Author: Pastor Ray Patrick

Evangelism. Outreach. Ministry. Pastor Ray Patrick is a R.E Teacher at The Eden School
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Words Have Life

How Much Does Your Life Cost?

Anytime we speak something, either good or bad, we are giving life to what we are saying. Too many people go around saying negative things about themselves, their family and their future. Things like, “I’ll never be successful. This sickness is going to kill me. Business is so slow I will have to close it. Flu season is coming. I’ll probably get it, I always get it.”

They don’t realise we are prophesying our future. The Scripture says, “we will eat the fruit of our words.” That means we’re going to get exactly what we’ve been saying.

Today, send your words out in the direction you want your life to go. You cannot speak defeat and expect to have victory. You can’t talk about lack and expect to have abundance. You will produce what you’ve been saying. With your words, you either bless or curse your future. Make sure your words are what God says about you, so you can move forward in the life of blessing He has in store for you!

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the ability to change my future with my words. Father, I choose to use my words to bless others, and to receive Your blessing in my own life in return. God, help me to be more positive with what comes out of my mouth, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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By His Grace

Jesus the Good Shepherd

People often wonder if they deserve God’s favour. They easily talk and sing about His amazing grace, but do you know what grace really is? It’s unmerited favour. It’s kindness from God that we don’t deserve. We don’t have to earn God’s grace; we don’t have to earn His favour. We simply receive it by faith in our hearts as a free gift.

No matter what has happened in your past, you can receive God’s grace and forgiveness. His grace is all you need to have a new beginning. Let His grace empower and strengthen you. Extend His grace to others. 

Today, instead of holding mistakes over other people’s heads, why don’t you hold out favour and forgiveness? Let God’s grace flow through you and experience His power increasing in you. Walk in His favour in greater ways, and embrace the life of victory He has prepared for you!

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

(Ephesians 2:8—9, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness, favour and grace. Father, I receive it and ask that You help me extend it to others. God, let me live as an example of Your love in everything I do, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

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It’s All About Your Perspective

Is it a Blessing or a Curse?

After one of the biggest revivals in Preston and many people giving their heart to the Lord, I find myself focused on what’s wrong in life, what I don’t have, and how big my obstacles are. If we’re not careful, we’ll lose sight of all the good things God has done. We’ll take for granted our family, friends, health and the opportunities God has blessed us with. We’ll get so busy and stressed out that we won’t appreciate our blessings. What’s happened? Our perspective has gotten off track.

It’s all about how we see a situation. There’s power in your perspective because you draw into your life what you constantly meditate on. Business may be slow. The economy may be down. The wrong perspective is, “I’ll never make it. It’s just too much.” The right perspective is, “God is supplying all of my needs. He said He would prosper me even in a desert.”

Today, I encourage you to evaluate your perspective. Choose to lift your eyes to God no matter what is happening in your circumstances. Remember, as you set your perspective in the right direction, your life will follow. When you keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, you open the door for His blessings in every area of your life!

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I choose to bless You at all times. I declare that You are faithful! Father, I lift my eyes to You because You are the source of my help. Please give me the right perspective in my thoughts and my life. God, I need more strength and joy today. Thank You for leading and guiding me, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

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Value Every Moment

Our days can be so busy that we forget how fragile life really is. It’s easy to allow little things to creep in and steal our peace and joy. Maybe something doesn’t go our way, or someone says something upsetting. Even traffic can cause us to lose focus if we let it. We have to remember that each day is a gift. If we choose to focus on what’s wrong, we’ll miss the beauty that each day has to offer.

Don’t let the precious moments of life pass you by. Don’t wait for holidays and birthdays to show people that you care. Remember, each day is unique and irreplaceable. You have been given time that can be invested or wasted; hours that can be used or misused. 

Today,  the prayer of the psalmist still applies, “teach us to number our days.” He was saying, “teach us to value every moment we’ve been given.” As you daily keep a proper perspective, you’ll gain a heart of wisdom. You’ll draw closer to God and experience the full blessings that He has for you each and every day!

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

(Psalm 90:12, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of today. Father, I choose to focus on the blessings of each moment instead of allowing the little things to steal my joy. God, keep me close to You always, as I submit every area of my heart and mind to You, in Christ’s name! Amen.

