Author: Pastor Ray Patrick

Evangelism. Outreach. Ministry. Pastor Ray Patrick is a R.E Teacher at The Eden School
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My Steps Are Ordered

This week one of my prayers has been that God would give me direction and a renewed vigour. When we encounter difficult situations, we can be tempted to wonder if we are on the right path for our lives. And yes, sometimes we make poor choices that get us off course.  

If your heart is following after God, if you’re determined to stay in faith and put Him first in your life, you can be confident that you are right where you are supposed to be in God’s will! You might say, “that couldn’t be right. I’m uncomfortable. Somebody isn’t treating me right.” God will not allow a challenge to come into your life unless He has a divine purpose for it.  

Today, remember when God is in control, things don’t happen to us they happen for us. Hallelujah! In other words, God uses those difficult things to grow us and stretch us and take us to another level. He orders our steps. So stay in faith, keep a good attitude, and let God lead you into the righteous plan He has for you! 

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord…” (Psalm 37:23, KJV) 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for ordering my steps and directing me. Father, I trust that You are at work in my life, even during the times when I don’t understand what’s happen in my life. God, please give me the strength and courage to do what is right in Your sight. I bless You today and always, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Now Faith = Now Blessings

A Faithful Guarantee

The goal of every believer is to please God. We are told  that faith is what pleases God. It gives substance to the things we hope for and makes them tangible. Faith opens the door to God’s favour and shows our dependence on Him. 

The Bible tells us we’ve all been given a measure of faith, but it’s up to each of us to nurture it, develop it and use it. We develop our faith by surrendering our lives to God and meditating on His Word. We exercise our faith through our prayer and actions. Today’s verse starts by saying, “Now faith.” It’s not “later” faith or “one day” faith. We have to have faith for today, right now.  

Today, do you believe that God has blessings in store for you, right now? Do you believe He wants to pour out His favour on you right now? Put your faith into practice by speaking and believing that His promises are coming to pass right now in your life. Use your “now” faith and see “now” blessings! 

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” 

(Hebrews 11:1, KJV) 

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of faith that can move the mountains of trials in my life. Father, I choose to trust Your promises which are a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Oh God, show me how to totally surrender to You, so that I can continue to grow in faith. I really want to please You in every area of my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Let Freedom Reign

We live in a world where not everyone is free. Freedom is based on race, gender or money. The good news is God’s freedom is not partial. The Word says, “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” and God’s freedom is free for everyone! It doesn’t matter what your nationality, heritage or gender is, or what your family name is. It doesn’t matter how much money you have or don’t have; God wants you free from everything that would hold you back from your relationship with Him! 

Today, God wants to pour out His abundant blessing on all who honour Him and do what is right. In fact, the Bible says in Galatians, that in Christ, there is no Jew or Greek or even male or female. That means God’s not judging you based on physical conditions. He’s looking at your heart. He’s looking at the gifts He’s placed inside of you, and is offering you His freedom. 

Today, don’t let the enemy lie to you and tell you that God is blessing everyone else but you. Look for the ways He is pouring out blessings in your life. Thank Him for His acceptance, love and freedom. Focus on honouring Him and doing what is right, and you will be free in mind, body and Spirit, and you’ll see His hand of blessing in every area of your life! Hallelujah! 

“…God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.” (Acts 10:34—35, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for loving and accepting me and setting me free. Father, my desire is to do what pleases You, and honour You with my attitude, words and actions. Holy Spirit, show me if there is any area that isn’t pleasing to You, and help me eradicate it today. God, I want to live as an example of Your goodness all the days of my life. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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I Will Not Be Moved

Christianity in India Standing Strong Despite Growing Persecution

How do you deal with challenges over this year of strange happenings? Do you feel better equipped to handle life’s difficulties? it’s interesting that the apostle Paul never prayed for every challenge to go away. He prayed that God would give him the strength to go through them with a good attitude. He sought emotional maturity. 

The Scripture tells us if we don’t keep our emotions in check, we’ll always be stressed out and make mountains out of molehills. If we lose our cool because our child forgot his or her homework, or we’re aggravated because somebody didn’t do something we wanted them to do, then we’re not passing the test. We’ve got to grow and mature to the point where we can say what the apostle Paul said, “None of these things move me.” He said in effect, “It’s no big deal. I’m not worried about it. I trust God. I have a destiny to fulfil.” 

