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. 

Today’s verse tells us how to make love great – by being kind. You may have heard today’s verse many times before, but one translation puts it this way “love looks for a way to be constructive.” In other words, kindness isn’t just about being nice; it’s looking for ways to improve someone else’s life. It’s bringing out the best in others.

Each morning, when you start your day, don’t just spend time thinking about yourself, or how you can make your own life better. Think about ways you can make someone else’s life better too! Ask yourself, “who can I encourage today? Who can I build up?” You have something to offer those around you that no one else can give. Someone in your life needs your encouragement. Someone in your life needs to know that you believe in them. We are responsible for how we treat the people He’s placed in our lives. He’s counting on us to bring out the best in our family and friends.

Today, ask the Lord to give you creative ways to encourage those around you. As you sow seeds of encouragement and bring out the best in others, God will send people along your path that will build you up too. Keep showing kindness so you can move forward into the blessings and freedom God has for you! 

“…love is kind…” (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for loving me when I was unlovable. Father, thank You for believing in me and always building me up, even when I disrespect Your kingdom. God, I ask that You show me creative ways to encourage and build up the people around me. Help me to be an example of Your love today and always, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Today’s verse Ephesians 4:30 is a solemn reminder that our actions and attitudes can deeply affect our relationship with the Holy Spirit. To grieve the Spirit is to cause sorrow or distress to the very presence of God within us. This can occur in various ways:

Unforgiveness: Holding onto grudges and refusing to forgive others can create a barrier between us and the Spirit’s work of reconciliation and peace.

Bitterness and Anger: Allowing these emotions to take root in our hearts can quench the Spirit’s work of producing love and kindness.

Immoral Behaviour: Engaging in actions that contradict God’s moral standards can stifle the Spirit’s work of sanctification in our lives.

Disobedience to God’s Word: Ignoring or rebelling against the teachings of Scripture can hinder the Spirit’s guidance and wisdom.

Neglecting Spiritual Disciplines: Failing to pray, read the Bible, and fellowship with other believers can weaken our connection to the Spirit.

Today, as we reflect on our relationship with God, let us examine our lives for areas where we may be grieving the Holy Spirit. May we seek to cultivate a relationship with the Spirit marked by obedience, repentance, and a deep desire to honour God in all we do.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. – Ephesians 4:30

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, Please, Give Us The Wisdom To recognise Every Plan, and Plot from The Pit of hell, Working Tirelessly day and night To silence, quench or make us ignore the prompting of God The Holy Spirit. Father, please give us the Wisdom and Power to resist them as we continue to Trust You and Your Word In Jesus’ Name. Amen!

Looking at the news this morning I see the UK is bracing itself for a massive storm. How do you respond when the storms of life are raging against you? One time Jesus was with His disciples in a boat out on the water when they encountered a great storm. The disciples were very afraid, but Jesus on the other hand, was fast asleep. When the disciples woke Him to see if He could help them, Jesus got up and simply spoke to the storm, “Peace! Be still” and the seas were calm again.

When difficult times come, you don’t have to be overwhelmed by the waves of worry or fear. Just as Jesus stood up and spoke to the storm, you have power in your words, too. The Bible says that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in every believer. He’s given you His authority to declare peace over your home, over your mind, and over your family. Remember, no matter what storms may come against you, the Greater One lives on the inside of you! 

Today Speak to your storms and walk in peace all the days of your life! We’ve all felt overwhelmed by the circumstances at one time or another. Be encouraged today because the Bible says in Isaiah that when you cry out to God for help, as soon as He hears, He will answer you! He will give you strength when you are weary and increase your power when you feel weak. No matter what is going on in your life, God is greater than any obstacle or difficulty you may be facing. Do you need strength today to overcome a challenge in your life? Do you need power to stand strong in the midst of a storm? Call on Him right now and He will hear you. The answer is on the way while the words are still on your lips!

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39, NKJV

Let’s Pray

Yahweh , thank You for filling me with Your Holy Spirit and giving me Your authority here on earth. Today I declare peace over every area of my life. Father, Fill me with Your strength and power. I give You my whole heart. Remove anything from my life that isn’t pleasing to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today’s verse urges us to be vigilant against anything that can usurp God’s rightful place in our hearts. In today’s context, idols are not just graven images but anything that takes priority over God. Someone once said that idols are a “God Substitute.” They can be subtle, such as an excessive focus on careers, relationships, material possessions, or even our desires and ambitions. These modern-day idols can distract us from our primary purpose of loving and serving God. As His children, we are called to live in a way that honours our Father, keeping our hearts and minds focused on Him.

