Author: Pastor Ray Patrick

Evangelism. Outreach. Ministry. Pastor Ray Patrick is a R.E Teacher at The Eden School
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Life Is Not A Competition

Growing up in the UK, when people bought something new, we used to say that they were trying to “keep up with the Jones’s (trying to compete with your neighbours).” It’s easy to be tempted to go through life competing with everyone around us. When we see someone who’s more talented, better looking or has more gifts, instead of running our race and being comfortable with who we are, oftentimes we feel inferior and think, “I’ve got to catch up to my neighbours and friends.” The problem with this unhealthy competition is that it’s a never-ending cycle.

Did you know there will always be someone ahead of you? But it’s very freeing when you realise, “I’m not in a competition.” I don’t have to have as big a house as my neighbour to feel good about myself. I don’t have to keep up with my co-worker. I don’t have to be a certain size. No, I understand that I’m not in competition with my friend, my neighbour or my co-worker.

Today, say to yourself “I’m going to be the best me that I can possibly be, I’m going to run my own race, I’m going to stay in my lane, I will not compete with anyone.” Now, that’s an attitude God can work with. When you focus on being who God made you to be, that’s when you’ll rise up higher, and position yourself for every spiritual blessing He has in store for you!

“”¦let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith”¦” 

(Hebrews 12:1-2, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I humbly come to You giving You all that I am. Father, help me keep my eyes on You and no one else. Please work on my heart and mind, so I will learn to stay in my lane and run my own race. God, I want You to be my only focus. I want to be free from competition today, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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God’s Word Will”¦

Romans 10:17 says that faith grows as we read and study His Word. Faith, in turn, produces patience, and when we allow patience to have its perfect work in us, we will lack no good thing. God wants you to be perfect and complete, living in His abundance, and lacking nothing on this earth.

Now, that may seem like a stretch from where you are today, but in an instant, things can turn around. God has set up a system of blessing for you, and it starts with His Word. The Bible says that God has given each of us a measure of faith. We all have faith, and it’s up to us to develop it through the Holy Ghost.

Today, no matter where you are in the process of life, keep moving forward by reading and hearing God’s Word. God’s Word is alive. God’s Word will heal your heart and restore your soul. God’s Word will produce patience in your life so that you can move forward, being complete and lacking nothing all the days of your life!

“Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

(James 1:3-4, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which lights my path and directs my way. Thank You for its healing power. Thank You for the restoration it brings. I choose to put You first. I choose to meditate on Your Word, knowing that it will increase my faith and bring me patience. God, place Your Word in my mind so I can move forward, lacking nothing, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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How To Praise Him During The Good Times And The Bad Times

Troubles and Trials Are Momentary

Challenges and obstacles are normal in this life. During these difficult seasons, we have a choice. We can get negative and discouraged and talk about how things are not going to work out, or we can flip the script and go into praise and thanksgiving mode, which opens the door for God to move on our behalf.

“I’ll have a better attitude as soon as I get over this health issue.” Or “I’ll give God praise when I get through these tough times.” That’s not faith. As long as you’re negative, discouraged and focused on your problems, it limits what God can do in your life. Faith says, you’ve got to praise God in advance, and then the breakthrough will come. Flip the script, change your focus, and watch things change in your favour. Praise always precedes victory.

Today, flip the negative script, stop dwelling on the wrong things and focusing in the wrong direction, go into a season of praise and thanksgiving, which will confuse the enemy and the negative people in your life. Begin to declare that God is good. Declare that He is faithful. Declare His praises and open the door to victory! Hallelujah!

“Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines”¦yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:17-18, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I humbly come before You, asking You to give me Your Spirit, so I can flip the script in my life, not focusing on the negative, but lifting You up and magnifying Your Holy Name. God, I will praise You at all times, despite the negative influences around me, for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. I bless You and honour You for Your goodness, in Jesus’ Name! Amen

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What the world needs is more prayer

With gun and knife crime high, with kids as young as 8 carrying drugs across the country, things are out of control right now. Our country, and across the entire world, are experiencing wide-spread devastation like never before seen in history. Some places are too hot, others too cold. Floods, diseases, and brokenness seems to be affecting all. The world needs prayer at this time. 

