Author: Pastor Ray Patrick

Evangelism. Outreach. Ministry. Pastor Ray Patrick is a R.E Teacher at The Eden School
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Sowing Seeds

Yesterday I celebrated my birthday and I had a great day. I received so many well wishes, some from individuals whose lives God allowed me to touch through ministry, those little seeds from a sermon, a prayer, or a devotion. Thank You God! God has provided us with seeds so that we can invest into the lives of others. 

There is tremendous potential in any seed. A single seed can produce a harvest of 30, 60 or 100% return! But that seed has to be planted. You can have a packet of seeds sitting in a drawer for years and nothing will happen. But when you plant that seed in the ground, water it and tend to it, that seed will begin to grow. It may not take long before the bountiful harvest is ready.

Today, remember, we have seeds of greatness on the inside of us. God has placed within us everything we need to be successful. But, we have to step out and sow those seeds. we have to boldly declare our faith and put action behind it. We must keep an attitude of expectancy, and go out believing that great things are coming our way. Be obedient to His Word, because those seeds you sow will produce a harvest all the days of your life!

“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed, and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.”

(2 Corinthians 9:10, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for entrusting me with seeds to sow in everyone I meet. Father, I want to be a wise steward of all Your resources. God, give me wisdom and discernment to be obedient to You. Let everything I do bring honour to You and bless others, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Fill Me Now

During lockdown many are lonely, depressed and going hungry in the natural. What do you do when you’re hungry and just not sure when or what will satisfy you? You may try to think of what to eat, but maybe you’re not sure when you will get it. Spiritual hunger works the same way. You may feel a restlessness or unsettled, but you can’t quite figure out what will satisfy you. You may try to fill that need with other things– addictions, people, or negative behaviour, but only God can fill that spiritual void, and He can also supply your physical and emotional needs. Reach out to Him today.

In today’s verse we are told what will fill the hunger in our souls – God’s righteousness. When you hunger and thirst for righteousness, which is God’s way of doing good things, you will be spiritually satisfied. But just like you have to take time to eat in the natural, you have to take time to “eat” or partake of God’s righteousness. Doing right and feasting on His Word.

Today and every day, take time and devote it to the Lord with prayer. State your physical needs, spend time in worship and the study of His Word. Stay in fellowship with other believers by attending church regularly, stay amongst the righteous and doing righteous acts. As you focus your hunger on God’s righteousness, you will be filled and live satisfied in Him all the days of your life.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

(Matthew 5:6, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for the promise to fill my hunger both physically and spiritually. Father, I open my heart to You and ask that You draw me by Your Spirit. God, I beg You to teach me to walk in Your ways of righteousness, Your right doing, that I may honour You and be satisfied, physically, emotionally and spiritually all the days of my life. I receive this by faith right now. I bless You always, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Lord Lift Me Higher

We Are Free From Condemnation

In these uncertain times, we all face challenges and trials. Scripture tells us that in this world we will have trouble, but be encouraged today because God has overcome the world, and disarmed it of the power to harm us! Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. His ways are higher than our ways, and He has promised to deliver us! Hallelujah!

Many of us feel stuck in our circumstances because we are looking at them from a natural perspective. This natural perspective is limited. It’s small. It’s only a fraction of what’s really going on. But if we’ll rise up to a higher level, we will see things the way God sees them. We’ll understand His purposes and see the way to victory!

Today, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, Jesus is the rock who is high than all your circumstances. When you call on Him, He will be with you. He will deliver you. He will lead you and guide you into the higher places He has prepared for you!

“From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:2, NIV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, today I release every care and concern to You. Father, have Your way in my life with my circumstances and trials. God, have Your way in me. Help me, Jesus, to come up higher in every area of my life with You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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The Blessings Of Heaven

Since covid-19 many have forgotten how blessed they are because of loss, separation and sickness. When you become a follower of Christ, not only do you receive eternal life, but you are blessed with spiritual blessings, no matter the circumstances. Scripture tells us that we are blessed with every blessing in heaven. 

What are the spiritual blessings of heaven? Peace, joy, favour, abundance, grace, and so much more! You are blessed with earthly talents, and you are blessed with many spiritual blessings — most of all peace of mind!

