Category: faith

In my youth, many moons ago, we were drawn to “who done it” detective movies. Real-life movies about murder, tragedy, love, and heroism, and we tended to hope for a happy ending. Our imaginations would get fired up with the plot’s twists and turns. We didn’t like it when a character got treated unfairly, and we smiled when justice was served. We would walk away satisfied when it all ended well. 

Stories in Scripture and life can work out a little differently. I don’t know who the adulterous woman in the story of John 8 is, or where her story started, but I am pretty sure she didn’t want to be dragged into a public square and threatened with execution. Having your faults exposed for everyone to see is not something any of us want in our life story. It is easy to judge others and find fault, but remember Jesus, is there looking and listening. 

Today, let us think about the adulterous woman. She was guilty as charged, as we often are, but at that moment when Christ told them, “you who are without sin throw a stone,” He reminds us that we are all sinners and that this woman represents all of us. Only Jesus has the right to throw a stone, and He chooses not to. Instead, He decides to use grace and forgiveness. In this new year, Christ asks us to throw away our judgemental stones and follow His example. 

“Where are [your accusers]? Has no one condemned you? . . . Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” — John 8:10-11 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for reminding us today that our task is not to judge others but instead to offer people your forgiveness. Father, help us all to accept your offer of forgiveness and begin living a new story. In Christ’ name, Amen. 

It is interesting that at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry when He first called His disciples, they had been fishing all night but had caught nothing. Then he told them to go back out and fish again. They took the risk, and they caught more fish than their boat could hold. For the next three years, they followed and walked with Him, learning what it means to fish for people instead.  

After Jesus was crucified and had risen from the grave, He told them through Mary to meet Him in Galilee, where they had first met him. While waiting for Him there, they must have had some time on their hands and didn’t know what else to do, so they went back to basics. They went fishing. However, they caught nothing. Then, the next morning, Jesus called out from the shore, telling them to cast their net on the boat’s other side. They took the risk, and before long, they knew exactly who it was onshore.  

Today do you hear Jesus calling you? Although Jesus already had His own fish on the fire on the seashore, He invited His disciples to bring some of their fish too. He also invites you during this new year, to bring what you have, so that we can join with Him in the work of His kingdom.  

Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” — John 21:10  

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, thank you for your blessings and favour. Father, please guide us to listen to you and to trust you to provide all we need and more. Lord, help us to use what you have given to us this new year to share your love with all those we come in contact with. In Christ name, Amen. 

This morning on the breakfast show we had a joyous time. 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 situation looks like. When you have joy amid difficult circumstances, it is evidence that you have faith and trust that God will bring you through.

I submit to you today, joy is strength. When you have God’s supernatural joy, you can stand strong no matter what’s going on around you. You may say, “I’m not a real jovial person. I’m mostly serious. I never laugh much.” And of course, God made us all differently, but you can train yourself to laugh and smile 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? We’ve allowed the pressures of life, stress and more responsibilities, little by little, to steal our joy.

Today, make your mind up to get your joy back, get your smile back and get your Holy Swagger back. Decide that you are going to look beyond your problems and look at what God will do on your behalf. Ask Him every day to fill you with His supernatural peace and joy so that you can live in His strength, victory and abundance all the days 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)

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I humbly receive Your Word, today. Lord, give me Jesus’ joy in this very moment. I choose to open my heart to You and invite You to fill me with Your Spirit, joy and strength. I rebuke the spirit of sadness and misery, in Jesus’ name. Thank You for showing me Your goodness and empowering me with Your grace. I bless You today and always, in Christ’s name. Amen.

Today’s scripture talks about how time and chance will come together for every person. In other words, there are moments of favour that God has already released into your future. If you let that thought sink down into your heart, it will change your whole outlook on your future. 

People miss out on the good things because they allow fear to distract them and hold them back. They say, “What if I fail?” “What if they don’t like me?” “What if I make a mistake?” However, “What if you do succeed?” “What if they do like you?” “What if you do it better than anyone else?” – that’s what expecting God’s goodness and favour is. 