We may not have all the answers about the world’s situation, but we can set our hearts and minds on what we do know. What we know is that God is faithful. What we know is that He is our Deliverer. What we know is that we can trust in Him. He is our hope, He is our peace, and He will carry us through. He promises that no matter what you we be facing, He will empower us to walk through it and overcome.

Today, when you don’t understand, when you don’t have answers, when you are in your darkest hour, God is your light of hope. God will bring restoration and order to your life again. Whether you’re in a storm, or experiencing another type of “trouble,” call on Him. He will deliver you, and in return, you will bring honour and praise to Him.

“…call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honour Me.” 

(Psalm 50:15, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I’m calling on You. Father, I trust that even in my personal darkness, and in the world’s darkest hours, You are my light of hope. God, give me Your peace that passes understanding. Bring order and restoration to my life. Heal this land of crime, abuse and natural devastation as Your people call upon You, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
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‘Thanking God For Another Year Of Life Happy Birthday To Me

'Thanking God For Another Year Of Life Happy Birthday To Me

As I celebrate another year of life today, I’m reminded of what God has done for me. No matter what difficulty I’ve faced over the year, God has drawn me out. Hallelujah! When I  felt overwhelmed, God reached out His hand. He wouldn’t let me sink, and He wouldn’t let me slip. He took hold of me and rescued me from the deep waters of opposition that raged against me.

He will do the same for you. Scripture says that when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will raise up a barrier against him. If you are facing adversity, know that you are not facing it alone. God is with you, and He is for you. He will draw you out!

Today, I say to all of my friends and those that follow me on social media, who over the past year may have been affected by major difficultities of life, know that you have only made it this far because God reached down, held you, rescued you and drew you out. Hallelujah! Today, on the day of my birth, I know that it was God who was working behind the scenes, that has brought me this far and He’ll  do the same for you. He will bring us out better and stronger.

“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy”¦”

(Psalm 18:16-17, NIV)?

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your grace and mercy that has held me together this year. Father, I reach out my hand to You today, knowing that You have been an ever present help in my day of trouble. God, I thank You for another year of life, and in advance for all that You are doing, and for bringing me to a place of peace, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
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Which Template Should I Choose?

Which Template Should I Choose?

Templates have made life easier, but they can rob you of your God-given design and talent, and they make you fit into other people’s ideal for your life. What really matters in the final analysis, is do we fit into God’s design and will for our lives? Too many people live their life trying to fit in, worried about what everyone else thinks, and wondering how they can impress other people. But we have to realise that when we come to the end of life, we’re not going to stand before people to give an account of our lives, we are going to stand before Almighty God. 

God is not going to say, “why didn’t you do what brother or sister so-and-so said? Why didn’t you fit into man’s template? Why didn’t you follow their opinion?” No! God is going to ask, “did you become who I created you to be? Did you stay true to what I put in your heart? Were you obedient to my Word?”

Today, think about Saul. He had a massive future. God had great things in store for him, but he was so insecure that he let people squeeze him into their template. He was afraid he was going to disappoint people. He said in 1 Samuel 15:24, “I disobeyed the Lord’s instructions because I was afraid of the people, so I did what they asked.” Saul knew what to do. He admitted it, How sad! He was a people pleaser. He forfeited his destiny in order to fit into other folks’ template. Don’t let that be you! Don’t be a people pleaser, be a God pleaser, because fitting into God’s template is all that really matters when all is said and done!

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”

(Hebrews 9:27, NKJV)?

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I set my heart and mind on following Your template for my life. Father, I need You to Help me break away from the snare of following people and not You. Help me to stand strong against criticism and learn to walk in love. God, let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You always, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Don’t Panic, Cos God Ain’t

Christ, god, Holy Spirit, Jesus, panic, Pray

Listening to a conversation the other day, made me realise that many of us think that God gets surprised, or goes into panic mode when things go wrong. We may be surprised by the unexpected,  because we believe just because we’re good or doing the right thing, then we are exempt from trouble. The scripture says, “the rain falls on the just and the unjust.”

