By Your Deeds

He Holds All Things Together

I’m Sure you’ve heard the Bible text “faith without works is dead.” implying that If we don’t put our faith into action, it’s not really faith, it’s just nice ideas. You see, when God truly does a work in our lives, it affects everything about us. It affects our words, our thoughts and our deeds or actions. 

How do you know someone is generous? By their generous deeds. How do you know someone is kind? By their kind deeds. How do you know someone is loving? By their loving deeds. How do you know someone is a Christian? By their Christ-like deeds. Can people tell by your actions that you belong to God? We all have areas where we can come up higher, but as believers in Jesus, we can be confident that God is at work in us.

Today, know that God is faithful and will complete what He started. As we invite Him to search our hearts and minds, as we surrender every area of our life to Him and put our faith into action, He will finish His perfect work in us!

“And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.”

(Philemon 1:6, NLT)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for changing me, for making me more like You. Father, I invite Your love to do a work in my heart, so that I won’t be someone who just talks the talks, but also walks the walks, reflecting You in every deed that I do in, Christ’s Name! Amen


CategoriesDEVOTIONAL

Be A Reflector Not Just A Light

Growing up, all I heard from family and close friends was that I looked and behaved like my father. From my walk to my talk I reflected him. When we reflect something, we are exhibiting its likeness.We are displaying its characteristics. Like a mirror, the Bible tells us that we should reflect the character and likeness of Jesus. We should have His same walk and talk.

That may sound impossible; after all, Jesus was the Son of God. But remember, when we accept Him as our Lord and Saviour, the Bible says, “we become sons and daughters of God,” too. We become empoweredby the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. That means we have the same power, the same spirit of humility, the same strength, and the same love on the inside. We are equipped to do what He did. What did He do? Scripture says that Jesus went arounddoing good and bringing healing to others; physically, spiritually and emotionally.

Today, open the door for God to work in your life. Humbly invite Him in. Let that be your goal today–open your heart to Him, Let His mind be your mind, so you can reflect Him in your attitude and actions!

“Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility].” (Philippians 2:5, AMP)

(Philippians 2:5, AMP)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, right now I invite You to dwell in my thoughts, heart and attitude. I choose to follow Your example and bring good to others. God, help me be a pure reflection of Your love in everything I doand say, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Be A Reflector Not Just A Light

Growing up, all I heard from family and close friends was that I looked and behaved like my father. From my walk to my talk I reflected him. When we reflect something, we are exhibiting its likeness.We are displaying its characteristics. Like a mirror, the Bible tells us that we should reflect the character and likeness of Jesus. We should have His same walk and talk.

That may sound impossible; after all, Jesus was the Son of God. But remember, when we accept Him as our Lord and Saviour, the Bible says, “we become sons and daughters of God,” too. We become empoweredby the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. That means we have the same power, the same spirit of humility, the same strength, and the same love on the inside. We are equipped to do what He did. What did He do? Scripture says that Jesus went arounddoing good and bringing healing to others; physically, spiritually and emotionally.

Today, open the door for God to work in your life. Humbly invite Him in. Let that be your goal today–open your heart to Him, Let His mind be your mind, so you can reflect Him in your attitude and actions!

“Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility].” (Philippians 2:5, AMP) (Philippians 2:5, AMP)

(Philippians 2:5, AMP)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, right now I invite You to dwell in my thoughts, heart and attitude. I choose to follow Your example and bring good to others. God, help me be a pure reflection of Your love in everything I doand say, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

A New Garment

While in Kenya recently, I was looking for a new African printed garment. I wanted something I hadn’t seen before. Do you need a new garment today? I’m not talking about an African or a physical garment. I’m talking about what’s covering your mind and emotions. 

Question to ponder: are you clothed with despair and disappointment? Are you wearing “heaviness?” If you’ve gone through a hurtful situation, the Bible says there is a time to grieve, and it’s important to release that hurt to the Lord. But the Bible also tells us that God wants to give us a garment of praise, instead of a spirit of heaviness and despair. Hallelujah!

Today, are you letting the garments of yesterday weigh you down and hold you back? It’s time for a new garment. The garment of praise is light and filled with peace and joy. Don’t carry those heavy burdens around anymore. Choose to forgive those who have hurt you, and praise God for what He’s doing in your life today. If nothing else, start praising Him for the beautiful sunrise. Praise Him for restoring you, even if you don’t see it yet. Just like this verse says, you will be as strong and secure as a tall oak tree, displaying His splendour all the days of your life! Make praise a garment and wear it daily.

Provide for those who grieve”¦a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendour. 

