to be crucified with Christ?

Many people miss out on the good things because they allow fear to distract them and hold them back. They say, “What if I fail?” “What if people don’t like me?” “What if I make a mistake?” However, “What if you do succeed?” “What if people do like you?” “What if you do it better than anyone else?” Let’s expect God’s goodness and favour, and not focus on the negative “what if’s.”

The Scripture talks about how time and chance will come together for every person. In other words, there are moments of favour that God has already released into your future. If you’ll let that sink down into your heart today, it will change your whole outlook on your future. 

Today, go out with an attitude of faith and expectancy, you’ll see those good things He has in store, and not the negative fearful thinking the enemy wants you to have. Then you’ll walk into divine moments of favour, moments of blessing, moments of increase, and embrace all the good things God has in store for you! 

“…time and chance happen to them all.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the good things You have planned for my future. Father, thank You for the positive expectations that Your Spirit brings which gives me daily peace, joy and protection. God, I choose to keep my heart and mind focused on the blessings in my future and not the negative fearful “what if’s,” in Christ’s Name! Amen

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Next Level Thinking

When You Think of the Word Home, Does Jesus Come to Mind

As you look toward to the future, you may not see how you will ever rise higher or fulfil your destiny. This is because you are looking at things in the earthly, natural realm. But if we’ll set our minds higher, beyond where we are, if we’ll set our minds on things above, we will have a different perspective. 

Scripture says we walk by faith and not by sight. This means, we have to believe it before we’re ever going to see it. If we walk only by what we see in the natural realm, we can easily allow circumstances and fear to cripple us and keep us from moving forward. However, when we set our minds higher, we are walking by faith, and we can see things God’s way. 

Today, make the decision to set your mind on things above; a place of peace, joy, powerful spiritual energy, mansions, no sickness, no corruption and no death. Hallelujah! Oh yes focus on the good things God has in store. Be determined to close the door on fear and doubt, and choose to listen to that inner prompting of the Holy Spirit. Walk and live by faith and set your mind on higher things! 

“Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which lights up the path You have for me. Father, show me how to have a next level mindset, keeping my heart and mind focused on You. God, I choose to meditate on Your Word, knowing that it feeds my faith and sets me in a position to receive every blessing You have in store for me, now and in the future, in Jesus’ Name! Amen. 

Are you Seeking a personal revival? Join Ray Patrick live on zoom with Palmer’s Green & Holcombe road SDA churches tonight, sabbath 11:15am, Sunday, Wednesday, Friday @ 7:30pm for the 10 days of prayers. Topic: Seeking Revival 6th-16th Jan 2021 @7:30pm nightly (Wed,Fri,Sun) & Sabbaths @11:15am London Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85340866075?pwd=VTVvc1MyR28zZDgyVmJOMlFUcjZPdz09 Meeting ID: 853 4086 6075 Passcode: 486549

 

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