When something unexpected happens, or you find yourself facing a crisis, don’t automatically go into “panic mode,” or just fall apart emotionally. Realise that the crisis is no surprise to God. It may be unexpected to you, but God knows the end from the beginning. He has solutions to problems that you haven’t even had yet. He has equipped you for every battle, and He goes before you to make your crooked places straight!

Today, don’t panic about the situation you’ve found yourself in,  instead of focusing on your problem, focus on your God. Focus on the fact that He is with you. Remember that He doesn’t panic or get surprised by life’s difficulties. He walks with you, leading and guiding you to a place of peace and victory. No matter what has happened, He will take what the enemy meant for evil, and turn it around for your good. He always leads us into victory. So keep moving forward, knowing that He has already made a way of escape for you! Hallelujah!

“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph”¦”

(2 Corinthians 2:14, AMP)?

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I come to You with an open and humble heart. Father, I thank You for the victory that You have in store for me, even when I can’t see it. Please remove panic mode from my life when unexpected trials come. I’m so glad that You don’t panic. Teach me how to stay focused on You, and not get bent out of shape by the unexpected. God, I want to trust You more, knowing that You are always faithful, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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When God Prunes You

In agriculture, pruning is a necessary process. To “prune” means something is cut away, something is removed. In life, we all go through a pruning process. Scripture says, “the Lord takes away”¦.” God will prune our lives so that we can bear much fruit. In other words, maybe a good friend that you counted on moved away,  maybe you got laid off your job, maybe your business shut down, or a relationship ended.

God knows what you need in your life in order to grow and flourish. Sometimes when things happen that we don’t understand, we have to just trust the process. He is preparing you for increase, preparing you to go to another level. Don’t put a question mark where God has placed a full stop. Move forward and don’t look back. 

Today, you may be going through the pruning process, don’t get bitter. Don’t get down and think it’s the end. Don’t start thinking that you’re a failure. Have the attitude, “God is pruning me, and as hard as it is, I’m going to let it go, knowing that it was only a temporary provision, and what He has in my future will be greater and more powerful than what I’m letting go of.” If you will accept the change and stay in faith, God will open new doors. He will bring new opportunities, new friendships, and take you to another level for His glory!

“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, so that it will be even more fruitful.”

(John 15:2, NIV)?

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for loving me enough to work in my life. Father, I release the things I don’t understand into Your hands. Please Lord, give me strength to get through this pruning process. I believe that You are working in my life, and I trust Your unfailing judgement. God, I believe that You have good things in store for my future. I choose to wait on You today and forevermore, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Lift People Up

Driving to camp meeting this morning in North Wales, we had great positive conversations, lifting each other up with testimonies and experiences. We all need somebody to believe in us more than we believe in ourselves. We all need people who will push us up in life. After all, there are enough people trying to push us down. There are enough people telling us what we can’t become, and how we don’t have what it takes. I know in my own life, I wouldn’t be half of who I am if it were not for positive people who spoke so much faith into me. People who called out the potential on the inside of me.

We all have the responsibility to do this for others. Push people up! Look with your eyes of faith and see their potential, and tell them what they can be. If you will be that person for somebody, God will send somebody to be that person for you.

Today, realise everybody has seeds of greatness on the inside. You can cause them to rise to a new level. You can be the catalyst for them to do things they never thought possible. Your words have creative, life-changing power. When you speak vision and purpose into someone’s life, that can be the seed God uses to move them to a new level.

“Two are better than one”¦if either of them falls down, one can help the other up”¦”


(Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank you for sending folk into my life to lift me up. Today I commit to lift people up. God, I choose to speak life and call forth the seeds of greatness from within others. Father, thank You for using me to help others fulfil their destiny and divine purpose, in Jesus’ Name! Amen

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No Disappointment in Jesus

Image: James Tissot / Brooklyn Museum

The Scripture says, “when we put our hope in Him, we will never be disappointed.” Wow! What a powerful promise we have from Almighty God! Of course, that doesn’t mean that things will always go our way. There may be temporary setbacks, but we will never be permanently disappointed. According to the Word, God will cause it to all work out for our good. With God on our side, we will always end in victory! Hallelujah!