Today go out with an attitude of faith and expectancy and you’ll see the good things God has in store for you. You’ll walk into divine moments of favour, moments of blessing, and moments of increase. Get ready to embrace all the good things God has for you! 

I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. Ecclesiastes 9:11, NIV.

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for the good things You have in store for my future. Thank You for Your peace and joy that surrounds my every step. Father, I choose to keep my heart focused on the blessings you have for me today and in my future, in Christ’s name. Amen. 

Do you think you can accomplish your goals and dreams by yourself? Your destiny is too big to accomplish on your own. God has already arranged for certain people to come alongside you and speak faith into your life. He has placed in your path people who will inspire you, challenge you, and help you accomplish all your God-given dreams. But some people never reach their highest potential because they never get away from the wrong people. 

Recognize today that not everyone can go where God is taking you. You’ve got to link up with people who understand your destiny and can call forth your seeds of greatness. You don’t have time to spend on people who are always pushing you down, telling you what you can’t do, or who refuse to give you their approval no matter how hard you try.  

Today life is too short to drag people along. If you are struggling to get the wrong people (parasites) out of your life, then pray. Pray also, that God will help you make the right connections so you can fulfil the destiny He has in store for you. 

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”Proverbs 18:24, NIV 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for placing godly people in my life. Father, Help me to discern the right people You have for me. Please give me strength to release the wrong relationships so I have room in my life for the people You have chosen to connect with me, in Christ’s name, Amen. 

Have you heard of the acronym WWJD (What Would Jesus Do)? Loving one another isn’t a matter of a warm, fuzzy feeling, weak knees and a pounding heart. It’s a matter of doing the right thing because that’s what Jesus would do. Sometimes, we do things Christ’s way, and it can result in unpleasant outcomes for us. Loving often calls for doing the unexpected. 

Living the WWJD life makes us disciples of Jesus. Therefore, love is not something we can just opt to do or not do. It is a command from our Master, who showed us how to love. If we are asked why we are show­ing love, we should answer, “Because we’re disciples of someone who loves us. We do it for Jesus’ sake.” We can only show love by the ­power of the Holy Spirit working in us. Then we’re able, like Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King, to serve Christ by loving and serving others. 

Today, loving “one another” is often challenging. It may call us to love the strong-willed child or an ageing parent or spouse angry with dementia. At home or church, it may involve loving someone who is always negative and critical. At work, it may be the co-worker claiming to be indispensable while barely doing their job. It may mean foregoing a new coat so that someone else can have one. The “one another” in our lives could be some­one we don’t even know, but who comes to love Jesus because of something we did. Whom will you show Jesus’ love to today? Remember, we do what Jesus Do… We love all.

These three remain: Faith, Hope and Love. But the greatest of these is Love. — 1 Corinthians 13:13 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for loving me when I don’t deserve it. Father, help me to see others as you see them and do for them what you would do. Please help me to be a person who shows that I follow the example You gave me. All for Your glory and honour I love You, in Christ name, Amen.

In John 8:12, Jesus reveals not just a part of His mission but the very essence of who He is. Light is a symbol of truth, holiness, purity, and guidance. In contrast, darkness represents sin, ignorance, confusion, and death. When Jesus says, “I am the light of the world,” He is claiming to be the exclusive source of spiritual truth and eternal life.

He doesn’t offer a light or some light He is the light. In a world engulfed in moral confusion and spiritual blindness, Christ alone reveals the path to salvation, righteousness, and peace. Following Him means no longer stumbling in the darkness of sin, deception, or fear. Instead, we are guided by His Word, warmed by His presence, and made new by His life.

This promise is not to the casual admirer, but to the faithful follower “whoever follows me.” Discipleship demands obedience, surrender, and trust. But the reward is immeasurable: life eternal, life abundant, life in Christ. Are you walking in the light of Christ, or are there areas of your life still hidden in shadow? 

