Author: Pastor Ray Patrick

Evangelism. Outreach. Ministry. Pastor Ray Patrick is a R.E Teacher at The Eden School
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What Are You Seeking God For?

What Are You Seeking God For?

What are you seeking God for? Does it seem like it’s taking a long time to come to pass? Please be encouraged, because the Scripture says that through faith and patience, you will inherit His promises! If you’ll stay in faith, if you’ll keep on seeking Him, it won’t be long until you see that breakthrough. Hallelujah!

Many of us give up just before we get our miracle. We stop when things get hard, or when we don’t get the answer we want the first time. Today’s verse encourages us to continually ask and continually seek. That doesn’t mean that we seek Him one time and then stop. No, we seek Him until we have the promise!

Today, submit your most desperate prayers to the Lord, and keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking on the door, and it will be opened to you. Know that God is perfecting whatever concerns you. Don’t give up! Instead, start thanking Him for His faithfulness in your life. Thank Him for His promise that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek after Him! Hallelujah!

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”

(Matthew 7:7, NLT)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for blessing me with a diligent spirit. Father, thank You for Your faithfulness. God, give me strength to stand and seek You, until I see Your promises fulfilled in every area of my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Cares And Worries Be Gone

Cares And Worries Be Gone

Today, God invites you to give your worries and cares to Him, simply because He loves you!

How do you give Him your cares? First of all, understand that cares show up in your mind. When negative, self-defeating thoughts of worry come, you have to recognise them as cares, and replace them with the Word of God. For example, if you are concerned about a need today, say out loud, “my God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory.” If you have fear about something, say out loud, “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.” If you have sickness in your body, declare, “by His stripes I am healed.” As you meditate on the truth, and focus your heart and mind on the Father, those cares and concerns will disappear.

Today, thank Him for giving you peace and joy. Thank Him for working in your life. As you keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, give Him your worries and cares, and get ready for the blessings He has in store for you!

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.”

(1 Peter 5:7, NLT)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I come to You today casting all my cares and worries on You. Father, I believe Your Word and trust that You are working on my behalf. God, I give You all of my worries and declare them gone so I can praise and glorify You, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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I Need More Power

Yesterday was a very long and hard day. Today I need to be motivated and empowered. The good news is God wants to empower us. He wants to strengthen us, and equip us to rise higher in every area of life. He wants to see us become all that He has created us to be, and to walk in victory each and every day.

When Jesus left the earth, He told the disciples that He was sending a comforter. He was talking about the Holy Spirit – God’s power source. The Holy Spirit is not only our comforter, He’s our power bank, he empowers us when we are weak and tired. He strengthens us for the battle ahead, and lifts us when we feel low. He searches our hearts and helps us understand Scripture.

Today, if you’re feeling weak and tired and in need of a special charge, and desire to be filled with God’s power, invite the Holy Spirit of God to do a work in you. When you read the Bible, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart and reveal God’s plan to you. As you invite the Holy Spirit to operate in your life, today’s Scripture says that you’ll receive God’s supernatural power! You will be strengthened and equipped for everything the enemy throws at you, and for what God has in store for you!

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me”¦” (Acts 1:8, NKJV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for the Holy Spirit who is my helper and empowerer in this life. God, I open my heart to Your Word to receive more power, so that I can walk and live in the victory You have prepared for me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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God Is A Finisher

How long will it take? This is taking way too long. Is there something you’ve been waiting for? Something you’ve been hoping for that’s taking longer than you expected? You might be tempted to just accept things the way they are. You might be tempted to think it’s never going to happen. Be encouraged, because God is a finisher! He will complete what He’s started in you!

So what do I do while waiting? Your part is to believe. Your part is to keep your eyes on Him. When you believe, you have the Creator of the universe fighting your battles, arranging things in your favour, going before you, moving the wrong people out of the way. 