What heavy negative weight are you carrying? Are you carrying frustration, worry or aggravation about something? That’s usually a clear sign that you have no hope. If you hope in circumstances, it will deplete you of joy and peace. But when you turn those circumstances over to God, when you refuse to worry, when you refuse to allow the temporary things of this world to dictate your happiness, and trust Him, your crooked places will become straight, and you will mount up with wings like the eagle.

Today, choose to put your hope in l God. You won’t be disappointed. Trust Him explicitly because He is faithful. Find rest, joy and peace for your soul, knowing that He is good, and He has good things in store for you!

“”¦those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” (Isaiah 49:23, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I give You every frustration, every aggravation, every difficulty and all my hopelessness. Father, I release total control into Your loving and capable hands. Speak to my heart and give me Your peace. God, please show me Your love as I place my hope in You, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Would You Like Something New?

Everybody loves something new, from shoes to smart phones. Today’s verse says God is doing something new with you right now. Can you see the “brand-new thing” God is doing in your life? Sometimes it’s easy to see the hand of God moving, and sometimes the storms of life can cloud our vision. But no matter where you are in life today, meditate on this truth that God is working, even when you can’t see Him.

Just like a seed buried deep in the ground, it may seem dark and lonely, and there may be dirt all around, but that is the place where new springs forth. In your old stale, dark situation trust that God is doing a new thing! You can trust Him because He is faithful! His plan for you today is blessings. His plan is to give you a future and a hope. His plan is to do a new thing in your life.

Today, let go of the thoughts of the old past, and push through your dirty life, and open your heart to the “brand-new thing” God has already started in your life. Ask Him to show you what He’s doing. Ask Him to reveal it to your heart and mind. So, seek Him with your whole heart and you will find Him, and see the brand new thing He’s doing in you!

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun!”

(Isaiah 43:19, NLT)?

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for pushing through my stale, dirty life and doing a new work in me, even when I’m not paying attention or deserve it. Father, thank You for the brand-new thing You have promised me. God, I open my heart and put all my faith and trust in You, now and always, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Pay Attention To The Little Things

As we look at our future and its success, we need to remember that it’s the little things that we must pay attention to. It’s not big things that hold us back; it’s small things, especially in our finances. A few pounds a day on drinks or coffee quickly turns into hundreds, and too many credit cards become overwhelming to keep up with. People who don’t budget or keep their finances in check will probably hear a little voice every time they go to spend, “get your finances in order.”

We have to realise that if we’re not faithful with what we have, God won’t entrust us with more. someone told me they hadn’t budgeted or really checked their finance for years, and now they are in debt. They had to close their account and open a new one. At least action was taken! Paying attention to the detail in your life is doing things the right way, which is God’s way. At church, many people say “I’m going to start giving. I’m going to start tithing (a biblical principle) as soon as I make more money.” Don’t wait until you have £500. Tithe on the £5 you have right now.

Today, don’t let the little foxes spoil your finances and then your life. Don’t let another day go by without obeying God in the small things, as well as the big things. When you set your finances in order, and you put God first in all you do, you are opening the door for His blessings and your sucess. He says when you are faithful with the little, I will make you ruler over much!

“Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom.” 

(Song of Solomon 2:15, ESV)?

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I pledge to be obedient in every area of my life. I don’t want to let little things affect my finances and ultimately my life. Help me pay attention to detail, so I can be more faithful to You. Father, I dedicate my resources to You. Speak to my heart and show me how to bless others. God, based upon Your Word I want to be a faithful sower, and expect to reap an abundant harvest as You have promised, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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It’s All About Your Attitude

It’s All About Your Attitude

Have you ever used the words “if only?”I’m sure you have. It’s easy to think that if only your situation was different, then life would be better. You might think, “if only I got a new job, or a new house, had better friends or had better parents, then I would really be happy.”

