Tag: encourage

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Are You Feeling Inadequate?

Overcoming fear

Most of the time I feel completely inadequate for the tasks I face. Whether it’s teaching, preaching, advising or writing articles for publication, the challenge often seems to be larger than my ability. 

The bible speaks about Peter’s shortcomings as he tried to follow Christ. While walking on water to Jesus, Peter began to sink. When Jesus was arrested, Peter swore he didn’t know Him. But Peter’s encounter with the risen Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit changed his life. He came to understand that God’s divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him. An amazing realization from a man who had many flaws! 

Today we must not forget it’s, our relationship with Christ that is the source of our wisdom, patience, and power so we can honour God, help others, and meet daily challenges. It’s through Him, we can overcome our hesitations and feelings of inadequacy. In every situation, He has given us everything we need to serve and honour Him. 

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for being my positive source of wisdom, patience and power. Father, I truly thank you for who I am and for giving me everything I need to serve You and encourage others. God, please take away my feeling of inadequacy so I may honour You in all I do. In Christ name. Amen 
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At Just The Right Time

God! I have fasted and prayed but still no answer. Why is it taking so long? This was my conversation with God. Are you praying for something that’s 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. Hallelujah! 

Be encouraged because God is faithful, and His promises are true. Keep standing, keep hoping, keep believing. Keep doing good. Keep declaring the promises of God over your life. 

Today, choose to be around people who are going to encourage you. Make sure you fill your heart and mind with God’s Word. Let a song of praise come out of your mouth. Press on in faith because at just the right time, your harvest of blessing will come! Because God cares. 

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

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. Thank You for caring, refreshing and renewing my heart. Fill me with Your peace; fill me with Your strength. Help me not to get weary as I wait for my blessing, trusting that Your timing is best. Teach me to do good and stand firm, until I see my harvest of blessing, in Christ’ name! Amen. 

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True Love

True Love

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 bringing 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, NIV)

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.

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God I Can’t Wait Any Longer

“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)

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, 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 blessing 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 blessing in Christ’ name. Amen.

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It’s A New Season!

Renewal, Of People Of God - Knowing Jesus

Last Monday was officially the beginning of summer and a change of season. Today God wants to take you into a new season – from a season of drought into a season of abundance. Are you going through a situation that seems beyond your control? I want to encourage you today that even though you we can’t see it, God is working behind the scenes. He is doing a new thing. He is making a way for you even when there seems to be no way.  

God wants to lead you out of that dry, desolate place into a place of safety and abundance. Just trust Him, and switch over from an attitude of fear and doubt to an attitude of faith. How do you change your attitude? Start by changing what comes out of your mouth. Instead of constantly speaking about your negative situation, speak about your positive situations.  

Today and every day declare, “this is the day that the Lord has made. God, is taking me into seasons of increase. I’m moving forward with strength through the joy of the Lord!” When you start speaking like that, soon your mind and heart will grab hold of the truth, and it won’t be long before you’re walking in the increase and the new season God has for you! 

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I receive Your new seasons of increase and positivity in my life by faith. Father, I choose to stand and declare Your promises, because I know You have new things in store for me. God, I bless You and thank You for another day to sing Your praises, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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God Has A Plan

It doesn’t matter how hard life is, God has a plan to take every adversity and every hardship you go through and use it. He’s not going to let you stay beaten down and miserable forever. No, God’s dream is to take that difficulty and supernaturally turn it around and use it to bring you good. He will use those tough times to bring you out stronger, more mature and prepared for life! Goodness, mercy and unfailing love are God’s plan for you!

Right now, you may not understand everything that’s going on in your life, but I encourage you to keep your head held high. Know that God is working in your life. Keep being faithful. Keep doing the right thing, knowing that in the end God is going to turn things around in your favour.

Today remember, if God is for you, who can be against you? No one. Greater is the One who is in you than anyone who can be against you. No matter what’s going on around you today, you can put your shoulders back and put a smile on your face, because God is working things together for your good because He loves you!