Today, don’t be intimidated by the size of a problem, or the size of your dream! Don’t let circumstances convince you to stop believing. Jehovah Jireh, the Lord our Provider, is still on the throne. One touch of God’s favour and you’ll go from barely getting by, to having more than enough! Begin to thank Him and declare that God is at work. Declare that He is perfecting what concerns you. Declare that He will complete everything He’s started in your life!

“And David said to his son Solomon, ‘Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God–my God–will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD’.” (1 Chronicles 28:20, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I thank You for completing every good work in my life. Father, I believe Your Word, even when things look impossible. I know that You are working behind the scenes, and that You will bring victory and breakthrough to every area of my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Victory Is Coming

Maybe something has happened that could easily discourage you and cause you to give up on your goals and dreams. I want to remind you today that where you are is not where you are going to stay. God has a plan in store for you. Stay in step with Him and you’ll walk right into victory.

God wants to take you from victory to victory. Even if you are between victories right now, keep your passion. Keep your enthusiasm. Focus on the fact that God has another level for you, another level of glory, another level of increase, another level of His favour.

Today, go out with a smile. Give Him your best. When you thank God for what He has done, you are sowing a seed that He will use in your future. Keep praying, keep believing, keep hoping, and stand strong, because another victory is coming your way! Hallelujah!

“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere.” (2 Corinthians 2:14, ESV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, right now I will focus my mind and heart completely on You. I will step out of discouragement, step out of complacency, step out of worry, and step into Your glory. You alone are worthy, and I thank You for the victory You have in store for my future, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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The Spirit Of God

Have you been fighting a battle for a long time? The key is: don’t go around talking about your problem. Don’t go around confessing that you’re never going to make it. No, start declaring, “the Spirit of the Lord is upon my life!” When you realise God’s Spirit of favour is upon you, you will become bold and confident, and accomplish your dreams faster than you thought!

When doubt comes, declare the promises in God’s Word! “How are you going to get out of debt?” “The Spirit of God is upon my life.” “How are you going to get well?” “The Spirit of God is upon my life.” “How are you going to break that addiction?” “The Spirit of God.” “How are you going to accomplish your dreams?” “The Spirit of God!”

Today, the more you declare and believe God’s promises, the more you’ll see His favour. As you keep standing in faith, as You keep hoping in Him, you’ll see His promises manifest in your life. You’ll experience His favour and victory, and see every dream and desire come to pass! Not by your might and expertise, but by God’s Spirit.

“…’Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.”

(Zechariah 4:6, NASB)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for placing Your dreams and desires within me, and for creating a plan to bring them to pass by Your Spirit. Father, even when I can’t see a way, I trust and believe that You are making a way. God, You are good, and today I declare and decree Your Spirit upon every area of my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Knowing When To”¦

Knowing When To…

One of the most difficult things in life is knowing when to”¦ When to stop or go. When to hold on or let go. When to turn away or fight on. Many of the challenges we face are simply distractions from the enemy to keep us from reaching our destiny. Maybe someone in the office isn’t as friendly to you as you’d like. Maybe you have a neighbour who always parks in front of your house and blocks your driveway. Those things may be frustrating, but they have little significance when you look at the big picture of eternity. You can’t allow the little things to cause strife in your life.

The old testament of the Bible tells us, just before David fought the giant Goliath, his brother Iliab tried to confront him. But David knew that arguing with Iliab wasn’t even worth his time and strength. He knew his real battle was with Goliath, and he didn’t want to be distracted. He simply “turned away” from Iliab and kept his focus on what he was called to do. This is how we should deal with distractions in life. Be clear on the destiny, know who is the real enemy, don’t lose focus, and know when to turn away.

Today, let’s be like David and keep our eyes on what’s most important in life. Instead of being led away by life’s frustrations, let’s stay focused on the bigger picture, not the little distractions. Know when to turn away from strife and the battles that will keep you from your God-given purpose and destiny, so that you will receive the mark of honour the Lord has for you!