Today, let this sink down into your spirit. God has given you talents, fulfillment, favour and abundance. You are blessed in the city, blessed in the field, blessed when you come and when you go. You are blessed with confidence and assurance that your God will do what He says He will do. Hallelujah! The Almighty will keep you safe and secure during these times. Think about all of the blessings that God has given you, and have a praise break and thank Him today!

“How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every blessing in heaven because we belong to Christ.”

(Ephesians 1:3, TLB)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I thank You for richly blessing me during these hard times. Father, help me not to take your blessings for granted. Teach me how to take praise breaks daily at work, at school and at home. God, help me to seek Your favour and live abundantly in Your love and blessings, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Change Your Seed, Change Your Harvest

How to Love the Sinner & Hate the Sin

Have you ever looked at a large, old tree and wondered how long it has been there? It’s amazing to think that at one point, that gigantic tree was merely a tiny seed. In the same way, our words and actions are seeds. As small as they may be, they can grow into massive, gigantic trees of success or failure. Remember, we will always reap a harvest of what we sow. Whether in thought, deed, word or finances. Do unto others what you would like them to do unto you.

In reflection, think about the types of seeds you have been sowing. Are you sowing kindness, encouragement, hope, blessings, and love? Then that’s what you’ll reap in the future. But if you’ve been sowing evil, criticism, judgment and anger, you’re probably already reaping a bad harvest. It’s time to start changing your seed.

Today, I encourage you to pray and ask God to help you uproot any negative seeds you may have planted in the past, those judgemental, critical, negative seeds, and begin sowing good seeds of kindness and love for your future. As you stay obedient to the Word of God, you’ll see those seeds grow. You’ll rise up higher, and enjoy the gigantic harvest of blessing God has promised you.

 “Don’t be misled–you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.”

(Galatians 6:7, NLT)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, search my heart. Please show me any bad seeds in my life that need to be uprooted before they become gigantic. God, help me, by Your Spirit, to sow good positive seeds for my future. Use me for Your glory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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Get Ready For Your New Beginning

You Should Never Give up on Your Dreams

Living in unprecedented times because of Covid-19 and the rise of the anti-racism protests, gives us a chance to stick a pin, move away from our past, and move into a new future. Are you ready for a new chapter in your life? In order to move forward into the blessing God has for you, you have to be willing to let go of the old. The things that are behind you are not nearly as important as what is out in front of you. It’s time to get ready for the “new”!

Some unfair things may have happened during these strange times, things that you don’t understand; don’t look back, you haven’t come this far to stop now. Instead of allowing those things to hold you back, why don’t you let go and take a step of faith into the new?

Today, as we ease out of lockdown, it’s time to get a new, bigger vision; it’s time to get a new, fresher outlook; it’s time to rise up with a new attitude! Instead of settling where you are, pick up and move forward. Have the attitude that says, “I may not understand it; it may not have been fair, but I am not getting stuck on this page of life. I know God has a new chapter for me–a chapter filled with blessings, favour and victory!”

“And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined.”

(Luke 5:37, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Father, today I will trust You with my past, present and future, looking beyond lockdown to a new experience with You. God, give me wisdom to discern the seasons of my life, and teach me to embrace the new things You have in store for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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A Brighter Day

With our country and our world going through some dark times, God promises that your path will shine brighter and brighter as you seek His truth and righteousness in every situation.

What is righteousness you may ask? Righteousness is simply being in right standing with God. Being in right standing with God happens when you surrender every area of your life to Him, and allow Him to do right things through you. It’s about following His will and seeking His plan for your life on a daily basis.

Today, no matter how dark the times, take time to ask the Lord to shine His light on you. Ask Him to confirm His plan for you. As you continue pursuing His truth and righteousness, as you continue to make His Word a priority, and not the distractions of the world, you will experience more of Him and His blessings. You’ll experience brighter days as you move forward in the plan He has in store for you!

“The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.” 

