Author: Pastor Ray Patrick

Evangelism. Outreach. Ministry. Pastor Ray Patrick is a R.E Teacher at The Eden School
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God Will Hide You – Safely Hide You…

When The New Year Doesn’t Feel Like The Start Of Anything

Challenges may come your way, but you won’t be worried about them. You know that ultimately, things are going to work out for your good. You know that no weapon formed against you shall prosper. What a wonderful promise we have, that when we seek God, when we serve Him with our whole hearts, He will hide us in His shelter. Hallelujah!

That means you can be so connected to Father God, that you are untouchable, and invisible to the enemy! You are hidden in Him! No matter what is happening around you, you can have strength, confidence and rest in Him.

Today, people may be talking about you, trying to make you look bad, but you don’t even give it a second thought. You know that your future is too bright to be distracted. You know they don’t control your destiny. You just keep on being your best, walking in integrity, meditating on the Word and worshipping throughout the day, so you remain hidden in Him!

“For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.” (Psalm 27:5, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I come to You today with an open and humble heart. Father, I thank You for Your promise that You will hide me. Make me invisible and untouchable to the enemy. I surrender every area of my life to You. God, mould me into Your image, and keep me hidden in You. I bless You and praise You today and always, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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A NEW YOU: God can change impossible situations

Does this situation look impossible? It’s time to believe God for something that seems impossible? We serve a great and mighty God, and He can create something out of nothing! He can make a way when there seems to be no way. Before God spoke the world into existence, it was formless and void. If God can make the world out of nothing, He can take the empty places in your life and create something beautiful too.

Today, God can speak light into your darkest hour. He can take your formless dreams that seems to be fading and give them shape. He can resurrect your dormant gifts and talents! He can make your crooked places straight! Trust Him in all things, because He can make something out of nothing, there is nothing too hard for Him! trust Him at this time!

“The earth was formless and void”¦and God said, let there be light.” (Genesis 1:2—3, NASB)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, I trust that You will make a way where there seems to be no way. Father, thank You for forming my shapeless life. Now God, fill the void that is in my life today because of this world’s circumstances and instabilities. Please, I beg You, turn on the light in our darkness today. Give me Your peace and faith, and give me a vision of hope which is bigger than my now. I trust You in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Don’t Get It Twisted – God Is My Sustainer

I was washing my hands thinking about life, I began to think that water is the great sustainer of life – we drink it, bathe in it and now we are being told it could save our lives by washing our hands. We are told most of our sources are generated by water. But don’t get it twisted, the greater sustainer and generator of life is God. He is your source of life. He wants you to abide in Him and rely on Him for everything. He wants to be your source for strength, provision, hope and joy. Like the air you breathe, He wants you to rely on Him for your very existence.

Remember, abiding in God begins by communing with Him, and meditating on His Word all day long. When you abide in Him, you talk to Him before you go to sleep at night. You think about Him when you first wake up. You dwell on His promises all throughout the day, and continually fellowship with Him in prayer. You make Him your number one priority and stay connected with other believers. Notice what this verse says will happen when you abide in Him–you will produce much fruit! He will be your water and sunlight in the midst of your darkness, so that you can produce gigantic fruit for His Kingdom!

Today, when you are connected to God, everything you set your hand to will be fruitful and blessed. Just like a branch thrives when it is connected to the vine, you will thrive and be prosperous when you abide in Him!

I am the vine, you are the branches. The one who abides in me while I abide in him produces much fruit…”

(John 15:5, ISV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, today I have decided to abide in You. Please be my source. Father, as I wash my hands more than ever before, and drink more water to survive and remain healthy, I won’t get it twisted, but remember, You are my sustainer and I totally depend on You. God, thank You for Your promise of blessing on me, and help me to always be a blessing to others at this time. God, I praise You today because You are my primary sustainer and generator of my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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God Kill Those Weeds

I visited the four seasons nursery in Malawi some years ago and I was looking at the weeds. I am reminded of Jesus in Matthew 13, telling a parable about a man who went out to his field and planted wheat in the ground. He sowed good seed. This represents that he was doing the right thing — honouring God with his life and being good to others. But while he slept, an enemy came in and planted weeds. The man didn’t know what had happened. He was expecting to have a great harvest; after all, he had done all the right things, but the weeds still sprang up among his wheat and cause destruction amongst many.