Today, decide to see things from God’s perspective. Keep your emotions in check. Don’t be moved by your circumstances, be moved by your God. Trust Him because He is faithful. He’s working behind the scenes, and He will fulfil His promises to you! 

“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, thank You for doing a work in my life. Father, thank You for molding me and shaping me into Your image. God, help me not to be moved by the enemy’s tricks and negativity. Almighty, I ask for Your supernatural joy and strength to stand strong no matter what I’m facing, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Words For Good Or Evil

The Devil Does Not Shoot BlanksThe Devil Does Not Shoot Blanks

This week I have felt the wrath of someone’s tongue, as well as wise words spoken to encourage and uplift. It’s easy to use words as a weapon. We’ve all either been “cut” by the words of others, or we’ve used words to put someone “in their place.” The truth of the matter is that when we use words recklessly, we are not being wise.  

Scripture tells us that the tongue of the wise brings life and healing to others. Throughout your day, look for ways to be wise with your words. Find something nice to say about someone. Share an encouraging word. Let your words bring healing to those around you. You can change a person’s life by sharing a kind word, a gracious word, a wise word. 

Today, choose wise words that build up and not tear down, remember words are like seeds. When you plant words of life and blessing into others, you will reap a harvest of blessing in your own life in return. But when you use words to cut, cuss and tear down, you will reap that harvest. Be wise today and bring healing! 

“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your wise healing Word. Father, I choose to follow Your lead and be wise. I submit my tongue to You, and commit to use it for good and not for evil. God, show me ways to be a blessing to others. Help me find creative ways to encourage the people You have placed in my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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God Make Me A Sower

"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?" (Matthew 5:13)

In the book of Genesis, God set up a system of seedtime and harvest. Everything God does starts with a seed. The Bible also tells us that He gives seed to the sower. In other words, if you are a person who has a desire to bless others and sow seed, God will make sure you have plenty to give.  

Notice in today’s verse what happens when we generously sow seed, we increase more! Just like planting a seed in the natural brings a natural abundant harvest, planting a spiritual seed brings a spiritual abundance. You can’t outgive God! The Scripture says that He will pour out blessings on you that you can barely contain. God’s blessing goes way beyond the financial realm. He wants you to have blessed relationships, good health and a happy career.  

Today, why don’t you take a step of faith and look for ways to start sowing? What do you have in your hand? Can you start by giving a smile and sowing joy? Do you have five pounds to help someone who is homeless buy some food? Choose to be a blessing and watch how God brings increase in every area of your life. 

“There are those who [generously] scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want.” (Proverbs 11:24, AMP) 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, today I want to be a sower. Father, help me to see the people around me the way You see them, so that I can bless them the way You want to bless them. God, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life as I do my best to be obedient to Your Word, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Why Worry?

With infection rates going up, our children about to head back to school, and the economy the lowest it’s ever been, it’s easy to worry. What are you worrying about today? To worry means to allow something to revolve in your mind over and over again until it stresses you out. God doesn’t want you to live worried or anxious about anything. He knows that worry steals your peace and joy. It affects every area of your life negatively. Have you heard the saying, “Don’t worry yourself sick?” That’s because worrying affects your physical and mental body. It even affects your sleep.  

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

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

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

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

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Delayed Happiness

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray

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

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Lean On Me When You’re Not Strong

Biblical Quotes and Ways to help you Overcome Rejection

This year, this month, this week has been strange to say the least, with unprecedented difficulties. We are facing a situation that seems like it has no logical solution. Sometimes we have to turn our minds off, stop trying to figure it all out, stop overanalysing, and stop researching everything. When you don’t see the answer in the natural realm, it’s time to stop leaning on your own understanding and choose to trust God. 

Scripture says that we can’t lean on our own understanding. Did you know our thinking can be a distraction to that place inside where God speaks to our heart. Our minds can allow fear and dread to distract us from what God is trying to tell us. We have to take time to shut off the distractions, shut off fear, and listen to what’s going on inside of us. That’s where faith rises up. That’s where all of a sudden you’ll feel a spark of hope, even when things look impossible. Hallelujah! 