(Proverbs 4:18, NLT)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I know that You have a wonderful plan and purpose for my life. Father, I desire to be in right standing with You. Show me Your ways and teach me to walk righteously before You. Shine Your light in my heart and eradicate the world’s darkness. God, give me more strength to pursue the path You have in store for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Devoted!

As humans our commitment and our devotion is very short lived. We see that even today with covid-19 still around, we don’t seem to be as devoted to doing the basic things we did a few months ago. The same can be said about race issues, as we get devoted during incidents, but a few months on our commitment to the cause drops off. What are you devoted to in your life? Being devoted to something is simply being loyal by giving of your time, affection and resources.

Many people today are devoted to certain restaurants, television programs and even their cell phones. There’s nothing wrong with any of that, but we have to examine our own hearts and see if we are being devoted to God, and to the people He has placed in our lives. Are we devoted to honouring others above ourselves like today’s scripture says? The world’s system says to “look out for number one–yourself,” but God’s system says “look out for others, and I will look out for you.”

Today, as you examine your own heart and life in regards to devotion and commitment, ask the Lord to show you ways that you can honour Him and others. One way is by simply being faithful to your word. Be a person of integrity and honour. Do what you say! As you live your life devoted to one another and honouring others, you are actually honouring God. He will repay you for your kindness and reward you in this life and in eternity!

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

(Romans 12:10, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I want to be a person of honour and integrity. Father, teach me to be devoted to others through my consistent support the way You want me to. God, fill me with Your love and help me to focus on my devotion to eternity. Help me not to be fragile in my devotion to the injustice that affects my community. I bless You and thank You for Your goodness and unwavering devotion in my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Get A Bigger Blessing Bucket

Many churches have seen their numbers increase at weekend services, at prayer meetings, and at youth meetings since lockdown. Zoom, Google meets and Facebook have reached more people spiritually than at any other time in the history of the internet. Could it be that God allowed covid because He wants to enlarge our territory and also to increase our capacity?

Trials come to enlarge us and increase us. God has many blessings in store for you! He has favour in your future like you’ve never imagined. He wants to take you places that you’ve never even dreamed. But in order for us to partake of all these blessings, we have to increase our capacity to receive.

You may have heard me say this before, if you have a one gallon bucket and someone has fifty gallons to give you, the problem is not with the supply. The problem is that you don’t have the capacity to receive the fifty gallons. But, if you get rid of that small container and get something larger, then you will be able to receive more. It’s the same way with God. If we think we’ve reached our limits, the problem isn’t that God doesn’t have the resources or the ability. The problem is that our container is too small. So, God will allow trails like covid to stretch us. 

Today, we have to enlarge our vision and make room for the new things God has for us. After covid and lockdown our attitude should be, “yes, the economy is down, but I know God is still on the throne. I know wherever I go His goodness and mercy follows me.” When you have that kind of attitude, you’re increasing your capacity to receive in abundance, so get ready with your bigger blessing bucket, so that you can receive all He has in store for you.

“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back”¦”

(Isaiah 54:2, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I thank You in advance for giving me abundant blessings. Thank You Father that during Covid-19 you are, and have, increased my capacity to receive from You. God, I let go of limited thinking and old mindsets, and I open myself to everything You have in store for me. Show me Your ways that I may walk with You, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Trust God During The Delay

What a weekend. Lots of marching, lots of talking, and lots of emotion, and all these are all good. We cannot forget the spiritual element of fighting injustice. You may have been praying and standing on God’s Word for something and haven’t seen the results yet. The Bible has principles of what to do while waiting on the Lord, and how to make a God-given plan and develop faith as you wait.

Scripture says in John 11 verse 6, “When Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed where He was two more days.” One translation says, “He sat down.” Now, that was the opposite response to what Lazarus’s family was looking for. “Jesus, don’t sit down when we need You the most.” In other words, “God, don’t sit down when I’m fighting racial injustice, when my finances are this low.” “Don’t sit down when my problems are big.” However in the end, God not only healed Lazarus, He raised him from the dead! Hallelujah! You will get frustrated and even angry, but when you deal with God’s way, based upon His Word and prayer, your breakthrough will come even if God has to raise the dead!