When life seems great, unexpectedly things will happen. The enemy comes in and sows weeds to strangle us, and cause destruction that we didn’t have anything to do with. The key is to keep the right attitude and stay focused on God, the sower of goodness. When these unexpected challenges happen, we must say, “it’s just another weed, I won’t panic, I didn’t sow it, the enemy is not going to get me off focus, so I don’t have to reap it.” Then we can keep the door open for God to move on our behalf and deal with what the enemy has done.

Today, don’t let the weeds in your life take root. Don’t let discouragement creep in. Instead, lift up your eyes of faith to what your Father God can do for you. He will protect you from all evil, so keep believing, keep praying and keep hoping, because your harvest is on the way!

“Jesus told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.’”

(Matthew 13:24—25, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for the truth of Your Word which sets me free from the weeds the enemy has sown in my life. Help me to keep my heart and mind focused on You and not the weeds. Father, give me Your peace, strength and wisdom, as I uproot the weeds in my life, and focus on the harvest that You have for my future. God, please remove the devil and his weeds today, so I won’t get strangled by them, and totally lose my focus, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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More Hope Than Optimism

Talking to some of the youth at school yesterday, amidst their optimism, there also seems to be a lot of hopelessness. It’s time to set our hope on God so we are not easily swayed by the trials of life.

Setting our hope on God means we set our lives in the right direction. One translation of today’s verse says, “look forward to more and more of God’s favour.” God wants to pour out His goodness and grace on you. He wants to help you get ahead in this life. He wants to lead you to the right job. He wants to lead you to the right relationship. But here’s the key: we have to be on the lookout for more and more of God’s favour. More and more of God’s hope. More and more of God’s grace. That tells me that we can’t get stagnant.

Today, meditate on the truth that God wants to do more than you can even ask or think. It says in Ephesians that He wants to show us the immeasurable, limitless, surpassing greatness of His free favour. In other words, God wants to go above and beyond what we’re used to! He wants to show you favour in unusual and extraordinary ways. Set your hopes dynamically higher today, and increase your expectations of what God will do in your life!

“…set your hope wholly and unchangeably on the grace (divine favour) that is coming to you when Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is revealed.”

(1 Peter 1:13, AMP)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your abundance in every area of my life today. Father, I will set my hope on You, knowing that You want to do more in my life than I can ever imagine. God, by faith I receive more of Your favour, grace and hope. God, teach me to be a vessel used by You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Spiritual Healing: What Does the Bible Say about Healing?

In Uncertain Times Christ's Death and Resurrection Offer Comfort and Hope

Over the last 72 hours many people have become sick, many have been asking God for healing in Jesus’ Name! I came across today’s verse that I found so powerful. Do you need healing in your body physically? spiritually? emotionally? Do you believe you can be healed? Your words can bring that healing. Hallelujah! Start speaking pleasant, powerful, potent words–words of life, encouragement and thanksgiving.

Today, guard your heart by making sure you are only listening to pleasant, life-giving and life transforming words. If there’s something on the TV or radio that isn’t bringing life to your soul, turn it off. If someone’s having a conversation that’s not uplifting or productive, don’t be a part of it, walk away.

Today, choose to meditate with God’s Word, and your words which are living and active and full of life. Speak pleasant, powerful, potent words–words of life. Let God’s strength and peace rise in your soul. Keep your heart and mind focused on Him, and always choose pleasant words so you can be healed!

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet and delightful to the soul and healing to the body.” 