To stop our idol worship, we must cultivate a deep and personal relationship with God, allowing His Word and Spirit to guide our priorities and decisions. Regular self-examination and prayer can help us identify and remove any idols that may have crept into our lives.

Today, as you think about modern-day idolatry, consider what idols might be vying for your attention and affection. Ask God to help you recognise and remove anything that hinders your relationship with Him, guard your heart, and live with undivided devotion to the One who deserves your utmost love and allegiance.

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. – 1 John 5:21

Yahweh, I come before you today and ask for your guidance and protection. Father, I know that idols can distract me from your love and lead me down the wrong path. Please help me to keep my heart and mind focused on you, and to resist the temptation to worship anything or anyone else. Please give me the strength to turn away from anything that might lead me astray, and to always seek your will in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Bible tells us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”. God’s good purpose for all Christians is that we are “conformed to the likeness of his Son”. Christians are to reflect Jesus’ perfection both in their character and in their body. If you have already accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord, then God’s Spirit is already at work in you “to will and to act according to his good purpose”. This purpose will be completed at Jesus’ return.

Scripture tells us that Christians make progress toward becoming like Jesus, when they strive to love others as he did. This type of love is called ‘Agape’. Whenever you do something good for someone, deserving or undeserving, you are acting on the power of agape. Christ is both the source and the Christian’s model of agape, for “God demonstrates his own love for us in that: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”. Christians can love this way because “God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit” (Romans 5:5).

Today, when you use your gifts to make yourself appear superior to others, you are not gaining anything in the Christian life. But when you use your gifts to build others up, you are becoming more like Jesus!

I will show you the most excellent way. (1 Corinthians 12:31).

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank you for your good purpose for me. Thank you, Christ, for modelling God’s agape love to me. Holy Spirit, continue to deepen God’s love in me, until I attain Christ’s perfection. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Do you know what pleases God? He’s not impressed by how much knowledge we have. He isn’t influenced by how many possessions we own. Our accomplishments do not move him; He is moved simply by our faith in Him.

Faith is a gift. It’s not something that has to be contrived or worked up. The scripture tells us that everyone has been given a measure of faith. It also says that faith grows as we hear the Word of God. That’s why staying connected to a Bible-based church where the Word of God is being taught is so important. It’s why we need to make time every day to read and study His Word; that’s how you feed your faith. The more you know His Word, the more you understand that God is good, and He rewards the people who seek after Him.

Today, take time to feed your faith. Meditate on His Word and ask Him to illuminate your heart with His truth. Trust that He is good and has good things in store for your future because faith is what pleases God!

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for giving me the gift of faith so that I can be pleasing to You. Father, as I seek You and study Your Word, illuminate my heart with Your truth. Transform me into Your image and let everything I do bring glory to You. In Christ’s name, Amen.

What power there is in knowing we can come before God and share our deepest concerns with Him. Such is the God we have and the love He has for us. In both the Old and New Testaments, communication with God was central to the relationship He shared with His people.

In a word, prayer is communication. It is going before God and speaking to Him honestly, attentively, and respectfully. Our prayers make our requests known to God. Our prayers are to be done without ceasing. Our prayers should be offered to God in times of thanksgiving and distress, in sickness and in health and, above all, in faith.

We know that we have salvation from our sins through faith in Jesus’ sacrifice, death, and resurrection. And by this redemption, we are transformed into God’s children. As God’s children, we can call on our Father at any time, place, or circumstance.

Today let’s remember the 19th-century song: “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!” To pray then, is to speak with God as one would a friend. You surely have needs, fears, and joys. Through a simple prayer, and of your own accord, thank God for the joy of living He is giving you. Thank Him for your good health, the people in your life, and for His provision. Let God know of your fears and everything that hurts you and breaks your heart. Pour out your tears before God, and He will comfort you. He will bless you and give you peace even in times of trouble.

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, we thank You for the gift of prayer that we might make all our heartfelt concerns known to You. Father, remind us that You are near and hear our prayers whenever and wherever we offer them. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

In Reflection:

1. Do you think God hears every one of our prayer requests—no matter how small and insignificant they are?

2. What do you think it means to be “watchful” in prayer with thanksgiving?

3. Are you more likely to pray during good times or when things are bothering you?

Have you gone through the year struggling or striving to make something happen? Maybe it’s a breakthrough in your finances, or in a relationship. It is good to do everything we know to do in the natural, but we have to always remember that victory or breakthrough doesn’t come by human might nor power, but by the Spirit of the living God.