Today, your mind may be telling you it’s a waste of time, it’s too late, it’s never going to happen, things will never change. No, you’ve got to know at times there is a God-given reason for the delay. God is planning something greater. You’re thinking of a healing, He is thinking of a resurrection. You may be thinking how I can survive, but God is thinking how you can thrive. Remember, His ways are higher than your ways, and you can trust that He is going to amaze you with His goodness in every area of your life!

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

(Isaiah 55:9, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I choose to trust in You even when I can’t trace You. Father, I trust that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I release all of my cares and concerns to You, knowing that You have a greater plan in store for me. God, give me the strength to hang in there during the time of delay, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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At Times Like These Create A God File

Watching the memorial service yesterday for George Floyd, I was left thinking about the joint  pandemic of racism and covid-19. It led me to ask this question – when things happen in your life that you don’t plan, do you find yourself trying to reason it all out, or looking for a place to file it all in your mind? What happens when you can’t find a “file” to put it in? What if you can’t make sense of it all?

This may be an answer: create a file in your thinking called an “I Don’t Understand It” file. When things come up that don’t make sense or you can’t figure out, instead of losing hope or becoming confused, simply put it in your “I Don’t Understand It” file and leave it alone by faith.

Today, especially at this time, don’t start moving forward with old frustrations. Don’t carry bitterness into your season of new beginnings. Don’t put a question mark where God has placed a full stop. Trust that He is good. Trust that He is working things out for your good. Keep believing, keep praying, keep hoping for the future. Let go of what didn’t work out and what’s causing you stress, and get ready for the new season God has prepared for you!

“Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, nor with things too profound for me.”
(Psalm 131:1, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, right now I surrender my unexplained  questions; I surrender my negative past; I surrender my frustrations; I surrender my need to have all the answers in my “God take care of it” file. God, I trust that You have all the answers, and You will reveal all things in time. Teach me not to stress and worry about world events, because you are still in control, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Meditation Is Part Of The Solution

“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14, NIV)

One of the things that will bring you sanity during these chaotic times is meditating, particularly before you start your day, or at the end of the day. To meditate on something simply means to think about it, and let the meaning of it sink deep down into your heart. 

Meditation is a spiritual practice that’s encouraged throughout scripture. The key is to draw on God’s wisdom found in His Word, which is filled with the blessings and benefits of meditating on its principles. For example, meditating on God’s Word will give you spiritual, physical and emotional success. That’s exactly what God told Joshua as Israel got ready to enter the Promised Land.

Today, when everyone is looking for solutions and success, God’s definition of both of these is to know Him better. One way you can do that is to read and understand His Word. Another benefit of meditating on God’s Word is that it will help you keep your heart and mind right before Him, especially in these times. The Bible is like a mirror and a lens that accurately shows you where your heart really is, and how to move forward.

“Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed.” 

(Joshua 1:8, NLT)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, You have said that Your Word is living and active. Father, help me have the appetite for meditating on Your Word daily, so I can live and be successful. God, today I pledge to spend time allowing this living Word to search my heart, and make sure I am right before You, moving forward with vision and vigour, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Please Take Care of Yourself

As we look at the sad reality in the UK, ethnic minorities are two thirds more likely to die of the coronavirus than their white friends. Although there may be many different factors, the question that must be asked before looking to others, is “what can I do to protect myself?” We may have to subtract in order to multiply, we may have to cut back in order to move forward and have a brighter future. Because we are bought with a price, we must do whatever we can to take care of God’s most precious creation — me!

There is no doubt that being in shape spiritually is the most important kind of fitness. But being in shape physically is just as important. Most of us know our Bible well, we pray often and we know what to do, but then don’t have the physical energy to do anything at all. All three parts of your being physical, emotional and spiritual should be healthy and in sync for you to function most productively.

Today, during this period of the coronavirus, we should do all we can to look after ourselves, remembering that our body is the temple of the most high God, and you must honour Him with the care you take of it. Seek a balanced diet, and try to be healthy and God-honouring in every part of life.

“For God has bought you with a great price. So use every part of your body to give glory back to God because He owns it.” 