Today, choose to follow Him fully. Let His truth expose sin, His love cast out fear, and His presence lead you forward with confidence and clarity.

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” — John 8:12

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, shine Your light into every dark corner of my heart. Father, help me walk faithfully in Your truth, even when it’s difficult. Use me to reflect Your light to those still lost in darkness. In Christ name Amen.

Abraham became a father, as God promised, but the pause between God’s promise and its fulfilment, spanned decades, causing Abraham to question the accuracy of God’s prediction. Like us, Abraham sought to reshape God’s promise into an idol he could touch, see, and understand. “Compromise was his answer,” he said. “I will sleep with the maidservant for this is what God meant no matter what His word says.” 

Abraham forgot this simple formula, God’s plan + God’s timing + Godly trust = Godly fruit. When this equation is broken, that’s when we stumble and fall.  If we do stumble, fall or fail like Abraham, it doesn’t mean it’s all over. Get up and get back to the formula, remembering always that God keeps His promises. The question that must be answered is: “Can I trust God enough to see me through to the other side even when I can’t see the edge or the end?”, and that is the question that haunts us even today as we face life’s challenges.

Today, we fear falling, failure and defeat in all their finality. We reach for the dream and recoil when our fingers find nothing but emptiness. We wonder if there is hope for us, covered in a desert mess. The problem with Christians is, too many of us are afraid of failure. God rarely makes our fear disappear – instead, He asks us to be strong and take courage. Claim the plans God has planted in your heart. Hold God’s hand and give birth to your dream. You won’t find the edge if you don’t lean and reach for it. So lean on Him and look across the wasteland, your promise is still there. 

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” – Matthew 14:27 (NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, have mercy on me. Many times, I have stumbled and fallen. From time to time, I am stuck in life’s wilderness, afraid and discouraged and ready to compromise.  Today I ask You to help me not make my fear despair. God, I thank You for not making my failure the final act in my life. Father, I embrace Your abundant life and I answer the hard question, “can I trust you when things get tuff ?” and I will answer “yes I can and I will” in Jesus’s name. Amen.

Just recently, I got frustrated because what I had been praying for was taking a long time. What are you praying for? Is it taking longer than you thought or expected? No matter how long you may have been standing on God’s promises, don’t give up! Your season is coming. Your harvest of blessing is on its way. It might be today, it might be tomorrow, it might be next week, next month or next year; but remember, at just the right time, you will experience your breakthrough.

Today, Be encouraged! God is faithful and His promises are true. Keep standing, keep hoping, and keep believing. Keep doing good. Keep declaring the promises of God over your life. Choose to be around people who are going to encourage you and fill your heart and mind with God’s Word. Let a song of praise come out of your mouth at all times. Press on in faith and keep an attitude of victory. Don’t get tired of doing what is right because your harvest of blessings is on the way. Hallelujah!

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9, NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. Thank You for refreshing and renewing my heart. Father, I’m struggling with Your timing. Things have become difficult for me and I can’t hear from You. Fill me with Your peace; fill me with Your strength as I wait on You. God, I await my harvest of blessings from You. Help me to do good, stand firm and not give up until I see my harvest of blessings in Christ’s name. Amen.

Whilst talking to a young person on my radio show about street life, stabbings and shootings (which is on the increase in some of our communities) I am realising that folk act first and think later. One of the characteristics of a prudent person, is that they give thought to their ways. Too many people today just act, or react, based on their emotions or circumstances. They let the world around them determine and dictate how they should feel, or what they should do. They believe the media hype with all kinds of negatives. Don’t let that be you!  

Please give thought to your ways. Submit every decision to the Lord in prayer, and allow Him to direct you from inside your heart. Don’t believe everything you hear. Let the Lord guide your steps. 

Today, as you take time to meditate before the Lord, submit your plans to Him. then Proverbs says that your ways will be established. You will find supernatural peace that passes understanding, and you will live in success all the days of your life. Please give thought to your ways! 

