Author: Pastor Ray Patrick

Evangelism. Outreach. Ministry. Pastor Ray Patrick is a R.E Teacher at The Eden School
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You Can’t Have Your Cake And Eat It

On becoming a Christian, I resisted change. I wanted to remain sinful but also be a saint. There are people who want to follow Christ and remain the same. They want to have their cake and eat it as the saying goes. When you become a follower of Christ, your life should be different. Everything about you becomes different. When we follow God’s commands, it means we do things differently from our life before Christ and people without Him.

It means, instead of being offended, we choose love. Instead of insisting on our way, we serve others. It means, instead of trying to be right all the time, we build and lift others up. This may not be the way most people in the world act, but that’s okay. We are called to be different. We are called to rise higher. We are called to be examples of God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness.

Today, being different may not make sense to those that don’t know Christ, but that’s okay. God will promote you to a new level of blessing, favour and victory when you commit yourself fully to Him. Don’t live a life of mediocrity, live a life of excellence for God. Life a life pleasing to Him and don’t be afraid to be different!

“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”

(1 Peter 2:11, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for transforming me into Your image, and allowing me the privledge of being Your disciple. I know that means I can’t be like the world, as I am now set apart for Your good. God, teach me how not to comprise and stand up even when it’s not popular. Teach me to embrace difference for Your kingdom. Help me to love like You, and be a light everywhere I go. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

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I Am Not Condemned

Portrait in Stockholm, Sweden by Oliver Ragfelt

During sickness, death, lockdown and isolation of covid-19, many of us start reflecting on our past, wondering what if we got sick and died? We spend time evaluating where we are in life spiritually. Many will be very guilty of the life they have led, wondering have I been forgiven, is God’s grace enough to give me a place in paradise. The truth is you’re not condemned, your past is the past and God has enough grace to cover your sin. Reflect on that and let that thought lift your spirit. Hallelujah!

Right now is there something that you feel guilty about? If you have repented to God, the Bible says He takes your sin and throws it as far as the east is from the west. He casts it into the depth of the sea of forgetfulness. That means God chooses to forget your sins! They are completely removed. Gone.

Today, don’t let the enemy make you feel guilty for something that happened in your past. The enemy is the “accuser of the brethren,” and he works overtime to try to bring you down with false accusations. Be confident that if you’ve given it to God, He doesn’t remember it. You are free from condemnation through the blood of Jesus Christ. The next time the enemy brings up your past, just declare “I am free from condemnation in Jesus’ Name!”

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live and walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit.”

(Romans 8:1 AMP)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for setting me free in the name of Yahshua my Messiah! Father, thank You for forgiveness. Thank You for washing me clean of the sins of my past and making me new today. God, I rebuke the enemy and his guilt, shame and negative thinking of condemnation that he has sown in my mind. I receive Your grace and mercy, so that I can be a vessel used by You, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Love and Kindness During This Pandemic

Covid-19 has brought out love and kindness in communities around the world. One translation of today’s verse (1Cor 13:4) says, “love looks for a way to be constructive.” In other words, love looks for ways to improve someone else’s life. Not just in word but in action. Love brings out the best in other people. Don’t just get up in the morning and think about yourself, or how you can make your own life better. Think about how you can make someone else’s life better.

Ask yourself, “who can I encourage today?” “Who can I build up?” Someone in your life needs your encouragement. Someone in your life needs to know that you believe in them. Someone in your live needs food, or a computer. I believe God will hold us responsible for the people He’s put in our lives. He’s counting on us to bring out the best in our family and friends.

Today, how will you improve the lives of those around you? Will you give them confidence? Will you bring a smile to someone’s face? Ask the Lord to give you creative ways to invest in those around you. As you sow seeds of encouragement and bring out the best in others, God will send people along your path that will build you up too, and help you move forward into the blessing He has in store for you!

