Author: Pastor Ray Patrick

Evangelism. Outreach. Ministry. Pastor Ray Patrick is a R.E Teacher at The Eden School
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You’ve Got Power

The Powers That Be Don’t Really Care. Do You?

You’ve heard the saying, “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond.” Daily, we are faced with opportunities that will get us upset, frustrated or offended. Maybe you had plans that didn’t work out, or someone was rude to you. Maybe you were doing something that should have taken one hour, and it ended up taking three. Life is full of unexpected inconveniences, but even though we can’t always control our circumstances, most of the time we can control our reactions to those circumstances.  

Each day, we should go out full of hope, and expect God’s favour with a positive attitude. But at the same time, we should recognise that most days are not going to go exactly as we planned. Remember, we were created to live in peace.  

Today and every day pray for peace. Peace is our position of power. If you get stressed because you get off schedule, or get upset because your child wouldn’t eat his breakfast, or frustrated because somebody offends you, what you’re doing is giving away your power. Instead, make the decision to release those offenses and disappointments so you live in peace, and move forward in the power and victory God has given you! 

“Good sense makes a man restrain his anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression or an offense.” (Proverbs 19:11, AMP) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the power of peace You have placed in me through Your spirit. Father, today I release every care, concern, offense and disappointment to You. I declare today to keep the peace that You have given, and not let the devil steal my joy! God I trust You, knowing that with You my best days begin today and every day ahead, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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You Are Prosperous

Did you know that you serve a prosperous God who wants you to prosper too! He doesn’t want you to barely have enough to meet your own needs; He wants you to be so blessed that you have more than enough to meet your needs, and the needs of the people around you. He wants you to be so blessed in your finances that not only can you pay your bills and accomplish your own dreams, but you can be a blessing to others too. 

The Bible describes God as a good parent, the same way that a parent loves to see their children doing well and excelling, God wants to see you doing well and excelling in every area. That’s why today’s Scripture says that He takes pleasure in prospering you. But the key is that you have to make room for it in your thinking and in your faith. You have to expect that He wants to bless you, and get ready for the abundance. 

Today, begin to thank Him for your prosperity now, and the abundance to come in every area of your life. Because you walk in love or obedience, God’s blessings are going to chase you down! Don’t run away through disobedience. Don’t just settle for a “good enough” mentality; develop an overflow mentality, because God delights in your prosperity! 

“…Let the Lord be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” (Psalm 35:27, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for my abundance now and to come. Father, I believe in Your Word that says You will prosper me. God, today I surrender my limited and limiting thoughts to You. Jehovah Jireh, give me an overflow mentality. Direct my mind toward You and teach me to be a blessing everywhere I go, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Heart Over Head

God's Heart-Fires Set His People Free

The old saying “listen to your heart” suggests that your head or mind may not be sensitive, but your heart will. It suggests your heart will do the right thing and will give a more honest assessment, therefore your words will be a reflection of your heart. Choosing your words is very important.  

The Scripture tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. God Himself spoke the world into existence by the creative power of words. You can bless your future with your words, or you can curse it. There are many influences over our words. In the heat of the moment, we can let our emotions tell us what to say. We can listen to what others say and allow them to influence our words. We can even be influenced by what we watch on TV, the internet or read in the news.  

Today, Proverbs 16:23 tells us what a wise person does–a wise person listens to their heart and lets their heart teach them what to say. When you listen to your heart, you are tuning in to what the Spirit of God is saying to you. You are coming into agreement with Him. Listen to your heart. Take time to be still and quiet before the Lord. Allow Him to teach you what to say and when to say it. As you submit your words and ways to Him, He will direct your path. 

“The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.” (Proverbs 16:23, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for giving me power in the words of my mouth. Father, help me to stay tuned in to You as you speak to my heart. God, show me how to listen to my heart over my hot head. Lord, teach me to use my words to always speak life and bless others and You, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Out With The Old”¦

Is your life mundane? Has your spiritual life become normal? Are you ready for change? Are you ready for increase? Are you ready to go to the next level spiritually, physically and emotionally? In today’s verse, Jesus is saying that you can’t go to a new level with an old way of thinking.