Today, no matter what things looks like in the natural, choose to lean on Him. When situations have no logical solution, trust God. Trust that He has favour in store for your future. Trust that something good is about to happen. Trust Him because He alone can take you to new levels in every area of your life!  

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for always being there for me to lean on. Father, today I need to lean on You, the load seems very heavy. I trust and believe that You are working things out for my good, despite what I see in the natural. God, I won’t put my confidence in what I see, but I will trust in Your every Word, which has never failed and remains true forever, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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You Have Ambassadorial Authority

50 Quotes to Inspire Successful Leadership

Did you know God wants to do His work on earth through you? You are His ambassador or representative. You have been given His authority and power to act on His behalf. It’s easy to get focused on this natural realm and all the things that we need, but do you realise that you are equipped to be somebody else’s miracle? 

The Scripture tells us we are Christ’s ambassador. Daily, we have opportunities to show God’s love and compassion to others. We can meet needs, bring them healing, and offer hope and encouragement. Every day, we can sow good seed into the lives of others that will reap an everlasting harvest. Hallelujah! 

Today, don’t overlook the ways to be a blessing to someone else. When you step out and pour God’s love, joy and peace into others, He will make sure that others pour into you. Let’s continue to work together to bring Him glory and build His eternal kingdom! 

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us…” (2 Corinthians 5:20, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for choosing me and using me as Your ambassador. Father, I fully surrender every area of my life to You. God, show me ways to be a miracle to others, through the love and compassion You have given me, so that my life will bring You glory, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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I Have A Part To Play

Have you ever wondered how amazing it is that God can create so many people in the world, and give us all individual plans and purposes, then set up a plan for us to work together for His purpose to build the body of Christ. We all have a part to play. 

Scripture puts it this way: some of us plant seeds, some water, and some bring in the harvest. No matter what role each of us have, when we work together in unity and not in uniformity, we are honouring God. It pleases Him when we partner with one another to share the good news of the Gospel. 

Today, you have an important part in the body of Christ. Whether you minister in the pulpit or on the street corner, or whether you sow seed so that others can go, you are important. Don’t ever underestimate the part you play, because together we are building God’s kingdom. 

“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? …” (Romans 10:14—15, NLT) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I humbly come to You today. Father, thank You for giving me a part to play in building Your Kingdom. God, I dedicate back to You all the resources You have given me. Please Almighty God, use me for Your glory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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Avoid Strife And Live Honourably

The Purpose of Life is Intimacy with God: What Is It & How to Pursue It

Someone once said challenges are merely distractions meant to keep us from pursuing our destiny. Maybe someone at work isn’t as friendly to you as you’d like. Maybe you have a neighbour who always parks in front of your house and blocks your driveway. Those things may be frustrating, but they have little significance when you look at the big picture. You can’t allow the little things to open the door to strife in your life. 

Scripture tells us, just before David fought Goliath, his brother Iliab tried to confront him. David knew that arguing with Iliab wasn’t even worth his time and strength. He knew his real battle was with Goliath, and he didn’t want to be distracted. So he “turned away” from Iliab and kept his focus on what he was called to do. In our own lives today, most frustrations aren’t worth our energy. When we avoid strife, it is a mark of honour. 

Today, turn away from strife and other distractions that the enemy will send your way. Keep your focus on what God has called you to do. As you do, you will live in honour before God and man. With integrity you’ll move forward into the destiny God has for you! 

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

Let’s Pray

Oh Jehovah, thank You for shielding me from evil and for Your hand of victory in my life. Father, give me the wisdom and courage I need to walk away from people who just want to cause conflict and strife, and cause me to lose sight of my focus and destiny You have prepared for me. God, I want to be a person of integrity at all times, I love You and bless You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Quit Pretending

Make-up, clothes and hair extensions are external coverings that really doesn’t say who we are as a person. What really shows who we are from the inside is a Beirut size trail. Every one of us has an outer life and an inner life. The outer life is our public life that the people around us see. The inner life is made up of our thoughts, attitudes and motives. Only you and God know what’s going on inside of you. 

I have learnt that the best way to be despite your short comings, is honest and true. Too many people go around today pretending–acting one way, yet on the inside they’re thinking something totally different. Their heart and actions don’t line up. But we have to understand that God is looking on the inside. We can fool a lot of people, but we can’t fool God. He would rather us be open and honest than go through life pretending. 