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. Father, thank You for all You’ve done for me in my past, and for what You are preparing for my future. I beg You to turn things around in my life today.  God, help me keep my eyes on You and stand strong, as I look for Your goodness all the days of my life, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

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Glorious Joy

Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd, finds joy in seeing His diseased sheep progress toward healing.

We all need more joy in our life. It is said, when we choose to believe in God, we are filled with His joy. And not just any kind of joy, but inexpressible and glorious joy! Have you ever seen someone filled with inexpressible joy over something? Their face is beaming, their heart is pounding. They can hardly contain themselves.  

Have you ever been so excited that you can’t think of anything but what is exciting you? You have so much confidence over what’s making you ecstatic that nothing can take away the joy. As believers, that’s how we should be. We should be confident in the goodness of God and filled with His inexpressible and glorious joy that nothing should distract us! 

Today, I encourage you to be bold and believe God. Get to know Him better by knowing His Word. Hold God’s promises close to your heart, so that you can be filled with His confidence and joy all the days of your life. 

Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (I Peter 1:8, NIV). 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your unspeakable and glorious joy. Father, I choose to believe You and trust in Your goodness which will bring me inexpressible joy. God, please search my heart and remove anything that would keep me from all the joy You have in store for me. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Sphere Of Influence

Sphere Of Influence

During this pandemic and periods of lockdown, one thing that God has done for us is that He has given us more ministry opportunities. Reaching out to neighbours, friends, and the vulnerable. Millions have started online ministries and businesses. What about you! Don’t just sit there and watch the world go by. God wants to bless you and enlarge your territory. Your territory can be your sphere of influence, or your realm of responsibility or authority.  

Are you ready for increase in your life today? You may desire God’s increase, but the Bible says we have not because we ask not. Are you asking for God’s blessing and ministry opportunities? Are you asking Him to enlarge your territory to make things bigger and better for you and your sphere of influence? When you ask God to bless you, your faith is activated, which opens the door for Him to work in your life. 

Today, ask for God’s blessing, ask for His discernment and wisdom. Ask Him to make you more effective on your job; ask Him to increase the quality of your life and relationships; ask for more people to love and encourage. Ask Him to enlarge your territory so that you can be a greater blessing to those around you. Why not take one step of faith in prayer, God will open doors that no man can close, and He will pour out abundance in every area of your life! Hallelujah! 

“Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory…” (1 Chronicles 4:10, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I open my heart to You and ask You to bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory and my sphere of influence. God, I ask You to increase me in every area, and teach me to be faithful to You always, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Look back At Your Victories

Looking back at life is not always a good thing as not all our memories are good.  However, today I encourage you to take time to look back and see the victories that God has given you? Are they written down somewhere?  

Scripture suggest It’s so important to meditate on the victory of God in your life everyday, because it helps you to take hold of the fact that God always leads us in triumph! 

Today, are going through a difficult time? Instead of focusing on your problems focus on your God. Say, “Thank You, God, for leading me into victory!” Meditate on God’s faithfulness in the past and keep an attitude of expectancy. Give Him thanks and praise, because He is leading you into victory in every area of your life! Hallelujah! 

“Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph through Christ…” (2 Corinthians 2:14, NASB) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness to me in so many situations. Father, fill me with expectation for what You will do in the future. God, thank You for the assurance of victory, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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God Is Working

God Will Bring You Through

We often surprise God with our sins and behaviour. We think God is just out there watching and waiting for us to get things right. Our God is a God of love, and He wants to help bring the best things into our lives. 

God is at work in your life each and every day, blessing you and preparing you for great and wonderful things that you can’t even imagine! Your entire perspective will radically change when you realise God is in your everyday experiences.  

Today, God has massive plans for you. Natural and supernatural success, and a dynamic future.  Even when we are not completely faithful to Him, He is always faithful to us! Make God your hope and rely solely on Him, and He’ll faithfully work things out that will bless you, protect you and encourage you! 