Many people know through the Word that God has more in store for them, and it resonates with them. Their spirit comes into agreement with God. But oftentimes, their natural minds will try to talk them out of it. Thoughts come like, “you’re ok, you don’t have to change, It’s not going to happen. Things won’t improve. Wait till the virus is over, look at how bad the economy is.” Or, “you’re never going to get well. You saw what the medical report said.” “You’re never going to get married. You’ve been single for too long.”

Today, we have to get rid of old wineskins: old ideas, old feelings, old realities, old friends. This is a new season. What’s happened in the past is over and done. You may have been through some disappointments, you may have tried and failed. That’s okay. We serve a God of restoration. It’s time to get a new vision for your life. It’s time to open yourself to a new way of thinking, so that you can move forward and receive all of the blessings God has in store for you!

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins.” (Mark 2:22, NKJV)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I choose to get rid of my old wineskins. Father, I choose to release my old thinking, old habits, and anything that would keep me from Your best. God, strengthen me by Your Spirit, so that I can live my life in a way that pleases You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Focus On Eternity

Daily, things come against us in life to try to steal our God-given joy, and rob us of our victories. In fact, throughout our whole lives, the enemy has had one mission–to kill, steal and destroy our hope, vision and happiness.  

Today’s verse reminds us to “take heart.” In one translation, it says, “Be of good cheer.” Now that may seem strange to say right after the phrase, “in this world you will have trouble.” But when we truly understand that we are overcomers in Christ Jesus, we can be joyful no matter what the circumstances. We don’t have to allow our emotions to get rattled. We don’t have to let our nerves go haywire.  

Today, we can find rest knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and deprived it of the power to harm us! Remember, the things that happen in this life are temporary. We are in this world but not of it. We need to keep our focus on eternal things. Sure, we will have trouble in this life, but we can stay encouraged, because in eternity we are overcomers through Christ Jesus! Hallelujah! 

“…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I humbly come to You today. Father, I ask that You help me stay focused on eternal things and not the temporal trials of this life. God, I will hold on to Your joy and peace no matter what comes my way, because I know I have the ultimate victory in You, in Christ’s Name! Hallelujah! Amen!

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Selfishness Brings Evil

I’m told that love is the currency of heaven. In His Word, God commands us to love. First Corinthians 13, tells us that love is the greatest thing, greater than prophecy and hope. Love is all that matters on this earth, and it’s all that will last in eternity. But did you realise that we are protected when we walk in love?  

Sin and personal circumstances have caused many of us to become selfish. When we are selfish or self-seeking, the Scripture tells us that it opens the door to confusion and every evil work. But when we walk in love, when we choose to put others first, when we choose to be patient and kind and walk in unity, we are protected by love. We close the door to the plans of the enemy in our lives. 

Today, check your love barometer. Read 1 Corinthians 13 and see if you emulate the characteristics of love. Remember, love is not a feeling; it’s a choice, it’s a principle, it’s a lifestyle. Receive God’s love today, walk in it, and find His supernatural grace and protection in your life! 

“For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” (James 3:16, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I humbly come before You today, begging You to search my heart and remove any selfish, self-seeking ways in me. God, please help me to always walk in unprejudiced love. Almighty Father, thank You for protecting me through Your grace and promises, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Joy Is At The Door

Waking up each morning is a miracle that brings you joy. The enemy would have tried to maybe destroy your life, but God has kept you. Each morning, God sends you a special delivery of joy. It comes knocking at your door. When you get up in faith and make the declaration that “this is going to be a good day,” do you know what you just did? You just answered the door. You just received the gift of joy that God sent to you. 

The problem is that some people never answer the door. Joy has been knocking for months and months, years and years saying, “come on! Let me in! You can be happy! You can enjoy your life!” But they do nothing. Today’s verse is a promise that requires your trust and faith in a God whose promises never fail.  

Today, make up your mind that You’re going to answer the door to joy and shut out sorrow and misery. Wake up every morning and say, “Father, thank You for another beautiful day. I’m going to be happy. I’m going to enjoy this day. I’m going to brighten somebody else’s life. I receive Your gift of joy, today!” 