“It is an honour for a man to cease from strife”¦”

(Proverbs 20:3, KJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for giving me victory in my life. Father, give me the wisdom and courage I need to know when to walk away from strife and useless distractions, so that I can focus on the purpose and destiny You have prepared for me. God, I love You and bless You today. Please make me more like you, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Troubles and Trials Are Momentary

Troubles and Trials Are Momentary

Aren’t you glad that Scripture promises that our troubles and trial are only momentary? When compared with eternity, our troubles won’t last long, they are not eternal! The second part of today’s verse tells us, that when we stand strong in faith during times of adversity, we are building faith, which achieves eternal glory, which will always outlast our trials.

When you confess your trust and reliance on God, you are passing the test for eternal glory!

If you are in the middle of tough times today, look to God. The Bible says that Jesus is the author and finisher of your faith. He is the one who writes faith on your heart, and then develops it to completion on the inside of you, as you yield yourself to Him.

Today, your part is to seek Him. Follow His commands. Open your heart and choose to speak His Word which is alive and active. Remember, your trials are only momentary and light, but His eternal glory outweighs it all and last forever, from this world into the next. Hallelujah!

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

(2 Corinthians 4:17, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for preparing me for Your eternal glory. I cast my cares on You, knowing that my trials and troubles are momentary and light, compared to the wonderful eternity You have for me, according to Your Word. Thank You for Your eternal blessing on my life, which begins today and will last forever, beyond this life and into the next, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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I’ve Found A Great Hiding Place

I’ve Found A Great Hiding Place

As a child, one of my favourite games was hide and seek. We looked for the best place to hide in the house or back yard, and waited quietly for our friends to try to find us. It’s a great game for kids, but as adults, we also look for a good place to hide from time to time. A place of refuge, a place of safety, or a place to rest when we feel overwhelmed by the circumstances of life, a place where the enemy of our soul can never find us.

I’ve got good news. God has the perfect hiding place for you! You don’t have to hide at work. You don’t have to hide in relationships. You don’t have to hide in food or addictions, because God Himself promises to hide you! He freely offers you shelter from the storms of life, any time you call upon His name.

Today, remember there’s only one place the enemy cannot find you. There’s only one place where opposition cannot steal from you. There’s only one true place of safety and rest for your soul, and that is in the arms of Jesus. Know that He loves you, and He is ready to receive you when you call upon His name! Hallelujah!

“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, today I come humbly before You giving You all of me. Father, thank You for hiding me in Your shelter and keeping me safe from the storms of life. God, today my soul finds rest in You, please hide me from the enemy of my soul, as I seek You and praise Your Holy Name, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Intentionally Taking Root

This weekend I attended a dear friend’s 50th birthday celebration. Amidst  the laughter, fun and music, friends and family alike all agreed that she was a great spiritual person. A godly woman that God had planted a seed of greatness in. Someone that was able to bounce back from illness and adversity, someone who didn’t have a negative bone in her body, who is willing to help at all times. Person after person expressed what a wonderful person she was in Christ.

Today, I want to let you know God has planted seeds of victory on the inside of you. He’s wants to increase you. He’s wants to enlarge your vision. He wants to take you to new levels of victory. But before you see a harvest, the seed has to intentionally take root. You have to conceive it before you are going to receive it. In other words, before you’re ever going to be successful, you’ve got to see yourself successful. Before you’re ever going to have your dreams come to pass, you’ve got to look out through your eyes of faith and see them coming to pass. That’s how you allow the seed to intentionally take root.

Today, please examine your thought life. What are you allowing to take root? Are God’s seeds of victory and life growing in your heart and mind, or are you nurturing seeds of defeat and despair? The good news is that you can change your thoughts right now, at this very moment. Begin to dwell on God’s promises and His goodness. Let His good seeds take root in your mind and heart. It won’t be long before you’ll see that harvest of blessing come forth in every area of your life!