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Clean My Hands So I May Receive Your Blessings

In His Word, God tells us about His wonderful blessings, but He also tells us how to receive His blessings – by having clean hands and a pure heart. God wants you to receive every blessing that He has in store for you.

You may ask, “How are we made pure and clean?” By the blood of Jesus! We receive Him as our Lord and Saviour and choose to live for Him. Most of the time, it’s not the big things that keep us from God’s best; it’s the small things. Maybe it starts with an offense that turns into unforgiveness. Maybe you watch something on TV or the internet that you know you shouldn’t, and it becomes a bad habit that steals your time and pollutes your mind.

Today, why not make the decision to let go of anything that would keep you from His blessings. Be a person of excellence and integrity. Treat others with respect and kindness, and look for ways to be a blessing. Be determined to live a life that pleases God, so that you can receive the abundance He has in store for you!

“Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.” (Psalm 24:3—5, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the blood of Christ that cleanses and renews me. Father, I choose to turn away from anything that displeases You and robs me of my blessings. God, I receive all You have for me today, so that I can live righteously before You, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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Perseverance Will Carry You To The Promise

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 Jesus’ name! Amen.

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Abundance

Connected By Praise

Scripture reminds us that Jesus came to give us abundant life!  It’s not talking about living in a big fancy house or driving the newest car. No, His promise of abundant life goes way beyond material things that this world offers. Abundant life means “life to the full.” That means no matter what is going on around you, you can partake of the full blessings of God. You can have peace in the midst of a storm. You can have joy when things are uncertain. You can have hope when circumstances seem hopeless.

It’s easy, as believers, to look at that verse and think, “God is going to give me abundant life someday.” But, the truth is that God wants you to have abundant life TODAY! Hallelujah! 

Today, don’t waste another second living in mediocrity or settling for less than God’s best. Receive all He has for you by faith. Receive His hope, joy, strength and favour. Choose to live the abundant life today and every day!

“…came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for sending Your Son, so that I can have abundant eternal life starting today. Father, I know that You want the best for me. God, help me to keep my heart and mind focused on You, so that I can walk in Your ways of peace, joy, strength and favour, all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name! Amen

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Don’t Let Jealous Folk Stop Your Praise

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." ?

Across the world, from Japan to the UK, we have experienced major droughts. In the Bible Isaac was in a great drought, but he went out and planted crops right in the middle of the famine. It didn’t make any sense, but somehow in that same year of drought, the Bible says, “Isaac received 100 times what he had sown, because the Lord blessed him.” Hallelujah!

What’s interesting is that when Isaac got blessed, the people around him, the Philistines and his friends, all of a sudden got jealous of him. They were fine as long as he was broke. As long as they were at the same level it was no big deal. But when he stepped up to a new level, when he began to wear his blessings well, the scripture says, “The Philistines hated Isaac.”

Today, you may have noticed, when you start to do better, the people around you don’t celebrate. They become jealous. But you can’t allow the attitudes of others to hold you back and cause you to live in mediocrity. Instead, when you’re blessed, brag on God! Shake off the criticism of others and receive His blessings. Wear it well because when you honour Him, He will continue to increase and promote you all the days of your life!

“Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him.” (Genesis 26:12, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for every good and perfect gift that You have poured out on my life. Father, in humility, I choose to wear my blessings well. I won’t shrink back at the criticism of others; but instead, I will walk forward with You into the life of blessing You have prepared for me, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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Keep Adding Clean Water

Do you want to be changed? Meditate on God’s Word and His marvellous deeds and it will change you! It will begin to drive out old, negative thoughts and fill you with His strength and power. How does that happen? Imagine that you are holding a glass of dirty water in your hand. It’s full of all kinds of dirty particles. If you were to pour fresh, clean running water into that glass continually, and just let it overflow over and over, eventually all the dirty water would be gone. All you would have left is the pure, clean water. And, you wouldn’t have to really do anything to get rid of the dirty water, except allow the new, clean water to flow.