(1 Corinthians 6:20, TLB)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for giving me the ability to honour You with my body. Help me to take care of my body physically, mentally and spiritually, realising that my body is my responsibility. God, show me what needs to change to make my body a stronger and healthier temple for You. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Peace And Unity

George Floyd’s death has exposed the racist disunity in our society. Did you know the Lord has commanded that blessings come upon you when you are at peace with your brothers and sisters in the Lord? This doesn’t mean you say nothing, it means together we show love, when one hurts we all hurt. As believers, we are called to work together in unity in order to fulfill God’s purposes. We are called to serve one another in love and serve together in our communities. Making the weaker strong and crushing injustice.

Think. Is there someone that you don’t quite get along with? Maybe it’s discrimination, gender issues, jealousy or a character clash. Pray for yourself first that God would work on your heart. Then pray for that person. Go out of your way to be a blessing to them. Do your best to walk in peace and unity.

Today, as we serve one another in love, the Bible says the world will know that we are Christians. The world will recognise that we are true followers of Christ by our actions, not by our words. Make the decision to live in peace and unity with your brothers and sisters in the Lord, which includes honesty and truth. If the only thing you can agree on is that Jesus is Lord, build on that. Focus on the love you have for God and for seeing people come to know Him. As you focus on walking in peace and unity, you will walk into the place of blessing the Lord has commanded for you!

“How good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity”¦for there the Lord has commanded the blessing.”

(Psalm 133:1—3, KJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, search my heart today and see if there is anything that is keeping me from walking in unity with my brothers and sisters. Father, our world needs Your love and unity that only comes through Your Spirit.  God, I choose peace today. I choose unity today. Help me to be an example of love to those around me, in Christ’s Name! Amen

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God Refresh My Soul

During this lockdown because of covid-19, we’ve experience the hottest spring on record. On a hot day after exercise there is nothing more refreshing than having some crisp, cold water to drink when you’re dry, thirsty and tired! It refreshes, restores and revitalises. If quenching your thirst feels so good and invigorating, then imagine just how much better it feels to refresh your spirit and soul when you’re spiritually flat and mundane.

That’s what God had in mind when He stated that He desires for you to come before Him and plug yourself back into His unlimited strength and power. If you stay connected to Him He will refresh your soul, lift you when you’re down, and lead you into victories in your life. Hallelujah!

Today, not only will staying connected with God refresh your soul, the same should be true of your time with other believers who have His Spirit. It will be so exciting when church reopens and followers of Christ gather for worship and praise, it should be uplifting, refreshing and rejuvenating for everyone involved, people should leave the place different than when they came in because of God’s presence.

“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul.”

Pray With Me

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for being my shepherd. Father, give me a great desire to seek You daily, and get plugged in and stay plugged in, so my soul can be refreshed and my spirit filled with Your living water, so that I will never thirst again. God, I thank You also for the times I have had with fellow believers, hopefully this will become the norm again as lockdown is eased, and we’ll be able to refresh and uplift each other in ways we cannot know. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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The Blessings Of Heaven

Since covid-19 many have forgotten how blessed they are because of loss, separation and sickness. When you become a follower of Christ, not only do you receive eternal life, but you are blessed with spiritual blessings, no matter the circumstances. Scripture tells us that we are blessed with every blessing in heaven. 

What are the spiritual blessings of heaven? Peace, joy, favour, abundance, grace, and so much more! You are blessed with earthly talents, and you are blessed with many spiritual blessings — most of all peace of mind!

Today, let this sink down into your spirit. God has given you talents, fulfillment, favour and abundance. You are blessed in the city, blessed in the field, blessed when you come and when you go. You are blessed with confidence and assurance that your God will do what He says He will do. Hallelujah! The Almighty will keep you safe and secure during these times. Think about all of the blessings that God has given you, and have a praise break and thank Him today!

“How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every blessing in heaven because we belong to Christ.” 

(Ephesians 1:3, TLB)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I thank You for richly blessing me during these hard times. Father, help me not to take your blessings for granted. Teach me how to take praise breaks daily at work, at school and at home. God, help me to seek Your favour and live abundantly in Your love and blessings, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

 

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