“He answered, ‘the one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man’.” (Matthew 13:37, AMP)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I surrender every area of my mind, will and emotions to You. Father, I dwell on Your goodness and faithfulness, so that the good seeds You’ve planted in my life will take root. God, keep me close to You and direct my steps, as I intentionally walk down the path You have prepared for me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen

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Same Power As Jesus

Same Power As Jesus

I read in the Bible that we have the same resurrection power that Jesus had. I found that so hard to believe, then this thought came to mind. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and get baptised, the Holy Spirit makes His home inside of us, just as He did at Christ’s baptism. 

That same Spirit, with the same power that worked miracles and raised Christ from the dead, that resurrection power can do the same for you. It will bring back health, strength and life to your physical body. It will restore hope and breathe life into your dead dreams. In fact, the Spirit can resurrect any area that may seem dormant in your life today. The next time you feel overwhelmed by sickness, challenges or despair, remember, the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you through Christ Jesus.

Today, you may be burdened by an addiction, fear or worry, but there’s nothing that can stand against the power of God. So rise up and declare by faith, “he whom the Son sets free is free indeed. I am restored and healed in the name of Jesus! No weapon formed against me can prosper!” Receive His truth, declare His Word, and activate His power within you!

“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies, because of his Spirit who lives in you.”

(Romans 8:11, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for filling me with Your Holy Ghost power, the same power that raised Christ from the dead. Father, I will feed my faith by declaring Your Word. Father, I will walk in Your ways, and honour You in everything I do, and exercise your resurrection power in all the dead areas in my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Beyond Your Ability Is Right Where God Wants You

Beyond Your Ability Is Right Where God Wants You

Have you ever questioned God? Have you ever gone through a situation in your life that you don’t quite understand? During these uncertain seasons, it’s natural to question things in your mind. But in order to move forward, we have to look forward with our hearts. We have to look beyond the questions, and continue to trust in Almighty God.

As Christians we’re going to have some unanswered questions. You may never understand why a relationship ended too soon. You may never understand why someone died. You may never understand why you went through that illness, or why your prayers didn’t get answered. At some point, you have to decide to move beyond your questions and go with trusting God. We have to decide to trust His character even when our circumstances don’t make sense.

Today, God’s Word tells us that difficulties and adversities will come, but God is the one who promises to lead us into victory. He has promised that He’s going to turn that difficulty around and use it for your advantage. He is faithful to His Word and keeps all His promises, and you can be sure that He will fulfill them, and at some point He will make the answers clear. Ask question yes, but trust Him “for the just shall live by faith.”

“The secret things belong unto the Lord our God”¦”

(Deuteronomy 29:29, AMPC)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I will trust You with all my unanswered questions. Father, I release any doubt and confusion to You. Help me to focus and trust You and Your Word, which is the truth that will set me free. Thank You for Your goodness and for the blessings You have in store for me. God, today I choose to look beyond my questions and doubts and believe You, in Jesus’ name! Amen

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Peace Today Please God

I’m sitting in Casablanca, Morocco. The airport is packed, so many different languages, people arguing. Oh how I wish for peace after a long frustrating day. What about you do you need peace in your life? Are you feeling frustrated, hopeless or like things are beyond your control? That was me today, nothing seemed to be going according to plan. Everywhere I turned seemed to be blocked. Even God appeared to be distant.

Here’s is how things began to turn in my favour. I asked myself these questions, “what do I have my mind set on? And what am I thinking about – is it positive or negative?” If you are focused solely on your circumstances, or how impossible everything is, it’s going to affect your peace level and maybe even the outcome. But when you keep your mind stayed on God and what He can do, when you get your mind going in the right direction, then you are setting yourself up for peace and spiritual success. Then things will change in your favour, that’s what happened to me. Hallelujah!!!