“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for always having my best in mind. Thank You for having prosperous plans for my life. Thank You for the gift of hope as I look forward to a brighter future. Father, I know that You love me and want the best for Your children. God, help me to be faithful to You and trust You. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Superheroes

We all like superheroes, the way they can run and jump through and over danger to protect and solve difficult situations. However, the great heroes of the Bible impress us with the strength of their confidence and depth of their faith in God. And as God’s Word tells us, you can do the same great things they did, you can be a superhero because you have the same God in you!  

One of those biblical superheroes is King David. He was supremely confident in God, firm in the knowledge that God would give him the strength to overcome his obstacles.  Whether it be a lion, a bear or a philistine giant. Philippians 4:13 says you can accomplish anything through the power of Christ who strengthens you. Hallelujah! 

Today, I hope this will encourage you to take a stand for God. Don’t ever think that God did great things only for people in the Bible. Greater power than Christ had we can have. According to Psalm 18:29 God can give us great supernatural power to run up against troops and jump over walls, obstacles and challenges in our lives! Just give Him an opportunity and you’ll see just how awesome and powerful He is. 

“For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.” (Psalm 18:29, ESV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the invincible and unexplainable power which You have placed within me through Christ, which I receive by faith. God, my deepest desire today is to be confident in Your supernatural power, so I get over, through or around life’s challenges. In Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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A Faithful Servant

You Cannot Serve Two Masters

Are you ready for a blessing? When we are faithful with what God has placed in our hands, we position ourselves for a blessing. Many people pray, “God bless me!” But God is saying, “Are you being faithful with what I have given you?” Scripture tells us that when we are faithful with the little, God will make us ruler over much. 

The biblical principle suggests you can’t reap a harvest without first planting seeds. God has given each of us seeds to sow, so don’t hold on to them! Sow them! You sow when you give. You sow when you are faithful in prayer. You sow when you speak life over your future. You sow when you help others.  

Today, I encourage you to develop faithfulness in the small things. Develop faithfulness in your character. Be on time. Keep your word. Be dependable. As you develop faithfulness, God will see your good works and He’ll make you ruler over much! 

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for being faithful to me. Your promise of faithfulness continues to come to pass in my life. God, make me a faithful follower and sower, as I seek to serve You and others with all You’ve given me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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I Miss Church!

I really miss church – the testimonies, spiritual energy, fellowship, praise, singing and those hugs.  Scripture commands us to come together with other believers as we see the end and the difficult times approaching, for our own good and protection.  

Why you may ask? When we come together, we are strengthened, encouraged and uplifted by each other in a way that cannot happen on any other platform. We are empowered to stay strong in faith day after day. When we are connected to a group of like-minded believers and can feel the pain we are going through, we can hold or lay hands and pray for one another, and help each other through the difficult times. 

Today, please make sure that you stay faithful to a good, Bible-based fellowship despite the pandemic. Be consistent to serve in any way you can. Whether you are a greeter, usher or children’s worker, musician or pastor, you play a vital role in the body of Christ. Together we are His hands and feet on the earth in these unprecedented times. As we see loved ones pass away and get gravely ill, let’s encourage ourselves and others by reaching out however we can. We all need each other!  

“Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one other, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for my family of believers. Father, in these tough times show me how to connect and encourage them. Please show me how to serve, help and do my best in a practical and tangible way. God, as I await Your return I want to be more faithful to You and Your body of believers, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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A NEW YEAR’S LETTER

Dear subscriber,

Happy 2021. 2020 has been full of  hurt and disappointment for many. We’ve all been burnt by life, some have lost loved ones, relationships and jobs. But God doesn’t want us to sit in the ashes of the past; He wants to trade our brokenness for healing. He wants to give us beauty for our ashes. The key is that we have to be willing to give up the ashes in order to receive the beauty. You can’t have both, because the old has to go before the new can reach fulfilment.