“…Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for the joy You bring to my life each morning. Father, thank You for peace. Thank You for walking with me throughout the day during some difficult times. God, I receive Your package of joy this morning by answering the door of life with faith and expectation. Today God, I choose to walk in the strength You have given to me. Thank You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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Joining Team Jesus = Victory!

I’m a football fan, and yesterday was the final day of the football league here in the UK, and my team needed to win to finish in one of the top places. Only a victory would guarantee their progress, a loss would see them drop out of one of the top spots for next season. “Only a victory will do” the commentator said. God wants to pour out His favour on you so that you can live in victory in every area of your life, which will assist you as you progress into the next season of life.  

Join team Jesus today, because the Scripture says you will always triumph through Christ Jesus. That means, no matter what you may be facing today, God wants to make you more than a conqueror. Are you battling sickness? God wants to give you healing. Are you struggling with a broken relationship? God wants to give you restoration and peace. Are you facing a need physically, spiritually or emotionally? God’s favour will bring you provision, and supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory. 

Today, consider this, many times in the Bible when God’s people were going into battle, the worshippers were out in front of the warriors. When you choose to worship, when you are thankful and bless the Lord in the midst of your battle, you are opening the door to God’s favour in your life. It’s important to magnify your God; don’t magnify your problems! When you give God praise and worship, He gives you the victory! Hallelujah!  

“But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57, AMP) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I give You thanks for mercies, faithfulness and victories in my life. Father, thank You for leading me into victory in some life threatening battles! God, I magnify You and bless Your Holy Name. Today I choose to join team Jesus, because I want to be triumphant in every area of my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen. 

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Restore My Zeal

In a spiritual context, zeal is simply another word used for passion, or fire. Sadly, too many people today have lost their passion and enthusiasm for God and life. At one time, they were excited about their dreams, and woke up every day with purpose and passion. But now, because time has passed and they’ve experienced disappointments, they’re not as excited about those dreams anymore. They’ve lost their fire, zeal or passion!

It’s time to get you fire back, God wants you to live with passion! You weren’t meant to live a stagnant, unexciting, ordinary life. You serve an extraordinary God, and you are called to be a reflection of Him. Just like the apostle Paul told Timothy, we have to fan the flame!

Today, life can be very routine. We have to be motivated to keep things fresh. We have to put forth effort to stay passionate about our jobs, relationships, and our God. Every day we need the Holy Ghost to stir us up and fan the flames! In other words, say to God, don’t let my fire go out. Please stay passionate about your life and the dreams God has placed on the inside of you!

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:11, NIV)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for the fire and passion You’ve placed in me, and Your Word which is truth that sets me free. Father, at times when my enthusiasm goes, help me to stir up the passion in my heart, so that I can stay on fire for You. God, thank You for guiding and directing my steps, so that I can embrace every dream, promise and purpose You have for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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An Attitude Of Abundance

My friend, what are you facing at this moment? No matter what your circumstances may look like today, God’s plan is to bring you through to a place of abundance. He wants you to have an abundance of peace, an abundance of joy, an abundance of resources–He wants you to overflow with His blessings so that you can be a blessing to your family and others.

Are you ready to receive the abundance God has promised you? Are you ready to live in the abundant overflow of His blessings? If so, you must have an attitude to receive the abundance. As a believer in Jesus, you are a child of the Most High God. Heavenly royal blood is flowing through your veins. You were not created to be average. You were not created to barely get by and drag through life. You have seeds of greatness planted on the inside. You are more than able to do whatever God has called you to do! Hallelujah!

Today, lift up your head, throw your shoulders back, stretch your hands out and start thinking like a victor. When you’re a victor, you know that any adversity in your life is not permanent – it’s temporary. Hallelujah! Have the attitude to receive the overflow of God’s abundance. Keep believing and keep expecting, because it’s just a matter of time until He turns things around in your favour, with mega abundance!

“…we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.”