“”¦love is kind”¦”

(1 Corinthians 13:4, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for loving me and for being kind to me and my family. Father, thank You for believing in me and always building me up. I ask that You show me creative ways to encourage and build up the people around me. God, help me to be an example of Your love today, and always seek to lift the spirits of those I come into contact with during this difficult time, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Created With Gift And Purpose

62 Reasons Why I Love My Mom

Covid-19 or your sin doesn’t take away your gift or purpose. God created and designed you for a specific purpose. God has placed gifts inside of you to equip you to fulfil your purpose. He knew that covid, disease and sin would be here, but He still blessed us with gifts and purpose. Do you know what your gifts are? What are you passionate about? What can you do better than other people? What would you choose to do if there were no obstacles? God wants you to develop and pursue the gift inside of you, because your gift is a part of your destiny.

The gifts God gives aren’t just for us. He gives us gifts to help build up other people. You have a specific role to play in the body of Christ and your community. That doesn’t mean God’s going to send you to a third world country or make you preach. But, there are people all around you that only you can reach. 

Today, are you using your gifts to build up the kingdom? Are you serving in your local church? Even if you are still discovering what your gifts and purpose are, you can simply take a step and volunteer. Everyone has something to give. You can give a smile, a handshake or an encouraging word. When you step out and serve others, that’s how you develop your gift and move forward in the destiny God has for you!

“Do not neglect your gift”¦”

(1 Timothy 4:14, NIV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for equipping me with gifts and a purpose to fulfil my destiny. God, thank You for walking with me and guiding me to this point in my life. Thank you that covid-19, disease or sin won’t take away my gifts, purpose or eternal destiny. Lord, please show me ways to develop the gifts You have given me, so that I can be a blessing everywhere I go, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Where Is Your Faith?

Covid-19 has tested our faith and our belief in God. Many Christians have placed more faith in Boris, Trump, the government and science, than in God and His Words. Faith is more than a feeling that is only strong when we’re in church or with prayer warriors. Faith is a confidence that comes from knowing God and His promises. When you know a person well, and you know they always keep their word, and they tell you they are coming to your house at a certain time, then you have faith that they will come to your house at that time. You aren’t going to call them just before and ask if they are still coming. No, you trust that they are faithful to do what they said, because they have done it in the past.

Faith in God works in a similar way. When we know God’s character and His promises, and we’ve seen what He has done in the past, our faith begins to grow. That’s why Romans says that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. That’s how we get to know Him. Through the consistency in His Word and the testimony of others.

Today, I encourage you to build your faith by spending time in God’s Word. Get to know Him and His plans that are for your good. By trusting Him that what He has blessed you with in the past, He will do it again, and more. Let faith rise up in your heart and bring to pass all that you’ve been hoping for! 

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

(Hebrews 11:1, NIV)

Pray With Me! 

Yahweh, thank You for the confident hope and assurance found in You. Father, increase my faith and hope in You. Please show me Your ways as I study Your Word, so I will get to know and trust You. God, let faith rise in my heart as I seek You first in all that I do today and always, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Receive His Love

You’ve probably heard the saying that “you may be the only Jesus someone ever sees.” There may be a desperate person who is in need of something as small as a smile, or a little money, and you might be the best or the only example of Jesus’ love to them! With this in mind, we should look for ways to live with true compassion, and a caring attitude toward others. That’s how you can plant seeds of God’s love in someone. You may not be around to see the seeds grow into a large and beautiful plant, but you could make a life-changing impact.

When others look at your life, do they know that God loves you? Can they see the change in you? Do they know you are a follower of His? Remember, the evidence is in your words and actions. The most important thing you could ever know and show, is that God loves you. His love changes us. His love empowers us. His love takes us to new levels. His love gives us eternal life.

Today, open your heart fully and receive His love. Then turn around and love Him in return by following His commands. Make the decision today to let His love show all over you!

“We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people”

(1 Thessalonians 1:4, NLT)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, I thank You for Your love and compassion for me. Thank You for loving me, for empowering me, and changing me to be more like You. God, have Your way in my heart, so that I can be a shining light of Your love to the people around me. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Desire And Power

Spirit = Breath

The more things go wrong in this world, and the older I get, the more I want to please God. What about you? Do you desire to please Him? When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, God works in you to change your desires from self-seeking to God-seeking.

