Category: faith

When you woke up this morning, God gave you a gift called “today,” and with that gift comes responsibility. I struggle with time management. Time is the most valuable commodity that we have in life. It’s more valuable than money. You can make more money, but you can’t make more time, once it’s lost – it’s lost! 

Scripture tells us to redeem the time and make the most of every opportunity. That simply means don’t let time go to waste. Don’t live this day unfocused, unhappy, negative or defeated. Make the most of every day. God has trusted you with life. He has breathed His breath into you. He has put gifts and talents on the inside of you. You have greatness inside of you. You have destiny, and purpose and an assignment to fulfill! 

Today, I encourage you to evaluate how you are spending your time. Refocus your life. Let go of any distractions. Shake off any self-pity, any negativity, any discouragement, any disappointments of the past, and run life’s race with purpose. Be careful how you live and use the time, so that you can fulfill the destiny God has for you. 

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” (Ephesians 5:15–16, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for today, I receive it as a precious gift. Father, I dedicate this day to You. I dedicate my mind, will and emotions to You right now. Lord, teach me not to waste today, but to use it to glorify You. God, please use me this day for Your purposes, and keep me on the path You have for me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

You may feel right now, like the challenges you face are too big or too overwhelming. We all face challenges. We all have obstacles to overcome. Keep the right attitude and focus, it will help us stay in faith so that we can move forward into victory.  

I’ve learned that average people have average problems. Ordinary people have ordinary challenges. But remember, you’re above average and you’re not ordinary. You are extraordinary. God created you and breathed His life into you. You are exceptional, and exceptional people face exceptional difficulties. But the good news is that we serve a super exceptional God!  

Today, when you have an incredible problem, instead of being discouraged, you should be encouraged knowing that you’re an incredible person, with an incredible future. Your path is shining bright because of your incredible God! Be encouraged today because your life is on an incredible path. So, keep in faith, keep declaring victory, keep declaring God’s promises over your life because you have an incredible future! 

“The path of the [uncompromisingly] just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer) until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day…” (Proverbs 4:18, AMP) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I lift my eyes to You. Father, I know that You are the One who helps me and has given me an incredible future. God, I choose to stand in faith, knowing that You have an incredible plan in store for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

We are about to move into a new, better season. For me spring is better than winter. God has ordained seasons in your life. It’s easy to get frustrated when our dreams aren’t coming to pass on our timetable. When that happens, we have to submit our plans to Him and trust that He has a better plan. Understand that in God’s kingdom, every season is not harvest.  

Every season is important and contributes to the harvest. There are ploughing seasons. There are planting seasons. There are watering seasons. And sure, we would love for every season to be a time of increase, but without the other seasons, we wouldn’t be prepared. It’s during the ploughing seasons when God’s bringing issues to light that we need to deal with.  

Today, God is getting us prepared for life’s promotions. If you’re not making as much progress as you would like, the key is to not lose any ground. Don’t go backwards. Hold your position by keeping an attitude of faith and expectancy, even when it’s hard, it’s just a season change. So keep ploughing by speaking the Word daily. Keep watering by praying and claiming God’s promises. As you do your dreams will come true, and you will receive the harvest God promised you! 

“The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.” (Proverbs 4:18, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in all seasons of my life. Father, I trust that my harvest time of increase is coming, and I choose to remain faithful while planting, ploughing and watering. God, I submit all my ways to You today, trusting that You have the best plan for my life. Almighty God, I love You and praise Your name today and always, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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In our lives we will all face hard times. Did you know that the way you handle your adversities has a huge impact on your success in life? If you shrink back, choose to get bitter, and lose your enthusiasm, then you are allowing the difficulties of life to bury you. You may be allowing hardship to keep you from your God-given destiny. But if you choose to keep pressing forward with hope on your mind, rejoicing even in the hard times, you are allowing God’s character to be developed in you. 

Today, I say it again, the only difference between a piece of black coal and a priceless diamond is the amount of pressure that it’s endured. When you stand strong in the midst of the trials and difficulties in life, when you allow God to shape and mould your character, it’s like going from a piece of coal to a priceless diamond. Those difficulties are going to give way to new growth, new potential, new talents, new friendships, new opportunities, new vision. You’re going to see God develop your life in ways that you’ve never even imagined! 