The word ‘Spirit’ in today’s verse in some translations can be translated as ‘breath’ (Ruach). “It’s by the breath of Almighty God,” that’s how breakthroughs come. When you realise God is breathing in you by His Spirit, it’s time to take a leap of faith and say, “yes, this is my year; I’m going to accomplish my dreams, I’m going to reach my goals, I’m going to grow spiritually.” That’s when you will feel God’s wind beneath your wings. That’s when you’ll feel a supernatural lift, an anointing that will help you accomplish what you could not accomplish before.

Today, know that the breath (Ruach) of God is blowing through you. This is your season. This is your year to believe again. Believe that God can open doors that no man can shut. Believe that He is working in your favour. Get ready to embrace every blessing He has in store for you! Hallelujah!

“…‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the power of Your Holy Spirit at work in my life. Father, today I surrender every area of my heart, my mind, my will and my emotions to You. God, I believe if You breathe into me Your supernatural power, then my breakthrough will come, so I give You permission to take my breath away and fill me with Your Spirit, so that things will change in this coming year. Direct my steps and give me power to overcome my weaknesses. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

Love conquers all. As hard as it may be, sometimes paying evil back with evil results in death for all parties involved. The operating force behind revenge is the pride of life. When we elevate ourselves above being able to be offended, we open ourselves up to retaliation as a response.

It is this type of prideful elevation that attempts to put you above God by deeming yourself more apt to render a just punishment for the offence given – when God has called us to do the opposite. In the face of being done wrong, do right by them. It doesn’t mean you blindly allow people to run all over you or treat you any way they desire. It means that you lead with forgiveness. You process every evil act towards you through the filter of forgiveness before you let it generate anger.

It means you are mature enough in Christ to see the spirit at work, instead of the person who wronged you, enabling you to channel your anger properly to the adversary and not the child of God that he used to wrong you. Never forget that love covers a multitude of sins. Wherever there is love, there is God, there is healing, there is forgiveness, and there is liberty.

Today, don’t give the enemy any residence in your life by harnessing hate towards anyone, no matter how badly they wronged you. Annihilate the devils presence by relentlessly treating others better than their actions have qualified them to receive. Keep on loving them in spite of it all and let God handle them justly.

“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, help me to become more humble. Father, I know I should not take on any personal attack directed towards me – I know it’s spiritual. I will not let the devil deceive me into responding through my flesh. Instead, I put my flesh under submission of your Holy Spirit and rely on your strength to guide my words and actions toward others who have and will offend me. In Christ’s name, I pray, Amen.

The Christian life is a journey, one that requires us to stay in sync with the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:25 reminds us that our very life in Christ is the work of the Spirit within us. From the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit takes residence in our hearts, guiding, teaching, and empowering us to live in ways that please God.

Yet, it’s not enough to simply be filled with the Spirit. We must also “keep in step” with Him. This means our daily decisions, attitudes and actions must align with God’s will, as revealed through His Word and the Spirit’s leading. Just as a soldier follows the command of their officer, we must follow the Spirit’s promptings. This requires intentionality—surrendering our desires and trusting that God’s way is best, even when it challenges our comfort or understanding.

In practical terms, keeping in step with the Spirit involves staying connected to God through prayer, reading His Word, and being sensitive to His guidance in every situation. It’s a daily walk of obedience, one step at a time.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh I pray for a heart that desires to stay in step with your Spirit in every area of life. Father, I ask for discernment to recognize the Spirit’s leading and the courage to follow it. Lord, I pray for strength to overcome the desires of the flesh and live a Spirit-led life. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Life brings many challenges, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the weight of our worries and anxieties. But in 1 Peter 5:7, we are given a beautiful reminder: we don’t have to carry these burdens alone. God invites us to bring all our fears and concerns to Him because He deeply cares for us.

This verse is an open invitation to trust God with everything that weighs on our hearts. We often try to manage things on our own, believing we need to be strong or in control. However, God, in His infinite love and grace, is asking us to surrender those anxieties to Him. He is more than capable of handling our troubles, and He wants to replace our fears with His peace.

When we cast our cares on the Lord, we acknowledge that He is sovereign and that His love for us is real and personal. Trusting God with our concerns is not a sign of weakness but an act of faith. It’s a declaration that we believe in His goodness and His power to carry us through whatever we face.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh I pray for the faith to fully trust God with my worries and fears. Father, I ask for God’s peace to replace any anxiety I may be carrying. Lord thank you for your constant care and love, even in difficult times. In Christ name, Amen.