(Psalm 66:12, NIV)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I open my mind and heart to You. Father, I believe that You have a good plan for me. God, give me the right attitude as I wait on Your direction and abundance. Today, I receive the blessings You have for me, so that I can be a blessing to my family and others, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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A Great Day For A Breakthrough

If you are like me, this has been a week when you needed some serious breakthroughs. Know that God wants to give us those breakthroughs–a sudden burst of His favour and victory; an explosion of His goodness. He wants to release His power in such a way that it overwhelms you and drives out your enemies, including the devil himself!

Like that man who has been praying about a relationship, and suddenly, things fall into place. That’s a breakthrough! Or, that woman who told me she was trying to get a certain job. They said there were no openings, but suddenly, they called her back and said you got the job. That’s another breakthrough. Hallelujah! Like those of us who have struggled with an addiction for a long time, but then something happens, and it’s not a struggle anymore. That’s a breakthrough. Hallelujah!

Today, no matter what you’ve been facing, no matter how impossible things look, know this: the God of the breakthrough wants to visit your house, your situation, your circumstances. Get ready! Look for His favour and goodness. Remember, God rewards the people who seek after Him. So keep expecting, keep believing, because the God of the breakthrough is ready to overwhelm you with His goodness, strength and blessings! Hallelujah!

“…the Lord has broken through my enemies before me, like the bursting out of great waters…” (2 Samuel 5:20, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the breakthroughs of the past. Today I am expecting another massive breakthrough. I am looking for Your favour. Father, I trust that You, the God of the breakthrough, will work mightily on my behalf. God, help me to live a life pleasing to You, as I wait for Your hand to move mightily in my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Where To Find Strength And Joy

At this time we all need more strength and joy in our lives. How and where do we get these? The Bible tells us that in God’s presence there is fullness of joy, most abundant and complete! And when you have His joy, you have His supernatural strength. There’s nothing that can come against you when you are filled with His joy and strength.

Today’s verse says that strength and joy are found in His sanctuary. Translated it says they are found “where God is.” Do you know “where He is?” His Spirit is alive in every believer, and in His Word, He says He inhabits, or manifests, in the praises of His people. That means when you begin to praise and worship God, either corporately in a church setting, or privately in your personal time, God is there. You are His sanctuary, His temple which houses His presence.

Today, if you feel depleted or overwhelmed by life, lacking in joy and strength, just begin to sing a song of praise to Him. Declare His goodness and faithfulness aloud. Go against what you feel, stay close to Him, and He will stay close to you and fill you with His joy and strength, to live in victory all the days of your life! Hallelujah!

“Honour and majesty are [found] in His presence; strength and joy are [found] in His sanctuary.” (1 Chronicles 16:27, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I bless and lift You up today. I thank You for Your goodness and for inhabiting my sinful, dirty life. Please God, revive Your strength and joy in my life, before they completely disappear. Today I worship and praise You against how I feel, knowing as a result You will fill me up to the brim with joy and strength. I plead for more faith to believe what I ask for this day will come to pass, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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Move Past Your Disappointments And Setbacks

A mountain is a large unmovable mass. People climb them or go around them, many camp at its base, or live in its caves to be shielded from the elements. Do you go out each day knowing that favour is already in your future? Or, have you gotten stuck in a rut staring at a mountain of disappointment, a mass of setbacks or unmovable difficulties?

That’s what happened to the children of Israel in the Bible. They were headed toward their God-given promised land. They had big goals and big dreams, but along the way, they hit some setbacks and had some disappointments. They got so discouraged that they gave up on their dreams and just settled where they were. One day God said to them, “you have dwelt long enough in this unproductive stale mountain.” He was saying, “It’s time to move past your disappointments and embrace the blessings in your future.” Hallelujah!

Today, I believe God is saying to each one of us, “you’ve been where you are long enough.” Looking at your broken dreams, negative issues and problems. God is saying, “this is a new day. Time to get your fire back. Where you are now is not where you’re supposed to be, you’ve stayed in that emotional, negative setback way to long.” If you’ll be determined to move past your mountain through prayer and biblical positivity, He will lead you and empower you to live in favour and blessing in every area of your life!