“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” (Proverbs 14:15, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness to me. Thank You for guiding and directing my steps. Father, help me each day to give thought to my ways, and follow the good plan You have for me. God, teach me to stop being reactive and instead become proactive. God, I don’t want to act first and think later, so I give You my mind. Please control my thoughts in Christ’s name! Amen. 

Today as I prepare to start my day, I am reminded of what Paul said in 2 Corinthians, “I want you to excel in the gracious ministry of giving.” He could have said, “I want you to excel in business, excel in sports, excel in medicine.” That’s all good. But he said, “What I want you to really be great at, what I want you to excel in is giving.” What a challenge from Paul to us. 

Today I’ve made up my mind I’m going to live my life as a giver. If you get around me, I better warn you, you’re going to get blessed – not with finances necessarily – but I will study ways that I can be good to you. I’m going to encourage you. I’m going to uplift you. I’m going to be good to your children. I’m going to pray your dreams come true. When I come to the end of my life, I don’t only want to be remembered for, “Ray was a good speaker, he wrote some nice books. He travelled the world.” No, I want to be remembered as a giver. “Ray made my life better. Ray brightened my day. Ray was good to me.” Hallelujah! 

Today, and throughout 2025, let your desire also be to leave people better off than when you met them. Excel in the grace of giving and glorify God in all you do! Give and it will come back to you! 

“But since you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you — see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” (2 Corinthians 8:7, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for empowering me to do good to others. Help me to be a good person to all those I meet. Father, I give You my selfishness and pride.  Please show me ways that I can be a blessing to others and honour You in all that I do. God, if my life were to come to end, may I not be known for the secular achievements of men, but as a giver. Someone who excelled in caring, encouraging, uplifting, and making dreams come true. In Christ’s name. Amen. 

Have you ever felt the fear of following Jesus? After all, the story of the resurrection and ascension seems impossibly crazy. How can a first-century Jew be the centre of human history? 

I appreciate that Jesus’ first followers were honest about their doubts and fears. They initially did not understand the resurrection and glory of their Lord. They had to be convinced that what they saw had really happened. At first glance, it wouldn’t seem like they would be the best candidates to continue the work Jesus had begun. 

But God chooses to use fearful, doubting followers to do great things. “You are witnesses of these things,” Jesus says to them. He commissions them to share the story of the Scriptures and especially the message of repentance and forgiveness. And to assure them that they will be able to carry out this immense task, Jesus says they will be “clothed with power from on high.” 

Today, Christ’s church still contains weak, doubting people. Perhaps you know the disappointment of living with failed relationships, a prodigal child, or a criminal background. As the ascended Lord, Jesus does not simply promise to walk alongside us in these trials; he fills us with “power from on high” to share his message of repentance and forgiveness.  

“Stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:49 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, you know my weaknesses, doubts, and failures. Father, help me grasp the message of repentance and forgiveness. God, clothe me with power from on high so that I may serve you faithfully. In Jesus’s name, Amen. 

Today’s verse, found in James 1:2, is interesting because it has the phrase “when” instead of “if.” You see, some people think that life is going to be all roses and sunlight. But if I told you that, I would be speaking from a closed Bible. 

Whether you are a Christian or not, life guarantees one thing – difficulty. Someone once wrote, “Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional.” There will be trials, oppression, and misunderstandings. And even when you become a Christian, you do not become immune to these things. Trials are a part of life, but how Christians behave or think in response to these circumstances, is what determines misery.  

Today, reflect on the following. 

How are you responding this week to the difficulties in your life?  

Are you thankful for the opportunity to learn patience?  

Are you resentful for every hardship life has given you? 