(Isaiah 61:3, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I thank You today for my new garment of praise. Father, I come to You today and ask that You take off my old garments of despair and heaviness. God, please make me new. Give me the boldness today to display my  garment of praise wherever I go, so that Your glory and splendour may be seen in all areas of my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

This Friday Doesn’t Feel Good

To the typical every day Christian, the Cross is a symbol of victory. But this Good Friday just like when Christ died, doesn’t feel good at all. We reflect on Jesus’ death on the cross, and think of the suffering He had to go through. Then we turn our attention to today, with thousands of our loved ones dying daily because of a deadly virus, this Friday doesn’t feel good, or like we are in a position of victory.

When we think about the cross and our current situation, it may look like evil has triumphed over goodness, the powerful over the powerless, but that’s not the truth. Jesus’ death on the cross was actually good overpowering evil. Jesus was triumphing. When He cried out, ‘it is finished’ (some translations say ‘it is completed’), He didn’t mean, ‘I’m finished, My cause is defeated.’ Far from being crushed, Jesus triumphed over the powers of darkness. Hallelujah! In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, as well as all their evil antics. He shamed them publicly, physically and spiritually by His victory over them, and He changed how we could relate to God. No longer would we be bound by sin and shame; instead, He paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we could be right with God. Love triumphed over the law. The Bible says “and three days later the empty tomb proved Christ had won the victory over death”. 

Today, on this Good Friday, Christ’s victory over evil on the cross gives us hope that evil won’t win. Covid-19 will not determine the end of this world, or who will be in the resurrection. Whatever we’re facing, we know we can be victorious, because Christ was victorious. We’re overcomers because He has already overcome. Christ says, ‘in this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world’ (NIV). Sin, shame, and struggles won’t overcome us, because He has already overcome them all. So, this Good Friday, let’s remember that the cross and death wasn’t the end — Jesus rose and because He did we can. 

‘In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world’

(John 16:33 NIV). 

Pray With Me
Yahweh, on this Good Friday give Your people Your peace, that we may shine brightly in this dark and evil world. Father, grant us the courage to live faithfully even in the midst of hard times. Let our fear of You be the beginning of wisdom, rather than allowing the fear of the world to drive our actions. God, help us to embrace our heavenly citizenship, and live confidently in the midst of a world that needs to know You. Show Your mercy and heal those who are suffering. Most of all God, come. Restore the world You have made and make all things new. God, on this Good Friday, please grant us your goodness. We pray that Your will would be done, in Christ’s most Holy Name! Amen.

A Coronavirus Reality

Sin, Happiness, and Breaking Out of Spiritual Boredom

After Boris Johnson the British Prime Minister was admitted to intensive care on Monday night, it made me think about all the dreams and successes of our youth that won’t be fulfilled. What are you doing to bring your dreams to pass today? Are you getting prepared? Do you have clear direction? Are you taking the necessary steps of faith? Accomplishing dreams and success is intentional.

You may not know what steps to take right now, but God has a good plan for your life. If you’ll do your part to seek Him and begin to make plans to succeed before it’s too late, God will guide you. He will direct your steps. He will make dreams come true. You don’t have to vaguely go through life unfocused. God wants to show you His plan. He wants to pour out His blessing, direction and favour on you, and see you living a life of victory.

Today, make plans to succeed, take no thought about tomorrow. Write down your goals. Make time to evaluate where you are in life. Evaluate your finances, your career and your relationships. Don’t go another day, week or month without having a plan for your future. Daily evaluate how you’re spending your time, money and love for family and friends. If you’ll go beyond dreaming and start making plans to succeed, trust God’s promises that He’s going to direct your steps, He will lead you down the path of success and purpose in all areas of your life — beginning today.

“The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.”

(Proverbs 16:9)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, I can’t stop thinking about those lives and loved ones that have been lost, and all those dreams that have gone in this world. Father, help me to see clearly the plan You have for me today and every day. Help me get focused and prioritise my spiritual dreams and purpose. God, I submit every area of my life to You, and trust that You are working behind the scenes for my good. God, after seeing what is happening in this world, I have decided I can’t waste another moment outside of Your will. Order my steps Lord and comfort those that mourn, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Different From The World’s Peace

As the doctors came in yesterday to share the bad news with the family, all the faces were solemn. After he delivered the bad news gasps, shouts of “no”, swearing and anger filled the room. The spirit prompted me to pray for peace, quoting Matthew 4, I stated “peace be still” in my prayer. No matter what may be going on around you today, you can still live in peace. Scripture encourages us not to let our hearts be troubled. In other words, don’t meditate on all the negative things in this world to the point that it steals your peace. 