When you make a wrong choice, or do something that displeases Him, most times, you know it immediately. There’s a feeling of uneasiness on the inside of you. You might even feel a little sick to your stomach. That’s because the desire to please God is built inside of you. That “feeling” is the Spirit’s convicting that keeps you on the right path. God doesn’t just give you the desire to please Him; He gave you the power to please Him. He didn’t just call you; He equipped you! So follow that inner prompting.

Today, even when you make a mistake, even when you have a setback, God is always ready to help you. He loves you so much, and He wants the best for you. His plans and purposes for your life are good. When you are totally committed to Him, nothing will stop Almighty God from accomplishing great and marverlous things in and through you!

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”

(Philippians 2:13, NLT)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for filling me with the desire to please You. Father, I know that as I follow Your promptings, You are leading me in the path of life. God, I pray for the desire and the power to do what pleases You. I love You and bless Your holy Name, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Don’t Just Think Your Thanks, Show It!

What a great weekend ministering on Adventist Radio London. On Friday we praised and thanked God. On Saturday we learnt to thank God in advance. Then on Sunday we thanked God for 2 years of broadcasting the Ray of Hope Show. Are you overflowing with thankfulness today? Is your thankfulness spilling out on to the people around you? Don’t just think your thanks, show it! Don’t let the kindness of others go unnoticed.

It’s easy to take for granted the people who are closest to us, but those are the people we should thank the most. Your family, your friends, the ones who love and support you are the ones who should feel your thankfulness the most. Today’s scripture says to live in Christ and be built up in Him. When you build yourself up by studying the Word and praying in the Spirit, then the second part of the verse will happen naturally, you will be strengthened in your faith, and your heart will be filled with thankfulness.

Today, take a step of faith and begin to show your thankfulness to those around you. Let it overflow! Sow seeds of gratitude and blessing, so you can reap an abundant harvest of blessing in return!

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” 

(Colossians 2:6—7, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for an awesome weekend and for strengthening me with Your faith and love. Father, help me be a blessing to those around me, and give me creative ways to let my life overflow with thankfulness. God, I bless You today and give You thanks, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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God Is Our Healer And Protector

Do you need healing in your life? If there is one thing our world needs now it’s healing — emotionally, physically and spiritually. It doesn’t matter what is sick or broken in your life today, God’s nature is to bring you complete healing. Do you need healing in you body? Your mind? Heart? Finances? Relationships? God is your healer. 

The Psalmist says in today’s verse: “He binds up their wounds.” In the natural, if you have a broken arm, it doesn’t just heal overnight. The doctor makes a cast to hold it in place and protect it. He binds up your wounds. In the spiritual realm, God does the same thing. He wraps Himself around your brokenness, and protects the wounded area until it is strong enough to function properly again. Hallelujah! The Bible also says that God is a restorer. That means that when He does a work of healing in our lives, He makes us better than we were before.

Today, if you’re going through the healing process whether emotionally, physically and spiritually, know this: it may take longer than you planned, but God is binding up your wounds. He is protecting you and healing you. He will bring you out better and stronger than you were before. He will take you to a place of complete healing, so that you can live the life of eternal victory He has in store for you.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

(Psalm 147:3, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for being my healer and protector during some difficult times. Father, thank You for restoring every area of my life. I truly love You and trust You. God, I give You my brokenness and everything that I am today. Use me for Your glory in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Covid-19 Has Changed Our Priorities

Because of Covid-19 many of us have new priorities. I now go for a walk in nature daily admiring the flowers, ducks, geese and lakes in my area. Things we have taken for granted and overlooked in the past are now a priority, whether we set these priorities consciously or unconsciously. We have learnt how to organise our time based on what’s important to us.

Scripture, doctors and the government encourage us to make our health a priority. When we are at our best mentally and physically, every other area of our life seems more manageable. God created you to be active and healthy, so that you can be ready for what He has in store for you.

Today, what can you do to invest in your health? Can you change one thing in your diet? Can you add 10 minutes of exercise to your schedule each day? Can you go to sleep before midnight? Being mentally and physically healthy is not just a good idea, it’s a good spiritual idea, so make health a priority!