I’ve learned that oftentimes, God changes us before He changes our circumstances. We are thinking, “if only my circumstances would change,” when God may be thinking, “if only your attitude would change!”it’s time to turn your thoughts around. Don’t allow negative thinking to direct your attitude, or affect how you treat others.

Today, thank God for what He has planned in you. Like the saying goes “bloom where you are planted.”Tend to what God has placed in your hand. If you will focus on what you have, instead of focusing on what you don’t have, then God can bless you, multiply you and lead you into the destiny He has for you!

“The one who guards a fig tree will eat its fruit”¦” 

(Proverbs 27:18, NIV )?

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness and grace upon my life. Father, fix my attitude so I can deal with my circumstances. God, please turn my thoughts around, so I can focus on what You have placed in my hands. I want to be faithful, knowing that You are faithful. Strengthen my mind so I can be happy no matter what plan You have in store for my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
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Quit Being Jealous

We live in a world full of jealously, envy and selfishness, where people are upset and unhappy when others succeed. When a friend or family member succeeds, gets promoted, or experiences an unexpected break in life, how do you respond? Some people wonder, “what about me?”Others criticise  or say, “it won’t last long.”

Do you know the way you respond when others succeed may determine the level of your own success. Whether you respond in a negative or positive way, you are sowing seeds for your future. That’s why Scripture tells us simply to “rejoice with those who rejoice.”God wants you to be successful. His commands are for your good. He doesn’t want jealousy or strife to enter your mind and rob you of your blessing.

Today, make it a point to find a family member, friend or colleague who is celebrating something positive and celebrate with them. Congratulate them on their success, no matter how small it seems in the natural. Rejoice with those who rejoice, sow seeds of blessing,“for whatever you sow you will reap.”It will open the door for victory in your own life!

“Rejoice with those who rejoice”¦” 

(Romans 12:15, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your hand of blessing not only on my life, but on the lives of other people around me. Father, I rejoice in You, and I choose to rejoice over Your victories with all I come in contact with all over the world. God, make me genuinely happy in You, and not envious or jealous of others, in Jesus’  Name! Amen.

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When Everything Seems To Be Going Wrong

Everyone goes through times when they feel overwhelmed or outnumbered by whatever is coming against them. Just about the time the car needs repairing, the power goes out in your house and the doctor gives you bad news. It can seem like one thing after another.

You might be in despair, worrying, and stressed out. It may feel as if all the forces of darkness are coming against you. But Scripture promises that with God on your side, you have everything you need to overcome every situation. The truth is, you are never outnumbered. You and God are a majority! Hallelujah!

Today, you may be feeling anxious, fearful or worried about something, but remember – if God is for you, who can be against you? Difficulties may come, but He promises to guide and protect you. The story isn’t over until God says its over and you end in victory!

“‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’” 

(2 Kings 6:16, NIV)?

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness to me. Father, thank You for the peace You give me even in the midst of the storms in my life. God, I know that You are with me, and will always be by my side no matter what the enemy does. Today, I can stand strong, because You will always lead me into victory, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Valued!

God’s value system is very different from the value system of the world. In scripture He values harlots, prostitutes and criminals.  Today, people are considered to be important for so many different reasons: titles, position, possessions, where you go, what you drive. God cherishes and values you so much, simply because He made you. You are His beloved creation–the apple of His eye; the centre of His world!

Maybe you’re thinking God has too many other important things on His plate to be concerned with your life. But know this, you are God’s number one priority. There’s nothing you can do to be more important or less important to Him. He loves you the same today as He did the day you were born. He values you today, and your value will never change. You are significant. Your life is significant. The things that concern you, concern God, there is nothing too big or too small for His attention.

Today, in the midst of life’s busyness, get excited about God’s love for you. Don’t be hesitant to take your concerns and cares to Him. He loves it when you come to Him, and He’s ready to receive you with open arms, because you are the apple of His eye!

“Keep me as the apple of Your eye”¦” (Psalm 17:8, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for loving me and making me Your number one priority. Father, thank You for keeping me as the apple of Your eye. God, I open my heart and mind to You, and cast every care on You. I receive Your love for me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

 

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