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation” (Romans 5:3-4, NLT). 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for giving me strength to overcome every obstacle in life. Father, I will rejoice no matter what may come against me, because I know You are working all things together for my good. God, thank You for developing Your character in me. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Early in the morning on Sunday I was awakened suddenly by an incident that made me very upset. Every day, we have opportunities to get upset, frustrated or offended. Maybe you had plans that didn’t work out, or someone was rude to you at the supermarket, or at the office. Maybe you were doing something that should have taken one hour and it ended up taking three.

Life is full of frustrations, but even though we can’t always control our circumstances, we can control our reaction. I heard somebody say, “life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond.” We should go out each day with a positive attitude, full of hope and expecting God’s favour. But at the same time, we should recognise that most days are not going to go exactly as we plan. Remember, we were created to live in peace. Peace is our position of power.

Today, if you get stressed because you got off schedule, or upset because your child wouldn’t eat his breakfast, or frustrated because somebody offended you, what you’re doing is giving away your power. Instead, make the decision to release those offenses and disappointments so you can live in peace, and enjoy the day as the blessing God prepared for you!

“Good sense makes a man restrain his anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression or an offense.” (Proverbs 19:11, AMPC)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, today I release all my care, concern, offence and disappointment to You. Father, I will do my best to keep the peace, even when life gets out of control and I get frustrated and angry. God, I won’t give away the power of peace that You have blessed me with. Help me have the right attitude at all times. I look forward to today knowing that You are with me, leading me into victory, in Jesus’ Name! Amen. 

Have you ever asked these questions? “I’ve been a Christian nearly my whole life, but I’m constantly disappointed in myself. Why is it that I always seem to keep doing the things I wish I didn’t do, and never seem to do the things I know I should do? Isn’t God getting tired of me?”

That’s a common struggle that even the apostle Paul experienced in Romans 7:15. I believe many who ask these questions are caught in the discouragement trap. But here’s some good news: we don’t have to stay in that trap of discouragement. To paraphrase Paul as he writes in Romans 8, the key is to stop focusing on the law and start focusing on Jesus. Hallelujah!

Today, remember, the law, or man, can’t do anything about our sinfulness. The answer is not to try harder to be good at keeping rules – that’s the beginning of the discouragement trap. Focusing on the law alone, will constantly remind us that we’ll never be good enough or deserve God’s grace. Instead, we must focus on the One who shows us mercy, and loves us regardless and cooperate with the Spirit who changes us. Then we will trade discouragement for encouragement and receive the freedom that God brings.

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Romans 7:15

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I sometimes get caught in the cycle of trying too hard to be good, failing, getting discouraged, and giving up. Father, help me to depend on Your grace and to draw near to You, so that You can change my heart. God, I’m so sorry for putting the law above Your love which has allowed me to live by works and not Your grace. I choose to focus on Christ, and trade my discouragement for encouragement. In His Name I pray! Amen. 

There is a principle called karma. Have you heard the saying, “What goes around, comes around” or “What you sow, you will reap?” These are really spiritual principles. God’s kingdom operates on a system of sowing and reaping.  

Today’s verse tells us that when we sow righteousness, we’ll reap a sure reward. What does that mean? Sowing righteousness simply means doing the right thing, obeying the Word no matter what the circumstances may look like. It means showing kindness even when it’s undeserved. It’s walking in love and keeping the peace when you really want to say something different. When you sow righteousness, you’ll reap a sure reward. That’s because God Himself is going to pay you back. He is the One who will multiply you when you honour Him. 

Today, remember what goes around, comes around, so keep doing the right thing even if the wrong thing is happening. Sow righteousness, stay in faith, keep believing, because He who promised is faithful, and there’s a sure reward in store for you! 

“…he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.” (Proverbs 11:18, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for setting up the system of sowing and reaping that blesses me as I bless others. God, teach me how to sow righteously today so I can honour You, bless others, and in turn receive abundance in my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

When you start serving God with your whole heart, don’t be surprised when you find yourself a target for the enemy. If you know you are going into a challenging season, you can get prepared for it. You can make sure you are mentally ready. But what about the difficulties that we don’t see coming? The unexpected crisis that catches you off-guard? Sometimes, it can seem so overwhelming that it almost knocks the wind right out of you, and leaves you at times questioning God. 

According to God’s Word we shouldn’t be surprised by those unexpected fiery trials. That’s because the forces of darkness would not be fighting against you if they didn’t know that God has something amazing in store for your life! Sometimes, those unexpected difficulties are just a sign that you’re on the right track. It’s always darkest just before the dawn. The enemy always fights the hardest when you are closest to your breakthrough. The key is to stay the course and keep fighting the good fight of faith. 