Today, if you have fear, worry or anxiety about anything, recognise that those feelings aren’t from God, because He has promised to give you a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. There is tremendous power in peace. When you are at peace internally, you can think more clearly. You can hear the voice of God more easily. You’ll make better decisions. Even your physical body responds to peace.

Remember, the enemy knows this, and his goal is to steal your peace. He tries to set you up to get you upset. But when you choose to receive God’s peace, then no weapon formed against you shall prosper! Hallelujah!

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

 (John 14:27, NIV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for Your gift of peace in my life. Father, I choose to receive Your peace in my heart and hold it close to me always. Despite what happens in life, I receive Your Word as truth and life to my heart and soul. God, I ask for Your healing hands upon the Prime Minister, his family and the thousands of others who have been unwell by this virus. God, I claim and receive Your promise of peace in our lives today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Jesus Died for Us

There is one great central truth to be kept ever before our minds in the searching of the bible – Christ‘s crucifixion. Every other truth is invested with influence and power corresponding to its relation to this theme. The soul which has been overcome by sin can be endowed with life only through the work wrought out upon the cross by the Author of our salvation – Jesus Christ the son of God.

When Christ bowed His head and died on the cross, He bore the pillars of Satan’s kingdom with Him to the earth. He vanquished Satan. Amen.

Christ submitted to crucifixion, although the heavenly host could have instantly delivered Him. The angels suffered with Christ. God Himself was crucified with Christ; for Christ is one with the Father.

Those who reject Christ, those who will not have him direct them, choose to place themselves under the rule of Satan, to do his work as his follower. Yet for them Christ yielded up His life on Calvary.

He who died for the sins of the world remained in the tomb for an allotted time. He was in that stony prison house as a prisoner of divine justice. He was responsible to the Judge of the universe. He was bearing the sins of the world, and His Father only could release Him.

He identified Himself with our interests, bared His breast for the stroke of death, took man’s guilt and its penalty, and offered in man’s behalf a complete sacrifice to God. By virtue of this atonement, He has power to offer to man perfect righteousness and full salvation. Therefore, whosoever shall believe on Jesus as a personal Saviour shall not perish, but have everlasting life. Amen.

The price of man’s redemption has been paid by Jesus, and all he has and is should be sprinkled with the blood of the lamb, dedicated to God; for it all belongs to Jesus the one true and only living saviour.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8.

Prayer

Almighty Father, Creator of the universe, I approach Your Heavenly Gates with a grateful heart. I bless Your Holy Name and submit the honor and praise that is due unto You.

Beautiful Lord, I was created in your image, fearfully and wonderfully made to be the light in this dark world.

Father please guide me in a plain path of righteousness according to Your will and glory. You are the Omnipotent Potter and I am the clay.

Shape me, mold me, use me and fill me each and everyday to become more like Christ.

Be A Person of Integrity

he definition of integrity is that you are dependable. You are a person of your word. You’re consistent and honest. Integrity is a powerful attribute in the life of the believer. 

You may be a pretty good person that does the right thing most of the time. But understand, it’s the little foxes that spoil the vine. You can veer off course just a little bit, and before you know it, you’re miles away from your destination. Don’t allow the little things to keep you from your destiny; choose integrity–even when no one is looking.

For instance, you might need some paper at home, but you shouldn’t take supplies from the office. Or, you might be running into a store for just a minute, but don’t park in the disabled parking spot unless you’re supposed to. If the checkout clerk makes a mistake and gives you too much money back, that’s not God’s provision, that’s a test of integrity!

Today, remember, if you’ll be faithful and choose integrity in the little things, God will make you ruler over much. Be a person of integrity and open the door for God’s blessings and honour all the days of your life!

“The Lord judges the people; judge me, O Lord, and do me justice according to my righteousness [my rightness, justice, and right standing with You] and according to the integrity that is in me.”

(Psalm 7:8, AMPC)?

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I commit to live a life of integrity. I choose a life of excellence, and ask for Your hand of favour. Show me any area that is not pleasing to You, so that I can continue to grow and increase in You, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

A special word from the Lord, from Pastor Ray Patrick

Speaking In Numbers

Many ask how does God speak? He speaks directly, He speaks through His Word, He speaks through dreams and visions, and He also speaks through others. Are you facing an important decision today? God wants to give you the answer. He wants to direct your steps. Many times, He will speak to us through the people He has placed in our lives. That’s why the Bible says that safety is found in a multitude of advisers.