You can tell the amount of faith in a Christian, by how much it takes to stop them serving God. Today remember “Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional.” Make your choice…  

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”James 1:2-3 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, You are our loving Creator who has instilled us with purpose. Lord, even though I stand in the promises contained in Your Word, I still have struggles I’m going through, which I am in desperate need of Your strength to overcome. Father, give me a resolute faith that endures all trials. That though I may bend under the weight, I will never break. God, give me faith that moves mountains and believes that You will give me what is best. Please give me divine focus so I won’t choose misery. I ask this in Christ’s name. Amen. 

Repeatedly I hear people say, “I just want to be happy”. Many people today don’t realize that the reason they’re not happy, the reason they’re not enjoying life, is simply that they’ve trained their minds in the wrong direction. They’ve trained their minds to worry. They’ve trained their minds to complain. They’ve trained their minds to see the negative. But just as you can form these negative mindsets, you can retrain your mind according to the Word of God and form godly mindsets. 

One of the keys to retraining your mind and developing a positive attitude is by learning to stay grateful. When you stay grateful, you are focusing on what’s right rather than what’s wrong. The seed of the Word takes root in the good ground of your heart. This doesn’t happen automatically; you must discipline yourself. You must make a conscious effort every single day, until a good habit is formed. 

Today remember, when you live with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving, you are shielding yourself from the attacks of the enemy. The seeds of discouragement cannot take root in a grateful heart. Neither can bitterness, envy, or strife. So, retrain your mind and be empowered with His strength to overcome in every area of your life! 

“Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind…” (Romans 12:2, AMP).

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I surrender my thoughts and mind to You. Father, help me retrain my thoughts so that they are in line with Your Word and Your will. God, show me how to have lasting happiness no matter how things turn out. I claim joy over sadness and contentment over confusion. I choose to have an attitude of faith and expectancy. Thank You for empowering me to live the life You have for me, in Christ’s name. Amen. 

Have you ever felt the fear of following Jesus? After all, the story of the resurrection and ascension seems impossibly crazy. How can a first-century Jew be the centre of human history? 

I appreciate that Jesus’ first followers were honest about their doubts and fears. They initially did not understand the resurrection and glory of their Lord. They had to be convinced that what they saw had really happened. At first glance, it wouldn’t seem like they would be the best candidates to continue the work Jesus had begun. 

But God chooses to use fearful, doubting followers to do great things. “You are witnesses of these things,” Jesus says to them. He commissions them to share the story of the Scriptures and especially the message of repentance and forgiveness. And to assure them that they will be able to carry out this immense task, Jesus says they will be “clothed with power from on high.” 

Today, Christ’s church still contains weak, doubting people. Perhaps you know the disappointment of living with failed relationships, a prodigal child, or a criminal background. As the ascended Lord, Jesus does not simply promise to walk alongside us in these trials; he fills us with “power from on high” to share his message of repentance and forgiveness.  

“Stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:49 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, you know my weaknesses, doubts, and failures. Father, help me grasp the message of repentance and forgiveness. God, clothe me with power from on high so that I may serve you faithfully. In Jesus’s name, Amen. 

When we ask God to change us or fix us and He begins to do a work in our lives, things can get a little uncomfortable before we see change, or whilst He is changing us. We may encounter people who are hard to get along with or experience circumstances that seem beyond our control. When this happens, instead of getting upset or complaining, just pause and say, “Lord, thank You for doing a work in me.” 

Did you know, God is more interested in changing you than He is in changing your circumstances? If you choose to stay sour because you’re not getting your own way, or if you get discouraged because things aren’t happening on your timetable, that’s going to keep you stuck, miserable and sad. 

Today, if you want to see change, if you want to see God open up new doors, the key is to bloom right where you’re planted. You can’t wait until everything gets better before you decide to have a good attitude. You have to be the best that you can be right where you are. When you bloom where you are planted, you’re allowing God to work in you, and He will be faithful to complete the change He started in you! 

“…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I thank You for doing a work in me. I’m not complete but I can see growth in my life. Father, I will align myself with Your plan, so I can bloom wherever You plant me. God, help me, by Your Spirit, to be an example of Your love and life everywhere I go, in Christ’s Name! Amen.