Today your mind is cleansed and renewed in the same way. By getting into the habit of pouring continuously the right thoughts–thoughts of faith, thoughts of victory, thoughts of praise–then before long, your mind is going to be transformed and renewed. You’re going to find yourself positive, hopeful, strong and courageous. You’ll see God’s hand of blessing and increase, and you will live the abundant, victorious life He has in store for you!

“Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; meditate on and talk of all His marvellous deeds, and devoutly praise them.” (Psalm 105:2, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I humbly submit my whole mind to You. Father, I choose to meditate on You and Your promises, so that You can cleanse and renew my mind. I commit to getting rid of my sinful dirty mind, by daily pouring in clean thoughts of faith, victory, praise, kindness and love. God, thank You for working in me, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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Healed

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

Four of my friends and I had the privilege of seeing “Healed” an awesome play by Mark Grey, a Christian director. In reflection this sprang to mind, relationships are so important in the eyes of God. As His children, He desires that we live in unity and stay connected with one another. When we are transparent and pray for each other, something supernatural takes place. We open the door for God to pour out His abundant blessing and healing in our lives.

Remember, when we walk in love, forgiveness and unity, our prayers become more effective, and His power is released through us.

Living in peace and unity doesn’t mean you have to agree with everyone around you all the time. It means you look for honest common ground. It means you reach out to others in truth despite how you feel; you pray for them and help meet their needs. 

Today, one way to be healed is to put the needs of others first, God will make sure our own needs are abundantly supplied. When we live with a servant’s heart toward others, it opens the door for God’s complete healing–physically, spiritually and emotionally. Give and it will come back to you!

“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” (James 5:16, NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for revealing the truth to my heart so I can be healed. Father, I desire and beg for total healing in my relationships and in my personal life – mentally, physically and spiritually. God, I choose Your ways above my own, and ask that You open opportunities for me to pray for others, and open the door to Your healing power throughout my life, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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Attitude & Altitude

Have you heard “attitude determines altitude?” In other words, a positive, faith-filled attitude will cause you to rise higher in life, but a negative, self-critical attitude will only bring you down.

Our attitude affects the outcome during hard times. Are we going to treat people right even when we’re being mistreated? Are we going to stay full of joy even when the bottom falls out? So many people get all bent out of shape and start complaining when things don’t go their way, but that kind of attitude only closes the door to God’s miracle-working power.

Scripture says that faith is what pleases God. Understand that He’s trying to work in your life. He’s trying to get you prepared for a promotion, but you’ve got to stay on His side. You’ve got to stand strong and fight that good fight of faith!

Today, if you are going through a difficult time, I encourage you to keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Start thanking God for bringing you through to the other side. As you stand strong, I believe you’ll rise higher. I believe you’ll come out stronger and wiser, and you will continue moving forward in the abundant life God has for you!

“Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ.”(Philippians 2:5, TLB)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I choose to have a positive, faith-filled attitude. Please keep me positive despite what life brings my way. Father, I choose to bless You and trust You even when things don’t make sense in my natural mind. God, help me to have the right attitude at all times. I know You have a purpose for my life and trust that You are working all things out for my good, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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God I Receive It!

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 devotional is an encouragement to each of us to raise our game and our level of expectancy. It’s like God is saying to us in the scripture, “you think you’re blessed? You haven’t seen anything yet!” God has been good to you, but He also has things for your future that if He told you right now, it would confuse your mind. You wouldn’t even believe it!

God wants to bless you not only today but in your future. He wants to overwhelm you with His goodness and with things so wonderful you can’t even fathom it! Please say, “I receive it’

Today, get ready for increase. Get prepared for the next level. Get ready new relationships. Get ready for a clean bill of health. This is the year to step into blessings you can’t even imagine. Keep believing, keep obeying His Word, and keep your heart open, because you haven’t seen anything yet! Hallelujah!