Today, you may be going through difficulty; you may be in overwhelming circumstances in your life; however, God still promises you peace in the midst of the storm. He promises that He will preserve you when you call on Him. Choose to keep your mind focused on the Father. Be empowered by meditating on His Word. Find peace today by putting your trust and hope in Him.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3, NKJV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for peace that passes understanding. It was a blanket of comfort to my heart, mind and emotions today. Father, help me change my thinking when things are going bad. God, I choose to keep my mind stayed on You, and I thank You for ordering my steps today and always, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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We Are Free From Condemnation

We Are Free From Condemnation

This past weekend I ministered to inmates at a prison in the UK. Many of them were lifers and had committed some horrible crimes. God reminded me to let them know that Jesus came to break the curse of sin, shame and condemnation in our lives. He came so that we could see things the way God sees them. Do you know how God sees you? He sees you as valuable. He sees you as strong. He sees you as capable, talented and trustworthy. 

Condemnation is a loss of value. It’s the accusing voice of the enemy that says, “you’re not good enough”¦you’ll never be good enough…you’re a failure.” Condemnation is never from God. The Bible tells us there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. When you embrace and declare God’s truth in your life, you activate His power to overcome the voice of condemnation.

Today, no matter how you may be feeling, get up and declare that the Greater One lives in you. Declare that you are strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Declare that He loves you and has called you according to His purpose. Choose to see yourself as valuable, the way God sees you. Embrace His truth so that you can overcome condemnation from yourself and others, and live in victory all the days of your life!

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”

(Romans 8:1, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for setting me free from condemnation. Hallelujah! Father, thank You for believing in me and filling me with Your vision for my life. God please take away my guilt and shame, help me to see my life the way You see it – free from condemnation, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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His Love Is Greater Than My Mistakes

Yesterday I ministered to over 200 inmates – many are repeat offenders. One young man said “I keep making the same mistakes. Oftentimes, I’ve blown it so many times. I‘ve had so many setbacks. I don’t see how I could ever get to where God wants me to be.”

Can I remind you, our mistakes aren’t that powerful. Our mistakes aren’t too big for our God. He’s not up in the heavens shaking His head saying, “I never dreamed they would do that. They’ve ruined My plan.” No, God knows every mistake we would ever make. He knows every wrong turn, and He’s already prepared a new route for us. He already has your escape figured out.

Today,  God knows the end from the beginning. If you’ve made some mistakes, the good news is that He has already planned a way to get you back on track! Just come to Him with an open and humble heart. Let Him wash you clean and make you new again. Your mistakes aren’t bigger than your God. He loves you and has an awesome plan for your life!

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

(Jeremiah 29:11, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for loving me and accepting me beyond all of my mistakes. Father, thank You that the blood of Jesus cleanses me of every sinful mistake and makes me new. God, beginning today, I will consistently remind myself that my God is bigger than my mistakes and my problems. God, have Your way as I submit every area of my life to You, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
…

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Don’t You Quit

Don’t You Quit

One of the most frustrating things since becoming a Christian is when I pray from my heart and nothing happens. Sometimes, people get discouraged in life because things didn’t turn out the way they hoped on the first try. Maybe they put energy into a relationship, but it didn’t work out. They tried that new business venture, but they are still struggling with their finances.

Now they think it’s never going to happen. But one thing we have to learn is that God honours perseverance. On the way to your “yes” you may encounter some “no’s.” You may encounter some closed doors, but that doesn’t mean it’s the final answer. It just means “keep going.” 

Today, rest assured if God promised it, He’s going to bring it to pass. Through faith and patience, we inherit God’s promises. This is where patience comes in; this is where perseverance comes in. This is where trust comes in. Just because you don’t see things happen right away, doesn’t mean you should quit. No, instead, rise up and press forward. Keep believing, keep hoping, keep enduring and keep asking, because our God is always faithful to His Word!

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”

(Matthew 7:7, NLT)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for being a faithful God. Father, I believe Your Word and trust Your promises. Please remove my frustration when it seems like You’re deaf to my request. I won’t stop asking, I will keep standing, keep believing and keep asking with patience and perseverance, knowing that I will receive what You have promised, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

 

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