“Dear friend, I am praying that all is well with you and that your body is as healthy as I know your soul is.”

(3 John 1:2, TLB)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, today I dedicate my body to Your service and glory. Father, teach me through Your spirit what is a priority to You for my life. Also teach me how to strengthen my mind and get rid of stinking thinking. God, help me to honour You and make good decisions for my health, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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The Enemy Wants You To Be Bitter

With death, domestic violence, sibling rivalry and race issues etc on the increase during this lockdown, there will be more and more bitterness, and long term unforgiveness and resentment in our society. Bitterness is an extremely destructive force. It can seep into the depths of your heart if you choose not to forgive someone.

Scripture tells us that if we choose not to forgive others, it will even hinder our prayers. Thank God that He has empowered us with the power to forgive and release bitterness! It all begins with a choice. You may have been through unfair situations, but it’s not over until God says it’s over. God always has the final say. He is a God of justice, even today during these hard times. He sees every wrong that’s ever been done to you, and every unfair situation, and He will make it right. Trust Him!

Today, If you will stay in faith and choose to forgive, God will make your wrongs right. He’ll bring justice into your life. Your attitude should be, “it may have been unfair. They may have done me wrong, but I refuse to get bitter. I know my time is coming.” Choose forgiveness, honour God and walk in complete freedom in every area of your life!

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”

(Ephesians 4:31, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I refuse bitterness. I refuse to allow the past or present to keep me stuck. Father, take away my negative feelings towards others. Please help me right now to forgive those who have hurt me. God, I pray blessings on them, that they would come to know Your truth and their lives will be changed. In faith I thank You for setting my heart free, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Stay Focused On What You Have

As we lockdown and isolate, our goal will be to focus on what we have to do and things which are enjoyable. The scripture talks about how God has given us the power to enjoy what is allotted and appointed to us. That simply means that you have the power to enjoy your life. You may have success, money, friends or a good job, but if you put God in your life, you are going to enjoy more. God has uniquely designed us to run our race.

Don’t be tempted to compare yourself or wish you had what someone else has. You shouldn’t think, “if only I had their talent”¦” No, if God wanted you to have that talent, He would have given it to you. Instead, take what you have and develop it. Make the most of it. Don’t think, “if only I had her looks”¦” No, God gave you your looks. That’s not an accident. The life you have has been perfectly matched for you so enjoy and stay focused.

Today, you’ve got to do your part and get excited about your life, isolation or not. Be excited about who you are whose you are – your looks, your talent, your ability, your personality. When you’re passionate about who you are, it brings honour to God. Then God will breathe in your direction, and the seeds of greatness in you will take root and begin to flourish! Remember God has given us the power to enjoy what is allotted and appointed to us.

“Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage.”

(Ecclesiastes 5:18, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I thank You for giving me the gifts, talents and abilities to enjoy life and accomplish Your will, even in these difficult situations. God, today, I will put my trust and hope in You, knowing that You have equipped me for the destiny You have for me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Enthusiasm Is What We Need Today

Despite the storms, the Christian should be enthusiastic and excited because of the gift of the Holy Ghost which lives inside of them. The word “enthusiasm” comes from the Greek word “entheos.” “Theos” means God. When you’re enthusiastic, it simply means you are full of God. When you get up in the morning you should be excited about your future, recognising that today is a gift. Go out with a spring in your step, pursue your goals and be passionate about life, because God has breathed into you His Spirit.

Studies tell us that people who are enthusiastic seem to get better breaks. They’re promoted more often and people love being around them. That’s not a coincidence. When you’re full of spiritual passion and enthusiasm, you have the favour of God. God didn’t breathe His life into us to drag through the day. He didn’t create us in His image, crown us with His favour, and equip us with His power to just go through the motions of life.

Today, you may have had some setbacks, the wind may have been taken out of your sail because of this current situation, but this is a new day! God wants to breathe new life back into you, so you’ll get your fire back, your passion back, the wind will start blowing once again. When you’re in agreement with God, He will cause the winds of favour to shift in your direction!