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9, NKJV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, today I raise my level of expectancy. Father, I choose to take the limits off my thinking. I know that You are able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all I could ever ask, think or imagine. God, open my mind as I stand ready to receive, better heath, a new job, new relationships, and a major financial breakthrough. God, thank You for the blessings You have in store for me now and in my future, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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Be A Dream Releaser Not A Dream Crusher

You Should Never Give up on Your Dreams

I spent the evening reflecting on the people God has placed in my life. They haven’t been placed there by accident. God brings people to us for a purpose. We should live with this awareness that, “I am here to add value to people. I am here to help them succeed.” Don’t go around always thinking, “I wonder what that person can do for me. I wonder what they have to offer.” No, we should have the attitude, “what can I do for them? How can I help them come up higher? Can I teach them something I know? Can I connect them with someone who can help them?”

Don’t make the mistake of going through life being ingrown. Instead, be a dream releaser. Use your talent, your influence and your experience, not just to accomplish your goals, but to help release a dream in someone else. There is nothing more rewarding than to lay down at night knowing that you helped someone else become better. You not only fulfilled your purpose for that day, you did your best.

Today send a quick text, tweet, or facebook post offering someone hope, or just make a two-minute phone call where you encourage someone, because when you live as a dream releaser, you’ll see your own dreams come alive too!

They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer.” – Genesis 37:19 (NRSV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for equipping me to be a blessing to others. Please Father, show me ways to be a dream releaser so that I may help others to rise higher. God, help me to use my influence to encourage others and honour You always, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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Hallelujah!

Praise Him Always

Scripture tells us that seeking wisdom and discretion brings life and is “an ornament of grace.” No matter what decisions you may be facing today, God wants to equip you and empower you to make the right choices. How do we seek wisdom and discretion? By making the Word of God a priority. The answer to every situation we face is addressed in God’s Word, either directly or by principle. When God’s Word is the final authority in your life, His grace will empower you to live victoriously.

Proverbs 3:23 – 26 goes on to say, “then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.” Hallelujah!

Today, I encourage you to put God’s Word first. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you study. Follow His commands and open the way for His grace to cover you. Let His grace empower you to dwell in safety and rest securely all the days of your life!

“Do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.” (Proverbs 3:21—22, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which is life and health to me. Father, I submit myself to You knowing that You have good things in store for my future. God, thank You for the promises in Your Word. I will hide Your Word in my heart so that I can receive Your grace and walk in Your ways, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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Your Faith Will Meet Your Needs

Faith-based Methods For Overcoming Stress

Many people think that when they have a need, God will just automatically meet it – and He could. But Christ didn’t say, “According to your need be it done to you,” He said, “According to your faith.” That’s why it’s so important to always have an attitude of expectancy.

Remember, if we want God to move in our lives, we have to approach every day filled with faith and hope. How do we get this faith and hope? The Scripture tells us in Romans that “faith comes by hearing the Word of God.” The more you have the Word of God in your life, the more your faith will grow, and the more you will get through trials and see God working in your life.

Today, God longs to bless you, and He’s given you everything you need to be successful in life. Remember, all things are possible to those who believe! Believe in His goodness today and take a step of faith toward the life of blessing He has prepared for you, and see yourself walking through trials, difficulties and experiencing divine peace.

“According to your faith be it done to you.” (Matthew 9:29, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your hand of blessing on my life today. I open my heart to You and trust that You have a good plan for me. Lord, I receive the twin gifts of faith and hope. God, give me a heart filled with expectancy and trust, that today You will meet all my needs and grant me peace, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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How To Change Bad Habits

The Church The Bad and The Ugly 3

What needs changing in your life? A bad habit, a bad attitude, or even negative, evil thoughts. You have to start by changing your mind. You have to change your thinking so that your thoughts are in line with God’s thoughts. When you make the decision to follow God in every area of your life, you open the door for His supernatural power to work.

I always say, 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. Nip it in the bud, you have to choose positive thoughts quickly.

Today, the easiest way to change your thoughts is by speaking God’s Word. When you say “mango,” you probably won’t start thinking about a banana. In the same way, when you confess the Word of God, which says you are more than a conqueror, you’re the head and not the tail, it will drive those negative, defeating thoughts away! Change your mind now by changing your words!

“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 

Yahshua, today I choose to take captive every thought that is contrary to Your will. Father, I repent for anything in my mind and behaviour that displeases You. God, empower me today to saturate my mind with Your Word, by Your spirit, so that I can bring honour to You, and break my bad, negative habits, in Christ’ name! Amen.

 

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