Remember, God designed us to live in families, communities and congregations. We need to be open to receiving input from the people who are close to us. That doesn’t mean you have to follow everything everyone tells you. But if you’re in a particular situation or relationship, and all the people around you are giving you the same word of caution, it may be God trying to get a message to you. Take that advice and bring it before the Lord in prayer, and make sure the advice doesn’t contradict His Word.  Ask Him to confirm His perfect plan to your heart. Remember, wisdom comes from God, and wise counsel will always be in agreement with God’s Word. He will always confirm the answer when you ask Him.

Today, whatever you are facing, be open to receiving wise counsel. As you do, you will be blessed and protected, and walk in confidence down the path the Lord has prepared for you!

“Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counsellors there is victory.” (Proverbs 11:14, NASB)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for the spiritual people You have placed in my life as wise counsel. Father, please confirm and give me answers to the issues in my life. Help me understand Your truth, so that I can make godly choices. Keep me close to You always so I will clearly know when You are speaking, and lead me in Your way, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

Sealed With Power And Authority

Did you know that you were created with power and authority. Today’s scripture tells us that you have the mark of authority of the Almighty. We don’t often hear about signet rings anymore; but in Bible times, they were very significant. The signet ring was used to identify the message or messenger, and the authority they had. In other words, you knew something was from the king because it was marked by his signet ring. It was representative of power and authority. God has chosen and set you apart to be identified with Him. Hallelujah!

When you have someone’s power and authority, it’s like having power of attorney; you have the authority to act on behalf of that individual. As a believer in Jesus, you are marked with His seal. Think of all you have access to today!

Today, think about the authority you have. Everything God has is available to you–healing, provision, strength, peace, joy. You have been given authority to unlock His abundant blessings and power over all the forces of evil in Jesus’ name. Accept His seal, and you will be marked to live the abundant life He has in store for you!

“‘”¦I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you,’ declares the LORD Almighty.” (Haggai 2:23, NIV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for choosing me and calling me Your own. Father, help me to fully understand the authority and power You’ve placed in me, through Your Son and Holy Spirit. I receive all the supernatural blessings You have for me today, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

He Is My Refuge”¦

Watching hurricane Maria destroy parts of the West Indies, and earthquakes decimate Mexico, the word was “take refuge where ever you can”. My question to you today is — where do you take refuge when the storms of life come? Where do you go for comfort and safety? Some people find it easy to turn to their friends, their job, alcohol or even a bowl of ice cream. Before you turn to anything turn to God. He wants us to take refuge in Him. He longs to protect us, defend us and give us His strength. We serve a good God, and when we take refuge in Him, He will pour out His abundant blessing in our lives.

Today, taste and see that the Lord is good, and His promises are true. When you turn to God, you will find rest and refuge for your soul in the Bible’s promises. Lean on Him when you’re not strong, no matter what storm you may be facing, come to the Father. He will give you His peace and strength as you take refuge in Him.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” 

(Psalm 34:8, ESV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I open my heart to You, please be my refuge during my storms. Thank You for Your peace and rest, and for showing me Your hand of blessing as I take refuge in You. God, help me today while I’m going through some hard times. I hold on to You with all I have, trusting in Your promises, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

Life’s Ups And Downs

I always say life is like a roller coaster. In life, we all have ups and downs. This time of year can be especially challenging. There are seasons that are more difficult when our character is being developed, and our faith in God is being strengthened. Sometimes, it can feel like we are taking two steps forward and three steps backward. If we’re not careful, we’ll start thinking that life is always going to be this way.

God doesn’t want us to live life like a roller coaster. He wants to bring us to a place of stability, so we can remain strong in Him. Jesus said, “I am the vine. You are the branches. If you abide in me, you will bear much fruit and your fruit will remain.” The word “remain” means “to be fixed, immovable, not affected by circumstances.”

Today, if you will just keep abiding in Him, just keep meditating on His Word, He’ll bring you through. He’ll make you strong. He’ll keep you stable, and you’ll embrace the life of blessing and focus He has prepared for you!

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

(John 15:7, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahshua, thank You for wanting to remain with a sinner like me. I choose to set my heart and mind on You, despite the roller coaster of life, knowing that You are good, faithful and stable. Father, I trust that as I seek You and put You first, You will direct my steps. God, today I’m choosing to remain in You, and follow You in everything I do, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

God Has Prepared Your Blessing

Victory In Christ

God took Adam, who He had just breathed life into, and put him in the garden. Notice Adam came into a prepared blessing, something that God had already finished for him. Think about Adam and Eve in the garden. God took the first five days and created the heavens, the earth, the sky, the land and the water. He planted a garden. He put in it beautiful flowers and luscious fruit. He designed rivers to flow through it. He put precious treasures in the ground: onyx, gold and silver. Yes Adam came into a prepared blessing.