“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace”¦ 

(Isaiah 55:12, NIV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for allowing me to see another sunrise, another day, and have another opportunity to praise You and pursue the dreams You’ve given me. God, help me to stay filled with enthusiasm, joy and passion, so I can serve You with my whole heart in everything that I do for You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Have You Ever Seen A Photo Of God?

During this time of lockdown, many of us spend time looking at old photos of treasured times with family or with friends. You probably enjoy showing those photos to others and sharing those special moments. But have you ever thought about having a picture of God in your house? It may not be in a frame on the shelf. 

Today’s scripture tells us that when we love others we are creating a picture of God. We are showing others what He looks like because God is love. God wants us to know Him. He wants to reveal Himself in and through us. He wants us to display His love and share it with others like we do with photos. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us what love looks like it’s patient, kind, gentle, and so much more.

Today, know that you are never more like God than when you are loving others. Love never fails. Always remember, the greatest thing you could ever have or do is love — that is a true picture of God. Everything else will fade away, but His love is a picture that will last forever!

“No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love is brought to full expression in us.” 

(1 John 4:12, NLT)

Pray With Me
ahweh, I thank You today for showing me Your love which lasts forever. Father, help me to love others the way You love them, so that my life can be a picture of You to all those I come into contact with, in Jesus’ Name! Amen. 

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Know When Not To Fight

Tame the Wilderness of Your Mind...Or Let the Wilderness Control You

The real question you must ask yourself is “what are you willing to do to live a life of victory?” In order to live the life of victory God has promised, you have to be very selective about what and who you give your time and attention to. You have to recognise which thoughts to ignore, which comments to ignore, and sometimes, which people to ignore. Every “battle” that comes across your path is not a battle that you’re supposed to fight. Many battles are simply distractions by the enemy to try to get you off course. If that battle is not between you and your God-given destiny, it’s a battle you should ignore.

Have you heard the saying mind your own business? Many people get thrown off course because they are always trying to straighten everyone else out, or win their approval. But if that’s your focus, you are wasting valuable time and energy that you should be using to pursue your dreams. Don’t get involved with things that don’t concern you, turn away from distractions! You don’t need the approval of everyone around you, you only need God’s approval!

Today, realise, it’s very liberating when you don’t have to fight every battle. You don’t have to straighten people out. You don’t have to pay somebody back for what they may have done. Instead, focus on what matters, focus on God and His Word. Remember, in order to stay focused and live in victory, you may have to be selective about what and who you give your attention to, so you can live in peace and happiness all the days of your life!

“Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way.”

(Psalm 119:37, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for ordering my steps. Thank You for planning good things for me. Father, help me to discern the things, people and battles I should ignore. God, help me to avoid distractions that will rob me of my victory and happiness, as I focus my heart and mind on You today, in Jesus’ Name! Amen. 

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Don’t Get Angry Because Things Get Out Of Control

Early in the morning on Sunday I was awaken suddenly by an incident that made me very upset. Every day, we have opportunities to get upset, frustrated or offended. Maybe you had plans that didn’t work out, or someone was rude to you at the supermarket, or at the office. Maybe you were doing something that should have taken one hour and it ended up taking three.

Life is full of frustrations, but even though we can’t always control our circumstances, we can control our reaction. I heard somebody say, “life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond.” We should go out each day with a positive attitude, full of hope and expecting God’s favour. But at the same time, we should recognise that most days are not going to go exactly as we plan. Remember, we were created to live in peace. Peace is our position of power.

Today, if you get stressed because you got off schedule, or upset because your child wouldn’t eat his breakfast, or frustrated because somebody offended you, what you’re doing is giving away your power. Instead, make the decision to release those offenses and disappointments so you can live in peace, and enjoy the day as the blessing God prepared for you!

“Good sense makes a man restrain his anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression or an offense.”

(Proverbs 19:11, AMPC)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I release all my care, concern, offence and disappointment to You. Father, I will do my best to keep the peace, even when life gets out of control and I get frustrated and angry. God, I won’t give away the power of peace that You have blessed me with. Help me have the right attitude at all times. I look forward to today knowing that You are with me, leading me into victory, in Jesus’ Name! Amen. 

 

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