(Proverbs 16:24, AMP)

Pray With Me
Jehovah Rapha, thank You for Your Word which is truth that heals. Father, I repent today for any words that have brought destruction into my life, or the lives of those around me. God, I ask that You uproot every negative seed, and help me to always choose pleasant words of life, so I can be healed physically, spiritually and emotionally, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Corona Virus — No Match For God’s Covenant Of Peace

Yesterday I was speaking to some people who was frustrated with the panic over corona virus. They were full of complaints and fear. My advice to them, as it is to you is, “no matter what you may be facing in life, God is with you. You don’t ever have to feel anxious, worried or upset, because you have a covenant of peace with the Almighty.” That means His peace is always available to you.

Remember this, God’s peace passes all understanding. That means you can have peace when it doesn’t make sense to have peace. When the rest of the world seems to be upset or fretting, you don’t have to be upset or fret. When viruses appear, When loved ones die unexpectedly, you can be at peace, knowing that God has promised to supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory. When the bills are high and the money is low, you can trust that God is your refuge, and He will cause you to live in safety. He’ll make a way where there seems to be no way. Hallelujah!

Today, despite the panic of this corona virus and the death of hundreds of people around the world, begin to trust in God’s promises. Thank Him for His peace and faithfulness in your life. Declare that God’s peace and joy dwells and rules in your heart and mind. As you dwell on God’s promises, your heart will be at rest, and you’ll experience the blessing of His peace and not panic.

“And I will make with them a covenant of peace”¦” 

(Ezekiel 34:25, KJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your covenant of peace. I receive it by faith today. Father, I choose not to worry, fret or panic over this outbreak of the corona virus. God, I will keep my heart and mind fixed on the comfort of Your promises, and I declare the gift of Your peace over my heart and mind, and rebuke that spirit of panic, satanic distrust and selfishness. I lift up those around the world affected by this virus, and ask for total healing in Jesus’ Name! Please comfort those that mourn. Amen.

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Dense Praise Brings Holy Ghost Rain

Photo by Kenzie Kraft on Unsplash

In the last few years I have travelled to several countries where there is a need for rain. Many, particularly in Africa & the Middle East, see rain as being symbolic of God’s blessing, favour and refreshing. If that was the case the UK should be the most spiritual and prosperous place. But it’s all about what the spiritual rain is, and what it does in the supernatural.

God’s Word is like rain that causes us to flourish and blossom in every area. Scripture says we should live like a well-watered garden, vibrant and growing. We should live under a cloud of God’s blessing. How do we do that? Just like in the natural, a cloud is formed when moisture vapours rise up from the earth into the atmosphere. Eventually, the moisture is so abundant that the rain begins to fall. In the same way, your praise is like the invisible vapours that rise up to heaven and form a cloud. Eventually, your praise will activate an outpouring of God’s blessing, favour and provision in your life. Hallelujah!

Today, are you feeling like you are in a dry season? Begin to praise and thank God that He is bringing you through to a place of refreshing. Magnify and bless Him for His goodness in your life. As you turn up your praise, they will form clouds of abundance over your dry barren life, and God will turn up the rain of blessings and abundance because of the density of your praise and worship in every area of your life!

“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth. It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” 

(Isaiah 55:10—11, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I choose to bless, honour and worship You. Father, I give dense praise from the depths of my soul, allow clouds of favour to form over my life today, so I can experience Your showers of blessings. God, thank You for giving me life. Thank You for making me new. Thank You for saving me and filling me with Your peace and joy. Rain on me today and always, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Soul-Improvement or Self-Improvement

12 weeks ago did you make a new year’s resolution? What did you decided to change? Many of us made promises to ourselves to mark the beginning of a new year. We said “I will save more, exercise more, or spend less time on social media.” We begin with good intentions, but before long old habits tempt us to return to old ways. We slip up occasionally, then more frequently, and then all the time. Finally, we’re back to business as usual, as if our resolutions never existed.

Instead of choosing our own self-improvement goals, a better approach might be to ask ourselves: “what does the Lord desire of me?” In the book of Micah, God reveals that He wants us to do what is right, to be merciful, and to walk humbly with Him. All of these things relate to soul-improvement rather than self-improvement.