Today is a good day to take inventory of what’s honestly going on in your life. Are you a pretender hiding behind your clothes, make-up or hair style? Are you truly at peace? Are you overlooking sins? Do you believe the best in people? Does your internal and external line up? If not, ask the Lord to give you an undivided heart. Be determined to stay true in your mind and actions. Line up your whole being with His Word, so that you can be pleasing to Him all the days of your life! Quit pretending! 

“…The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for another day of life. Father, I humbly come before You today, and ask that You search the deep places of my heart. Show me if there is any area where I need to line up my heart and actions. God, help me to quit pretending and live an honest life from the inside out. Almighty, help me to be authentic, real and true in my mind, heart and actions, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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#AWordToTheYouth Let’s look at attitude and character.

There are lots of motivational quotes about attitude. Your sports coach and teacher probably told you time and time again that attitude makes a difference. Maybe you’ve even had a friend encourage you to have a good attitude. It’s so easy to have a good one when everything is going well. If you’ve just done well on a test at school it’s easy to feel good and have a good attitude, but how is your attitude when things aren’t going well? When you didn’t get invited to that party when everyone else did. How is your attitude then? Remember, the storms of life reveal your true attitude.  

Today, take a good look at yourself. How do you respond when things aren’t going well in your life? Do you need to make any adjustments to your attitude? If so, ask God to help you. He will give you wisdom and help you get the right perspective on what you’re going through. With God’s help, you’ll find that you can have a good attitude even in the middle of storms and disappointments. 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds

James 1:2 (NIV) 

Holla @ God 

God, I thank You for your help. I ask you to give me your perspective on what I’m going through right now. Help me to have a positive attitude that pleases You and find peace in You, even if I’m going through a tough situation right now. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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God’s Report Card

As a Religious Study teacher I have just completed end of year reports, commenting on students’ failures and progress. Every day we get “reports” from our employer, the news, our experiences, our friends and family, and many other sources. We also get reports from the Word of God, which oftentimes contradicts what others have said. That’s when we have a decision to make. Do we believe what we hear, or do we believe the report of the Lord? 

Our God looks beyond the natural. So Just because you don’t see a way out of your situation, doesn’t mean that He doesn’t have a way. God can bring one opportunity across your path that will thrust you to new levels. He has explosive blessings that can blast you out of debt and into a place of abundance.  

Today, believe the report of the Lord for your life. Look beyond the news, your employer, your bank statement and at times even the doctor. Read God’s report daily in His Word. He says, what you’re facing today may be impossible with man, but with God, all things are possible! His report is what will get you to the next level in life.  Stand strong no matter what is going on around you, knowing that He has a plan to lead you into victory in your life! Hallelujah!

“I have heard a report from the Lord…” (Jeremiah 49:14, AMP) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your strong positive report on my future. Father, I will believe Your Word above all else. I know that You have already worked things out on my behalf.  God, help me to tune out the negative voices of the world, so that I can focus on Your goodness all the days of my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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What’s Important On This Journey

Quit getting wrapped up and busy with things that don’t really matter in eternity. Spending time on friendships that have no eternal value, or aquiring wealth for no heavenly investment. It’s easy to get consumed by your career and staying focused on your goals. It’s good to work hard, but you’ve got to learn how to play hard too, so that you can stay in balance. I heard somebody say, “It’s not that life is so short, it’s that we wait so long to begin living.”  

I have learnt recently that If you want to truly enjoy the journey of life, you have to take time to stop and smell the roses. Do you appreciate the people you love? Do you hug your children before you leave each day and give your spouse a kiss? When was the last time you called your parents to tell them how much you love them? That’s how we can enjoy the journey. Making life better for yourself and others.  

Today, if you’ll stay determined to enjoy the journey of life, you’ll live with no regrets. You’ll see your path shine brighter and brighter, and at the end, you’ll be able to say, “I made the most of my life. I enjoyed my family. I enjoyed my friends. I finished my course with joy.” 

“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.” (Proverbs 4:18, ESV) 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, thank You for the people You have placed in my life. Father, teach me to enjoy my relationships more, because they matter in eternity. God, help me to prioritise Your kingdom above all else. Please show me how to enjoy the journey of life as my path shines brighter and brighter until the full day, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

 

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