As I look back over last year, I’m thankful to God for hundreds of new subscribers to the Ray of Hope devotion. I’m thanking God for lockdown virtual revivals in London, Wolverhampton, Harlow Essex, Kenya, Toronto Canada, Trinidad and many others, where hundreds gave their hearts to God despite the pandemic. I’m thankful for the Ray of Hope radio show each Sunday, and the listenership has grown tremendously. Ray of Hope ministries and God Interest want to thank you for your prayers, donations and continued support, and to ask you to continue to bless our ministry throughout 2021. We would love you to encourage your friends and family to also subscribe for their daily blessing.

Today, let’s move forward, not focusing on yesterday’s blessings, but reaching forward with hope and purpose, as we tackle the projects and challenges this year will bring. Are you willing to trust God with your future? Are you willing to let go of the pain, to forgive others and yourself so you can move forward in freedom? Don’t waste another day sitting in the ashes. The year 2020 is over, but your future remains. Let God give you joy instead of mourning, and let Him make something beautiful out of the ashes of your life in 2021.

…he will give: beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness…” (Isaiah 61:3, TLB)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for promising to sweep away the ashes of my past and give me something beautiful in their place. Father, thanks for blessing Ray of Hope ministries, God Interest and it’s subscribers, to reach so many for the kingdom in 2020. Almighty God, I choose to give You my 2021 for more ministry endeavours as you give me clear vision. I receive Your healing and restoration in my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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It’s All About Your Perspective

Is it a Blessing or a Curse?

After one of the biggest revivals in Preston and many people giving their heart to the Lord, I find myself focused on what’s wrong in life, what I don’t have, and how big my obstacles are. If we’re not careful, we’ll lose sight of all the good things God has done. We’ll take for granted our family, friends, health and the opportunities God has blessed us with. We’ll get so busy and stressed out that we won’t appreciate our blessings. What’s happened? Our perspective has gotten off track.

It’s all about how we see a situation. There’s power in your perspective because you draw into your life what you constantly meditate on. Business may be slow. The economy may be down. The wrong perspective is, “I’ll never make it. It’s just too much.” The right perspective is, “God is supplying all of my needs. He said He would prosper me even in a desert.”

Today, I encourage you to evaluate your perspective. Choose to lift your eyes to God no matter what is happening in your circumstances. Remember, as you set your perspective in the right direction, your life will follow. When you keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, you open the door for His blessings in every area of your life!

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I choose to bless You at all times. I declare that You are faithful! Father, I lift my eyes to You because You are the source of my help. Please give me the right perspective in my thoughts and my life. God, I need more strength and joy today. Thank You for leading and guiding me, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

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Attitude & Altitude

Have you heard “attitude determines altitude?” In other words, a positive, faith-filled attitude will cause you to rise higher in life, but a negative, self-critical attitude will only bring you down.

Our attitude affects the outcome during hard times. Are we going to treat people right even when we’re being mistreated? Are we going to stay full of joy even when the bottom falls out? So many people get all bent out of shape and start complaining when things don’t go their way, but that kind of attitude only closes the door to God’s miracle-working power.

Scripture says that faith is what pleases God. Understand that He’s trying to work in your life. He’s trying to get you prepared for a promotion, but you’ve got to stay on His side. You’ve got to stand strong and fight that good fight of faith!

Today, if you are going through a difficult time, I encourage you to keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Start thanking God for bringing you through to the other side. As you stand strong, I believe you’ll rise higher. I believe you’ll come out stronger and wiser, and you will continue moving forward in the abundant life God has for you!

“Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ.”(Philippians 2:5, TLB)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I choose to have a positive, faith-filled attitude. Please keep me positive despite what life brings my way. Father, I choose to bless You and trust You even when things don’t make sense in my natural mind. God, help me to have the right attitude at all times. I know You have a purpose for my life and trust that You are working all things out for my good, in Christ’ name! Amen.

 

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