Today, when we choose soul-improvement instead of self-improvement, we don’t have to rely on our own strength. The Holy Spirit is standing by to help us as believers in our spiritual/soul growth. God’s Word says, He is able to “strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being” (Eph. 3:16). Let’s resolve to be more Christ-like. To livejustly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly. Let’s resolve to focus more on spiritual soul-improvement. The Spirit will help us as we seek to walk with our God. 

What does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8

Pray with Me
Yahweh, thank You for choosing to lead me. Father, help me choose soul-improvement over self-improvement. I ask for a truthful spirit, a wise spirit, a kind spirit, so that Your life will be clearly seen in me. God, send Your Holy Spirit into my life, to show me how to do what You want me to do. Please teach me to live justly, love mercy and to walk humbly, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Insanity Is Doing the Same Thing Over and Over Again and Expecting Different Results

Photo by Leonardo Sanches

There is an old saying – “you can’t do the same thing all the time and expect a different result.” Too often, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut, doing the same thing, the same way, over and over every day. But if we are going to live at our absolute best, our optimum, we should constantly be growing and sharpening our skills. We should strive to learn and grow every single day, because when you stop learning, you stop growing. When you stop growing, you stop living.

Right now what are you doing to stretch yourself? What are you doing to improve your skills? Don’t get trapped into thinking that what you are doing is good enough. You were created for more than just average. Hallelujah!

Today is a new day, and there are new heights for you to climb. Pursue what you love and keep developing that area of your life. Take a class, or find a mentor that will help you live skillfully. Increase in your spiritual giftings. Be skilled at your work and stand blessed before leaders, rulers and politicians!

“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings…” 

(Proverbs 22:29, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I choose to rise out of mediocrity. I want to live and not just survive. I want to stop doing the same thing everyday and expecting a different result. Father, I choose to give my very best to everything I do. Teach me how to grow, improve, and stretch myself, so that I can live a better life and be the best I can be. God, teach me to live skillfully, so that my life is a continual praise to You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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How Can We Declare God’s Word Over Our Lives

It amazes me that we have so many weak, powerless Christians. Did you know that when you speak the Word of God, it activates power in your life? In fact, today’s verse says to not let it depart from your mouth. In other words, keep speaking and confessing the Word of God — no matter what your circumstances seem like.

When you keep God’s Word in your mind, heart and mouth, it empowers you to obey all that the Lord commands. Do you need strength today to overcome temptation? Do you need to be empowered to walk in love? Get the Word of God in your heart and declare what the Word of God says about your situation.

Today, declare God’s word and notice what will happen: you will have the keys to prosperity and success in every area of your life. As you continue to speak the Word of God, you will be empowered in every area of your life, and you will live the life of victory the Lord has promised!

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall read [and meditate on] it day and night, so that you may be careful to do [everything] in accordance with all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be successful.” 

(Joshua 1:8, AMP)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which gives me strength and activates power and prosperity. Father, fill me with Your power so that I can obey Your commands. God, I declare success in my life today based upon Your Word. God, I bless You today and always, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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Love From The Red Sea

This morning I was reminiscing about when Jen and I were sitting on a yacht on the Red Sea, overlooking Egypt on one side and Israel on the other. It was amazing, the lights, the stars and the bright half moon all seemed so surreal. But what was clear was God’s love. All through this region, throughout its history, we see God’s love for His people. There is tremendous power in love! In the same way that a tree will grow taller and stronger when its roots grow deep, you will be stronger and rise higher when you are rooted and established in God’s love.

You may ask the all important question, how do you establish yourself in love? It starts with a choice. When you say “yes” to love, you are saying “yes” to God, because God is love! Then, you choose love again, according to 1 Corinthians 13. Love means being patient and kind. It means not seeking your own way, not being jealous or boastful. 

Today, When you choose love instead of choosing your own way, you are showing the world that God is first place in your life. The more you choose to walk in love, the deeper and stronger your roots will grow. Let me remind you, love is the greatest thing, and it is all that will last in eternity. Choose to establish yourself in love, and let it be firm within you. Let His love build security in you, and empower you to live the life of blessing He has in store for you.

“”¦May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love.” 