“…you have stayed long enough at this mountain.” (Deuteronomy 1:6, NIV)

Let’s PrayYahweh, today I give to You every area of my heart. Father, I give You my broken dreams, my setbacks, my disappointments, my doubts and my fears. God, I have decided to trade in my sorrow for Your joy. Today I will press past my mountains, so I can embrace the amazing promises and enormous, gigantic blessings You have in store for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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God Is Preparing You For Victory

Looking back over my short life I have concluded, there are times in life when we all face situations that seem impossible, difficult and hard. It’s easy to get discouraged and think that things won’t ever work out. But the Scripture tells us that God goes before us and makes our crooked places straight. In other words, even though you may not have the connections you need right now, you don’t have to worry. God is going before you arranging positive breaks, and creating life changing opportunities. He is preparing the way for your victory!

If you are facing difficulties, don’t fall into the temptation to get negative and sour. That adversity is no surprise to God. He’s not up in the heavens scratching His head and thinking, “Oh, no. Now what am I going to do?” No, He already knows every day of your life.

Today, I want to remind you that before you had that problem, God already had the solution. He is going before you right now preparing the next chapter of your life. So your focus must be on God and not on the problem. I encourage you to stay in faith and keep the right positive attitude, because He is moving you forward, despite what you see, into the victory He has prepared for you! Hallelujah!

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ…” (2 Corinthians 2:14, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I love You and thank You for ordering and directing my steps throughout my life. Father, thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf, moving me forward into the new chapter You have for my life. God, I choose today to trust in You, knowing that You are moral, magnificent and meticulous, and You will always lead me into victory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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I Declare A Quicker Season

Do you know that as a faithful believer in Christ, you have an enormous advantage? The Creator of the universe is not only fighting your battles, but He is lining up the right people, the right breaks, and the right opportunities to move you forward.

Right now you may be facing a situation that looks like it’s never going to turn around, but I believe, based upon today’s verse, that you’re going to see some changes come quicker than you think. You’re going to come out of debt quicker than you think. You’re going to accomplish your goals much quicker than you think. That relationship is going to be restored quicker than you think! Hallelujah!

Today’s scripture reminds us that God is not slow in keeping His promise. I honestly believe we are entering a period where we are going to see the hand of God move like never before. He is going to open up doors that no man can shut. He is going to turn impossible situations around and make them possible. He’ll take you places that you never dreamed. It’s time to get ready for more of God’s favour, because that breakthrough is going to happen quicker than you think! Hallelujah I receive it in Jesus’ Name!

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise…” (2 Peter 3:9, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for being faithful to Your Word. I trust that You will complete the work You’ve begun in me, sooner rather than later. Father, Your Word says You are not slow in keeping Your promises. I beg You to move quickly in my life today.  God, help me keep my heart and mind focused on You, as I stand strong in faith to see Your promises come to pass in my life, beginning today, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Nothing Should Stop Unity

With social distancing and mask wearing, it seems very hard to show love and unity to others. Do you find that you are surrounded by people all the time, yet you still feel disconnected? In your family, is everyone going in different directions, always busy, always doing their own thing? Nowadays I’ve found that we really have to make a conscious effort to walk and live in unity with the people in our lives, and not allow distractions of social distance, masks, lockdown or busyness to pull us apart.

Walking in a spirit of unity goes beyond distance or just getting along, it’s about going the extra mile to support one another and lift each other up. If you want to get the most out of life, you’ve got to draw a line in the sand and say, “I’m going to slow down and connect with the people I love. I’m not going to take my relationships for granted.”

Today, call a friend or family member that you haven’t talked to in a while. Reach out to them and let them know they are important to you despite lockdown and other distractions. Where possible, make time to have dinner, chat on zoom, and support each other’s activities. When you walk and live in unity, you bless the Lord and open the door for Him to pour out His abundance in your own life in return!

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.”

(Romans 15:5, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the relationships You’ve placed in my life. Father, amidst lockdown, social distancing and facial covering, help me find creative ways to connect with the people I love. Please God, show me how to be supportive and encouraging, and help me to walk and live in a spirit of unity as You commanded, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

 

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