When God laid out the plan for your life, He lined up the right people, the right breaks and the right opportunities. He has blessings that have your name on them. If you will stay in faith and keep honouring God, one day you will come in to what already belongs to you. It’s a prepared blessing! Hallelujah!

Today, in the same way, God has some prepared blessings in store for you. He has worked, arranging things in your favour, getting it all perfectly in place. You couldn’t make it happen on your own. It’s just the goodness of God bringing you into a prepared blessing!

“You prepare a table before me”¦”

(Psalm 23:5, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for preparing a place of blessing for me from before I was born. Father, I choose to trust You and Your timing, knowing that You are working things out on my behalf. God, I glorify You for Your awesome timing and preparation in my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Alone?

Everyone goes through times in life when they feel a little lonely, or wonder where they belong. God designed the family to always be a place of love and acceptance. Maybe you didn’t come from an environment like that, or maybe you’ve been away from your family. Maybe they are no longer around. God still desires to meet that need for family. The Bible says that He is the Father to the fatherless, and He places the solitary in families. God wants to give you a circle of people you can trust, who will embrace and accept you.

If you need family today, ask God to meet that need and show you where you belong. Or, maybe you are the one who can open your home and heart to someone who is alone. The point is that God loves family. He designed the family for a purpose. Jesus said in Matthew 12 that those who do God’s will are His family.

Today, if you are part of the family of God, you are never alone! He promises to never leave you nor forsake you. He promises to fill you with His peace and joy, so that you can live as an overcomer all the days of your life!

“God places the solitary in families”¦” 

(Psalm 68:6, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for making me a part of Your family. Father, thank You for diminishing my loneliness and being my Father. Thank You for accepting and embracing me always, even when I embarrass You with my sinful behaviour. God, show me how I can reach out and be an example of family in someone else’s life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

God I Want Joy And Excitement

Portrait in Stockholm, Sweden by Oliver Ragfelt

After a hard week many of us may have lost the joy and excitement we started the year with. Did you know that it is God’s will for you to be joyful always? He wants you to be happy and carefree. He wants you to love your life no matter what your circumstances look like. In fact, when you have joy in the midst of difficult circumstances, that is evidence that you have faith and trust that God will bring you through.

Remember, joy is strength. When you have His supernatural joy, you can stand strong no matter what’s going on around you. You might say, “I’m just not a real jovial person. I’m more serious. I never laugh much.” And of course, God made us all differently, but you can train yourself to laugh more. One article said that the average child laughs over 200 times a day, but the average adult only laughs 4 times a day. What’s happened? As we get older we’ve allowed the pressures of life, stress and more responsibilities, little by little, to steal our joy.

Today, make the decision to get your joy and excitement back! Decide that you are going to look beyond these serious problems, and look at what God will do on your behalf. Ask Him everyday to fill you with His supernatural peace and joy, so that you can live in His strength and victory every day of your life!

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:16—18, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I humbly receive Your Word today. Father, I choose to open my heart to You and invite You to fill me with joy and excitement and strength and spiritual vigour. God, I want to spiritually be excited again, I rebuke the negative mundane daily news that stresses our lives, that rob me of my God-given joy. Fill me Your goodness, and empower me with Your grace. I bless You today and always, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

What Is the Kingdom of God?

With all that’s going on in this world, have you been wondering about God’s kingdom? What it is, or where it is? The Bible says the kingdom of God is in the here and now, and thank God, we have a kingdom that cannot be shaken! The kingdom is simply God’s system and His throne. It’s His way of doing things. The Bible tells us that His kingdom is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!

In God’s kingdom, when you give, it shall be given back to you, pressed down, shaken together and running over, this is not only talking about money. In God’s kingdom, you can have an abundance of peace and prosperity in your spirit, mind and body, no matter what’s happening around you. And just like the verse says, His kingdom cannot be shaken! That means, if the stock market goes down, God’s kingdom is still strong. If the housing market goes down, God’s kingdom is still strong. If gas prices go up, God’s kingdom is still strong!

Today, you can live in God’s kingdom that cannot be shaken no matter what’s happening here on earth. Begin to thank God today for His kingdom. Thank Him for His system of blessing in every area of your life. As you obey His Word and worship Him with a grateful attitude, you’ll embrace His kingdom and walk in the abundant life He has for you!

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” 

(Hebrews 12:28, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your kingdom of peace that lives amongst us. Father, thank You for Your system of blessing in my life. I praise You oh God for Your kingdom that cannot be shaken by the things of this earth, the economy, the prime minister or manifesto, biological games, or people with demonic intent. God, I open my heart to You and ask that You reveal Your truth to me, so that I can live in Your ways all the days of my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

 

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