Godinterest

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. 

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.