Today, in these difficult times, keep your joy and keep declaring God’s Word over your future. God has promised that you will overcome every obstacle – even the unexpected ones. You will defeat every enemy, and you will embrace the blessing and victory He has in for you! Hallelujah! 

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:12–13, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for walking with me in every season of my life. Father, today I cast all of my cares on You. I cast all of my difficulties, all of my questions, and all of my concerns on You. God, teach me how to handle the unexpected fiery trials. Thank You for working all things out for my good, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

As I took a long hard look at my life, I realised that in order for me to get to the next level in my life and move into the next chapter in my life, I have to get rid of the old. Are you ready for a new chapter in your life? In order to move forward into the blessings God has for you, you have to be willing to let go of the old. The things that are behind you are not nearly as important today as what is out in front of you. It’s time to get ready for the “new”!

Some unfair things happen, things that you don’t understand. But let me tell you, you have come too far to stop now, despite what others may say and what you think. Instead of allowing those things to hold you back, why don’t you let go and take a step of faith into the new? It’s time to get a new, bigger vision; it’s time to get a new, fresher outlook; it’s time to rise up with a new attitude!

Today, instead of settling where you are, pick up and move forward, no matter what has been said about you. Have the attitude that says, “I may not understand it; it may not have been fair, but I am not getting stuck on this page of my life. I know God has a new chapter for me – a chapter filled with blessings, favour and victory!

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed.” (Luke 5:37, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Father, today, I will trust You with my past, present and future. God, give me wisdom to discern the seasons of my life, and teach me to embrace the new things You have in store for me. Cover me from my enemies and the devil who will seek to bring me back into the old, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

What are you believing for God to do in your life today? Can you see it in your mind’s eye? Can you see yourself healed? Can you see yourself paying off that last payment? Can you see yourself at your ideal weight? Can you see yourself sharing the gospel with a family member or friends?  

Recently, has God spoken things to your heart that haven’t come to pass yet? Sometimes when we are believing for things, it’s easy to let circumstances and the pressures of life drag us down. But when you make the choice to receive your promise by picturing it in your mind’s eye, and declaring it with the words of your mouth, your faith becomes stronger. You begin to feel more confident. You begin to feel more settled. You begin to have joy and peace because you know God is working things out for you. 

Today, ask the Lord to give you the picture of what He sees when He looks at you. As you open your heart and allow God’s thoughts to become your thoughts, and you receive His promises by faith, just like it says in Scripture, whatever you ask for in prayer will be yours! Hallelujah! 

“Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for another day to bless You. Thank You for the gift of faith. Father, I ask that You search my heart and mind and remove anything that does not please You. God, give me Your thoughts of peace and joy, so that I can learn to receive all You have for me today. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

I believe every word we speak has power. Have you ever said things you wish you could take back? Our words determine the direction of our lives. The Bible tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue.  

There’s no neutral ground. We are either sowing seeds of life and productivity with our words, or we are sowing seeds of ruin and destruction with our words. This is a good day to take inventory of your words and make the decision to sow only good seeds with your words. 

Today, speak God’s Word over your own life and the lives of those around you. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you to consider every word before you say it. Make the decision today that your words will bring glory to the Lord. As you guard your mouth, you will “keep” your life. You’ll see increase in every area and enjoy the blessings God has in store for you! 

“He who guards his mouth keeps his life, but he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” 

(Proverbs 13:3, AMP) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I give this day to You. I give You my every thought, I give You every word and action. Spirit, help me to live a life pleasing to God in every way. Please help me speak words of blessing to edify those around me. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Have you ever wondered where God is when you call on Him in the midst of your trial?  Scripture promises that He is near to those who call upon His Name. It doesn’t matter where you are or what you’re going through; He is your deliverer. He’ll bring light into your darkest hour; He’ll bring rain into the dry places; He’ll bring restoration and healing to the broken places. Hallelujah! 

When you call on His Name, you can be assured that He will respond. As sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, God will faithfully respond when you seek Him. 

Today, you may think you have to clean up or change your behaviour or habits before you can turn to God, or before He will respond to you, but that’s not what God says. He is ready to receive you just as you are. Even if you feel like a mess, He’ll take your mess and turn it into a message. God’s arms are open wide right now. Open your heart and call upon Him. Draw close to Him and His goodness.  

“Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring” (Hosea 6:3). 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for always receiving me with open arms. Father, I love You and choose to give You all that I am. God, I choose to press on that I may know You better. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Just recently I had to ask myself a hard question. “Ray, are you living the abundant life Jesus came to give?” I wasn’t talking about living in the biggest house, or driving the latest car. No, His promise of abundant life goes way beyond material things that this world offers. 

The abundant life in John 10:10 means “life to the full.” That means no matter what’s going on around you, you can partake of the full blessings of God. You can have peace in the midst of a storm. You can have joy when things are uncertain. You can have hope when circumstances seem hopeless. As believers, a lot of times it’s easy to look at that verse and think, “God is going to give me abundant life someday.” But the truth is that God wants you to have abundant life TODAY!

Today, don’t waste another second living in mediocrity, or settling for less than God’s best for you. Receive His blessings by faith today. Receive His hope, joy, strength and favour. Declare in your spirt and out of your mouth that “I will begin living an abundant life today and every day!” Then move forward by faith and the boldness and confidence that God has given you.

“…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

(John 10:10, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for sending Your Son, Yahshua, so that I can have eternal life now! Father, I know that You want the best for me and I should be living in my God-given abundance. So I declare ”I receive my abundant life today in Jesus’ Name.” God, now help me to keep my heart and mind focused on You, so that I can walk in Your ways all the days of my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Recently it’s been hard to get motivated and to stay focused. We all have those days when we don’t feel very enthusiastic. Maybe you don’t feel like you have any reason to be excited about your life. Today is the day to change your focus! It’s time to set your mind on things above. 

Often, we settle for what we see in the natural – the earthly realm, but God has so much more for us in the supernatural realm. Whatever we choose to focus on is what we will see manifested in our lives. We need to daily set our focus on the goodness of God and keep hope alive.  

Today, don’t give up on your dreams, feed your dreams. That means instead of dragging around finding every reason you can to be unhappy, your attitude should be: “I am not going to live my life defeated and depressed. I may have some obstacles in my path, but I know I have victory. I know God has great things in store for me, so I’m going to get up each day, starting today, anticipating the good things He has in store for me!” 

“Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I want to set my mind on You. I know that Your dream for me is so much bigger than my own. God, please help me be more spiritually motivated. Draw me close to You as I daily set my focus on You. Father, I bless You today and always. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)

These two verses from Genesis and John are profound in their simplicity and depth, setting the stage for the grand narrative of Scripture.

Genesis 1:1 introduces us to the beginning of time, space, and matter. It reveals God as the ultimate Creator, the origin of everything that exists. This beginning lays the foundation for understanding our world and our place in it as God’s creation.

John 1:1, while echoing Genesis, introduces a deeper dimension to the ‘beginning’ of the eternal existence of Christ, the Word. This verse establishes Jesus as central to the very nature and essence of God, involved in creation and the redemption of humanity.

Together, these verses invite us to reflect on our origins and purpose. They remind us that our personal and universal story starts with God. In every new beginning and fresh start, we are encouraged to see the hand of the Creator and the Saviour, guiding, and shaping our journey.

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I give you all my cares and concerns. I know you are my Heavenly Father who can provide me with everything I need. You know my needs before I even ask you for them. Lord thank you, for your new beginnings and unwavering provision. I trust that your peace will watch over me as I step into this season of  new beginnings, in Christ name, Amen.

I hate the statement God doesn’t see colour. God isn’t colour-blind. He designed us all differently. When God looks at mankind, He sees us as different races. He sees our different social standings. He sees our colour. God looks past all the superficial things that the world says is important. What we wear, what we drive and what we look like He sees us all the same; even though we may be black, white or brown, we are His beautiful creation. Not upper class or lower class; just one big family. 

Sometimes people make the mistake of judging a whole race by a few people. We make sweeping generalisations and use stereotypes, this keeps us from enjoying the people God places in our lives and in His world. 

Today, if you’ve been looking at others through the traditions of the world, why don’t you open the eyes of your heart and see others the way God sees them? Not by their clothes, cars, or educational achievements. We are all here by His design and called according to His purpose. When we see others through His eyes, we can come together in unity, even with our diversity, and receive the blessings He has prepared for us! 

“In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilised, slave, or free…” (Colossians 3:11, NLT) 

Pray With Me 

Yahweh, today I release every prejudice and judgmental attitude to You. Father, I ask You to fill my heart with love for others despite colour or culture, and help me to see them the way You do. God, thank You for doing a work in my life, and opening doors of blessing and increase before me, in Jesus’ name! Amen.