(Ephesians 3:17, AMP)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today and everyday, I choose love. Father, show me how to love You and others the way You love me. Give me patience and kindness. Take away selfishness, jealousy and pride. God, thank You for setting me free and empowering me to live the good life You have prepared for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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I Have The King’s Power And Authority

Did you know that you were created with power and authority. Today’s scripture tells us that we 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 and 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. God, I receive all the supernatural blessings You have for me today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Success: What is it? What is God’s Idea of Success?

Have you heard the saying “what goes around comes around?” God has a system in place in order to bless you, and it works on the principle of sowing and reaping. What you pour out to others, it will come back to you in increased measure. When you give generously, a generous harvest will return to you. When you help others succeed, you will find abundant success on your own path too.

Remember there are people in your life who will help you reach your full potential. These are people that God has placed in your life for you to help along, for you to sow into. The higher they rise up, the higher you will rise up too. When you give generously of your time, talent and resources, you are setting yourself up for greater success.

Today, what are you doing to invest in the lives of the people around you? Are you helping others get ahead? Step out and sow a seed, not necessarily of money. Look for ways to help others. As you sow success, you’ll reap success, and move forward and upward into the life God has in store for you!

“Send your grain across the seas, and in time, profits will flow back to you.”

 (Ecclesiastes 11:1 NLT)

Pray With Me
Jehovah, I open my heart to You and the success You have in store for me. Father, use me to be a blessing in the lives of others, helping them become successful in You. God, I believe in Your principle whatsoever we sow we will reap. Help me to sow positively, show me where to invest my time, talent and resources, to help others succeed for Your glory, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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What did Jesus mean when He said, “Ask and you shall receive”?

Yesterday I was thinking about one of my needs that’s not happening for me. I felt disappointed. I wonder today how many people have been disappointed simply because they didn’t pray and ask God for the big things in their hearts. You might say, “well, Ray, God is God. If He wants to bless me, He will bless me.” But no, it says in James 4:2, “you have not because you ask not.” If you’re not asking big, you are shortchanging yourself.

You will never reach the fullness of your potential if you only pray small prayers. I’m not talking about just making a wish list and praying every whim. I’m talking about asking God for what He has already promised you. The scripture says, “when you walk in God’s ways, you will lend and not borrow. With long life God will satisfy you. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Today, there are hundreds of promises that you have every right to pray and ask God to bring to pass; not only that, there are specific dreams and desires that God has placed in your heart. They didn’t just randomly show up. The Creator of the universe put them in you. I dare you to ask, and ask big, and watch what God will do in your life!

“”¦you do not have because you do not ask.”

(James 4:2, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I ask You to fulfil the promises and dreams You have placed in my heart. Father, I will be detailed and not limited in my asking of You for blessings. God, I believe that You are waiting and willing for me to ask big. God, I believe that You are able, and I believe that You are working things together for my good, as I put my hope, trust and belief in You, as I change my thinking from small to spiritually massive, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Do You Need Hope or Faith for Something Today?

Since being back in the UK, I’ve noticed that folk look sad and down. The Bible tells us that Jesus came to give us abundant life. Not only did He come to give you life in eternity, but He desires that you experience abundant life here on earth. He wants your relationships to be vibrant and alive. He wants your dreams to be alive. He wants your body, heart and mind to be alive and full of vitality. God is the source of all life, and when you seek Him, you will find Him, and the result will be everlasting life.

Are there areas in your life that need to be resurrected? Are there things that you’ve put on the back burner that you need to revive again? Do you need hope or faith for something today?

Today, seek God and allow Him to breathe His life into you. Seek Him with your dreams; seek Him with your plans. Seek Him in all things, and you will find His abundant life, and everything you set your hand to will prosper in Jesus’ name.

“”¦Seek me and live.” 

(Amos 5:4, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for giving me abundant life, both now and in eternity. God, I don’t want to just survive, I want to live a powerful, happy and excited life. So God, I give You my dreams and my plans, resurrect them and make them live. I humbly seek You today, giving You all that I am. I ask for Your hand of blessing and guidance in everything I do. In Jesus’ name! Amen.

 

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